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New 'Salmiak' Cat Coat Pattern Linked to Genetic Deletion

9/16/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers in central Finland identified a unique cat coat pattern called salmiak, featuring dark bases and white tips.
This pattern is linked to a 95,000-base pair deletion near the KIT gene, discovered by Dr. Heidi Anderson and the University of Helsinki.
The deletion is found in all tested salmiak cats, indicating a strong genetic association.
The trait follows autosomal recessive inheritance, complicating carrier identification.
Salmiak cats do not exhibit deafness, but BAER testing is advised for new white patterns.

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Story summary

Researchers in central Finland identified a unique cat coat pattern called salmiak, featuring dark bases and white tips.
This pattern is linked to a 95,000-base pair deletion near the KIT gene, discovered by Dr. Heidi Anderson and the University of Helsinki.
The deletion is found in all tested salmiak cats, indicating a strong genetic association.
The trait follows autosomal recessive inheritance, complicating carrier identification.
Salmiak cats do not exhibit deafness, but BAER testing is advised for new white patterns.