"People first noticed the unusual fur patterns ... in three cats in central Finland in 2007. In 2019, researchers at the University of Helsinki reached out to Anderson, a specialist in feline genetics, after learning about another “Finnish mutation” cat.
...
When DNA testing on the cats turned out to be negative for all the gene variants already known to affect white colouring in cat coats, the researchers decided to dig deeper."

#Science #Genetics #Cats #salmiak

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2431348-genetic-mutation-gives-cats-a-salty-liquorice-coat-colour/

Genetic mutation gives cats a 'salty liquorice' coat colour

Researchers have discovered the gene variant responsible for a distinctive colour pattern seen in cats in Finland, named salmiak after a variety of liquorice

New Scientist