Unique Feline Coats Spotted in a Finnish Hamlet: A Rare and Previously Unseen Fur Pattern Among Local Cats

In the world of felines, a new enigma has emerged, captivating the attention of researchers and cat enthusiasts alike. The Salmiak cat, named after Finland's salty licorice candy, has been the subject of a recent study published in the journal Animal Genetics.

Contrary to popular belief, the Salmiak cat is not a new species or a new breed. Instead, it is a unique variant of existing cats, with a distinctive coat pattern that sets it apart from its feline counterparts.

The Salmiak cat's coat is a sight to behold. Its back shimmers with black hairs that fade to white at the tips, creating a frosted, smoky look. The pattern is most dramatic in black cats, but it has also been found in blues, browns, and tortoiseshells. The tail often ends in white, and the belly and paws stay clean and pale, like a classic tuxedo, but the rest looks sprinkled with ash.

Initially, concerns arose about the Salmiak cat's health, with researchers suspecting that it might be infertile or sick. However, a study of 183 cats revealed no evidence of health issues, including hearing problems or infertility concerns. In fact, a Salmiak mother cat successfully gave birth to four healthy kittens.

The study found that the mutation responsible for the Salmiak cat's unique coat is recessive, requiring cats to inherit two copies to show the trait. The mutation, named w-sal, is located in a missing 95,000 base-pair chunk of DNA downstream of the KIT gene, a usual suspect for cat coat variations. However, in the case of the Salmiak cat, the usual suspects do not explain its unusual coat.

The discovery of the Salmiak cat was made possible by community curiosity and contributions of DNA samples from locals. The research team was able to confirm that Salmiak cats have no trace of the retroviral insertions or tiny deletions that explain spotting in other cats, suggesting their coat comes from a different genetic source.

Despite its unique genetic signature, the Salmiak cat remains unrecognized as a breed, and it is advised that it should not be overbred due to concerns about animal welfare. The Salmiak cat serves as a reminder of the ongoing stories of evolution and genetics unfolding in our backyards.

The search for the origins of Salmiak cats (Salmiak-Katzen) remains a mystery, with no information available at this time. Nevertheless, the Salmiak cat continues to intrigue and inspire, offering a fascinating glimpse into the world of feline genetics.