Orange cats have some traits that make them stand out. Think of famous felines like 'Puss in Boots' and 'Garfield'!

Instead, most female cats with orange fur have patchy patterns — calico or tortoiseshell — that may include black and white.

It has been known for decades that it is genetics that gives orange tabby cats their distinctive colouring, but exactly where in the genetic code has evaded scientists till now. Two teams of ...