This particular type of feline, called a Chimera, boasts an extraordinary trait that sets it apart from other cats- the two halves of its face display entirely different hues, including the eyes. Its distinctiveness is truly remarkable.
Quimera the feline is reminiscent of a character from Batman comics – a blend of Two-Face and Catwoman. This unique cat has a face that is divided into two different colors, much like her eyes, placing her in an exclusive group of cats that could be chimeras.
Geneticists state that a true chimera is extremely rare. Virginia Papaioannou, a Professor of Genetics and Development at Columbia University, explains that a chimera results from the combination of cells from two distinct embryos. When these cells fuse together early enough, they form a single organism with its genetic material coming from two separate individuals. In contrast, mosaic cats have different genetic components in their cells but are still considered a single individual. Although cats like Quimera and Venus are stunning examples of calico cats, Papaioannou considers them to be chimeras.
The professor explained that the case at hand is a simple example of X-inactivation mosaicism, with the inclusion of a white spotting gene. He clarified that all female mammals possess two X-chromosomes. In cats, one gene for fur color is situated on the X chromosome. As a result, any female cat will exhibit mosaic expression of all the genes located on the X chromosome, implying that half of them would express one version of the gene (like black fur) while the other half would express the other version of the gene (like orange fur). The inactivation process follows a random pattern. Although this pattern is conspicuous in the orange/black mosaicism case, it holds true for other genes on the X chromosome that have two distinct versions or alleles.
Alright, you know-it-all. So why does she have one blue eye and one of a different color?
My guess is that it’s because of the white spotting gene. This gene can affect the eyes, causing a lack of melanin which results in a blue eye. This kitty also has white spots on her chest which suggests that the piebald gene is at play here. It’s likely that this gene is affecting each eye differently, resulting in one being a normal color and the other being blue due to a lack of pigment.
Oh my goodness! It’s quite amazing how much science is involved in describing the cuteness of Quimera, a lovable cat who may not even realize how unique she is. However, her many admirers certainly do, as evidenced by her Instagram fanbase of over 33,800 followers and counting.
Despite her unique appearance, Quimera doesn’t seem to have any attitude about it. She acts like a typical cat who enjoys cuddling with her owner, playing under blankets, and exploring the computer.