The cinnamon gene is a genetic mutation, often sex-linked and recessive, that alters pigment, turning black/brown markings into warm cinnamon or reddish-brown tones in birds (like budgies, cockatiels) and sometimes cats (fawn), by affecting melanin production, leading to lighter overall color and distinct patterns, with specific inheritance patterns depending on the species.
However, the pleasantness of cinnamon is heritable and has been mapped to chromosome 4 by linkage analysis. If the allelic genes that determine the pleasantness of odors like cinnamon are identified, studies of genotype and food intake might be worthwhile.
The Cinnamon gene changes how melanin (dark pigment) is expressed. Instead of black markings, budgies show warm brown tones across the wings, head, and tail. This reduced contrast makes the cheek patches and body colour look paler — often around half the depth of a Normal bird.
So in the purebred cat world, Cinnamon is a common color. Cinnamon is caused by a mutation in the normal black (brown) gene. The gene is symbolized by b1 in genetic charts. This mutation causes the normal black color to change to light brown which is called cinnamon in most breeds but sorrel in others.
Male kittens always inherit their color from their mother, while female kittens are a combination of the colors of each parent. The exact timing of when a kitten's fur deepens in color depends on the kitten's breed and genetic makeup.
100% black cats aren't extremely rare overall as black is the most common feline coat color, but true solid black ones are less common than black tabbies, and specific breeds like the Bombay are exclusively all-black, making them rarer than mixed-breed black cats. The dominant gene for black fur (eumelanin) is prevalent, but many cats appear black but secretly carry tabby patterns, and some black cats develop brown "rusting" in the sun, revealing hidden markings, making purely black cats harder to find.
The kitten 3-3-3 rule is a guideline for helping a new cat or kitten adjust to a new home, breaking the process into stages: 3 days to decompress (they may hide and feel overwhelmed), 3 weeks to start settling in (learning routines and exploring), and 3 months to feel truly at home (showing their full personality and bonding). This rule emphasizes patience, providing a safe space (often one room initially), and establishing consistent routines for feeding and play to build trust and reduce stress.
The top "silent killers" in cats are Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), often going undetected until 75% kidney failure, and Hypertension (High Blood Pressure), which damages organs without obvious signs until blindness or seizures occur, notes Muirfield Animal Hospital, Pet Health Network, www.springwoodvets.com.au, Close Veterinary Clinic, Killarney Animal Hospital, Physicians Mutual Insurance, Sykesville Veterinary Clinic, Mona Vale Veterinary Hospital, Nimbus Pet Hospital, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Covetrus North America, ASPCA Pet Insurance and PetCareRx. Other serious conditions include Hyperthyroidism, Heart Disease (like HCM), and Fatty Liver Disease (Hepatic Lipidosis).
The rarest cat color is albinism, a complete lack of pigment causing pure white fur, pink skin, and pale eyes (blue, pink, or red), resulting from two recessive genes, making it genetically very rare and prone to health issues like sunburn and deafness. Other extremely rare colors include fawn, lilac (lavender), and cinnamon, which are extreme dilutions of red or black genes, often seen in specific purebreds like Oriental Shorthairs and Abyssinians, appearing as pastel shades.
Signs your cat has bonded with you include affectionate behaviors like kneading ("making biscuits"), slow blinking (kitty kisses), head bunting to mark you with their scent, grooming you, bringing you "gifts," sleeping near or on you, and showing their vulnerable belly. They'll often follow you, greet you at the door, and communicate with happy meows and purrs, showing deep trust and comfort in your presence.
Anthracite. Anthracite color mutations remain extremely rare among all the budgie color mutations. Similar to the mutation that happens in violet budgies, the Anthracite mutation and coloring give parakeets a black or deep gray look to their feathers.
Like all birds, parakeets have an annual molt
As these things help promote strong, healthy feather growth. Sometimes this molting process may stall, usually due to malnutrition or stress. The neck and head regions will look threadbare, and new pin feathers may have black or brown tips.
A cinnamon cockatiel is a color mutation of the standard cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) featuring soft cinnamon-brown plumage on the head and back. This recessive genetic trait affects only appearance—not health, behavior, or care requirements.
This is because we eat with our noses - around 90 per cent of the taste we perceive when we eat is actually aroma sensations that arise when substances from the food stimulate the more than 400 types of olfactory receptors in the nose.
For those without the mutation in the ABCC11 gene, protein in those sweat glands helps transport fatty compounds, or lipids, from the cell into the sweat. The bacteria on the skin breaks down those lipids in the oilier, thicker sweat to produce body odor.
The Genetic Component:
These genetic differences help explain why some individuals are more receptive to the flavours and smells of Durian while others find them repulsive.
Black felines are, in fact, relatively common! There are 22 cat breeds that may produce a black coat. While the Bombay cat is the only all-black cat breed. Unfortunately, black cat breeds are the least likely to be adopted from shelters and the most likely to be abandoned?
A purple hue on a kitty? It does happen. The lilac color on a cat is actually a pale brown that is so light, it appears to have a slight purple tint. It's not quite as purple as the name would have you believe, but it definitely has a tinge of lilac that's quite rare for cats.
The rarest cat eye color is dichromatic, where a single iris contains two distinct colors (like blue and green or blue and amber), often seen in white cats, followed closely by deep copper or brown, which is very uncommon as cats usually have yellow, green, or blue eyes. Odd-eyed (heterochromia, one blue, one other color) is also rare and linked to white fur, while true solid brown eyes are virtually non-existent, appearing as deep copper or amber.
The 3:3:3 Rule: Help Your New Cat Adjust to Their Home The 3:3:3 rule explains some general expectations for the transition process and some tips on how to support your cat through each stage: 3 days for initial acclimatization, 3 weeks for settling in, and by 3 months, they should be comfortable and at ease in their ...
Cats hate strong, pungent, or bitter smells, with citrus (lemon, orange), vinegar, and harsh cleaning chemicals (ammonia, bleach) topping the list, along with certain herbs (lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary) and spices (cinnamon, pepper) that can irritate their sensitive noses, with some being toxic if ingested. Strong odors like spoiled food, other animals' scents, or menthol are also highly disliked.
Cats do remember negative experiences, but they don't dwell on resentment the way people do. Instead, they react based on learned associations and their need for safety. With patience, consistency, and care, most cats return to positive behaviors quickly.
Cats can experience stress and confusion during a rehome, especially if the change is sudden. But sadness, as we experience it, isn't quite the same for cats, and they usually settle once they feel safe.
Black Cats and Dogs Have Lower Adoption Rates
Research verifies that black dogs and cats have a lower chance of being adopted. It's a tragic fact that they tend to stay in shelters longer and are more likely to be euthanized due to shelter overcrowding than animals of other colors.
On the first night in their new home, leave your cat alone in their room where they have access to everything they need. Provide them with somewhere to sleep, such as a cat bed, or a carboard box lined with a jumper or blanket. But don't be offended if they choose their own completely different sleeping spot!