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Do Ginger Cats really share one braincell between them?

The solitary neuron: Myth or Science?

Ministry of Meow
2 min readDec 4, 2023

Ginger cats hold a special place in the pantheon of free-spirited felines. With their bold hues and even bolder antics, redheads keep us constantly entertained. But some cat lovers joke these kooky cats operate on limited mental resources — aka one collective brain cell they take turns borrowing! This myth explains some madcap moments. But is there truth behind ginger cats having just a single shared neuron? Let’s pounce on the science!

Image by svklimkin

First, ginger coat color correlates with some uniquely goofy cat behaviors. Breeders link orange pigment genes to elevated energy, explorativeness and clumsiness. A fiery red pelt signals a fiery temperament requiring patience…and bubble wrap on sharp table corners they inevitably crash into. Compared to other shades, gingers do seem downright wacky!

Additionally, the prevalence of neurological disorders in red-furred felines lends credence to wonky wiring. Ginger males especially face higher rates of abnormalities like crossed eyes, erratic movement and jerky tail contortions. Are loose connections inside that bright orange head shorting their cognition?

Furthermore, slowed reaction times and difficulty learning routines indicates distracted brains. Try teaching a red tabby to…

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Ministry of Meow
Ministry of Meow

Written by Ministry of Meow

Hey, I am Jules, your purrfect guide into the enchanting world of cats and their wonderful weirdness. Join the Meow-verse! 🎩🐾

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