“Our research approach is community science,” Lohi, who was corresponding author on the study, told CNN. Researchers dubbed the cats' unusual coat coloring as salmiak, or “salty licorice,” after a popular Finnish candy. Now that salty licorice cats are officially a thing, could they become the next designer breed? “It is possible that breeders will choose to develop a population of salty licorice cats,” Lohi said. “However, the health of the salty licorice cats should be followed in more detail to confirm the absence of any color-related health issues.” Tailored genetic testing could be used to ensure the cats are bred without passing on dangerous genes.

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Persons: Hannes Lohi, ” Lohi, Lohi, ”, Greg Barsh, ” Barsh, ” Amanda Schupak Organizations: CNN, University of Helsinki, Genetics, Stanford University Locations: Petäjävesi, Finland, Finnish, New York City