Updated: 09 September 2012 01:28 | By Maureen O'Hare & msnNOW staff
Trending stories of the week: 6 September 2012

Scientists can't explain Venus the cat's odd facial coloring



Scientists can't explain Venus the cat's odd facial coloring (© Getty)
Next
Previous
- (Starts in 3 seconds)
Other Related Galleries

Previous10 of 10Next
Share this Gallery

Venus, a three-year-old tortoiseshell, entranced the internet last month with her striking colors, but scientists can't seem to explain her unique face. One theory is she's a chimera (a cat with two types of DNA from fused embryos). However, because she's a female, she has an extra X chromosome anyway so there's no way to tell without an expensive DNA fingerprint. Plus, it still wouldn't explain the baffling blue eye. Another theory? "Absolute luck," says UC Davis professor Leslie Lyons.

Latest Photo Galleries on xinmsn