From which cats are white kittens born? - briefly
White kittens are typically born from parents that carry the recessive gene for white fur. This gene is often associated with blue eyes and can be found in various breeds, including British Shorthair and Turkish Van.
From which cats are white kittens born? - in detail
The birth of white kittens is largely determined by genetics, specifically the presence or absence of certain genes that control coat color. To understand from which cats white kittens are born, we need to delve into the science of feline genetics.
Firstly, let's consider the gene responsible for coat color in cats, known as the C gene. This gene has two primary alleles: C (dominant) and c (recessive). The dominant C allele is associated with full color expression, while the recessive c allele leads to a lack of pigmentation, resulting in a white coat.
For a kitten to be born white, it must inherit two copies of the recessive c allele—one from each parent. This means both parents need to carry at least one copy of the c allele. If only one parent carries the c allele and passes it to the offspring, the resulting kitten will not be white but rather have a diluted or muted coat color.
Moreover, there is another gene involved in determining the pattern of the cat's coat—the W gene. The W gene has two main alleles: W (dominant) and w (recessive). The dominant W allele allows for pigmentation to occur, while the recessive w allele prevents it. When combined with the homozygous c allele condition, the absence of the W allele can also result in a white coat.
It's important to note that even if both parents carry the necessary genes for producing white kittens, the actual outcome is subject to chance due to the random assortment of chromosomes during meiosis. This means that even if two cats with the potential to produce white kittens mate, not all of their offspring will necessarily be white.
In summary, white kittens are born from parents who carry specific recessive genes for coat color. These genes, when passed in the correct combinations, result in a lack of pigmentation and thus a white coat. Understanding these genetic principles provides insight into the origins of these charming white felines.