If a white cat and a white cat, what kittens will they have? - briefly
When two white cats mate, the color of their kittens can vary. The kittens may be white, but they could also have different colors depending on the genetic makeup of the parents.
If a white cat and a white cat, what kittens will they have? - in detail
When considering the offspring of two white cats, it is essential to understand the genetic factors that determine coat color in felines. The white color in cats can be due to several genetic mechanisms, and the outcome of their kittens' colors will depend on these underlying genetic factors.
One of the most common reasons for a cat to be white is the presence of the dominant white gene (W). This gene can mask the underlying coat color and pattern, making the cat appear completely white. If both parent cats carry the dominant white gene, all their kittens will also be white, as the gene is dominant and will be expressed in the offspring.
However, white cats can also result from other genetic combinations. For instance, the white color can be due to a lack of melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment. This condition is often associated with deafness and is more complex genetically. If both parents are white due to this condition, the kittens may also be white and could inherit the associated deafness.
Another possibility is that the white color is due to a dilution gene, such as the white spotting gene (S), which can create various amounts of white fur along with other colors. If both parents carry this gene, the kittens may exhibit different patterns of white spotting combined with other colors, depending on the specific genetic makeup of the parents.
It is also crucial to consider the possibility of recessive genes that influence color. For example, the albino gene (c) is recessive and would only be expressed if both parents carry it. If both parents are white due to albinism, their kittens will also be albino, characterized by a complete lack of pigment in the skin, fur, and eyes.
In summary, the color of the kittens from two white cats will depend on the specific genetic factors responsible for the white appearance of the parents. If the white color is due to a dominant white gene, all kittens will likely be white. If other genetic factors are at play, such as white spotting or albinism, the kittens may exhibit a range of colors and patterns. Therefore, understanding the genetic background of the parent cats is vital in predicting the potential coat colors of their offspring.