If I have a blue cat and a blue cat, what color will the kittens be? - briefly
If both parent cats are blue, the kittens' color is determined by their genes. The most likely outcome is that the kittens will also be blue, as this trait is typically dominant in cat genetics.
If I have a blue cat and a blue cat, what color will the kittens be? - in detail
If you are considering the genetics of coat color in cats, it is important to understand that the term "blue" typically refers to a specific genetic trait known as dilution. This dilution is caused by a recessive allele (b) at the B locus, which results in a light blue-gray or silvery coat color instead of the more common black or brown.
When two cats that are homozygous for the blue dilution gene (BB) mate, they will produce offspring that are also blue. This is because the kittens inherit one copy of the B allele from each parent. Since both parents contribute a B allele and there are no other alleles present to override this trait, all the kittens will exhibit the blue coat color as well.
However, it's crucial to note that the expression of the blue dilution can be influenced by modifier genes and other genetic factors. For example, some cats may have variations in shading or patterns due to the presence of other genes related to coat color and pattern, such as those at the A (agouti), C (albino), D (dilute modifier), E (extension), S (white spotting), and T (tabby) loci.
In summary, if both parents are blue cats with the genotype BB, all of their kittens will also be blue, assuming there are no other genetic factors that significantly alter the expression of the dilution trait.