The kitten has something black near its nose, what is it? - briefly
The black marking near the kitten's nose is likely a "frost" or "mask." These are common coat patterns in many cat breeds and indicate the presence of melanin in the fur.
The kitten has something black near its nose, what is it? - in detail
The black marking near a kitten's nose is known as a "frost" or a "mask." This distinctive feature is typically found on tabby cats and is an essential part of their coat pattern. The frost extends from the bridge of the nose up to the forehead, often resembling a mask. It can vary in size and shape among different breeds but is generally symmetrical.
The frost is created by the same pigmentation process that gives tabby cats their stripes or spots. Melanocytes, which are specialized cells that produce melanin, are more active in certain areas of the coat, resulting in darker fur. In the case of the nose mask, these cells are particularly concentrated near the face, creating a striking contrast with the lighter surrounding fur.
This marking serves no particular function beyond being an identifying characteristic of tabby cats. It is a result of evolutionary processes that have shaped the appearance of domestic cats over thousands of years. The frost can be seen in various breeds, including the British Shorthair, Maine Coon, and Bengal, among others.
In summary, the black marking near a kitten's nose is a characteristic known as a "frost" or "mask," which is a common feature of tabby cats. It is a product of pigmentation processes and does not serve any specific purpose beyond being an identifying trait.