What breed are white cats? - briefly
White cats can be found in various breeds, but some of the most common include the Turkish Angora and the Maine Coon. These breeds are known for their striking white coats among other color variations.
What breed are white cats? - in detail
White cats are not a specific breed, but rather a color variation that can occur within many different cat breeds. The predominant factor determining a cat's coat color is genetics, particularly the presence of certain genes that control pigment production.
The gene responsible for a cat's white fur is called the W (White) locus. This gene inhibits the production of melanin, which is the pigment that gives cats their color. Cats can inherit one or two copies of this gene, with one copy resulting in a mostly white coat with some patches of color, and two copies leading to a completely white cat.
Several popular cat breeds are known for having predominantly white coats. One of the most well-known is the Turkish Angora. This ancient breed from Turkey often features a striking white coat, sometimes with blue or odd-colored eyes. Another notable example is the Maine Coon, which can also exhibit a beautiful white coloration. Additionally, the Sphynx, known for its hairless appearance, can have a predominantly white skin color.
It's important to note that not all white cats are purebred or belong to specific breeds. Many domestic shorthair and longhair cats can also exhibit white coats due to their genetic makeup. The distinctive feature of these cats is often the presence of heterochromia, where one eye is blue and the other is a different color, such as green or yellow.
In summary, while there are breeds that are commonly associated with white fur, any cat can be white depending on its genetic inheritance. The W gene plays a crucial role in determining whether a cat will have a predominantly white coat, but it does not define the breed itself.