What color kittens will be born from a white cat and a black cat? - briefly
The color of kittens born to a white cat and a black cat is determined by genetics. They can be either black or white, depending on the specific genes inherited from each parent.
What color kittens will be born from a white cat and a black cat? - in detail
When a white cat and a black cat mate, the resulting kittens can exhibit a variety of coat colors due to the complex nature of feline genetics. The primary genes that influence coat color in cats are B (Brown) and O (Orange), which determine the base color, and the W (White spotting) gene, which affects the pattern of the coat.
The white cat is likely carrying the W gene, which can cause varying degrees of white spotting. The black cat, on the other hand, has a predominantly dark coat due to the absence or suppression of genes that would otherwise introduce lighter colors. When these two cats mate, their offspring will inherit a combination of these genetic factors.
In the simplest scenario, if the white cat is homozygous for the W gene (WW) and the black cat is homozygous recessive for both B and O genes (bboo), the kittens could be born with various degrees of white spotting on a black background. This can result in kittens that are predominantly black with some white patches, or even completely white if they inherit two copies of the W gene from both parents.
However, the situation becomes more complex when considering other genetic factors and modifiers. For instance, the Agouti (A) gene can influence the distribution of color on the cat's fur, and the Dilute (D) gene can lighten the base color. Additionally, the pattern of the coat can be influenced by other genes such as the tabby pattern genes (Agouti, Taqpep).
In summary, the color of kittens born from a white cat and a black cat can vary significantly depending on the specific genetic makeup of each parent and how these genes are expressed in their offspring. The potential colors range from predominantly black with some white patches to completely white, with various patterns and shades influenced by multiple genetic factors.