What kind of kittens will be born from a black cat and a black cat? - briefly
When two black cats mate, the kittens' coat color is determined by genetics. Black cats can carry genes for other colors, so the offspring may not necessarily be black.
What kind of kittens will be born from a black cat and a black cat? - in detail
The color of the kittens born from two black cats depends on several factors, primarily their genetics. Let's delve into the details.
Genetics play a significant role in determining the coat color of cats. The primary gene responsible for coat color is known as the "B" (brown) or "O" (orange) locus. This locus has two alleles: B (dominant, which produces black fur) and b (recessive, which allows other colors to appear).
If both parent cats are black, it indicates that they are homozygous for the B allele, meaning they each have a pair of B genes. When these two cats mate, they will pass on one of their B genes to their offspring. Since both parents contribute a B gene, all kittens from this mating will be heterozygous (Bb), which means they will carry one copy of the B gene and one copy of the b gene.
However, heterozygous kittens do not always appear black. The expression of the coat color also depends on other genes and modifiers. For instance, the presence of the "d" (dilute) allele can change the appearance from black to gray or blue. Additionally, the "A" (agouti) locus can affect the pattern of the fur, such as tabby markings.
In summary, while all kittens born from two black cats will carry at least one B gene, their actual coat color can vary due to the influence of other genetic factors. It is possible for the offspring to be black, gray, or even exhibit tabby patterns, depending on the specific combination of genes they inherit from both parents.