Which cats have white socks? - briefly
Cats with white socks, known as "mitted" cats, are commonly seen in breeds like the Ragdoll, Birman, and Turkish Van, where the white markings on their paws resemble socks.
Which cats have white socks? - in detail
Many cat breeds and mixed-breed cats can exhibit the charming feature of white socks, where their paws are partially or fully white, contrasting with the rest of their coat color. This trait is particularly common in cats with bicolor or piebald patterns, which are caused by a genetic mutation affecting the distribution of pigment. Breeds like the Turkish Van, Maine Coon, and Ragdoll often display white socks, as their coat patterns frequently include white markings. Domestic shorthairs and longhairs, which are not tied to a specific breed, also frequently have white socks due to the widespread nature of the piebald gene. The extent of the white markings can vary, with some cats having just the tips of their paws white, while others may have full "socks" extending up their legs. This feature is purely cosmetic and does not affect a cat's health or behavior, but it adds to their unique and endearing appearance.