Genes control the color of cats, and cats exist on the XY chromosome, which determines sex and color. Among them, the genes that determine coat color only exist on the X chromosome, and an X chromosome can only carry information of one color, while the Y chromosome does not affect coat color. So a cat got the X chromosome from both parents, and this cat is the female cat. They carry one more color than the male cat, which is why the three-flowered cat and the hawksbill cat are both female cats.
Albino gene
White is not any color carried on the XY chromosome. The white color of cats is an albino gene. This white gene masks other color genes of cats, resulting in most parts of cats being white. White cats lack melanin not only in their fur, but also in many other parts.
Is white cat albino?
Some people say that white cats are actually Bai Zi of cats, that is, albinism, right? White hair cannot be completely equated with white disease. White cats are mostly influenced by white genes, with different degrees of influence. Another indicator to judge the degree of albinism in cats is the eyes. A completely albino cat is white all over and has unhealthy red eyes, but this kind of white cat is actually rare in our life.
Blue eyes and hearing
Another key is blue eyes. Many people find that most of the blue-eyed cats in white cats are deaf. Some people even say that such a cat must have hearing problems, even if it is not completely deaf. Really?
Blue eyes may be deaf.
Unfortunately, white cats with blue eyes may have hearing problems. Perhaps because blue eyes represent a higher degree of albinism, genetic cell defects can cause their hearing problems, and this defect is hereditary. A cat with blue eyes may not hear clearly in both ears, and a cat with Yuanyang eyes may be deaf in blue ears.
Unfortunate proportion
But not all blue-eyed and white cats have hearing problems. According to one data, the approximate ratio is as follows:
All-white cats account for about 5% of all cats' coat color, and non-white cats are rarely born deaf.
15%~40% pure white cats have only one or two blue eyes.
White cats with blue eyes, 60% will be born with hearing impairment.
For white cats with different eyes, 30%~40% of those with blue eyes will be deaf.
60%~80% eyes of pure white cats are yellow or green, and only 10%~20% eyes are deaf.
Such a beautiful white cat, many people can't hear the beautiful voice of the world and the gentle cry of their owners from birth. This natural defect is likely to affect their survival.