More Info

Did you know?

The Partial and Full White variants are actually insertions of DNA in the KIT gene. This test, however, does not distinguish between partial or full insertions, so the cat's appearance must also be considered when determining if a full or shortened insertion is present. If one or two copies of the full insertion are inherited, the cat will likely show bicoloration. If one or two copies are inherited, and at least one is a partial insertion, the cat will likely be full white (dominant white). As white is caused by a lack of pigment, if expressed in the eyes then blue eyes or two different colored eyes (heterochromia) will occur. Since it is a dominant gene, a white cat must have a parent expressing white as dominant genes cannot skip generations. Some Full White variant kittens are born with a small spot of color on top of their head that will often disappear as the kitten matures.

How it works

One or two copies of this variant will cause a part white or a full white appearance with blue coloration of one or both eyes possible.

Health implications

The Full White variant is associated with varying degrees of hearing impairment. Cats with two copies of the Full White variant are usually deaf or have partial hearing impairment. About 40% of cats with only one copy of the Full White variant and one copy of the normal variant have hearing difficulties or are deaf. One copy of the Full White variant and one copy of Partial White variant causes deafness and hearing impairment in over 60% of cats. Full White is distinct from albinism which results from a mutation in a different gene. Full White and cats with large amount of white on their face and ears show higher susceptibility rates to sun damage and skin cancer. These cats tend to fare better when kept indoors and away from prolonged exposure to direct sunlight.