Trait overview

Mutations in the KIT gene are associated with changes in pigmentation and hearing. Cats that have the dominant KIT allele associated with white coat color are also more likely to have blue eyes (iris hypopigmentation) and experience hearing difficulties due to a significantly reduced number of melanocytes in the inner ear.

Gene name(s)

KIT

Inheritance

Autosomal dominant

More common in the following breeds

Current data does not indicate that this trait is more common among specific breeds.

Citations

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25085922/