Is the white cat necessarily deaf?

As is known, in nature, especially wild, white suits are very rare in animals. The only exceptions are the inhabitants of polar latitudes, where color is developed through natural selection for many generations. But the cats originated from Africa, and originally they were brown. Their brownish fur coat served as protection against scorching sun rays, as well as camouflage in order to sneak up on the prey and hide from the larger predators. How did the white cat survive?

Sometimes, even among black rooks absolutely white chicks are born. And even among people (including the Negroid race) there are individuals with very white skin, snow-white, as if gray hair and reddish-colored eyes. This phenomenon is called albinism. In fact, the albino is not a white suit, but the absence of it. The skin, wool and iris of the eyes of highly organized creatures contain melanin, a substance that protects the body from solar radiation and color it black. The representatives of the Negroid race have more of this enzyme, the European northern race has less, and there are no albinos at all. The latter includes the white cat.

But if in the wild such individuals most often die early, without giving offspring, then the domestic animals in this sense are lucky. Unusual color was appreciated even in the times of Ancient Egypt, where it was considered a symbol of purity and purity. People diligently cultivated the already dominant gene of albinism. Now white cat is very appreciated, and standards are developed that cut off the participation in competitions of light beige, silvery and tender pale cats. It is allowed only a saturated smooth white color without any shades, as well as multi-colored spots. The exception is unless the kittens, which may have small specks on the head - with age they must disappear.

Animals with copper or orange eyes (Copper Eyed White), despite the snow suit, are less susceptible to deafness, but a white cat with different eyes (Odd Eyed White, strange eyes) is likely to have minor problems with hearing. She can be deaf only

On one ear, or be hard of hearing. In any case, neither the color of the milk, nor the blue eyes are the final indicator that the animal is deaf. But if it is frightened, when you come behind and touch it, then there is cause for concern. Among these lovely pets a special place is taken by a white cat with blue eyes (Blue Eyed White). She is not a complete albino: in her body there is a small amount of melanin, which also color the lower layers of the iris black, and the absence of this substance in the upper layers creates the effect of blueness. The most appreciated are animals with very rich, blue eyes. Unfortunately, about 20% of the Blue Aid White breed is born deaf. For this, the epistemic and dominant gene W, which goes hand in hand with the celestial color, is responsible.

A white cat needs extra care, even if it's okay with her hearing. Firstly, this coat is very brandishing. Secondly, dirty ears and sour eyes are especially visible on a white background. Thirdly, the gene of albinism makes these animals extremely vulnerable to solar radiation. Melanin does not protect the skin and the cat can get sunburn, and if this happens often, it will also cause skin cancer.