Temperature-sensitive melanin production in Himalayan (chh / chh) cats
Expression
of the melanin-producing alleles at the C locus in mammals is
influenced by environmental temperature. The chh / chh genotype
produces a dilute form of melanin, which is only expressed in
extremities (muzzle, paws, tail, and ears) where the body
temperature is cold. New-born kittens do not express the chh allele,
having just emerged from a warm environment. If the
extremities of an adult cat are shaved and kept warm, the fur
will grow back without pigment.
All text material ©2014 by Steven M. Carr