Do Black Cats Have Melanism?

Black cats are affected by a phenomenon known as melanism. Melanin is a pigment found in skin, hair, and feathers. Melanistic animals produce so much melanin that their color is blackened.

Are black cats a mutation?

All solid black cats are caused by genetic mutations that either increase eumelanin, suppress other colors and patterns, or both. ... The same melanistic genes that give black cats their fur also give them yellow or copper eyes.

Are black cats special?

Black cats are wonderful at being both friendly to all and dedicated to their person/people. ... Rescued black cats from the streets often warm quickly, to not only their rescuers, but people in general. They are frequently friendly and outgoing – even in a high-stress, kenneled shelter environment.