Rescue Cat With Rare Condition Changes Color To Look Unrecognizable But Alluring

May 22, 2020 by apost team

Elli is a cat that suffers from a rare condition that caused her fur to change color. When Elli's owner, Nicole Böhm, found Elli and her sister, both of the kittens had tuxedo coats. Böhm was surprised when one day she discovered a white patch of fur on Elli's back instead of her usual black fur. Concerned about the sudden change in Elli's fur color, Böhm took her to the vet. This is when the vet told Böhm that Elli has a condition called vitiligo.

Vitiligo is a condition that arises when the cells that produce melatonin are destroyed. Because melanin is no longer being produced when this happens, it means the areas where there is no melanin begin to turn white. Possible causes for this condition include autoimmune disease, stress, neurological disease, or exposure to toxins. Vitiligo can also happen in humans as well, with Michael Jackson being a famous example of this occurrence.

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There are two types of vitiligo. Focal vitiligo is when the condition is limited to one area, such as the nose. Generalized vitiligo is more widespread on the animal. It can appear in random white patches throughout the coat or follow a symmetric pattern. Elli has generalized vitiligo. Vitiligo clearly differs from case to case, and all of them are interesting to see. In some cases, the depigmentation caused by vitiligo has even been reversed over time.

To Böhm's relief, Elli's vitiligo was not caused by any health condition. Vitiligo does not cause cats any pain, so Elli is happy and healthy, despite her changing coat color. It is good to know that Elli's beautiful white patches of fur are not hurting her.

While the condition itself does not cause any pain, it is important to get your pet checked by a vet if they show signs of vitiligo. Vitiligo can be caused by an underlying medical condition, so it is always best to make sure your pet is healthy. Keep an eye out for signs of the condition in your cat. The depigmentation usually begins on the face, often in the nose area.

While vitiligo is an incredible thing to observe, it is always good to make sure your cat is healthy. Even though their coat color may change, your cat will always continue to be your cat despite being a different color. Always make sure to love your cat no matter how they look! 

What do you think of Elli's new coat color? Do you prefer it over her old color? Let us know what you think!