White Gloves Variant (Birman)
The classic white “gloves” are one of the most charming and recognisable features of the Birman. These neat, symmetrical white paws are a hallmark of the breed and a key part of the traditional Birman look. The pattern is created by a specific variant in the KIT gene, which affects how pigment cells settle during early development. When a cat inherits two copies of this variant, the paws remain beautifully white.
Because the trait is autosomal recessive, cats with only one copy of the variant will not show the gloved pattern themselves, but they can pass it on to their kittens. This makes DNA testing extremely helpful for breeders who want to plan litters with confidence and increase the chances of producing kittens with the correct Birman glove markings.
Although this KIT variant is strongly associated with the Birman breed, it has occasionally been detected in other breeds such as the Ragdoll. However, outside the Birman, it does not reliably produce the classic glove pattern, and its visual effect may be absent altogether.
Our test allows breeders to identify carriers, confirm gloving status in breeding cats, and make informed pairing decisions to support the preservation of this beautiful and traditional Birman hallmark.
