Many Animals Have White Bellies

The white fur comes from the womb.

This coat pattern occurs because of the distribution of melanocytes, cells that contain a pigment called melanin that produces color. Kosobu/Shutterstock

Q: I notice that many cats have white bellies and some also have white paws, even when the rest of the coat is another color. Are white bellies as prevalent among cats as they seem? If so, why?

A: White bellies are indeed common among cats, dogs, and other species. Each of my tuxedo cats is black with a white underside and paws, as though the cat is wearing a black tuxedo with a white shirt and socks.