Every once in a while, a cat comes across TikTok that is just so stunning that you can’t quite believe they’re real. The cat in the following video looks more like art than a feline, with people recommending names like “Phantom”, “Inkblot”, and “Picasso.” The caption reads: “A black cat bred with a white cat is like opening a mystery box.”
Black and white cats who are bred can have all kinds of looks, but this kitten’s coloring comes from the white piebald gene. That’s the gene that decides where the white patches land, and it doesn’t really follow any predictable patterns. The markings spread differently every time, which is why they ended up with such a gorgeous, supermodel face.
One viewer noted, “That is the craziest distribution of the spotting gene I’ve ever seen! So cute though.” Another thought, “Someone spilled white paint, and it went “Splat” on the kitty’s face. Pretty kitty.”
Another person thought, “Looks like they both sneezed at the same time and wa-la..baby them.” LOL. The beauty of this cat is lost on no one, “At first, it honestly looked like he was in the window and the sun was shining on the side of his face.”
How a Simple Pairing Can Create a One-in-a-Million Cat
Beautiful cat with different colored eyes on the street.Images via Shutterstock/iluistrator
When a black cat and a white cat have kittens, the results can land pretty much all over the map. The white spotting gene decides how much color is going to actually show, and where it’s going to go, and it’s known for doing whatever it pleases. Some kittens will end up with cute little tiny socks.
Some end up with fancy little tuxedos. And every once in a while, you get something extra stupendous, like this baby who literally makes your words fail. It looks intentional — like someone sat there painting this cat by hand.
Related: Breathtakingly Beautiful Calico-Tuxedo Mix Cat Looks Like She Was Born for Halloween
That’s what makes this little tyke feel like a one-in-a-million cat, and it stops people in their tracks. The gene itself isn’t rare, but the placement of the markings is. You could repeat that pairing over and over and over and over ad nauseam and never get that same face twice.
This baby just happened to get that perfect combination that stops people on TikTok and makes them hit replay, replay, replay.
This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Nov 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the Pet News section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here.