A cat’s unique coat, which is the result of vitiligo, has stunned viewers online.
Gatsby, a black cat, has a white, spotted pattern resembling a galaxy of stars on his coat. He took the internet by storm after a video of him shared to Instagram on July 1 went viral. The short clip, shared by his owner under @gatsbygalaxykitty, has garnered more than 1 million likes and has captivated viewers worldwide.
Viewers were able to see Gatsby lying down on a bed, showing off his striking fur, which he owes to vitiligo; despite occurring in humans, it is a relatively rare condition in cats and dogs.

“Vitiligo manifests as patches of depigmented skin and fur, usually appearing as white spots that can vary in size and location,” Nita Vasudevan, a veterinary consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance, told Newsweek. “While the exact cause is unknown, it is thought to be an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own pigment-producing cells.”
Fortunately, vitiligo is primarily a cosmetic condition and does not pose a threat to the general health of cats.
“It does not cause pain, itching, or any form of physical discomfort,” Vasudevan added. “Cats with vitiligo can live normal, healthy lives without any adverse effects directly from the condition.”