The black fur gene in cats is known as the melanistic gene, which is responsible for the production of eumelanin, the pigment that gives fur its black color. This gene is inherited in a specific manner.

The black fur gene is a dominant gene, denoted as B, while the non-black gene is recessive, denoted as b. When a cat inherits one copy of the dominant gene (Bb or BB), it will have black fur, while cats that inherit two copies of the recessive gene (bb) will have non-black fur.

Let's consider an example to understand the inheritance of the black fur gene:

• Parent 1: Black cat (BB)
• Parent 2: Non-black cat (bb)

In this case, all the offspring will inherit one copy of the dominant black fur gene from the black cat parent (B), and one copy of the recessive non-black fur gene from the non-black cat parent (b). Therefore, all the kittens will have black fur because the dominant black fur gene overrides the non-black gene.

Now, let's explore why black cats tend to have yellow or green eyes. The color of a cat's eyes is determined by a separate gene called the eye color gene. This gene controls the production of pigment in the iris of the eye.

While it is commonly observed that black cats tend to have yellow or green eyes, it is important to note that eye color is not directly linked to the black fur gene. Eye color is a complex trait influenced by multiple genes, including the eye color gene and other genetic factors.

For instance, the presence of the dominant orange fur gene (O) can affect the eye color in black cats. Cats with the dominant orange gene (O_) tend to have eyes that are more yellow or amber in color, whereas cats without the orange gene (oo) may have green or blue eyes. The presence of the orange gene in black cats can contribute to the yellow or green eye color commonly observed.

In conclusion, the black fur gene in cats is inherited in a dominant-recessive manner. Black cats tend to have yellow or green eyes due to the influence of other genetic factors, such as the presence of the orange fur gene. Eye color in cats is a complex trait determined by multiple genes.