We have a domestic shorthair...

Question
We have a domestic shorthair cat a little over 2 years old.  He is a gray tiger stripe in markings.  About 6 months ago a two inch patch of fur just below his ear turned white.  Then a little below that another patch showed up.  Now a spot is coming out on his chest.  This isn't just a few white hairs but bright white patches.  I've never seen a cat's markings change before.  The cat is healthy and goes in for regular checkups.  As he's not due now I called our vet's office and the receptionist just shrugged it off.  Again, as I've never seen a cat do this before can you tell me if it's a somewhat common thing or a signal of something.  Thanks

Answer
well don't just let a receptionist ''shrug'" it off. They don't have formal training, and they are not a DR.

many animals can have pigment changes to fur and skin at times. BUT, you still want it checked out. It may be a normal change for him, but I would still have it looked at :)