A tech platform is mentioned but it wouldn't have fit with the narrative to focus on the fault of the platforms. The premise is not so expansive - its focused on the boy, his family, friends, school and the police. The story is simple and focused on individuals rather than tech platforms.

Cat coat genetics is quite fascinating. It's a tabby with a mutated KIT gene..meaning pigment cells didn't make it all the way over the cat (the legs/ underside are further from the migration site).
I'm not a cat gene expert just an enthusiast (got a tortoise with a white belly at home).