Cats are fascinating animals not only because of their comportamiento y personality, but also for the wide variety of colors and patterns their fur can present. From elegant black cats to exotic Bengals, each shade and pattern has a genetic basis that determines its appearanceBut did you know that some colors are more common in males than females? Or that coat color can influence how humans perceive them?
In this article, we will explain in detail the colors y standards most common in cats, how genetics influences its tonality and some curiosities surprising facts about their fur. If you've ever wondered why your cat is a certain color or what their pattern means, you'll find all the answers here.
The genetics behind cat colors
The color of a cat's coat is mainly determined by two factors: pigments: eumelanin, which gives rise to black and brown tones, and pheomelanin, responsible for the red and yellow colors. The combination of these pigments, along with other genetic factors, is what generates the enormous variety of colors and patterns that we see in domestic cats.
The genes responsible for coat colors are found in the X chromosome, which explains why some color combinations, such as tricolor or tortoiseshell cats, are almost exclusively female. Male cats, having only one X chromosome, tend to have more solid colors.
Main colors of cats
- Black: This color is due to a high concentration of eumelanin. Black cats can have variations such as black smoke, where the base of the hair is grayish.
- Red or orangeProduced by pheomelanin, the red color is more common in Males due to their X-linked inheritance. These cats are very interesting, as detailed in our curiosities about orange cats.
- Blanco: It is not a color in itself, but the absence of pigmentationCompletely white cats can be deaf if they have both blue eyes.
- Gray or blue: It is a diluted variation of black, resulting from a gene that reduces the amount of pigment in the hair. Because of their uniqueness, these cats are also featured in articles about gray cat breeds.
- Chocolate and cinnamon: They are shades derived from black, but with a lower concentration of eumelanin.
Cats can also have a variety of patterns in their coats. A common pattern is tabby (tabby), which includes stripes and spots. You can discover more about these combinations in our section dedicated to cat breeds.
Coat patterns in cats
In addition to the base color, cats can have different standards in their fur. These are some of the most common:
- Solid: The cat has a single color throughout its body with no additional markings.
- Brindle (tabby): It has stripes, spots, or swirls. It is the most common pattern in nature.
- Bicolor: A combination of a solid color with white, forming irregular patches.
- Tricolor or calico: It is composed of white, black and orange. Almost all cats with this standard They are female, which is explained in our post about Tricolor cats and their genetics.
- Tortoiseshell: A mix of black and orange with no major white markings. It is also exclusive to females, a topic we explore in more depth in our guide to tortoiseshell cats.
- Dotted (color point): Characteristic of breeds such as the Siamese, where the cat's limbs are darker than the rest of the body.
Interesting facts about cat colors
There are many beliefs and interesting facts about cat colors. Here are some of the most interesting ones:
- Black Cats and Deception: While in some cultures it is believed that black cats bring bad luckIn others, such as Japan and Great Britain, they are considered symbols of prosperity.
- Orange cats are more sociable: Some studies suggest that orange cats tend to be more extroverts and affectionate.
- Tricolor cats are almost always female.: Due to its X-linked genetics, the combination of black and red with white only occurs in females, with rare exceptions. For more information on this trait, visit our article on Why cats have those color combinations.
- Cats can change color: Some breeds, such as the Siamese, change color with the temperatureColorpoint cats are born white and acquire their color over time, a topic explored in our analysis of Siamese cats and their fur.
The world of colors y standards The diversity of feline genetics is incredibly broad and fascinating. Their diversity is due to the complexity of feline genetics, which results in a huge variety of unique combinations. Each cat is special, not only because of its personality, but also for its unique and unrepeatable appearance.