Cats have one of the most diverse wardrobes in the animal kingdom. From sleek solids to intricate patterns, their coats tell stories of genetics, evolution, and individuality. Even hairless cats come in different colours and markings, proving that beauty isn’t defined by fur length or texture.
Whether you’re admiring your own cat or simply curious about feline fashion, this guide will help you understand the main colours and patterns that make every cat unique.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on verified information from major feline associations like the CFA and TICA. Images are for illustrative purposes only.
Cat Coat Colours
Cat coat colours are determined by genetics, with variations influenced by pigment-producing genes and modifiers that alter shade and intensity. The two primary pigments, eumelanin (black/brown) and pheomelanin (red/yellow), combine in fascinating ways to create every colour you see.
- Black – Deep, rich colour often with a subtle brown hue under sunlight.
- White – Caused by a dominant gene that masks all other colours.
- Brown (Chocolate) – A warm, rich brown shade found in breeds like the Havana Brown.
- Grey (Blue) – A diluted black coat resulting in a soft silvery look.
- Red (Orange) – Often seen in tabbies; genetically this is actually a variation of red pigment.
- Cream – A diluted form of red, giving a pale golden tone.
- Cinnamon – A reddish-brown colour, lighter than chocolate.
- Fawn – The dilute version of cinnamon, giving a soft beige appearance.
- Lilac – A light, silvery tone derived from the dilution of chocolate.
- Silver – Often found in shaded or tabby cats, giving the coat a metallic sheen.
Many of these base colours appear in countless combinations and intensities. For instance, a cat with dilute genes may turn black into grey or red into cream, creating endless variation.
Cat Coat Patterns
Beyond colour, patterns define how these shades appear on a cat’s body. The distribution of pigment-producing cells during development creates unique markings, from subtle stripes to bold spots.
These patterns aren’t just pretty, they can hint at a cat’s ancestry and help camouflage them in the wild.
Solid
A solid coat is a single, uniform colour across the entire body, with no variation or striping. It’s surprisingly rare in nature, making breeds like the jet-black Bombay or the silvery Korat stand out.
Because their coats have no pattern to distract the eye, solids often draw attention to their gleaming eyes, sleek shape, and overall elegance. A pure solid coat requires a specific genetic combination that suppresses the tabby pattern, a fascinating example of feline genetics at work.
Parti-Colour And Bi-Colour
Parti-colour cats display more than one colour in their coat. This includes bi-coloured, van, and mitted patterns.
Bi-colour cats usually have white fur paired with another colour: black, red, blue, or even patterned areas like tabby patches.
Van pattern cats, such as the Turkish Van, are mostly white with colour only on the head and tail.
Mitted pattern cats, like Ragdolls, have white “mittens” on their paws, with white also appearing on the chin and chest.
Each of these variations gives a cat its own unique, painterly look.
Tabby
Perhaps the most common pattern, tabbies feature stripes, swirls, or spots. Genetic studies show that almost all domestic cats carry the tabby gene, even if it’s hidden under another pattern.
- Mackerel Tabby – Narrow vertical stripes, like a tiger’s.
- Classic (Blotched) Tabby – Circular swirls, often resembling a marble pattern.
- Spotted Tabby – Spots instead of stripes, as seen in breeds like the Bengal.
- Ticked (Agouti) Tabby – Each hair has alternating bands of light and dark colour, creating a sandy or shimmering look (e.g., Abyssinian).
Most tabbies also share the famous “M” shape on their foreheads, a natural hallmark of this pattern.
Colourpoint (Pointed)
Famous in Siamese and Birman cats, the colourpoint pattern features darker shades on the face, ears, feet, and tail. This pattern results from a temperature-sensitive gene that darkens cooler body areas.
Common colour variations include:
- Seal Point
- Chocolate Point
- Blue Point
- Lilac Point
- Red Point
- Cream Point
Some cats have lynx (tabby) points, where faint striping appears on their darker areas, or tortie points, where tortoiseshell-like blends show up on the points.
Tortoiseshell (Tortie) And Torbie
Tortoiseshell cats, affectionately known as “torties,” are a kaleidoscope of black and red hues, or their diluted forms, lilac and cream. Each tortie’s pattern is unique, almost like a feline fingerprint.
The torbie, a tortoiseshell-tabby mix, combines the mottled tortie colours with tabby striping, adding even more depth and variety. Nearly all torties and calicos are female due to the genetics of coat colour inheritance.
Their bold, patchy colouring often comes with equally bold personalities. Many owners describe torties as spirited and expressive, living up to their striking appearance.
Calico
Calico cats are famous for their three-colour coats, typically white, black, and orange, though dilute versions (white, blue, and cream) are also common. Unlike torties, calicos have large, well-defined patches of colour instead of a blended look.
These patterns result from the same X-linked genetics that influence tortoiseshells, meaning most calicos are female. Each one’s markings are one-of-a-kind, which might explain why calicos are often associated with luck and individuality in folklore around the world.
Caring For Your Cat’s Coat
A cat’s coat is more than just beautiful, it’s an indicator of health. A glossy, smooth coat usually reflects good nutrition, hydration, and regular grooming.
Long-haired cats need daily brushing to prevent tangles and mats, while short-haired cats benefit from weekly grooming to remove loose hair and stimulate the skin’s natural oils.
Tools like the Catit Longhair Grooming Kit or Catit Shorthair Grooming Kit make maintenance easier, offering everything from slicker brushes to combs. Pairing grooming with a balanced diet rich in omega fatty acids keeps your cat’s coat soft, shiny, and healthy year-round.
