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Cats typically come in colors like black, white, grey, orange, and combinations of these colors. However, there are some rare and unique cat colors and patterns that stand out. Here are some of the rarest colored cats. The list will surely impress and amaze you.
Lavender Cats
Lavender colored cats have a light greyish-pinkish coat that makes them appear almost purple in certain lighting. The unique dilute coloration is linked to a recessive gene mutation that causes decreased pigmentation. Most lavender cats will have blue eyes as well, thanks to a gene that links coat color to eye color. While the lavender color can occur in any breed, it is more commonly seen in Siamese cats.
Fabled Chocolate Cats
The rich milk-chocolate brown coat of chocolate cats is truly a unique sight. It is caused by a recessive b allele gene that results in brown pigment instead of black. Chocolate cat coloring can occur in solid-colored breeds like the British Shorthair or Exotic Shorthair. When it appears in a tabby pattern, it creates a stunning “milk chocolate tabby” effect. However, the chocolate gene can be difficult for breeders to achieve.
Exotic Tortoiseshell Colors
While many people are familiar with the striking black, orange and creamy tortoiseshell pattern, there are some very rare tortoiseshell variations. The torbie pattern features muted orange tabby patches. There is also chocolate, lavender/lilac, and cinnamon tortoiseshell cats. These exotic tortoiseshells exhibit rich reddish browns, greyish pinks, and warm cinnamons in their coat patterns. They are uncommon even among tortoiseshell cats, which are nearly exclusively female.
Bicolor Cats
Bicolor cats feature two distinct solid color blocks on the body, often with a straight dividing line running down the length of the body. While the black and white “tuxedo cat” pattern is the most common, bicolor cats can exhibit unusual color combinations like blue and cream. Van pattern bi-colors specifically have color restricted to the cat's tail and head, leaving much of the body snow white. The striking color blocking occurs due to uneven distribution of melanin during development.
Bright Red Cats
Vibrant orange-red cat coats are produced by variants of the orange gene. Male red cats tend to exhibit the brightest, richest shades since they only require one copy of the red gene. The predominant red cat breeds include Turkish Vans, Turkish Angoras and Abyssinians. However, the red coat color appears as a recessive trait across many breeds. Red ticked tabby patterns also highlight the saturated color with stripes of black contrast.
Point-Colored Cats
Point-colored cats like Siamese have a signature pattern where darker extremities contrast with a pale body. This striking appearance is caused by a gene that keeps the body at a cooler overall temperature. Areas like the face, ears, legs and tail stay warmer and exhibit more enzyme activity and pigment production. When crossed with other colors and patterns, the point gene can produce unusual “lynx point” and “tortie point” cats.
Silver Tabbies
The sparkling silver coat of silver tabby cats catches the light beautifully thanks to its diluted pigment. The effect comes from the silver gene—also called the inhibitor gene—that blocks the development of red/yellow pigments. All areas of color appear “faded” compared to a normal tabby coat. Instead of black stripes, the stripes appear grey or even white against some silvery backgrounds. The glittery silver coat is truly eye-catching and otherworldly.
Final Words
As you can see, feline coat genetics can produce some truly remarkable colors and patterns. From the fabled chocolate brown to the dazzling silver tabby, rare-colored cats continue to fascinate cat lovers and breeders alike thanks to their gorgeous, one-of-a-kind appearance. The next time you see a cat out and about, take a second look - it might just have some exceptional coloration!
