Chocolate brown cats are a rare and unique coat color in the feline world. Their rich, brownish-red coloring makes them stand out from more common cat coats like black, white, tabby, and orange. But just how rare are chocolate brown cats? What causes this unusual fur pigmentation? And how likely is it that the average cat owner will encounter one of these exotic kitties? This article will explore the genetics, prevalence, and characteristics of chocolate brown cats. Discover just how special it is to share your home with one of these dark beauties!
What Causes the Chocolate Brown Coat Color in Cats?
All cat coat colors are determined by the pigments eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumelanin produces black/brown fur, while pheomelanin produces red/yellow fur. The chocolate brown coat is produced by a specific concentration of eumelanin pigment. It is caused by a recessive gene that inhibits the production of red pheomelanin pigment. This allows the brown eumelanin to remain concentrated in the fur, producing a rich chocolate brown color.
Some chocolate brown cats may exhibit a “Cinnamon” coat, which is a lighter brown/cinnamon shade caused by lower levels of eumelanin concentration. But true chocolate cats have very high levels of this pigment. The chocolate coat coloration can occur in any breed of cat, although it remains quite rare. It happens when a cat inherits two recessive copies of the gene inhibiting pheomelanin production.
How Rare Are Chocolate Brown Cats?
Chocolate brown is one of the rarest natural coat colors in cats. Exact statistics are not available, but it is estimated that only around 0.001% of cats worldwide have a chocolate brown coat. That means just 1 in every 100,000 kittens born will be chocolate brown.
Some specific breeds like the Oriental Shorthair have slightly higher percentages of chocolate brown cats. But it still only occurs in about 1% of the breed. Even in breeds where chocolate coats are possible, they remain very uncommon.
| Breed | Incidence of Chocolate Brown Coat |
|---|---|
| Domestic Shorthair | Extremely Rare |
| Siamese | Extremely Rare |
| Oriental Shorthair | About 1% |
| Havana Brown | About 10% |
As the table shows, even in oriental cat breeds where chocolate brown is genetically possible, it is still very uncommon. The Havana Brown cat has the highest percentage, since the chocolate brown coat is a defining breed characteristic. But even then, it only occurs in about 10% of the breed.
So across all breeds, chocolate brown cats are incredibly rare. Any cat born with the coloring is very special and unique. It’s not every day that someone gets to share their home with one of these exotic beauties!
Do Chocolate Cats Always Have Brown Noses and Pads?
The nose and paw pads of chocolate brown cats do not necessarily match their coat color. Many will have pink noses and pads, which contrasts beautifully with their rich brown fur.
But some chocolate brown cats will have brown or tan noses/pads that match their coat. Usually in the lighter “cinnamon” shade of brown. Whether a cat has matching or contrasting points depends on genetics.
The main gene mutation that causes chocolate brown coats only affects coat color. So it does not guarantee matching nose/pads. Specific combinations of other color genes are needed to produce matching chocolate or cinnamon points.
No matter the nose/pad color, all chocolate brown cats have a truly stunning and unique appearance. The chocolate coat never fails to draw attention and admiration!
What Breeds Can Have Chocolate Brown Coats?
While extremely rare overall, chocolate brown coats can appear in many different purebred cat breeds, especially oriental types. Breeds that can sometimes produce chocolate brown kittens include:
- Havana Brown – Chocolate brown is a signature trait of the breed
- Oriental Shorthair – About 1% are chocolate brown
- Siamese – Very rare but genetically possible
- Tonkinese – Rare chocolate brown Tonkinese sometimes occur
- Burmese – Extremely rare in Burmese, but can happen
- Balinese – A very few chocolate Balinese kittens are born
- Foreign breeds like the Russian Blue and Korat can also very rarely have chocolate brown coats.
While possible in many breeds, it’s important to note chocolate coat color remains highly unusual in all but the Havana Brown. But no breed is completely eliminated from producing chocolate brown kittens on very rare occasions.
Are Chocolate Brown Cats Recognized by Cat Registries?
Chocolate brown cats are recognized as a legitimate coat color by major cat registries like TICA and CFA. Chocolate coats are accepted as a competitive color in cat shows for breeds that permit it.
The Havana Brown is a recognized breed in the chocolate brown color. For other breeds like Orientals, chocolate is considered a “color division” of the breed standard. Competing chocolate brown cats of those breeds are assessed against others in the same color division.
So chocolate brown Orientals, for example, compete against other chocolate brown Orientals. They are not judged against the more common coat colors like red or seal point. This allows rare colors like chocolate brown a fair shot in cat shows.
Winning show cats help prove that chocolate brown is indeed a desirable and beautiful trait. It gains respect and recognition for these special kitties.
Do Chocolate Cats Have Any Special Care Needs?
Fortunately, chocolate brown cats do not require any specialized care. Since their unique coat color is caused entirely by genetics, they have the same basic health and care needs as any other cat.
They should follow the same feeding, grooming, veterinary care, and other guidelines as cats of other colors. Be sure to focus on high-quality nutrition, parasite prevention, vaccination, veterinary checkups, dental care, and lots of love/attention.
With good care, chocolate brown cats have normal, healthy lifespans and activity levels just like any other kitty. Their only “special need” is perhaps a bit of extra pampering and admiration for their gorgeously unique looks!
What is the Personality of Chocolate Brown Cats Like?
Many people wonder if chocolate brown cats have a distinctive personality compared to other coat colors. But there is no scientific evidence that feline personality is linked to coat color in any way.
Cat personality and behavior are far more influenced by genetics, environment, socialization, and individual life experiences. While some owners feel their chocolate kitties are especially warm and friendly, this is likely just coincidence and not related to the coat itself.
Every cat has their own unique personality, regardless of whether they have chocolate, orange, black, or any other fur pigmentation. Some chocolate cats may be very social and affectionate, while others are more reserved or independent.
So don’t expect a chocolate brown cat to automatically have a certain type of personality. Get to know their individual character as it develops and forms.
Are Chocolate Brown Kittens More Expensive?
Due to their rarity, chocolate brown kittens do tend to have a higher purchase price than more common colors like grey or ginger. Exact pricing varies, but chocolate brown kittens often go for $1000 or more.
Responsible breeders do not deliberately breed for chocolate coats due to their recessive genetics. But when chocolate kittens do occur in a litter, their uniqueness means they usually sell very quickly.
High demand from buyers who want a rare, exotic cat means breeders can ask a premium price for chocolate brown kittens. But it’s important buyers ensure they are still buying from an ethical, responsible breeder.
If adopting from a shelter, chocolate kittens will not have an increased fee. But they often get adopted very fast due to high interest from feline fans.
How to Increase Your Chances of Owning a Chocolate Brown Cat
For those dreaming of sharing their home with a chocolate brown kitty, there are a few tips that may slightly increase your odds:
- Look for chocolate brown kittens from breeds like Orientals where they are slightly more common.
- Let reputable breeders know you are specifically looking for a chocolate kitten.
- Check frequently with local cat rescues, as chocolate cats sometimes end up in shelters.
- Consider adopting a chocolate point Siamese mix, which also has a dark brown coat.
- Patience and persistence pays off – keep checking back for that perfect chocolate kitty!
While still unlikely, focusing your search on the breeds and colors that offer the best chocolate odds can maximize your chances. With some luck and determination, your wish for a chocolate brown cat may come true!
Are Chocolate Brown Cats the Rarest Coat Color?
Chocolate brown is definitely up there as one of the rarest cat coat colors. But there are a few other contenders for the “rarest of the rare” title:
– Lavender or Lilac – A very cool-toned, silvery version of chocolate brown caused by the dilution gene. As rare as chocolate brown itself.
– Cinnamon – A lighter, warm cinnamon-toned version of chocolate brown. Slightly more common than intense chocolate.
– Fawn – A diluted version of cinnamon, even rarer than chocolate or lavender.
– Amber – A bright golden-orange eye color, compared to the usual green/yellow, is exceptionally rare.
So while chocolate brown is rare indeed, a few other coats like lilac and fawn may be even less common. But they are all special and highly prized types of fur pigmentation.
Conclusion
Chocolate brown is one of the rarest and most coveted feline coat colors. With only about 1 in 100,000 cats sporting this luxurious hue, anyone lucky enough to have a chocolate kitty should feel very privileged indeed. From their genetics to their potential price tag, chocolate brown cats are in a league of their own when it comes to exotic, unique feline appearances. So if you ever meet one of these rare beauties, be sure to give them some extra snuggles in appreciation!
