The color lilac is one of many possible coat colors for cats. While not as common as some other colors like black, white, orange, or gray, lilac is not an exceptionally rare find in domestic cats. The genetics behind the lilac coat and how frequently it occurs provides useful context on just how unusual this pale purple feline shade is.
What Causes the Lilac Coat Color in Cats?
The lilac or lavender coat color in cats is the result of a dilution gene that causes the pigment in the fur to become lighter. The specific gene responsible is called the dilution (or maltese dilution) gene. It is denoted as the “dd” genotype.
This dilution gene affects the production of pigment granules. When a cat has one or two copies of the dilution gene, these pigment granules are fewer in number and smaller in size than in cats without the gene. With less and smaller pigment granules overall, the fur takes on a lighter, diluted shade.
For a cat to have a lilac coat, two copies of the dilution gene are required. This “dd” genotype results in a pale, silver-gray coat with a pinkish tinge. This happens when the dilution gene acts on a cat that genetically has a solid black coat. Black fur pigment becomes lavender when diluted.
Prevalence of the Dilution Gene in Cats
The dilution gene is recessive. This means that for the diluted color to appear in a cat’s coat, the cat must inherit two copies of the gene – one from each parent. If a cat only inherits one copy, they will be a carrier but not visibly diluted themselves.
This recessive nature makes the diluted colors like lilac less common than the non-diluted colors. Both parents must carry and pass on the dilution allele for a lilac kitten to be born.
That said, the dilution allele still appears to be fairly widespread in the domestic cat population. The exact percentage of cats that carry the dilution gene is not known. But it is estimated that somewhere around 1 in 10 domestic cats are carriers.
Among certain breeds like the Siamese, the frequency is significantly higher. Around 40% of Siamese cats are thought to carry the dilution gene. This is why lilac is a recognized point color in the Siamese breed. Other breeds with higher occurrences of the dilution gene include Persian, British Shorthair, and Devon Rex.
Breeds That Can Have a Lilac Coat
While seen more often in some breeds, genetically any cat breed can produce lilac kittens. Here are some of the cat breeds that are known to come in lilac:
| Breed | Other Possible Lilac Cat Names |
|---|---|
| Siamese | Lilac point Siamese |
| Persian | Lilac Persian |
| British Shorthair | Lilac British Shorthair |
| Ragdoll | Lilac Ragdoll |
| Devon Rex | Lilac Devon Rex |
| Sphynx | Lilac Sphynx |
| Cornish Rex | Lilac Cornish Rex |
| Burmese | Lilac Burmese |
| Tonkinese | Lilac Tonkinese |
| Ocicat | Lilac Ocicat |
As shown, lilac is possible in both long-haired and short-haired breeds. Pointed breed kittens like Siamese will show the lilac coloring on the points contrasted with a pale body. Solid kittens will have the lavender shade throughout the coat.
Rarity of Lilac Cats
While lilac cats occur across breeds, they are still considered one of the rarer coat colors. Exact numbers are not available, but this attractive toned fur is believed to appear in only about 1% of kittens born.
For a lilac kitten to be born, both parents must carry the recessive dilution gene. And they must both pass on their copy to the offspring. With the dilution gene estimated to be present in only around 10% of cats, this makes the right genetic combination for lilac relatively uncommon.
Breeding programs may sometimes purposely breed dilute to dilute to increase the chances of lilac kittens being born. But most often, lilac kittens are born by surprise to two non-dilute parents carrying the gene.
The rarity and striking appearance of lilac cats adds to their appeal for many cat lovers.
Origins of Lilac Cats
The genetic mutation responsible for feline coat dilution is believed to have first occurred naturally in cats of Western Europe. From there, cats carrying the dilution gene spread throughout Europe and eventually other parts of the world as humans began domesticating cats.
Early accounts of lavender or lilac coated cats appear in cat registries starting in the late 1800s. In the early 1900s, two lilac Persian kittens named Gloria and Lady Grey spread interest in the new color through being shown in Europe.
Popularity for lilacs grew with their inclusion in cat shows and breeding programs in Britain and America starting in the 1920s and 30s. Their striking pinkish-purple sheen sparked fascination among cat breeders and pet owners alike.
Lilac vs. Other Diluted Cat Colors
In addition to lilac, other diluted colors are also seen due to the action of the dilution gene:
– Blue – This is the dilute version of black. A blue cat will have a light silver-gray coat. Russian Blues are the classic example.
– Cream – Dilution of red/orange shades produces a creamy off-white color. Often seen in diluted orange tabbies.
– Fawn – Dilution of cinnamon/brown tabbies leads to a warmer, lighter fawn shade.
– Chocolate – Diluted seal or chocolate brown color, like that seen in Havana Browns.
So lilac can be seen as the dilute form of black specifically. While blue could also be used describe some lilac cats, “lilac” is the accepted term for the lavender-toned diluted black coat seen in breeds like Siamese, Persian, and British Shorthair.
Distinguishing Lilac from Other Cat Colors
Telling a true lilac cat apart from similar shades can sometimes be tricky. Here are a few tips:
– Examine in natural lighting – Lilac tends to look more greyish in dimmer light. Bright lighting brings out the pinkish-purple tones.
– Compare point color on Siamese – A lilac point will have light lavender points, visibly lighter than the seal brown of a chocolate point Siamese.
– Look for cool undertones – Lilac has a cool, blueish quality to its pinkish hue. Warm-toned diluted tabbies are more likely fawn or cream.
– Consider breed norms – In breeds like Siamese, Persian, and British Shorthair where lilac is recognized, it is likely correctly labeled.
– DNA test if uncertain – Breeders sometimes DNA test kittens to confirm their color is genetically lilac.
With its cool, delicate hue, a true lilac coat stands out and catches the eye compared to more common grey or cream tones.
Caring for a Lilac Cat
There are no special considerations when caring for a lilac cat compared to other colors. However, a few grooming and lifestyle tips can help keep that stunning coat looking its best:
– Use a stainless steel comb to distribute skin oils through the fur. This will enhance sheen.
– Bath when necessary with a high-quality shampoo to avoid drying out the coat.
– Provide nutritional cat food rich in omega fatty acids for coat health.
– Give dental care to prevent stains around the mouth that can discolor the fur.
– Limit time outdoors; the pale tone can darken with exposure to sunlight.
– Take photos in bright, natural lighting that makes the lavender tone pop!
With minimal everyday care, lilac cats can retain their soft, ethereal violet-hued look as they mature.
Health and Temperament
Lilac coats are purely a cosmetic trait. The dilution gene that causes it has no linked health or behavior effects.
Therefore, lilac cats will share the general temperament and health tendencies of their respective breed. For example, a lilac Siamese can be expected to be vocal and social, while a lilac Persian may have breathing issues like any flat-faced Persian.
However, due to the recent origins of lilac cats, some lines can have higher inbreeding. Reputable breeders should screen for genetic diseases common in the breed. There is no disease specific only to lilac cats though.
Lilac Cat Genetics
Understanding the underlying genetics behind lilac fur gives greater insight into this uncommon but sought-after feline color.
As covered earlier, two copies of the recessive dilution gene are required for a lilac coat. The gene must be carried by both parents.
During reproduction, the gene variants each parent possesses combine. With random inheritance, there is a:
– 25% chance of a lilac kitten if both parents carry dilution
– 50% chance of non-dilute carriers
– 25% chance of non-dilute, non-carriers
Since the dilution allele originated as a spontaneous mutation, there are no true “pure lilac cats”. Even lilac to lilac breeding does not guarantee a fully lilac litter. Statistics stay the same each generation.
For prospective lilac buyers or breeders, understanding the probabilities and role of the recessive dilution gene allows for better genetic forecasting. Test-mating can confirm which cats carry dilution before attempting to purposefully produce delicate lilac kittens.
Lilac Cat Controversy
The increasing rarity and high price of lilac cats has led to some controversies and issues around deliberate breeding of them, including:
– Inbreeding depression from small gene pools in some lilac lines
– Focus only on color over health in breeding programs
– Speculative breeding and pricing due to rarity value
– Misrepresentation or inaccurate labeling of lilac cats
– Increased abandonment when “breeder quality” lilacs don’t sell
Because the lilac color originated fairly recently in domestic cats, ethically expanding the gene pool requires careful outcrossing to avoid compounding hereditary illnesses. Reputable breeders health-test their lilac lines and aim for health first, color second.
However, with high demand and profit potential, irresponsible breeding to create more rare lilac cats also occurs. Prospective lilac cat owners should beware unsustainable practices like inbreeding and verify breeder credibility.
Famous Lilac Cats
Some celebrity lilac cats through the years include:
– Stevie – An orphaned lilac British Shorthair adopted as part of London’s “Downing Street Cats”. He lived at the Prime Minister’s residence in the 1960s.
– Tang – Grumpy Cat Tardar Sauce’s adopted lilac tabby sister, appearing in social media posts before passing away in 2022.
– Lil BUB – An adorable dwarf lilac cat who became an internet sensation from 2011 until her death in 2019. She appeared across media as spokescat for adopting special needs pets.
– Cole and Marmalade – Famous YouTube cat brothers Cole (lilac) and Marmalade (orange tabby) entertain millions of fans with their antics.
– Smushball – An Instagram-famous lilac British Shorthair living in Canada with feline siblings Mochi and Mantou.
From politicians’ pets to viral superstars, lilac cats charm the public with their rare violet beauty wherever they go.
Conclusion
While not extremely common, lilac is also not an exceptionally rare color in domestic cats either. Its origins as a diluted mutation of black have spread the causal gene far enough that lilac cats appear across breeds, most prevalently in Siamese and Persian lines. Out of all cats, around 1% are born with the distinctive pinkish lavender coat.
With both parents needing to carry and pass on the recessive dilution gene for a lilac kitten to occur, deliberate selective breeding is required to increase lilac odds. Ethical breeders aim to expand genetic diversity too. The recent surge in popularity for rare colors like lilac necessitates responsible breeding to avoid compounding inherited disorders.
But when bred carefully, healthy lilac cats captivate owners with their soft purplish sheen. Their cool-toned, almost ethereal fur coloration stands out while still retaining breed characteristics. With minimal grooming, the lilac coat’s delicate hues can stay vivid into maturity. Though not extremely commonplace, there are enough lilac felines for this dreamy, distinctive color to continue fascinating cat enthusiasts.
