Grey cats, sometimes called blue cats, are felines with grey or blue-grey fur. Their fur color is the result of a gene that dilutes the color pigment in the hair shaft. While some people use the terms “grey cat” and “blue cat” interchangeably, there are some subtle differences between the two. Blue cats tend to have a slate grey base coat with a bluish sheen or halo of color around the tips of the fur, while grey cats usually lack this blueish cast and have fur that is more evenly grey from base to tip. But both are considered diluted or dilute coat colors when compared to black cats.
What Causes the Grey Coat Color in Cats?
All cats have two basic pigments that create their coat color. These are eumelanin which creates black/brown pigment, and phaeomelanin which creates red/yellow pigment. The dilution gene, which scientists call melanophilin or the dilution gene, inhibits the development of pigment in the hair shaft. This causes cats with two recessive copies of the dilution gene to have diluted eumelanin, creating a grey or blueish grey coat color rather than pure black. The gene doesn’t affect phaeomelanin, so diluted red cats appear cream or fawn.
Common Grey Cat Breeds
While the dilution gene can occur randomly in any cat breed, there are some breeds that commonly display the grey/blue diluted coat color. Some of the most popular grey cat breeds include:
- Russian Blue – This breed is known for its distinctive bright green eyes and uniform blue-grey coat. The color is caused by the recessive dilation gene modifying black fur.
- Korat – An ancient Thai breed with a silver-blue coat and green eyes. Kits (young cats) are born with a lighter silver-grey color that develops into an adults blue-grey hue.
- British Shorthair – Breed standards allow blue as an accepted color. Blue british shorthairs have a dense grey-blue coat.
- Nebelung – A long-haired Russian Blue descendant with a blue-grey coat tipped in silver. They have green or yellow-green eyes.
- Chartreux – An old French breed known for its wooly blue fur with a red-brown undercoat. This gives the coat a slightly lighter, washed out grayish appearance compared to other blue breeds.
There are also non-pedigree domestic cats that inherit the dilution gene randomly. These everyday cats with diluted coats are sometimes affectionately called “Russian Blues” even if they aren’t purebred.
Blue vs Grey Cat Coat Differences
While blue and grey cats both carry the dilution gene, there are some subtle differences between their coat appearances:
Blue cats have a base coat that is more of a slate grey with blueish tips or halo effects. This creates a sheen or silvery cast over the fur. The effect is especially noticeable in sunlight.
Grey cats lack the blueish sheen and instead have fur that is uniformly grey from base to tip without color concentration on the ends. Their fur is a true solid grey rather than slate base with blue highlights.
However, there is a lot of variation among individual cats. Some blue cats appear more solid grey without noticeable highlighting while some greys have a subtle bluish sheen when the light hits their fur just right. For this reason, many people use the terms blue and grey interchangeably.
Are Grey Cats Just Older Black Cats?
Some people mistakenly think that grey cats are just old black cats that have gone grey with age, like aging humans going grey. However, coat color dilution is strictly genetic in cats and not an effect of aging. Kittens with the dilution gene are born with grey fur and maintain that coat color throughout their lives. However, many people are surprised to see grey kittens because they associate the color with geriatric cats.
While a graying effect can sometimes occur in extreme old age due to reduced pigment production, this is not the same genetic process that causes diluted grey coats. An old cat going grey will show white hairs mixed into the fur rather than an overall coat lightening.
Are Grey Cats Deaf?
There is a myth that all grey cats are born deaf. However, deafness is not actually linked to coat color itself. What is true is that white cats with two blue eyes have increased risk of congenital deafness.
The deafness in these cats is caused by the gene that codes for their white coat and blue irises, which can result in degeneration of the inner ear. However, grey cats can have any eye color, including golden, green and orange. Grey cats with non-blue eyes do not have any higher deafness risk than cats of other colors.
So while grey coated cats are not predisposed to deafness, white cats with blue eyes do have significant congenital deafness risk, with 65-85% born deaf.
Grey Cat Personality and Temperament
There are no personality or temperament traits linked to grey or blue fur color. Grey cats exhibit the full range of behaviors and quirks found in other coat colors.
However, anecdotal reports indicate some grey cats tend to be calmer and more easy-going than highly energetic breeds. For example, the Russian Blue is known for its gentle, mild-tempered personality. But this likely has more to do with selective breeding for temperament than the coat color itself. Other popular gray breeds like the British Shorthair and Chartreux also tend to be laidback, tolerant cats.
Of course, as with any breed, individuals can vary in terms of activity level and personality. Every grey cat has their own unique character! Environment and early life experiences also play a role in shaping behavior, along with genetics.
Caring for Grey Cat Fur
There are no special grooming requirements linked to grey or blue fur. As with any cat, regular brushing once or twice a week helps remove loose fur and prevents hairballs. This is particularly important during seasonal shedding periods.
Bathing grey cats periodically can enhance the beautiful sheen of their coats. A bath also removes any yellowing or dinginess from the fur. Use a mild cat shampoo and avoid getting water in the ears.
Check grey cat’s ears periodically and clean gently with a cotton ball to prevent waxy buildup that can cause ear infections. Trim nails regularly to prevent damage from scratching.
Provide a nutritionally balanced diet with plenty of water to promote skin and coat health. Omega fatty acid supplements support skin and lush fur. Keep litter boxes extremely clean and avoid dusty environments to minimize the risk of respiratory issues.
With proper preventative care and grooming, grey cats can maintain their stunning silver-blue coats lifelong. Their beautifully colored fur stands out and makes grey cats popular pets.
Health Issues in Grey Cats
Grey cats are not prone to any additional health problems related to their diluted coat color. Like other cats, keeping up with preventative veterinary care is important.
- Vaccinations against panleukopenia, calicivirus, rhinotracheitis and rabies.
- Parasite control – Prevent intestinal parasites with routine deworming and protect against fleas and ticks.
- ID microchip and collar tag – Secure identification if a grey cat is lost.
- Spay/neuter – Reduce roaming and territorial behaviors as well as cancer risks.
- Dental care – Regular tooth brushing and dental cleanings prevent painful decay and infections.
- Nutrition – High quality diet supports skin, coat, weight and immunity.
With good preventative care, grey cats have average lifespans of 12-16 years or more. Their risk for genetic disorders is the same as any other domestic cat. Reputable breeding reduces the likelihood of inheriting congenital diseases.
Of course, any cat including grey cats can develop common senior feline conditions like kidney disease, diabetes and cancer as they age. But their grey coats don’t predispose them to certain illnesses compared to cats with other coat colors. With excellent lifelong care, grey cats can remain healthy into their senior years.
Finding a Healthy Grey Kitten or Cat
Here are some tips for finding a healthy grey kitten or adult cat to adopt:
- Work with ethical, responsible cat breeders that screen breeding cats for inherited diseases. Ask for genetic testing documentation.
- Adopt grey cats or kittens from foster-based rescue groups where cats live in home environments before adoption.
- When adopting from a shelter, ask about any known medical history and have vet examine new grey cat.
- Avoid adopting free grey kittens on Craigslist or other websites where health history is unknown.
- Inspect grey cat’s coat – should be thick, glossy and free of dandruff which can indicate illness.
- Check for signs of neglect like prominent ribs, dull coat, swollen abdomen.
- Kittens should be lively, energetic and vet checked before adoption.
- Adult cats should be friendly, active with no signs of mouth pain or illness.
Doing research to find a responsible source grey cat or kitten leads to a higher chance of adopting a healthy, well-socialized pet.
Do Grey Cats Cause Allergies?
There is a myth that grey cats like Russian Blues are hypoallergenic for people with cat allergies. However, no cat is truly non-allergenic. Cat allergens are found primarily in saliva, sebaceous glands and dander, not the fur itself.
While the Russian Blue produces lower levels of the Fel D1 protein allergen than other cats, they still produce allergenic proteins. And they groom and spread allergens into the environment just like other cats. Even hairless cats can cause allergic reactions by spreading allergens through saliva and dander.
That said, some people find they react less severely to individual cats. This can be the case with Russian Blues and other grey cats compared to cats with more allergenic breeds. But there are no guarantees a particular grey cat will be okay for someone with cat allergies. The only way to know for sure is to spend ample time around the individual cat.
To potentially reduce allergens:
- Adopt a female grey cat – They produce less allergen than males
- Bathe grey cat weekly
- Don’t allow grey cat in bedrooms
- Use HEPA air filters
- Groom grey cat frequently
- Vacuum and dust often
Unfortunately there are no hypoallergenic cats. But some individuals with milder cat allergies tolerate particular cats, including Russian Blues and other greys, quite well.
How Much Do Grey Cats Cost?
For a purebred grey cat from a breeder, expect to pay:
- Russian Blue kittens: $400 – $600
- Korat kittens: $400 – $600
- Chartreux kittens: $500 – $700
- British Shorthair blue kittens: $500 – $900
Show quality grey cats with breeding rights typically cost $800 to $1500.
Non-pedigree grey kittens and cats adopted from shelters or rescues typically cost:
- Kittens – $50 to $100
- Adult cats – $25 to $75
Some factors that affect the cost of grey cats include:
- Breeder reputation – More reputable breeders charge higher prices
- Coat quality – Unique coat colors or patterns cost more
- Parentage – Offspring of show cats can be pricier
- Cat’s age – Kittens are usually more costly than adults
- Vaccination/spay/neuter status – Expect to pay more for vetted cats
- Location – In-demand cats in certain cities have higher prices
While adopted grey shelter cats are the least expensive option, purchasing from a responsible breeder allows you to know the cat’s full health and genetic history.
Why Get a Grey Cat?
There are many great reasons to consider bringing home one of these beautiful grey-coated cats:
Their Stunning Appearance
Grey cats stand out with their dazzling blue, silver or washed out grey fur. Their coats have an eye-catching shine and lustrous appearance. You’ll enjoy watching how their fur color changes in different lighting.
Lower Allergen Levels
While not hypoallergenic, some grey cats like Russian Blues may produce lower levels of Fel D1 proteins. This makes them easier for some allergic owners to tolerate.
Friendly, Loyal Personality
Many popular grey breeds like Russian Blues form close bonds with their owners. They tend to be calm, gentle cats that enjoy receiving attention.
Intelligence
Smart grey cat breeds like the Russian Blue and Korat are easier to train and adapt well to new situations. Their inquisitive nature keeps life interesting!
Athleticism
Lean and lithe grey cats enjoy exercising their agility chasing toys or climbing cat towers. They love interactive play and stay active into old age.
If you’re searching for a cat with sparkling grey fur and an affectionate personality, adopting one of these special kitties could be very rewarding. Do plenty of research to select the right individual cat or kitten for your home.
Famous Grey Cats
Some celebrity grey cats that have charmed fans around the world include:
Cole and Marmalade – This pair of adorable grey brothers have over 2 million YouTube subscribers tuning in to watch their antics. Cole’s blue-grey fur and Marmalade’s orange coat make a perfect pair.
Cinderblock – An obese grey cat put on a diet captured hearts with videos of her underwater treadmill weight loss journey. Her grumpy determination during workouts made her a viral chonky cat.
Karl Lagerfeld’s Choupette – This famous Birman was the pampered pet of fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld and inherited part of his fortune. She has enjoyed the lavish lifestyle of a superstar grey cat.
Sylvester – The Looney Tunes cartoon character constantly tried to catch Tweety bird. Generations have laughed at this grey animated cat’s clumsy antics.
Church – A grey cat adopted by author Stephen King. Church served as the model for the killer cat “Pet Sematary” in the book of the same name.
These cats and many more have shown the appeal of grey kitties. From their beautiful coats to their charming personalities, it’s easy to see why grey cats capture so much affection.
Conclusion
Grey cats make delightful pets for the right owners. Their stunning coats grab attention with gorgeous silver, blue and grey hues. While not completely hypoallergenic, some people with allergies find grey cats more tolerable.
Smart, active breeds like Russian Blues form close bonds and playful kittens keep you entertained for hours. Just be sure to adopt from responsible sources to get a healthy, well-socialized grey cat. Provide excellent lifetime care and enjoy their beauty, companionship and amusing antics for years to come.