Sphynx cats are known for their distinctive hairless appearance. While many have a more common solid color, some Sphynx cats exhibit rare and unique coat colors and patterns. These rare colors are a result of genetic variations and can be highly prized in the Sphynx cat breed. Some of the rarest colors include lilac, chocolate, blue, pointed, and patterned variations like tortoiseshell. Understanding the genetics behind these rare coat types can help Sphynx cat owners and breeders better predict varieties in kittens. Additionally, proper breeding is required to develop more vibrant hues while maintaining health.
Genetic Explanations for Rare Sphynx Cat Colors
At the most basic genetic level, there are two genes that control the primary colors in cat coats:
| Gene | Alleles |
| B (Brown) | Black (B) / Chocolate (b) |
| D (Dilute) | Full color (D) / Dilute (d) |
The alleles inherited at these two gene locations determine the base color. For example, the genotypes BBDD and BBDd result in a black cat. bbDD gives a chocolate or cinnamon cat. Adding in genes for white spotting, red, and tabby patterns increases the potential variation. It is through genetic mutations at these two main pigment genes that rare colors arise in Sphynx cats.
Rare Solid Color Sphynx Cats
Here are explanations of some of the rarest solid or self-colored Sphynx cat varieties:
Lilac – Lilac Sphynx have a distinctive pale lavender or pinkish grey hue. This dilute version of chocolate coloring results from the genetic combination bbdd. It is one of the rarest genotype combinations.
Chocolate – As mentioned, chocolate or cinnamon Sphynx (bbDD genotype) have a warm brown tone. While more common than lilac, chocolate is still a highly desired color.
Blue – The blue coat is a dilute version of black that produces a distinct grey. It comes from the genetic combination BBdd. Blue Sphynx are darker than the lilac tone.
Fawn – Also referred to as champagne, fawn Sphynx exhibit a warm golden beige or tan color. It is believed to be a variation of chocolate and lilac dilute genetics.
Pointed – Pointed Sphynx have a pale body with darker brown coloring concentrated at the extremities (face, ears, legs, tail, testicles). This Himalayan pattern results from the colorpoint gene.
While not as rare, red and cream Sphynx cats also stand out from the more common black and blue-grey varieties. Selective breeding continues to develop more saturated versions of these colors.
Rare Patterned Sphynx Cats
Unique coat patterns can also occasionally arise in Sphynx cats:
Tortoiseshell – Also called tortie, this mottled patchwork of red and black arises from a genetic chimera of two genotypes. It occurs almost exclusively in females.
Calico – Similar to tortoiseshell with large white spotting. The white is caused by the dominant W gene. Calico is also nearly entirely female.
Tabby – Striped, spotted, or swirled tabby patterns can appear in Sphynx cats. These result from the agouti gene. They are seen in many color combinations.
Bi-color – Solid white spotting gives a bi-color or harlequin appearance. Like calicos, the piebald pattern requires the white spotting gene.
Shaded/Smoke – Subtle gradations in color, with lighter undercoats and darker overlay coat tips. Caused by the inhibitor gene interacting with other coat color genetics.
While not true Sphynx cats due to their thin fur coat, Devon and Cornish Rex cats can display similar rare coloring due to related genetics. These patterns can be introduced into hairless Sphynx breeding programs to increase variety.
Breeding for Rare Sphynx Cat Colors
Ethical breeding practices should always be followed when selecting Sphynx cats for rare colors. Breeders should health test all cats before mating. Kittens should also be screened for health defects common in the hairless breed like heart disease. Dilute colors in particular have been associated with higher rates of health problems.
To develop more vibrant tones, saturated shades can be bred together. For example, breeding blue to blue will improve richness compared to blue bred to black. However, excessive inbreeding can have detrimental effects. Outcrossing to share desired genes between different lineages is important.
As hairlessness is still the primary selection criteria, this trait must remain stable when rare colors are introduced. Hairless to hairless breedings are ideal. Fully coated carriers may be utilized but hairless kittens should be selected. To increase hairlessness rates, breeders often cross Sphynx to other Rex breeds like the Devon Rex. Kittens are screened for morphology and only those meeting the Sphynx standard chosen.
With careful genetic selection, health testing, and outcrossing, responsible breeding programs can increase the diversity of colors in Sphynx cats while still upholding the breed standard. This allows fanciers access to these rare varieties that add to the appeal of the unique Sphynx.
Conclusion
Rare coat colors arise in Sphynx cats due to genetic mutations like dilution and colorpoint genes interacting with the standard black and red pigments. Variations can produce lilac, chocolate, blue, pointed, shaded, calico, and tortoiseshell Sphynx cats. Responsible breeding selections for both color and health are necessary to develop more vibrant hues in these rare coat types. When cared for properly, rare colored Sphynx cats can make exotic and prized additions to any cat lover’s home.
