Cats come in a variety of colors and patterns, from solid black to tabby to calico. Three of the most common coat colors in domestic cats are black, white, and brown. These cats belong to different breeds, some purebred and others mixed. To determine what breed a black, white or brown cat likely is, it’s helpful to understand the genetics behind feline coat colors and patterns and how they relate to specific breeds.
Genetics of Coat Color
There are two genes that play a major role in determining a cat’s coat color – the agouti gene and the color gene. The agouti gene controls whether the coat is solid or tabby patterned. The color gene controls whether the coat is orange, brown or black. Various versions of these genes lead to the many coat patterns and colors we see in cats.
Solid black coats are caused by a recessive gene called “non-agouti.” Cats with two copies of this gene will have black pigment distributed evenly over their body, resulting in a solid black coat. The non-agouti gene turns off the tabby pattern that would otherwise be present.
White coats are caused by a gene that prevents the development of skin pigment. With no pigment, the coat grows in completely white. Solid white coats can also result from a gene that causes extreme piebald spotting, where color is limited to the head and sometimes the tail.
Brown tabby cats have at least one copy of the agouti gene, which leads to the characteristic tiger-striped pattern. The brown color is controlled by a recessive version of the color gene. Orange tabby cats have two copies of the orange color gene.
Breeds of Black Cats
Several cat breeds are known for their solid black coats:
Bombay – This breed was developed in the 1950s to resemble the black leopard of India. Bombay cats have a distinctive short, sleek, panther-like coat. Their eyes are copper or gold. Bombay cats are social, active and intelligent.
Oriental – The Oriental breed includes solid black cats as well as other colors and patterns. Orientals have a slender, elegant body type and a short, sleek, close-lying coat. Their personality is lively, intelligent and social.
Sphynx – While known for their lack of fur, black Sphynx cats have black skin pigment that gives them a solid black appearance. Sphynx are athletic, friendly cats with extroverted personalities.
British Shorthair – British Shorthairs are medium-sized muscular cats with round heads and eyes. Their coat is dense and plush. Black British Shorthairs have vivid, jet black coats.
Japanese Bobtail – This ancient Asian breed often has solid black or bi-color coats. They have a distinctive pom-pom tail. Japanese Bobtails are intelligent, agile and loving companions.
Breeds of White Cats
Several breeds are known for producing cats with pure white coats:
Turkish Angora – Elegant, long-haired Turkish Angoras frequently have striking solid white coats. They are active, playful and affectionate cats.
Persian – The Persian’s long, lush coat comes in many colors including pure white. White Persians have brilliant blue or copper eyes. Persians have an easy-going personality.
British Shorthair – In addition to black, British Shorthairs also come in pure white with their characteristically plush coats.
Sphynx – Hairless Sphynx cats can have white skin pigment, resulting in a white appearance.
Cornish Rex – The thin, wavy coat of the Cornish Rex lends itself well to a bright white color. This breed is active and mischievous.
American Curl – With ears curled back, American Curls have a unique look. Their coat comes in many colors and patterns including white.
Breeds of Brown Tabby Cats
Many breeds exhibit the classic brown tabby pattern:
Maine Coon – Known for their large size, Maine Coon cats often have robust brown tabby coats. Their personality matches their size – outgoing, intelligent and friendly.
Abyssinian – Resembling cougars, Abyssinians are medium-sized cats with distinctly ticked brown tabby fur. They are active and playful.
Bengal – Bengals have exotic spotted or marbled coats, often in a brown tabby pattern. They are confident, energetic and require interactive owners.
American Shorthair – One of America’s native breeds, the American Shorthair is a medium-sized cat with a short dense coat that comes in brown tabby.
Somali – The long-haired version of the Abyssinian, the Somali also sports the regal brown ticked tabby coat of its forebearer.
Siberian – Hailing from Russia, the Siberian has a thick triple coat adapted for the cold. Brown tabby is a common pattern in this breed.
Mixed Breed Cats
Many black, white and brown cats are mixed breeds, meaning they have an unknown genetic makeup. With random breeding over generations, solid black coats, solid white coats, and brown tabby pattern can occur in mixed breed cats. Some clues to possible ancestral breeds can be gathered from observing body and head shape along with coat length and texture. But for cats of unknown origin, their breed ancestry often remains a mystery.
Rare Coat Colors
While black, white and brown are common, some unusual colors and patterns can occur in cats:
– Chocolate – A dilution of black pigment resulting in a warm milk chocolate color.
– Cinnamon – A dilution of brown tabby pattern to a lighter tan.
– Lilac – A pale, silvery version of chocolate caused by dilution genes.
– Fawn – Dilution of cinnamon to a pale pinkish-beige.
– Point – Siamese-type pattern with color limited to face, ears, legs and tail.
– Tortoiseshell – Patchwork pattern of intermingled orange and black.
– Calico – White with distinct patches of orange and black.
Conclusion
Black, white and brown cats encompass many different breeds in various patterns and shades. From the sleek, panther-like Bombay to the massive Maine Coon; from the elegant Turkish Angora to the energetic Bengal – cats demonstrate amazing diversity in the cat family. Coat color provides clues, but does not give definite answers about a cat’s ancestry. Mixed breeds exhibit endless variations. While common, black, white and brown only scratch the surface of feline coat color genetics. The hundreds of breeds and colors of cats reflect their unique beauty and charm.