Determining the breed of a bicolor cat can be tricky since many different breeds can have bicolor coats. Bicolor simply refers to a coat pattern that is two colors, often with white being one of the colors. To identify the likely breeds of your bicolor cat, there are some steps you can take to narrow it down.
Look at the Cat’s Build and Facial Features
The overall body type and structure of a cat can provide clues to its breed. Here are some things to look for:
- Size – Is your cat small, medium or large? Some breeds like Siamese tend to be lighter and dainty while Maine Coons are much larger.
- Head Shape – Does your cat have a rounded head like a Persian or a more wedge-shaped head like a Siamese? Ear placement also differs among breeds.
- Facial Features – The shape and color of eyes, nose and muzzle can indicate breed. For example, Siamese typically have bright blue eyes and elongated muzzles.
- Tail – The tail length and shape varies. For instance, Manx cats have shortened tails.
- Coat Length – Short, medium or long coat? The coat can signify breeds like the Rex cats with curly coats.
Making notes about your cat’s overall appearance can help match it to characteristics of certain breeds.
Identify Coat Colors and Patterns
The specific colors and patterns in your cat’s bicolor coat are useful clues for identifying breed possibilities. Here are some of the most common bicolor combinations:
- Black and White – This striking contrast is seen in breeds like Turkish Vans and tuxedo cats.
- Orange and White – The bright orange tabby patches stand out on the white background. Commonly seen in American Shorthairs and Maine Coons.
- Gray and White – From pale silver to dark charcoal grey offset by white, as seen in British Shorthairs.
- Brown and White – Rich chocolate brown and white markings as found in Havana Browns.
- Dilute Colors – Soft pastel versions of black, orange, brown, etc. combined with white like lilac and white. Often seen in Persian-derived breeds.
Sometimes the amount of white vs colored fur can indicate breed too. For example, Turkish Vans usually have mostly white with colored patches while tuxedo cats have more equal amounts of black and white.
Research Breed Backgrounds
Beyond physical appearance, the breed origins and background can provide more clues about your bicolor cat. Here are some interesting breed facts that relate to bicolor coats:
- Turkish Vans – This ancient breed originating in Turkey is known for its signature color pattern of vanilla and red patches on mostly white fur. They frequently have bicolor coats.
- American Shorthairs – Bicolor coats are common in this all-American breed that descends from early British cats. Black and white is a signature color seen in many American Shorthairs.
- Maine Coons – Native to Maine, these gentle giants come in many colors and patterns including black and white bicolors with lush, shaggy coats.
- Japanese Bobtails – In this Asian breed, mi-ke (tri-color) coats featuring white, black, and orange are popular and considered lucky.
- Calicos – While not exactly bicolored, calico coats contain distinct black, orange, and white patches in a uniquely feminine tri-colored pattern.
There are many more cat breeds that can have bicolor coats beyond this short list. Investigating breed standards and histories can provide more information about which breeds are likely to produce bicolor fur patterns.
Have Your Vet Examine Your Cat
Consulting with your veterinarian is smart when trying to identify your cat’s breed, especially if adopted with an unknown history. Your vet can:
- Confirm whether your cat is a purebred or mixed breed based on examination.
- Look for breed-specific traits and features that provide clues.
- Potentially order DNA testing to pinpoint parent breeds if mixed.
- Provide guidance on health-related breed concerns to watch for.
- Offer documentation for proof of breed if needed for cat competitions or breeding.
Your vet has extensive training in cat breed identification and characteristics, so their input can greatly help determine possibilities for your bicolor cat’s ancestry and background.
Consider DNA Breed Testing
For the most definitive breed identification, DNA testing is available to pinpoint your cat’s genetic lineage. Here’s an overview of cat DNA breed tests:
| DNA Test | What It Tests | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basepaws Breed + Health DNA Test | 90+ cat breeds + common health conditions | $149 |
| Wisdom Panel Mixed Breed Identification | 250+ cat breeds, types, populations | $99 |
| Optimal Selection Breed + Disease Test | 71 breeds + genetic diseases | $125 |
DNA tests work by analyzing your cat’s genetic code against known breed marker profiles in a database. Look for kits that test for the widest range of potential breeds to get the most accurate result.
While expensive, DNA testing can pinpoint breed makeup from even small percentages of ancestry. For rescued cats of uncertain origin, it can provide fascinating insight into their genetic background.
Consider Cat Registry Pedigree Tracking
If you have an official pedigree proving your cat’s purebred status, check breed registries that may have your cat in their databases. For example:
- The Cat Fanciers’ Association – One of the world’s largest cat registries, representing over 40 breeds.
- International Cat Association – Registers over 55 breeds including some not in other databases.
- Governing Council of the Cat Fancy – The UK’s primary cat registry, with extensive breed history records.
Searching these databases can connect your cat to its documented ancestry and confirm its breed purity. Having an officially registered pedigree also makes your cat more valuable for breeding or cat shows.
Conclusion
Identifying the breed of bicolor cats can take some detective work, but strategies like examining physical features, researching breed backgrounds, consulting your vet, taking DNA tests and checking registry pedigrees can all help narrow down the possibilities. With due diligence, you can determine the likely breeds in your captivating bicolor cat’s ancestry.
The journey of discovering your cat’s origins can be an exciting adventure strengthening your bond. And no matter the breed mix, you can be sure that your one-of-a-kind bicolor cat is a special member of your family.
