Many cat breeds display a range of coat colors and patterns. This is due to selective breeding by humans over centuries that has resulted in a wide variety of fur colors and patterns in domestic cats. Some cat breeds are known for having multiple possible coat colors and patterns within the breed. The most well-known breeds that exhibit a range of colors and patterns include the Turkish Van, Japanese Bobtail, American Curl, Turkish Angora, and Siamese.
Breeds with Multiple Coat Colors
Turkish Van
The Turkish Van is an ancient cat breed originating from the Lake Van region of Turkey. They are known for their fondness of water and swimming. Turkish Vans display a range of coat colors and patterns. The most common patterns are:
– Solid white with color restricted to the tail and head. The body is all white.
– Colorpoint. The body is white while the extremities are colored.
– Van pattern. White body with large colored patches on the head and tail.
The Turkish Van can have the following coat colors:
– Red
– Cream
– Black
– Blue
– Brown tabby
– Blue tabby
The most prized and popular Turkish Van coat pattern is the Van pattern with red or cream as the colored patches.
Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese Bobtail is a breed originating from Japan with a distinctive short, bobbed tail. Japanese Bobtails come in a wide variety of colors:
– White
– Black
– Red
– Cream
– Chocolate
– Lilac
– Blue
– Brown tabby
– Blue tabby
– Cream tabby
– Silver tabby
– Cameo tabby
– Tortoiseshell
– Calico
They can also have various patterns such as solid, bicolor, tricolor, tabby, ticked tabby, spotted, and mackerel tabby. The Japanese Bobtail is known for its diverse coat colors and patterns.
American Curl
The American Curl is a breed that originated in California in 1981. They are named for their unique curled back ears. American Curls exhibit a range of coat lengths and colors:
Coat lengths:
– Shorthair
– Longhair
Coat colors:
– White
– Black
– Blue
– Red
– Cream
– Chocolate
– Lilac
– Silver
– Brown tabby
– Blue tabby
– Cream tabby
– Tortoiseshell
– Calico
– Bicolor
American Curls can have various patterns including solid, tabby, ticked tabby, spotted, and mackerel tabby in all the coat color variations.
Turkish Angora
The Turkish Angora is an ancient natural breed from the Ankara region of Turkey. They are elegant cats with long, silky coats that come in many colors:
– White
– Black
– Blue
– Red
– Cream
– Chocolate
– Lilac
– Brown tabby
– Blue tabby
– Silver tabby
– Cameo tabby
– Tortoiseshell
– Calico
The Turkish Angora can have solid color, tabby patterns, tortoiseshell, or calico coat patterns.
Siamese
The Siamese is one of the first distinctly recognized breeds of Asian cat. Siamese cats are known for their distinctive colorpoints. The cat has a light colored body with darker colors restricted to the extremities including the face, ears, legs, and tail. Siamese come in these colorpoint variations:
– Seal point – Dark brown points with cream body
– Chocolate point – Warm brown points with ivory body
– Blue point – Gray points with a bluish white body
– Lilac point – Frosty gray points with a pinkish white body
– Red point – Orange points with a creamy white body
– Cream point – Cream points with a pale white body
– Tortie point – Mottled red and cream points with a cream body
– Blue-cream point – Blue gray and cream points with bluish white body
– Chocolate-tortie point – Chocolate and red points with ivory body
– Lilac-cream point – Lilac and cream points with pinkish white body
The Siamese is recognized for its range of pointed coat colors.
Genetics of Coat Color
Cats display such a diversity of coat colors and patterns because they have a complex underlying genetic code that controls the production of pigments and distribution of color in the fur. Here are some of the key genetic loci that control feline coat color:
O locus – This locus has variants that code for the colors orange and black/brown. The orange allele is incompletely dominant over non-orange.
B locus – This locus controls the production of black/brown pigment. The dominant B allele produces black pigment. The recessive b allele produces little to no black pigment.
D locus – The mutant d allele at this locus causes density of color to be diluted, resulting in colors like blue, lilac, and fawn. The D allele produces normal color density.
A locus – This locus determines whether or not the tabby pattern is expressed. The recessive a allele suppresses pattern and produces a solid coat.
S locus – This locus controls the white spotting pattern. The dominant S allele produces solid color. The s allele produces white spotting and masking of color.
W locus – The dominant W allele produces a solid white coat. The recessive w allele allows normal coat color production.
Through selective breeding, humans have combined variants at these loci to produce the array of coat colors seen in cats today. Breeds like the Turkish Van, Japanese Bobtail, and Siamese have become associated with producing diverse colors.
Breed Registries and Allowed Colors
While some cat breeds exhibit many coat colors, specific registries and breeding associations often limit the colors and patterns allowed within their breed standards.
For example, the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) breed standards only allow the following colors in these breeds:
Turkish Van:
– White with colored patches (“Van” pattern)
– Solid white
– Solid black
– Solid blue
– Solid cream
– Solid red
Japanese Bobtail:
– White
– Black
– Blue
– Red
– Cream
– Chocolate
– Lilac
– Brown tabby
– Blue tabby
Siamese:
– Seal point
– Blue point
– Chocolate point
– Lilac point
So while these breeds genetically carry variants for many more potential colors, cat registries selectively limit acceptable colors for showing and breeding purposes. However, non-purebred domestic cats of these breeds commonly exhibit additional colors.
Health and Care Considerations
Coat color generally does not affect a cat’s health or care needs significantly. However, there are a few considerations for certain colors:
– White cats – Increased risk of deafness and skin cancer. Should have limited sun exposure.
– Pointed cats – Can be prone to crossed eyes or tear-staining around the eyes.
– Blue and lilac cats – Dilute colors are linked to skin issues. Need diligent grooming and nutrition.
– Tortoiseshells – Most are female due to sex-linked genetic factors. Tend to have distinct personalities.
Overall, coat color does not dictate the general health of a cat. Proper veterinary care, grooming, nutrition, and attention to skin and eye issues are important regardless of fur color.
Acquiring a Multicolored Cat
If you are looking to acquire a cat that has multiple colors in its fur, consider the following options:
– Adopt a mixed breed domestic cat from a local shelter or rescue. These often have striking and unique coats.
– Look for particular breeds like the Turkish Van, Japanese Bobtail, or American Curl from reputable breeders.
– Search cat breed rescues for the breed you are interested in.
– Check with pet stores or buyers selling non-purebred kittens of the desired breeds.
– Examine classified ads from people rehoming cats of these breeds.
Be sure to use responsible and ethical sources. Inspect health and living conditions carefully before acquiring the cat. Budget for lifetime costs of food, veterinary care, grooming, and other expenses.
Fun Facts About Multicolored Cat Breeds
– The Turkish Van is nicknamed the “swimming cat” for its love of water. Its multi-colored coat is water resistant.
– Multicolored Japanese Bobtails are considered good luck in Japan. They were owned by Japanese nobility and important merchants.
– Many American Curls can get skin cancer on their ears due to lack of hair and sun exposure. Their curled ears also put them at risk of frostbite in winter.
– The Turkish Angora was introduced to France in the 1600s and became popular after being a favored breed of Marie Antoinette.
– Siamese cats were first exported from Siam/Thailand to England in the late 1800s. Their pointed coat coloration became their signature look.
Conclusion
Many pedigree cat breeds exhibit a range of coat colors and patterns due to selective breeding over centuries. Breeds like the Turkish Van, Japanese Bobtail, American Curl, Turkish Angora, and Siamese are specifically known for their diverse coat colors. While genetics cause this multiplicity in fur colors, cat registries often limit acceptable colors for showing and breeding purposes. Overall, coat color itself does not affect cat health or care significantly. With proper selection from ethical sources, multicolored cat breeds can make marvelous additions to any home.
