The lilac coat color in cats refers to a pale, muted lavender shade with a pinkish tone. While any breed of cat can potentially have a lilac coat, it tends to be most commonly associated with the Siamese and Persian breeds. The lilac coat is the result of a dilution gene that causes the pigment in the fur to be expressed in a lighter version of the base color. Understanding the genetics behind lilac cats can help breeders produce this sought-after cat coat color.
What Causes the Lilac Coat Color in Cats?
The lilac coat color in cats is produced by a genetic variation that dilutes black pigment into a lighter lavender shade. Here is an overview of how this coat color is created genetically:
- The pigment that produces black fur is called eumelanin. The gene responsible for eumelanin production is the E/e gene.
- The dominant E allele produces normal, rich black pigment while the recessive e allele dilutes black pigment into a gray or light beige shade.
- In order for a cat to have lilac fur, it must inherit two copies of the recessive e allele (e/e genotype).
- This causes the eumelanin pigment to dilute into a lighter lavender-pink shade known as lilac.
So in summary, a lilac coat requires two copies of the recessive dilution allele (e) in order to dilute the eumelanin pigment from black to lilac. This is what gives lilac cats their distinctive light purpleish-pinkish fur.
Breeds Associated with Lilac Coats
While any breed can have lilac-colored fur, it tends to be most prevalent in the Siamese and Persian breeds. Here are some details on lilac coats in these cat breeds:
Siamese
Lilac is an accepted show color in the Siamese breed. Since Siamese have a naturally light-colored coat biased towards albinism, the lilac dilution is easily expressed. When combined with the Siamese point-color pattern, a lilac Siamese will have:
- Light lavender-pink fur on the body, face, legs, and tail
- Frosty grayish-pink coloring on the “points” – the ears, face mask, paws, and tail
This effect of lighter body fur with frosty-toned points is very striking and prized in the show ring.
Persian
In Persian cats, the lilac coat produces a pale silvery-lavender fur color over the entire body. Persian cats tend to have very long, dense coats which allows the lilac color to stand out beautifully. Lilac Persians have vivid green eyes. They make especially stunning show cats when paired with other dilute colors like chocolate and platinum.
Other Cat Breeds with Lilac Coats
While Siamese and Persians are most iconic for the lilac coat, other breeds may feature it as well. Here are some other cat breeds that can come in lilac:
| Breed | Appearance of Lilac Coat |
|---|---|
| British Shorthair | Rich lavender fur on entire body |
| Ragdoll | Lighter lilac coloration on body with frosted pink points |
| Birman | Soft lilac points with white paws and body |
| Exotic Shorthair | Plush lavender fur all over |
| Burmese | Slate gray lilac fur |
| Tonkinese | Muted lavender-beige coat |
| Sphynx | Pinkish-grey skin visible |
As you can see, many pedigree cat breeds allow and recognize lilac as a show color. It provides a beautiful, distinctive look.
Genetics Behind the Lilac Coat
Now that we’ve covered which cat breeds exhibit the lilac coat, let’s take a closer look at the genetics behind this fur color.
There are two key genetic components:
1. The Dilution Gene
As mentioned earlier, the dilution gene responsible for lilac coats is the recessive e allele of the E/e gene:
- E = normal, full-color expression of pigment
- e = dilutes pigment into a lighter shade
Since lilac requires two copies of this dilution allele, a lilac cat must inherit e/e.
2. The Color Gene
In addition to having two recessive e alleles, a lilac cat must also inherit recessive b alleles on the separate B/b color gene:
- B = allows full expression of black pigment
- b = inhibits black pigment, producing shades of brown
This bb genotype prevents the base coat from defaulting to black, allowing the dilute e/e genotype to express as lilac rather than the dilute blue.
Summary of Genotype
Putting together the Dilution (E/e) and Color (B/b) genes, a lilac cat will have the following genetic makeup:
- E/E or E/e = normal pigment density
- e/e = dilute pigment
- B/B or B/b = allows black pigment
- b/b = inhibits black pigment
So the full genotype of a lilac cat is: e/e, b/b
This combination results in the black fur pigment being diluted into the lovely lilac shade.
Lilac Cat Registration Codes
Different cat breed registries use specific registration codes to designate a lilac cat’s coloring. Here are some common lilac codes:
| Registry | Lilac Code |
|---|---|
| TICA (The International Cat Association) | Clearly Lilac |
| CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) | Lilac Cream |
| GCCF (Governing Council of the Cat Fancy) | Lilac |
| FIFE (International Federation of Felinology) | lil |
| ACF (Australian Cat Federation) | Lilac |
These codes will appear on pedigrees and registration documents to identify a lilac cat’s coloring.
Lilac Cat Temperament
Aside from their stunning coats, lilac cats tend to share some similarities in temperament:
- Intelligent – Their active brains need stimulation and play.
- Curious and energetic – They explore their surroundings eagerly.
- Affectionate – Lilac cats bond very closely with their families.
- Somewhat vocal – Communicative with owners using chirps and meows.
- Good with children and other pets when socialized young.
Of course, each cat will have their own unique personality. But in general, lilac cats make wonderfully lively, devoted companions when provided with proper care, activity, and lots of love.
Grooming and Care of Lilac Cats
While low-maintenance in general, lilac cats have some special grooming and care needs:
Grooming
- Brush frequently with a stainless steel comb to remove dead hairs.
- Bath only when necessary using a gentle cat shampoo.
- Trim nails regularly to prevent scratches.
- Check and clean ears periodically.
- Wipe eyes daily to prevent staining.
Health
- Dilated cardiomyopathy and joint problems are concerns in some lines.
- Reputable breeders will screen for genetic diseases.
- Get recommended kitten and annual vet checkups.
- Spay/neuter at around 6 months old.
- Feed a high-quality diet specific to their life stage.
- Provide appropriate preventatives like flea, tick and worm treatments.
With proper care and early health screening, lilac cats can live a long, healthy, and active life!
Origin of Lilac Cats
The lilac coat originated as a natural genetic mutation in domestic cat populations, likely arising in Britain. Early appearances of lilac coats were documented in the late 1890s. While random lilac kittens appeared in litters, the color was not yet an established breed trait.
Starting in the 1930s, cat breeders began actively working to develop lilac lines in Siamese and Persian cats. By selectively breeding lilac-producing catteries and pooling resources, they were able to intentionally produce the color more consistently.
Through dedicated breeding programs over several decades, they succeeded in establishing lilac as an approved breed color. Today lilacs are bred and shown in pedigreed cat breeds across the world.
Availability of Lilac Kittens
For those interested in adding one of these exquisite kittens to their home, lilac cats can be found through:
- Specialty breeders of Siamese, Persians, or other lilac-point breeds
- Cat shows, where lilac breeders and kittens may be present
- Cat fancy organizations like TICA that can connect you with regional lilac breeders
- Pet adoption websites, shelters, or rescue organizations
Since lilac cats are still relatively uncommon, expect prices from respectable breeders to be in the $800+ range. Adopted adult lilacs may have lower fees.
Be sure to research breeders carefully, ask questions, and visit their cattery if possible. Select for health, temperament and ethics over color alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are lilac cats hypoallergenic?
No, lilac cats are not hypoallergenic. No cat breed is truly hypoallergenic as all cats produce allergens like dander, saliva, and urine. However, some find lilac cats and other breeds with lower shedding coats like the Sphynx may provoke less allergic reaction.
Are all lilac cats deaf?
No. Deafness is often associated with pure white cats, not lilacs. However, some cat bloodlines with the lilac dilution gene have been prone to deafness genetically. Responsible lilac breeders will test kittens for deafness before placing pets.
How rare are lilac cats?
Lilac cats are one of the rarer cat coat colors but are growing in popularity. Less than 1% of cats are lilac. However, intentional outcrossing by breeders is increasing lilac cat numbers. They are still not common but are easier to find than in decades past.
Conclusion
The lilac coat is a distinctive dilute shade associated with breeds like the Siamese and Persian. Produced by a recessive genetic mutation, it lightens black pigment into a lavender-pink color. Lilac cats need special care to maintain their coats. While still quite rare, they can make marvelous additions for the right owner. With their captivating coats and charming personalities, lilac felines have secured a prized place among pedigreed cat breeds and cat lovers alike.