Cats come in a huge variety of colors and patterns. While some cat colors like orange, black, and grey tabby are quite common, others are much rarer. Determining the rarest cat color combinations takes some research into feline genetics and surveying different cat breeds. Typically, the rarest colors are caused by unique gene mutations that produce unusual pigmentation. Purebred cats tend to exhibit more unique colors since their limited gene pools concentrate rare alleles. Crossbreeding can also produce unusual cat colors not seen in pure breeds. After examining cat genetics and surveying cat colors, lavender tortoiseshell pointed Siamese cats appear to be one of the rarest color combinations.
How Cat Coat Colors Are Determined
Cats inherit their coat colors and patterns from their parents through their genes. Cat coat colors are determined by:
- The B gene – Controls black and brown pigment
- The D gene – Controls dilution of pigment
- The O gene – Controls reddish pigment
- The A gene – Controls distribution of pigment on hair shaft
- The S gene – Controls white spotting
Versions of these genes are passed on from parents that interact to produce different coat colors. For example, black is produced by bb homozygous genes, while OO produces red pigment. Rare colors occur when unusual versions of these genes are inherited.
Common Cat Coat Colors
Before looking at rare colors, it helps to establish what the most common cat coat colors are:
| Coat Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Black | Solid black colored fur |
| Orange | Solid red, ginger, or marmalade fur |
| Grey tabby | Striped grey fur with black stripes |
| Brown tabby | Striped brown fur with black stripes |
| Tortoiseshell | Patchwork of red, brown, and black |
| Calico | Patchwork of red, brown, and black with white |
These coat patterns frequently appear in random bred domestic cats. Specific breeds are also associated with some of the common colors like orange in Persian cats or grey in British Shorthairs. However, these widespread colors don’t qualify as rare.
Rare Cat Coat Colors
Less common versions of cat coat colors arise from genetic mutations. Here are some examples of rare cat colors:
| Rare Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Lilac | Light greyish lavender fur |
| Fawn | Light brownish grey fur |
| Chocolate | Rich brown fur |
| Cinnamon | Warm light brown fur |
| Blue | Grey colored fur |
| Cream | Very pale solid colored fur |
| Apricot | Dilute orange fur |
These unusual colors appear in certain breeds more often, but are still considered rare compared to common cat colors.
Rarest Cat Breeds
Some specific cat breeds exhibit very rare coat colors. These include:
- Tonkinese – Natural mink color is a rare, warm light brown.
- Russian Blue – Their signature grey blue coat is quite rare.
- Burmese – The champagne color is exceptionally rare in Burmese cats.
- Himalayan – Lilac point and chocolate point coats are rare.
- Ragdoll – The lilac and chocolate colors are not often seen.
- Bengal – The snow Bengal has a rare white to very pale brown coat.
- Sphynx – Rare colors include various dilution colors like lavender.
These breeds have concentrated the unusual dilute or pigment genes that produce these rare coat shades.
Rare Cat Coat Patterns
In additional to rare colors, certain feline coat patterns are also exceptionally uncommon. Examples include:
- Tortoiseshell Tomcats – Extremely rare due to sex-linked coat color genetics.
- Brindling – Tiger-like striping most commonly seen in hybrid Bengal cats.
- Chimera – Multiple coat colors due to absorption of sibling genes in utero.
- Piebald – Large white spotting covering majority of body.
- Speckled Cat – Small flecks of color on white base, like a Appaloosa horse.
These unusual patterns stir up interest among cat enthusiasts due to their rarity. However, many come from random genetic mutations that can’t be selectively bred.
Pointed Cat Patterns
Cats with a pointed pattern have darker extremities and a paler body. The Siamese and Himalayan breeds exhibit this pattern in seal, chocolate, blue, and lilac colors. While not guaranteeing a rare color, the pointed pattern allows for expression of rare dilute colors.
The Rarest Cat – Lavender Tortoiseshell Point Siamese
After reviewing rare cat colors and patterns, the lavender tortoiseshell pointed Siamese appears to be the rarest combination:
- The lavender coat color is exceptionally rare in itself.
- Tortoiseshell coat pattern is rare, especially in male cats.
- The pointed Siamese patterning allows lavender dilution to be expressed.
- All three rare elements intersecting in one cat makes this very uncommon.
Pictures of lavender tortoiseshell pointed Siamese cats are nearly impossible to find. Breeders may go years without seeing this unique color and pattern combination. The many rare genetic factors required makes this likely the rarest cat color combination.
Conclusion
While many cats have common coat colors like black or tabby, unusual colors arise due to rare genetic mutations and selective breeding. The rarest of these include lilac, chocolate, cinnamon, and other dilutions. When combined with rare patterns like tortoiseshell, piebald, or pointed Siamese, the result can be exceptionally unique cats. Of all possible combinations, the lavender tortoiseshell pointed Siamese appears to be the rarest cat color pattern in existence. Specialized cat breeders may search many years to produce cats expressing this one-of-a-kind coloration. However, part of the appeal and mystique of cats lies in their diverse and stunning range of possible fur colors and patterns.
