There are a few different cat breeds that can have a tan coat and blue eyes. The most common breeds are the Bengal, Bombay, and British Shorthair. Tan coats with blue eyes are considered rare and desirable in cats, as the combination is quite striking and beautiful. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at these three cat breeds and discuss their history, physical features, temperament, and how they end up with tan fur and blue eyes.
Bengal Cat
The Bengal cat is a relatively new hybrid breed that was developed by crossing domestic cats with Asian leopard cats in the 1960s and 70s. They first appeared in the United States in the early 1980s and have grown in popularity due to their exotic appearance.
History
The earliest ancestors of the Bengal breed originated in Southeast Asia, where Asian leopard cats were crossed with domestic shorthairs. This was done to try and breed a cat with the exotic look of a wild cat but the temperament of a house cat. Bengal breeders continued crossing Asian leopard cats with Egyptian Maus, Abyssinians, and domestic shorthairs over multiple generations to achieve the desired appearance and personality.
Appearance
Bengals have very distinctive markings that make them look like miniature leopards or tigers. Their coats feature spots, rosettes, and swirled patterns in various shades of tan, brown, gold, and orange. Their eyes are usually a vivid aqua, blue, or green color. Bengals have long, muscular bodies with slightly rounded ears. They typically weigh 8-15 pounds.
Temperament
Despite their wild looks, Bengal cats have playful, friendly personalities when bred properly. They are highly intelligent, energetic, and require a good amount of stimulation and interaction. Bengal cats love climbing, jumping, toys, and games. They enjoy being around people and are often quite vocal. With early socialization and training, they make wonderful family pets.
Tan Coat and Blue Eyes
The tan or golden coat coloring comes from the Asian leopard cat ancestry. The vivid blue or aqua eye color is a trait that originated from crossing in the domestic cat breeds. The combination of the tan/gold spotted fur and deep blue eyes creates the Bengal’s exotic appearance. Not all Bengals will have this particular coloring, but those that do are especially striking.
Bombay Cat
The Bombay breed was developed in the 1950s in Louisville, Kentucky by crossing Burmese with black American Shorthairs. They are known as a “patent leather” cat due to their sleek, jet black coats. Occasionally, Bombay kittens are born with tan coats and blue eyes instead.
History
In 1958, a breeder named Nikki Horner noticed a female black American Shorthair give birth to a black kitten with copper eyes. She decided to try breeding that black kitten to a Burmese to develop a new breed of cat with a distinctive black coat. After perfecting the breed over several years, Nikki Horner named it after the exotic city of Bombay, India. The Bombay breed was recognized by cat registries in 1970.
Appearance
Bombay cats should have a black coat from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail. The fur should be short, satiny, and close-lying to show off the contours of their slender bodies. Their eyes are typically gold or copper in color. Occasionally, kittens are born with tan fur and blue eyes instead of solid black coats. These off-color kittens are not qualified to be show cats but make lovely pets.
Temperament
Known as the “mini panther,” Bombays have outgoing, affectionate personalities. They tend to form strong bonds with their owners and like being involved in family activities. Bombays are adaptable cats that get along well with children, dogs, and other pets when properly introduced. They love playing fetch and learning tricks.
Tan Coat and Blue Eyes
When a Bombay is born with tan fur and blue eyes, it is simply a natural variation in their coloring and not considered up to breed standard. These cats still have the short, sleek coat texture of a Bombay. The tan coloring can range from light beige to rich golden or brown hues. The blue eyes are a uniquely beautiful trait in tan Bombay cats.
British Shorthair
As their name suggests, British Shorthairs originate from Great Britain and are thought to be descendants of ancient Roman cats brought over by the Romans. They are a working breed valued as hunters.
History
British Shorthairs have existed in Britain for centuries. Their origins can be traced back to cats of the Roman empire. Over time, they naturally adapted into a strong, sturdy breed with a thick coat well-suited for the British climate. British Shorthairs were first recognized as a standardized breed in the late 1800s and early 1900s. They steadily grew in popularity as family pets and show cats.
Appearance
This breed has a very robust, powerful body on short legs. Their coat is thick, plush, and medium in length with a plush undercoat. British Shorthairs come in over 100 different color and pattern combinations. Commonly seen colors are blue, black, white, red, cream, silver, brown, blue-cream, brown tabby, and blue-tabby. Less common are “golden” British Shorthairs with warm tan coats and vivid blue eyes.
Temperament
The British Shorthair is an easygoing, adaptable breed that enjoys quiet homes. They tend to be calm, observant, and devoted pets. British Shorthairs are playful but not overly energetic. They enjoy learning tricks, playing fetch, and pouncing on toys. This breed likes sticking close to their owners and families.
Tan Coat and Blue Eyes
While less common than other colors, tan golden British Shorthairs with blue eyes do occur. Usually, these cats will have the same medium-length, dense coat typical of the breed. Their warm tan fur can range from pale fawn to rich ruddy hues. When combined with their large round blue eyes, it creates a very warm, endearing expression.
Other Cat Breeds
While less common, a few other pedigreed cat breeds may occasionally produce tan cats with blue eyes:
- Tonkinese – This Siamese hybrid can sometimes have a warmer brown coat with aqua eyes.
- Ocicat – Ocicats have spotted tabby coats and blue eyes are allowed by breed standards.
- Ragdoll – Some Ragdolls have a lighter sepia tone coat with blue eyes.
- Snowshoe – Unofficial “sable” colored Snowshoes may have tan coats and blue eyes.
- Siamese – Though extremely rare, some Siamese cats carry genes for brown coats and blue eyes.
So while less common, these other breeds may infrequently produce tan cats with vivid blue eyes. However, the Bengal, Bombay, and British Shorthair are the breeds most strongly associated with this beautiful coat and eye color combination.
Domestic Shorthairs and Longhairs
Not every tan cat with blue eyes belongs to a specific breed. Tan fur and blue eyes can also occur randomly in mixed breed domestic cats or moggies. These are referred to as:
- Domestic Shorthairs – Short coated mixed breed cats.
- Domestic Longhairs – Long coated mixed breed cats.
These cats can have a variation of body types and may produce kittens of many different colors and patterns. When tan colored with blue eyes, they are absolutely adorable even if they are not part of a standardized breed.
Reasons for Tan Coats and Blue Eyes
So why do some cats end up with the rare and beautiful combination of tan fur and vivid blue eyes? There are a few key genetic explanations:
Melanin Production
Melanin is the pigment that produces black or brown fur, eye, and skin color. Lower melanin levels result in tan/fawn coats and paler eyes. Higher melanin causes black coats and darker eyes. Variations in melanin lead to tan vs. black coats and blue vs. gold eye colors in cat breeds.
Breeding Selection
Cat breeding has selectively mixed and matched cats expressing different levels of melanin. Crossing a black domestic cat with a tan Asian leopard cat led to Bengal cats with tan coats. Occasional tan Bombay or British Shorthair kittens are products of natural color variations in melanin coming together.
Polygenes
Cat coat colors and patterns are influenced by many genes working together. Variations in multiple genes impacting melanin lead to unusual combinations like tan coats with blue eyes. Selective breeding perpetuates these polygenes in pedigreed cat breeds.
Random Mutation
Spontaneous genetic mutations can also result in lower melanin and unusual colors like tan fur and blue eyes emerging randomly in mixed breed cats. If the mutation gets passed down, it may be perpetuated in future generations.
Care of Cats with Tan Coats and Blue Eyes
Cats with tan coats and blue eyes have the same general care needs as any other cats:
Grooming
– Short-coated cats only need weekly brushing to remove loose fur. Longhaired varieties need daily brushing to prevent mats and tangles.
– Trim nails every couple weeks.
– Check and clean ears periodically.
– Brush teeth regularly.
Health
– Feed a high-quality diet specific for their life stage.
– Provide fresh, clean water at all times.
– Have regular veterinary checkups to stay up to date on vaccines and preventive care.
– Spay/neuter between 5-6 months old.
– Protect from parasites using flea/tick and heartworm preventatives.
– Keep stress low and provide environmental enrichment.
Litter Box
– Provide at least 1 litter box per cat plus 1 extra.
– Scoop waste daily and deep clean regularly.
– Use unscented clumping litter.
– Keep litter box in a quiet, easily accessed spot.
Lifespan of Cats with Tan and Blue
The expected lifespan of tan cats with blue eyes depends on the breed:
| Breed | Average Lifespan |
| Bengal | 10-16 years |
| Bombay | 12-16 years |
| British Shorthair | 9-15 years |
| Mixed Breed | 13-20 years |
For the pedigreed breeds, providing excellent care and keeping up with health screenings can help maximize lifespan potential. Mixed breed cats tend to have greater longevity on average.
Finding a Tan Cat with Blue Eyes
Finding a tan colored cat with striking blue eyes may take some searching, but is well worth the effort! Here are some tips:
- Check with Bengal, Bombay, and British Shorthair breeders, as these cat breeds are most likely to produce this combination.
- Let local rescue groups and shelters know you are looking to adopt a tan cat with blue eyes.
- Search online adoption sites like Petfinder for available cats.
- Look for announcements of tan and blue kittens born to breeders.
- Consider checking with owners who need to rehome tan and blue cats.
Connecting with reputable breeders and rescues is key to finding one of these special cats. Shelters, online ads, and rehoming situations offer additional options to rescue a tan cat with breathtaking blue eyes.
Cost of Tan Cats with Blue Eyes
The cost of a tan cat with blue eyes varies substantially based on factors like:
– Breed – Pedigreed cats from breeders are most expensive. Mixed breed cats are often cheaper from a shelter or rehoming.
– Rarity – Unique coat and eye color combinations are pricier than more common colors.
– Breeder Reputation – Winning show lines from premiere breeders increase cost.
– Supply and Demand – Popular kittens in limited supply fetch higher prices.
– Age – Kittens under 1 year old are generally most expensive. Older cats often have lower fees.
– Location – Prices are higher in some geographic regions.
On average, prices range from $600 to $2000 for pedigreed kittens from reputable breeders. Rescue cats or mixed breeds generally cost $50 to $200. Older, rehomed cats may even be free in some cases.
Popularity of Tan Cats with Blue Eyes
Tan cats with vivid blue eyes are one of the more rare and unique color combinations seen in cats. While not extremely common, their beauty and mystique makes them highly desirable among cat enthusiasts, contributing to their popularity.
Some key reasons this eye and coat color pattern is prized:
– Unique look – The warm tan fur combined with bright blue eyes is striking.
– Exotic appearance – Their unusual coloring gives them an exotic, wild cat look.
– Rarity – Not many cats have this specific combination of traits.
– Vibrant colors – The tan and blue is a vivid, saturated color combination.
– Expressive eyes – Blue eyes seem to convey liveliness, emotion, and intelligence.
– Personality – Owners say tan cats with blue eyes are playful, energetic, and affectionate.
– Status symbol – They may be seen as a status symbol among some cat owners.
– Photo opportunities – They photograph beautifully due to their vivid colors.
– Show potential – Tan and blue coloring succeeds well in cat shows when available.
While any cat can make a wonderful pet, tan coats with blue eyes are in high demand due to their gorgeous appearance and spirited personalities. Their rarity and stunning looks drive the popularity of these special cats.
Conclusion
Tan cats with vivid blue eyes stand out for their beautiful and unique coloring. While several pedigreed breeds like Bengals, Bombays, and British Shorthairs may produce this combination, it occurs randomly in mixed breed cats as well. Selective breeding for traits like melanin production and polygenes help explain this beguiling eye and coat color pattern. Proper care and health monitoring helps these cats live long, active lives. Their exotic good looks and winning personalities explain the popularity of tan cats with sapphire blue eyes. Are you ready to open your heart and home to one of these exceptional kitties?
