Cat Colours: Common Cat Coat Patterns Explained: A 2026 Guide
While most of us are familiar with standard cat descriptives such as tabby, black and white or spotted, many of us fall down when things get more complicated! If somebody is trying to explain to you the pattern of a cat's coat or if you are trying to describe a cat to them, it can be helpful to ensure that you are both on the same page and in agreement about your terminology. Whether you just want to check if you understand exactly what is what or if you find some of the terms used to describe cats (such as mackerel pattern, or self coloured) confusing, read on for our handy at-a-glance guide to common cat coat pattern terminology.
1. Tabby Types
Tabby is one of the most common and popular cat coat colours, easily recognised by distinctive patterns that include spots, dots, or stripes in various arrangements and colours like ginger tabby or black tabby. Here are the main variations within the tabby pattern:
- Mackerel Tabby: The most common tabby, features narrow vertical stripes that curve along the body, with bars on the legs, tail, and cheeks. The stripes resemble fish bones, hence the name.
- Classic Tabby (Blotched): Shows large swirling or whorled patterns on the coat, often with a lighter area on the shoulders. Rings and bars are visible on the legs, tail, and face.
- Spotted Tabby: Similar to mackerel tabby but with bars and stripes broken up into spots or dots scattered over the coat. The Bengal cat is an example of a spotted tabby.
- Ticked Tabby: Each hair has alternating bands of colour, called agouti hairs, producing a flecked or salt-and-pepper look. Unlike other tabbies, the body shows little to no stripes, though legs, face, and tail may have stripes or bars.
2. Ginger
Ginger describes cats with reddish-orange fur, often marked with a tabby pattern but sometimes solid or with white patches. Despite popular belief, not all ginger cats are male. In some regions, ginger cats are also called blonde. For example, the Turkish Van cat commonly features ginger and white colouring.
3. Tortie or Tortoiseshell
Tortoiseshell cats, or torties, have a patchy blend of three or more colours, commonly black, ginger, and white or blue. These cats are almost exclusively female due to genetics; males are rare and usually sterile. The pattern varies from clear solid patches to blended colours. Cats with larger white areas are often classified as calicos. The Japanese Bobtail is a breed prized for its tortoiseshell pattern.
4. Calico
Calico cats share similar colours to torties but have a greater proportion of white fur, resulting in distinct patches of black, ginger, and white. The term tortie may sometimes cover this pattern. The distinguishing factor is the predominance of white in calicos.
5. Self Coloured
A self coloured cat has a uniform coat with no contrasting patches or patterns. This can be any solid colour throughout, such as all black or all grey. The Russian Blue is a classic example of a self coloured breed.
6. Ticked
Ticked coats feature agouti hairs with alternating bands of colour along each hair's length, giving a salt-and-pepper or flecked effect. The Australian Mist breed commonly displays this pattern, producing a soft overall look with some striping on extremities.
7. Points
Points refer to contrasting colours on the cat's extremities — the ears, face (mask), legs, and tail — compared to the rest of the body. This pattern is typical of breeds like the Siamese. Interestingly, many kittens are born with lighter, uniform coats, gradually developing their distinctive points as they age.
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