Rare Coat Colours in Cats: 7 Most Unique Hues Explained

There are many beautiful coloured cats, from the striking ginger tom to the stunning white Persian. Breeders often aim to produce unusual coat colours, whether in hybrid cats or pedigree breeds. However, some colours remain exceptionally rare even in pedigrees. This article explores seven of the rarest coat colours in cats, explaining their genetics, appearance, and typical breeds.

Cream

Cream coats arise from a gene mutation that dilutes the red or ginger pigment. While many pedigree cats carry the gene responsible for cream colouring, it is seldom seen in non-pedigree cats. Cream-pointed breeds often exhibit this softly diluted colour with a warm, pale tone.

Chocolate

Chocolate coloured cats owe their colour to a recessive gene that dilutes black pigment to a rich brown shade. This colour is rare outside of breeds specifically bred for chocolate coats. Notable breeds featuring chocolate coats include:

• Balinese (find a Balinese kitten)
• British Shorthair (British Shorthair kittens)
• Burmese (Burmese kittens)
• Scottish Fold (Scottish Fold kittens)
• Havana Brown
• Persian (Persian kittens)

Smoked

Smoked coat colour arises from a colour-inhibiting gene causing each hair to have light colouring at the base with dark tips, giving a smoke-like effect. When a cat's fur is parted, the lighter undercoat is visible. This pattern creates a mysterious shimmering appearance and is relatively rare.

Lavender / Lilac

Lavender or lilac is one of the rarest cat colours, appearing as a pale, diluted chocolate with a slight purplish tint. It requires two copies of the recessive chocolate gene and two copies of the dilution gene, making it exceptionally uncommon. Breeds with lilac coats include:

• Balinese
• British Shorthair
• Burmese
• Scottish Fold

Roan

Roan coloured cats are extraordinarily rare. Their coat results from an unusual mix of coloured and white hairs intermingled across their body. The first known roan cats were discovered in Thailand in the 1800s and blue roan cats are still observed roaming there. This unique pattern often appears as a mottled or speckled effect that is prized for its distinctiveness.

Fawn

Fawn is a very rare coat colour, representing a dilution of the cinnamon colour. Cinnamon itself is a diluted reddish-brown often found in breeds like the Abyssinian. Fawn is thus a dilute of a dilute pigment, making it quite scarce. The Abyssinian breed is one of the main breeds known for this colouring. Find Abyssinian kittens to see examples of this elegant coat colour.

Chinchilla

Chinchilla coloured cats have a coat very similar to smoke, but the individual hairs are almost entirely light-coloured with only the very tips darker. This creates a shimmering silver effect. Though still rare, chinchilla coats are becoming more popular as selective breeding increases. The pattern is typically associated with the Persian breed known for their luxurious coats and sparkling appearance.

Finding Cats with Rare Colours

If you are looking to welcome a cat with an unusual coat colour, there are growing numbers of breeds and breeders specialising in these rare hues. However, it’s important to seek out reputable breeders who prioritize health and temperament alongside coat colour to ensure your new feline friend is a happy, healthy companion. Sometimes, rare coat colours appear as delightful surprises in unexpected litters, making them as much a gift of luck as genetics.

Responsible ownership involves choosing breeders who adhere to high welfare standards and supporting ethical breeding practices. For those interested in these rare cats, the journey can be as fascinating as the beautiful coat itself.