Ten Unusual Cat Coat Colours You’ll Love

Cats come in an incredible array of coat colours, beyond the commonly seen black, tabby, ginger, and white. Some coats are rarer and often appear mostly in pedigree cats bred for their unique appearance. This guide explores ten of the most unusual cat coat colours, the breeds where you’re likely to find them, and a little about how these stunning shades come about through genetics. While the science can be complex, the beauty of these coats is undeniable.

1. Fawn

Fawn is a delicate, pale beige shade — a dilute variation of cinnamon — and is very rare. This soft coat colour is mostly seen in pedigree breeds such as the Abyssinian and occasionally in the Selkirk Rex. You’re unlikely to come across fawn-coloured non-pedigree cats (moggies). This colour is treasured for its subtle warmth and rarity.

2. Lilac/Lavender

Lilac, sometimes called lavender in other regions, is a dilute version of chocolate. These cats show a pale grey coat with often subtle mauve undertones, though it’s more of a soft, cool-toned grey than truly purple. You’ll find lilac cats among breeds such as British Shorthair, Burmese, Scottish Fold, Balinese, and Selkirk Rex. These coats convey a gentle elegance.

3. Cinnamon

Characterised by warm red and brown tones, cinnamon is a dominant but unusual colour. It has rich red overtones that can warm the look of a coat, setting it apart from more familiar brown shades. Mostly arising in Oriental breeds linked genetically to the Siamese lines, cinnamon is still relatively rare and valued in pedigree cats. It’s a warm, earthy colour that enchants with its subtlety.

4. Chocolate

Chocolate is a dark, warm brown coat and is the genetic base for many dilute colours, including lilac. This shade is more common than cinnamon or fawn but remains distinctive, especially in breeds like the Havana and the newer Suffolk Chocolate. Also seen in Persian, British Shorthair, Balinese, and Burmese cats, chocolate coats have a deep richness that stands out.

5. Chinchilla

Rather a striking pattern than a distinct colour, chinchilla coats have hairs with coloured tips and white roots. This creates a sparkling silver effect. Silver chinchillas are the most common, but blue and golden variations also occur. These enchanting coats are most often found in Persians, where the name 'Chinchilla' is used simply as a breed descriptor. The shimmering look makes them truly eye-catching.

6. Cream

Cream cats carry a dilute version of red pigment and may be spotted in both pedigree cats and moggies. In non-pedigrees, cream may be described as pale ginger or biscuit-coloured. It is far more common and easier to find than other rare tones, with many pedigree breeds showcasing beautiful cream coats.

7. Roan

Roan cats have a mottled appearance caused by an irregular mix of coloured and white hairs scattered throughout their coat. This rare pattern is not recognised by traditional cat fancy groups and is mainly seen in the relatively new Lykoi breed. Historically, "blue roan" cats have appeared in Thai breeds for centuries, adding an exotic mystery to this unusual pattern.

8. Shaded

Shaded coats are similar to tipped or chinchilla patterns, but with a larger coloured portion on each hair. This produces a soft overlay effect, where the darker colour appears as a gentle mist over a paler base. Though not common in non-pedigrees, you can find shaded colours in pedigree breeds. The depth and gradation of shading give these coats a sophisticated allure.

9. Smoked

Smoked cats display the opposite pattern to chinchillas; their hairs have light roots and middles with darker tips, creating a visible smoky overlay. This pattern is fairly easy to find among pedigree cats, though rare in the general cat population. The smoky effect adds a dramatic touch to any feline appearance.

10. Rosettes

Unlike colours, rosettes represent a rare tabby pattern of spots resembling those on wild leopards. This striking pattern is primarily found in hybrid breeds such as the Bengal Cat and Toyger. The genetics of rosette patterns are still being studied but are thought to be a variation of the agouti gene responsible for typical tabby markings. Rosette patterns are rare and highly sought after by hybrid cat enthusiasts.

How to Find Cats with These Rare Colours

If you are enchanted by any of these unusual coat colours, the best approach is to seek reputable breeders specialising in the relevant breeds. Reputable breeders focus on responsible and ethical practices, ensuring your new feline friend is healthy and well-socialised. Keep in mind that some colours, particularly the rarest, might require you to wait longer due to limited availability and increasing demand.

What Makes These Colours Rare?

Most of these unusual colours arise due to specific combinations of recessive genes, dilution genes, or unique genetic mutations. Because these genetic traits are rare or require precise breeding, you generally won’t find these colours in the random cat population. Pedigree breeding plays a significant role in preserving and enhancing these beautiful coat colours, but it should always be done responsibly with the health and wellbeing of the cats as the top priority.

Conclusion

From the soft, pale warmth of fawn to the striking rosettes of hybrid breeds, unusual cat coat colours bring a wonderful diversity and charm to the feline world. Exploring these rare coats not only rewards you with delightful aesthetics but also connects you to the fascinating genetics behind them. Whether you choose to adopt or find one through ethical breeders, owning a rare-coloured cat is truly a special experience.