What breed is an ash cat? - briefly
An "ash cat" is not a recognized breed but often refers to a domestic cat with a gray or ash-colored coat, resembling breeds like the Russian Blue or Chartreux.
What breed is an ash cat? - in detail
The term "ash cat" does not refer to a specific breed of cat recognized by major feline organizations such as The International Cat Association (TICA) or the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA). Instead, it is a descriptive term often used to characterize cats with a gray or ash-colored coat. This coloration can appear in various breeds, including domestic shorthairs, domestic longhairs, Russian Blues, British Shorthairs, and Chartreux, among others. The gray or ash hue in a cat's fur is typically the result of genetic factors influencing pigmentation, specifically the dilution of black pigment, which produces a range of shades from light silver to deep charcoal. While the term "ash cat" highlights the cat's coat color, it does not provide information about its breed, lineage, or specific physical traits beyond the color. For accurate identification of a cat's breed, factors such as body structure, facial features, and genetic testing are essential. Therefore, an ash cat is not a breed but rather a descriptive label based on its coat color, which can be found in multiple breeds and mixed-breed cats.