What color is rare in cats? - briefly
The color that is considered rare in cats is albino or white with red eyes. This unique coloration occurs due to a lack of pigment in the fur and eyes, making it less common among felines.
What color is rare in cats? - in detail
When discussing the rarity of cat colors, it's important to consider both genetics and breed standards. While common colors like black, grey, and white are prevalent across many breeds, certain shades and patterns are significantly less common.
One of the rarest colors in cats is a true blue or lavender. This color is not a dilution of grey but rather a distinct shade resulting from a specific genetic mutation. True blue cats have a unique coat that appears almost smoky blue, which is quite different from the more common diluted grey coats seen in some breeds like the Russian Blue.
Another rare color is chocolate. This rich brown shade is less common than its red or cream counterparts. Chocolate is often associated with certain breeds like the Abyssinian and Burmese, but it remains a relatively uncommon color across all cat breeds.
Patterns also play a significant role in determining rarity. For example, the tabby pattern is one of the most common, while the pointed pattern (also known as the Siamese pattern) is less frequent outside specific breeds like the Siamese and Himalayan. Within the pointed category, certain colors are rarer than others. For instance, a seal lynx point (a combination of the pointed pattern with a creamy-white background and dark ear tips, nose, paws, and tail) is quite rare compared to the more common seal or blue points.
Additionally, certain breeds have their own unique colorations that are not seen in other breeds. The Khao Manee, for example, has a distinctive white coat with either blue or odd-eyes, which is not found in any other breed. Similarly, the Turkish Van has a predominantly white coat with colored patches only on the head and tail, a coloration that is unique to this breed.
In conclusion, while many cat colors are common across various breeds, certain shades like true blue or lavender and chocolate are notably rare. Additionally, specific patterns and breed-exclusive colorations contribute to the overall rarity of cat colors.