What is the name of the color of a cat's fur? - briefly
The color of a cat's fur is typically referred to as its coat color, which can range from solid shades like black or white to patterns like tabby or calico.
What is the name of the color of a cat's fur? - in detail
The color of a cat's fur is determined by genetic factors and is classified into specific categories based on pigmentation patterns. The primary colors for cat fur include black, white, red (often referred to as orange or ginger), and variations of these such as blue (a diluted form of black), cream (a diluted form of red), and chocolate. Cats can also exhibit a combination of colors, leading to patterns like tabby, tortoiseshell, calico, and bicolor. Tabby cats display striped, spotted, or swirled patterns, often with a distinctive "M" marking on the forehead. Tortoiseshell cats, or "torties," have a mix of black and red patches, while calico cats add white to this mix, creating a tri-color appearance. Bicolor cats typically have two distinct colors, often white paired with another color. Additionally, cats can have solid, shaded, or smoke coats, where the color intensity varies across the fur length. The genetics behind these colors involve multiple genes, such as the agouti gene, which controls the distribution of pigments, and the orange gene, which determines the presence of red or black pigments. Understanding these genetic mechanisms helps explain the diversity and beauty of feline coat colors.