Quick Education

All of the colors & patterns are based on a few basic solid colors, from there a variety of patterns & dilutions can be displayed. Today we are looking at pointed animals which don’t just come in solid colors, tabbies can be pointed too.

Pointed animals are bright cream with colored (or patterned) face, feet & tail. We stuck to the basic solid colors here.

A Whole Rainbow

Until we got started we had no idea cats came in such a rainbow of colors. If you enjoyed this be sure to check out solid cat colors, bi-colored cats and tabby patterns & colors (both classic & spotted).

Image © Abe K

Although not many people have seen one in the flesh, Siamese cats are among the most distinguishable breeds on the planet. Their sleek profile simply looks fit for a king.

Thai Natives

This breed comes from the kingdom Siam (which is now called Thailand) where they are thought to descend from sacred temple cats. They are a legendary symbol of good luck & thought to ward off evil spirits which meant their aristocratic profile only graced temples and the homes of the royalty.

An Interesting Twist

Today there are two types of the breed, one the traditional Siamese with an apple shaped head and a robust build and the modern animal with a triangular head and a lithe, slender body.

Whether it’s an old or new type, the Siamese has eyes of the most arresting shade of blue.

Those Peepers

Although it used to be common to find this breed with crossed eyes, it’s probably not a natural trait. Today it’s discouraged by most breeders and their appearance is rarer.

The Siamese is an incredibly vocal & intelligent animal that is known for their affectionate (& sometimes demanding) attitude. They expect their people to keep them entertained.

A Colorful Breed

Although there are two types, just because a cat carries the traditional point coloring doesn’t make it a Siamese. Crossed with other animals, this distinct coloration can be passed along to impure bloodlines. The Seal point coloring is perhaps the most recognized coloration and is accepted in several diluted varieties as well.

Ancient Cats

We’ve got more ancient cat breed profiles on the way. For now, why not learn more about the ancient Abyssinian, the British Shorthair, Korat, Persian & the Egyptian Mau breeds?

Quick Education

All of the colors & patterns are based on a few basic solid colors, from there a variety of patterns & dilutions can be displayed. Today we are taking a look at bi-colored cats which always show spots of white & one other color (or pattern).

There are five basic colors, black, red, blue, cream & brown. Here are examples of each bi-colored one (one or two of them are tabby’s too).

We Love Them All

There is something about the contrast of bright white and a splash of a rich color, we simply can’t pic a fave. If you want to learn more about cat coloring be sure to check out solid cat colors and tabby patterns & colors (both classic & spotted).

Image from chloe delong

Perhaps one of the most widely recognized of the domestic cat breeds, Persians can be found throughout on laps the world over. Their signature coat & arresting are all part of their charm.

Unknown Native

Although this breed is named for their original country of origin, heiroglyphic references to the breed date back to 1684 BC creating questions about the exact origins of the Persian cat. These animals were prized by the Persians, held in higher regard than even spices & jewels.

An Interesting Twist

It is rather interesting that an animal from such a southern area would develop long coats. However it is thought that perhaps they migrated down from areas in the south of Siberia. The lack of concrete evidence of their origins may leave this question unanswered.

The legend goes that these cats were created by a wizard from a spark, the shimmer of two stars and a curl of grey smoke.

Worldwide Popularity

The Persian quickly earned popularity upon being imported to England, where cat shows came into vogue in the 19th century. Although originally they were separated by color and called long-hairs. By the late 19th century the breed had been imported overseas to the US where again they quickly spread among the cat community.

There are a wide variety of Persian types, but they all share the luxurious coat, large expressive eyes and low, widely set ears.

A Colorful Breed

There are seven different recognized color groups within the Persian breed. Solid, silver & golden, shaded & smoke, tabby, parti-color, calico & bi-color and Himalayan (with points). Each one breaks down into an amazing number of color variations making the Persian one colorful breed!

Ancient Cats

We’ve got more ancient cat breed profiles on the way. For now, why not learn more about the ancient Abyssinian, the British Shorthair, Korat & the Egyptian Mau breeds?

Image from NickHodge

The Korat or Si-Sawat cat has long been a symbol of good luck & fertility to the Thai people. They are often given to brides as wedding presents to ensure a good pairing & long union.

Thai Natives

The first reference to this breed goes back to an ancient book of paintings & prose called the Cat-Book Poems (which can still be seen in the Natural Library of Bangkok). This book is thought to have been written & illustrated at some point between the mid 14th to med 18th centuries.

An Interesting Twist

There are several physical elements of this breed that made the people revere them as lucky. Their bright grey coat is the color of silver & signifies wealth. Their arresting green eyes are the color of young rice stems & that combined with their grey coat (also the color of rainclouds) signified healthy crops & good weather for their masters.

Over the years the Thai Book of the Cat has been copied and rewritten several times & there are a number of different copies on display. In all of them the Korat is a symbol of good luck.

Semantics

The Korat is a western name for this breed, they are generally referred to as Si-Sawat (see-sah-waht) cats in their native Thailand. The first Korats were imported into the Us in 1959 and became officially recognized by 1966.

Korat cats have the most amazing peepers, their big, intense eyes are the cool green of spring blossoms shimmering with dew.

Standard Issue

This is one breed that doesn’t come in any color other than their unique signature silver-grey. Their hair shafts start out a deep, bluish color which darkens up the shaft, then lightens to a bright shiny silver color. This creates in interesting illusion of light allowing them to appear at times silver like a polished coin and at others the dark grey of an angry storm cloud.

Ancient Cats

We’ve got more ancient cat breed profiles on the way. For now, why not learn more about the ancient Abyssinian, the British Shorthair & the Egyptian Mau breeds?

Classic Calico

This is a tri-colored pattern with definite patches of red or orange, white & black fur. These colors can be diluted to lighter variations of the same, (called dilute or pastel calico). Their colors are lightened to a cream instead of orange & blue instead of black…white hair remains the same.

Mistaken Identity

Calico’s can be mistaken for other coat patterns but they are fairly easy to identify. Their distinct spots must be of a solid color (often the color runs along the topline while the undersides are generally white). If the orange & black hairs are mixed then they aren’t calico but tortoiseshell (we’ll look at them in more depth as well).

Interesting Calico Fact

Calico cats are almost always female due to the genetics of this coloration. Males that have this coloring are genetic anomalies, they are very rare and generally sterile.

We LIke the Pastel

Although we love the stark contrast of orange, black & white, the diluted pastel calico colors are so soft & creamy. Be sure to learn more about solid cat colors and tabby patterns & colors (both classic & spotted).

Image from Paterples

The British Shorthair is the oldest of the native English cat breeds and one of the larger domesticated cat breeds of the world. They were officially recognized as a breed in the late 19th century.

British Natives

The ancestors of this breed came to Britain from Rome and crossed with native wild cats. Later they were bred to Persians which achieved the goal of improving their coat. This shorthair has long been prized in Britain for their physical strength and hunting prowess.

A Popular Choice in the UK

After a zenith during the late 19th century their numbers had declined by the early 20th century. After the World Wars there was a resurgance of interest and the breed has thrived ever since. Today they are one of the most popular cat breeds in the UK where they are registered almost as often (if not more so) than the ever-prized Persians.

Interestingly enough, the British Shorthair was the breed Lewis Carroll used as a model for his Cheshire Cat character in Alice in Wonderland. (Eek! The cat from Pet Cemetery was one too!)

Semantics

This breed has also been called the British Blue, however the shorthair name encompasses all of the accepted colors. They were the first breed of cat to be shown in the UK as a pedigreed animal as their frank gaze and luxurious coat garnered the attention of cat show enthusiasts early on.

This breed is incredibly easy-going and almost dog like in their genial personality. They are smart, easy to train and very affectionate with their human.

A Colorful Breed

The British Shorthair name isn’t the first name this breed has used, they were originally called British Blues due to their original native color. In the 1950′s the breed opened their doors to a variety of colors & coat patterns under the British Shorthair name, (at that point the British Blue became their own breed altogether).

Ancient Cats

We’ve got more ancient cat breed profiles on the way. For now, why not learn more about the Egyptian Mau or the lovely Abyssinian?

Spotted Tabby Cat

Spotted Tabbies have small spots that form a pattern, instead of the characteristic lines of the classic & Mackerel patterns. Spotted patterns are found naturally on most wild cats & are often found on more exotic domestic breeds.

Characteristics

All four of the tabby patterns share several characteristics that distinguish tabbies from other patterns.

• Dark colored M on the forehead between the eyes
• Eyelid skin is dark & surrounded by light colored fur, creating a dramatic eyeliner effect
• Dark line running from outer corner of eye towards cheek
• Chin is light colored fur
• Roots of whiskers are dark
• Dark along back of hind legs and tip of tail
• Darkest color in pattern on bottom of feet & between toes

Cream Spotted?

There is also a cream spotted tabby color, however we were unable to find an image. If anyone has one they’d like to share, we’ll give you full credit (& a link back) in return for its use.

The Final Tabby

Now that we’ve taken a look at the classic, the mackerel & the spotted, keep an eye out in the weeks ahead to learn about the final pattern, ticked tabby.

Mackerel Tabby Cat

Perhaps what most people think of when they think of tabbies, this pattern has characteristic vertical stripes that run parallel up & down the cats sides. The kind of look like they are wearing pinstripe suits.

Characteristics

Each different tabby pattern has its own specific characteristics, however some physical elements are native to all tabby patterns.

• Chin is light colored fur
• Roots of whiskers are dark
• Dark colored M on the forehead between the eyes
• Dark line running from outer corner of eye towards cheek
• Eyelid skin is dark & surrounded by light colored fur, creating a dramatic eyeliner effect
• Dark along back of hind legs and tip of tail
• Darkest color in pattern on bottom of feet & between toes

Colorful Cats

Be sure to stay tuned to learn more about the remaining two tabby patterns. Until then, go check out classic tabby cat coats and the rainbow of solid colors as well.

Classic Tabby Cat

The classic pattern has bold, dark lines, swirls and bullseye patterns. Their sides are highly decorated and they generally have thick, dark lines running down the middle of their back.

Characteristics

Although there are different types, there are several characteristics common to all tabbies.

• Eyelid skin is dark & surrounded by light colored fur, creating a dramatic eyeliner effect
• Chin is light colored fur
• Roots of whiskers are dark
• Dark line running from outer corner of eye towards cheek
• Dark colored M on the forehead between the eyes
• Darkest color in pattern on bottom of feet & between toes
• Dark along back of hind legs and tip of tail

Which is Your Favorite?

There is plenty more tabby to come, stay tuned to take a closer look at the 3 remaining types. Until then, why not go check out the solid cat colors?