Learn about cat coat types and names! An explanation of cat coat patterns, features, and personalities.

Cats come in a wide variety of coat colors and patterns, and every single one of them is unique and adorable.

Did you know that these wonderful cat patterns and markings each have their own names? It is also said that a cat's pattern and markings are related to their personality.

In this article, we will explain the relationship between a cat's markings and their personality.

Types of Cat Coats and Patterns

There are many names for cat coat colors and patterns, such as ginger tabby, calico, tortoiseshell, bicolor (hatchiware), and mackerel tabby with white. Let's broadly categorize them into four groups based on how their colors and patterns appear.

Solid Colors

Cats with no patterns, having the same color on their head, legs, and tail, are called "solid colors."

Like black or white cats, their overcoat and undercoat are the same color. Other examples include gray-coated cats like Russian Blues and Chartreux.

Striped Patterns (Tabby)

The tiger-like pattern most associated with cats is called "tabby." They are characterized by tiger-like stripes, and can also feature swirling patterns or leopard spots.

The most common pattern in Japan is the brown tabby (kijitora), which features stripes on a dark brown base. Ginger tabbies (chatora) have stripes on a bright orange-brown base, while silver tabbies (sabatora) have stripes on a silver-gray base.

Incidentally, a tabby with a swirling pattern like an American Shorthair is called a "classic tabby," and a leopard-like pattern like a Bengal's is called a "spotted tabby."

In fact, Abyssinian and Somali cats, which might look like solid colors, also have a tabby pattern. Each of their hairs features alternating light and dark bands, creating a unique color variation.

Combined Patterns (Bicolor, Party-color, Calico)

Cats with combinations of two or three colors tend to have very unique patterns. Each combination of white, black, and brown (orange) has its own name.

Bicolor

Cats with two colors, such as white and black or white and gray, are called bicolors. If there is more black, it is often called "black-and-white," and if there is more white, it is called "white-and-black." Cats with white paws are also affectionately known as "socks cats."

The "hatchiware" (mask-and-mantle) pattern, where the markings on the head resemble the Japanese character for eight (八), is also a bicolor. In English, these are also referred to as bicolor cats, mask cats, or black tuxedo cats.

Cats with white faces and underbellies mixed with tabby patterns are called "tabby-and-white" (e.g., brown-tabby-and-white, silver-tabby-and-white, ginger-tabby-and-white). Cats with a high ratio of white are called "van" patterns. Cats with markings that look like a small mustache are called "black-van."

Party-color

Cats with two colors other than white are called party-colors. Two-color combinations of black and brown are called "tortoiseshell", or "sabi" in Japanese. If they have stripes as well, they are called "torbie" (straw-pattern).

Tortoiseshell and torbie cats are almost exclusively female.

Calico

Cats with three colors—white base with brown and black patches—are called calico. In Japan, these are known as "mike-neko" (three-colored cats).

Calico cats are also almost always female, but male calicos are born very rarely. Since the probability is 1 in 30,000, they are very rare and known as a symbol of good luck.

Others (Pointed, Shaded, etc.)

Patterns where only the extremities, such as the face, ears, legs, and tail, are dark-colored are called "pointed." The Siamese is a representative example.

Also, in long-haired cats, a coat where only the tips of the overcoat have colors like silver or gold is called "shaded." If only the tips are colored, it's called "chinchilla," and if the color goes down to the roots, it's called "smoke."

Personality by Coat Pattern

A cat's coat color and pattern are determined by the genes inherited from their parents. Therefore, it is said that you can roughly predict a cat's personality based on their markings.

Personality of Solid-Colored Cats

Among solid-colored cats, white cats are said to be nervous. Since white is conspicuous in the natural world, it is thought they have a cautious personality. Conversely, black cats tend to be curious and friendly.

It is also said that many gray cats have calm and composed personalities.

Personality of Striped (Tabby) Cats

Tabby-patterned cats are characterized by being active and having high energy levels.

Among them, the brown tabby (kijitora) is genetically close to the cat's ancestor, the African wildcat. Therefore, they are often thought to be very cautious and hard to tame. However, they also have a side where they can be very clingy to their owners.

Ginger tabbies (chatora) are often gentle and affectionate, a tendency especially strong in males. Silver tabbies (sabatora) include those with cool personalities, but others are said to be friendly and affectionate.

Personality of Combined-Pattern (Bicolor, Party-color, Calico) Cats

Black-and-white, tabby-and-white, and other bicolors tend to be curious and playful.

Calico and tortoiseshell cats, being almost entirely female, tend to have a classic, fickle "tsundere" (cold-then-warm) personality. While often thought of as whimsical, they are also very affectionate and generally calm.

Summary

A cat's coat pattern is one element that expresses their individuality. It is not uncommon for siblings born to the same parents to have completely different colors and patterns.

While it is said that you can tell a cat's personality from their coat pattern, it is also heavily influenced by their upbringing and unique temperament.

We hope this article serves as a starting point for deepening your understanding of your cat.

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