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

The colors and patterns of cats vary widely, and each cat is unique and adorable.

Did you know that these wonderful cat patterns and markings each have names? It is also said that cat patterns and markings are related to their personalities.

This time, we will explain the relationship between cat patterns and personalities.

Types of Cat Patterns and Markings

There are various names for cat coat colors and patterns, such as red tabby, calico, tortoiseshell, hachiware (split face), and brown tabby and white. Let's broadly categorize them into four types based on their color distribution and patterns.

Solid Color

Cats with a single, uniform coat color on their head, legs, and tail are called "solid color."

Like black cats and white cats, their overcoat and undercoat are the same color. There are also cats with gray coats, such as the Russian Blue and Chartreux.

Tabby Patterns

The striped pattern that cats are known for is called "tabby." It is characterized by tiger-like stripes, and swirl patterns and leopard-like spots can also be seen.

The most common tabby pattern in Japan is said to be the "brown tabby," characterized by dark brown stripes. "Red tabbies" have stripes based on bright orange-brown, and "silver tabbies" have stripes based on silver-gray.

By the way, a tabby pattern with swirls like an American Shorthair is called a "classic tabby," and a leopard-like pattern like a Bengal is called a "spotted tabby."

In fact, Abyssinian and Somali cats, which appear to be solid-colored, also have tabby patterns. Each strand of hair has light and dark stripes, resulting in unique shading.

Combination Patterns (Bicolor, Parti-color, Calico)

Cats with two or three color combinations often have very unique patterns. Depending on the combination of white, black, and brown (orange), they have different names.

Bicolor

Cats with two coat colors, such as white and black, or white and gray, are called bicolor. If there is more black, they are called "black and white," and if there is more white, they are called "white and black." Cats with white paws are affectionately called "sock cats" or "socks cats."

The "hachiware pattern," where the head has a pattern resembling the kanji character for "eight," is also bicolor. In English, they are also called bicolor cats, mask cats, or black tuxedo cats.

Cats with white on their chin and belly, and a mixed tabby pattern, are called "brown tabby and white," "silver tabby and white," or "red tabby and white." Cats with a higher proportion of white fur are called "tobi" patterns, such as "brown tobi," "silver tobi," or "red tobi." Cats with a pattern resembling a small mustache are called "black tobi."

Parti-color

Cats with two coat colors other than white are called parti-color. Cats with two colors, black and brown, are called "tortoiseshell" or "tortie," and if they also have stripes, they are called "straw pattern."

Tortoiseshell and straw pattern cats are always female; there are no male tortoiseshell or straw pattern cats.

Calico

Cats with three coat colors—white, brown, and black—are called calico. In Japan, they are called "mike-neko" (calico cats).

Calico cats are also almost exclusively female, but male calico cats are rarely born. The probability is 1 in 30,000, making them very rare and known as symbols of good luck.

Other (Pointed, Shaded, etc.)

A pattern where the fur color is darker at the extremities, such as the face, ears, paws, and tail, is called "pointed." The Siamese is a typical example.

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

Cat Patterns and Their Corresponding Personalities

A cat's coat color and pattern are determined by genes inherited from its parents. Therefore, it is said that a cat's personality can also be somewhat predicted.

Personalities of Solid Color Cats

Among solid-colored cats, white cats are said to be nervous. Since white stands out in nature, they are thought to have a cautious personality. Conversely, black cats tend to be curious and friendly.

Also, gray-colored cats are said to have calm and composed personalities.

Personalities of Tabby Cats

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

Among them, brown tabby cats are genetically closer to the African wildcat, the ancestor of domestic cats. Therefore, they are often thought to be very cautious and difficult to bond with. However, they can also be very clingy with their owners.

Red tabby cats are often gentle and affectionate, especially males. Silver tabby cats can be cool, but some are also friendly and affectionate.

Personalities of Combination Pattern Cats (Bicolor, Parti-color, Calico)

Bicolor cats such as black and white, brown tabby and white, red tabby and white, and silver tobi tend to be curious and playful.

Calico cats and tortoiseshell cats are mostly female and tend to have the typical "tsundere" (aloof and then affectionate) cat personality. While they may seem whimsical, they are often very loving and calm.

Summary

A cat's patterns and markings are one element that expresses its individuality. It's not uncommon for siblings from the same parents to have different colors and patterns.

For this reason, it is said that a cat's personality can also be understood from its patterns and markings, but it largely depends on the environment in which it was raised and the cat's individual personality.

We hope this information helps you deepen your understanding of cats.

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