The Rarest Cat Colors & Patterns

Beyond the usual whites, blacks, and gingers, some cats sport an incredible mix of colors and eye-popping designs. From those kittens who wear permanent tuxedo suits to rays of sunlight, we spotlight 15 such stunning felines in this list.

Chocolate: Plush Espresso

For a cat to have a chocolate-colored coat, it must inherit two recessive genes (bb), which makes this trait quite rare. Among the few breeds with the potential for this beautiful, solid brown color are the Havana Brown and the Burmese.

Chimera: Split Wonders

Imagine a kitty that couldn’t decide on its outfit, so it went half and half. Chimeras are those fashion-forward felines, rocking two colors split right down the middle. A rare mix-up at the embryo stage turns them into walking, purring art pieces.

Smoke: Silvery Illusion

Have you ever seen a cat that looks like it’s constantly in a mysterious fog? Smoke kittens are just that, with their dark undercoats playing peek-a-boo under a metallic mist. Incredibly mesmerizing in motion, they could easily double as magical creatures in a fantasy novel.

Mackerel Tabby: Fishbone Stripes

Mackerel tabbies have narrow stripes that resemble a fish skeleton running parallel to their spine. Wild at heart, their patterns boldly proclaim a blend of sophistication and readiness to embrace their primal, party-loving beast side.

Lavender: Pastel Palette

Soft, subtle, and oh-so-sophisticated lilac (or lavender) cats epitomize grace. This dilute version of mocha has a grayish tone with a hint of pink, creating a hypnotizing hue that’s as gentle as a cat’s whisper.

Spotted: Jungle Dots

Cats with spots, including Bengals, Maine Coons, and Egyptian Maus, resemble their wild counterparts with distinct markings. Their furs have spots of varying sizes, which set them apart from other domestic cats. These felines are known for their adventurous spirit.

Tortoiseshell: Kaleidoscopic Mosaics

Tortoiseshell cats, often called “torties,” showcase a blend of red and black fur, resembling a mosaic. They are recognized for their spirited nature and distinct coloring, and in honor of their feisty character, the word “tortitude” was coined.

Ticked Tabby: Sandy-Textured

Ticked tabbies, masters of disguise, have a fur that’s a sandstorm of hues up close. They don’t have traditional stripes or spots; each hair is multi-hued. A well-known breed with this design is the Abyssinian.

Bicolor: Sharp Contrasts

Bicolor cats are the fashionistas of their universe, displaying their white and other tinted sheath as if they’re doing the catwalk every day. Whether it’s a perfectly split face or chic splashes, they’ve mastered the art of standing out in a crowd.

Van Pattern: Rare Elegance

The Van pattern, characterized by color mainly on the head and tail against a white body, is named after the Turkish Van cat. This distinctive style gives them a regal and unique appearance, setting them apart from other pigmentations.

Blue: Effortless Chic

Rocking their gray coats with a dash of blue, blue cats are feline royalty, always acting calm and collected. Korat, Chartreux, and Nebelung are some notable breeds with an air of sophistication that’s hard to ignore.

Calico: Patchwork Perfection

Calico kitties are the cat kingdom’s puzzle pieces, parading white, black, and orange patches. Predominantly female, these walking enigmas combine mystery and charm under a fluffy, cuddly exterior. They are both intriguing and irresistibly adorable to cat lovers everywhere.

Harlequin: Whimsical Splotches

Harlequin cats feature white fur accented with colorful streaks, each exhibiting an exceptional mix of whimsy and elegance. Each feline’s singular appearance stems from multiple piebald gene variations, due to which no two cats look precisely alike.

Classic Tabby: Marbled Finesse

Classic tabbies rock a fur design that screams “marble cake, but make it fashion.” With swirls so lush and detailed, they’re the envy of every baker and artist – proof that nature’s designs can outdo even the fanciest dessert.

Colorprint: Temperature Tones

Colorpoint cats display a unique color distribution, with darker colors on cooler body parts like the face, ears, paws, and tail due to temperature-sensitive albinism, often giving them blue eyes. Siamese and Ragdoll are prominent examples of this distinctive variety.