Gray, white, black, orange, striped or mixed colors: there is no shortage of variety when it comes to the color of the cat. This, in fact, ends up being one of the biggest criteria that guardians use when adopting a kitten and, believe it or not, this can help a lot to understand the animal's behavior on a daily basis. Not everyone knows, but it is possible to define the personality of cats.That's right: the color of a cat's coat can be related to its temperament, and there is even research to prove it.

But then, what is the meaning of cat colors and what can it indicate about their behavior in general? If you are curious to know more about it, just come with us. We explain everything about the link between cats, colors, personalities and much more!

Cat colors: what determines feline hair color?

To understand how the cat's color is formed, it is important to remember some biology concepts, such as melanin and genes. Melanin, in short, is the protein responsible for the pigmentation of the cat's hair. This is defined, in turn, based on the amount of eumelanin and pheomelanin (two essential components for coloration). While eumelanin produces colors such as brown and black,pheomelanin takes over the production of the red tones. Mixing these colors can also trigger other coat types, such as the gray, cream, chocolate or orange cat.

The genetic information for melanin is contained in the animal's X genes. Here's a quick refresher: the gene is the segment of a DNA molecule where various genetic information is stored - such as the color of cats' coats - in case you don't remember.

White coloration can appear in three ways: through the white gene, the white spot gene or the albinism gene. If a kitten has the white or albino gene, it will be entirely white. However, if it has the white spot gene, it can be a bicolor cat, for example. Examples of this are the black and white cat (the frajolinha), the yellow and white cat, the gray and white cator even the brown and white cat.

Male or female: whether cat colors can be defined by sex

Can you tell the sex of a male or female cat based solely on the animal's color? Well, the answer is: it depends. Remember that we said that the cat's color information is stored on the X chromosome? So, another important point is that males have XY genes and females have XX genes. As a matter of probability, it is very difficult to have a black and yellow cat thatSince the X gene can only store the color black or the color yellow - and not both together - the male cannot have them simultaneously because he is XY, while females are XX (consequently, they can have both colors at the same time).

This also means that a tricolor cat (black, white and yellow cat) tends to be female, not male. But then is every tricolor cat or scaled cat (black and yellow cat) female, then? The answer is no! If it has a genetic anomaly called Klinefelter's Syndrome, the male cat is born with one extra chromosome (XXY). In this case, it may have the colors mentioned above, but it isvery rare to happen.

Another little story that many people tell around is that orange cats are always male. The explanation for this also lies in the DNA of felines. To have the totally orange or yellowish color, it is necessary for the female to have a specific gene on both X chromosomes. Male cats, on the other hand, need to present the gene on the only X chromosome they have, which makes the process much more difficult.easy.

Study says there is evidence between cat hair and personality

A study by the University of Florida and California in the United States has shown evidence that, based on observations by several owners, the color of cats' coats has a lot to do with their personality! This conclusion was reached after an anonymous online survey conducted by the university to assess human perceptions of felines according to the color of their fur.

In this survey, the guardians had to assign 10 terms to 5 cats with different colors (orange, tricolor, white, black and bicolor). The terms, in turn, were: active, indifferent, bold, calm, friendly, intolerant, shy, stubborn, tolerant and trainable. In each term, it was possible to determine the levels referring to the cat's colors based on the Likert scale, which works as a kind of a scale.Example: from 0 to 5, how friendly do you consider a black and white bicolor cat to be? And so on.

Finally, the researchers observed that many owners with cats of the same color reported similar characteristics, such as love, friendship, indifference and aggressiveness. Based on this, it was possible to realize that yes: the color of the cat can reflect its behavior, which opened the door to other studies on the personality of each pet.

There is little information about rare colors, such as the brown cat (Havana is the only breed that has this coat tone). However, if your pet has more than one color - such as the white and grey cat - or distinctive patterns - such as the brindle cat and the spotted cat - don't worry: we went after some answers for this type of cat coat too. Just keep reading!

What is the meaning of the color of cats?

In addition to knowing that the personality of cats is manifested by the color of their coat, many people also wonder what the meaning of cat colors is from a mystical and energetic point of view. Check below what each color represents:

• Black cat: meaning is associated with the protection and purification of the environment.
• White cat: meaning is associated with healing power, balance and stress relief.
• Stray cat: meaning is associated with luck, optimism and positive energy.
• Gray cat: meaning is associated with stability, peace and tranquility.
• Orange cat: meaning is associated with prosperity, creativity and self-esteem.
• Bicolor cat: meaning is associated with friendship and wisdom.
• Tricolor cat: meaning is associated with female power, protection and luck.
• Scaled cat: meaning is associated with mystical powers, protection and healing.

Black cat: fear is a myth, because he's all love!

The study is clear: that black cat is bad luck is just a myth! In fact, the behavior of these cats can be really surprising. Black cats are more likely to have a meek and quiet demeanor, as well as being kind, trustworthy, and calm. These kitties also love to play and have their guardians around, but they are suspicious and intuitive. The ability toThe ability to sense dangers around them - and try to alert their owner, more often than not - may explain their bad reputation as "unlucky." But in reality, having a black cat in the house is certainly synonymous with luck, because these animals are much more than we can realize.

Black cat breeds can be varied. The Persian is on this list, as well as the Maine Coon, Angora cat and the Bombay. Also, if the idea is to get a black cat, breed isn't always the most important thing. There are several mutts out there with this coat pattern looking for a home. So, who knows, maybe you can find a furry black cat or even a blue-eyed black cat?

White cat is marked by shyness and calmness

White cats are less daring, more shy, and quieter than other felines. Incredibly, their coat color is also associated with their lack of interest in the outdoors - unlike many other kitties. In practice, this means that white cats are more homey and like to stay in their own corner. On the other hand, they can be a little bitindifferent and more independent, as they are very reserved and individualistic. They tend to be suspicious around strangers, but are very loyal companions when they form an affectionate bond with their family.

There's no shortage of white cat breeds to fall in love with! The Ragdoll cat is one that is sure to catch the eye with its dense coat, but it competes with the Turkish Angora, Persian, Khao Manee and Himalayan cat for cuteness. Generally, white cats have blue eyes and a higher likelihood of deafness, so be on the lookout!

Stray cats are quiet and attached to their owners

A behavior that intrigues many people is that of the striped cat, well known for the beauty of its "striped" coat and mixed with shades of other colors. They have a quiet demeanor and will always prefer to be close to their owners than to other people, because they feel more comfortable around the family. However, because they are naturally curious, striped cats are more open-mindedto meet new people and do not exude as much distrust as animals of other colors. Yes, the striped cat tends to be very curious and loves to explore its natural instincts. Therefore, it is necessary that the guardian has a certain willingness to play and know how to spend the animal's energy.

The mongrels are quite popular when it comes to a mixed cat, not least because there is usually a great variability of colors, such as the gray striped cat and the white brindle cat (which are quite similar, even). However, some striped cat breeds that also attract attention are the Pixie-Bob, the Manx cat, the Bengal cat (or Bengal cat), the Munchkin, the Scottish Fold and the Cornish Rex.

Gray cat is very affectionate, playful and has an adventurous side

The behavior of the grey cat is marked by an affectionate and outgoing personality. These animals are also very curious and have a very playful way. One can even say that the grey cat is a bit mischievous, because he hardly sits still for long and is always looking for a new adventure around the house. For fans of grey cats, the good news is that the kittens of this colorThey are very tame and do not dispense a good caress (as long as the tutor knows the right places to caress it). In other words, it is a mixture of cuteness with a lot of attitude and adventure.

There are several grey cat breeds that you can love! The Korat and the Chartreux are the most popular when you think of a grey cat, but you can also find other examples like the Persian cat, the Angora, the Russian Blue cat and the English Shorthair cat. Oh, and of course: besides these breeds, grey cats can also have no defined breed (SRD) and still be a great friend for life.

Black and white cat (the famous frajola cat): personality is independent and agitated

When it comes to fraidy cats, there's no shortage of personality! Independence is practically their surname, and they're also often quite agitated. In some cases, it's common for the black and white cat to get angry - and in those cases, the agitation is even greater. That's what another research from the University of California found when trying to understand the relationship of coat color with traitsThey observed that the black and white cat, as well as the gray and white cat, can behave aggressively in certain situations, such as visits to the vet or when they try to pull them into an unwanted lap.

Cats of these colors can also be real runaways in everyday life. To prevent this from happening, the ideal is to get the black and white kitten used to adverse situations, with training and proper socialization. Positive reinforcement makes all the difference!

Still, the frajola cat brings a lot of joy into the home. They are playful, but sometimes they like to stay secluded in their own little world just watching everything around them. And what is the black and white cat breed? Some examples of felines that can be found in these colors are the Cornish Rex, the American Shorthair cat and the Turkish Angora. If you don't care so much about this onekind of thing and want to have a frajola cat, breed can be the famous "mongrel"!

Yellow cat: the Garfield personality is not for nothing!

Lazy, playful and great friends, yellow or orange cats have the very characteristic personality of the famous Garfield kitten. Very relaxed and fun, yellow cats are observed and studied as great partygoers, who like to enjoy a good cuddle and stay at home. The orange cat is extremely friendly and loves to be the center of attention, while being veryA typical situation for this kitten is that it rubs up against its guardian to get affection, and may even meow to get your attention (if it feels you are not pampering it enough). Aggressiveness and shyness are not characteristic of cats of this color.

It's very easy to fall in love with orange cats, so which breeds have this characteristic? Some examples of yellow cats are the Maine Coon, Persian cat, Manx, American Bobtail and, of course, our beloved mongrel kittens! In some cases, the animal may even have some white spots on its body, but this does not interfere with its docile and friendly personality.

Bicolor, tricolor and scaly cats: what is the behavior of each pet?

In general, bicoloured cats - with the exception of the frajola - tend to be very stable. They are animals that have a keen curiosity, but at the same time can act a bit aloof. It is quite common to find a brown and white cat, for example, running after its guardians to gain attention, and then dodging their affection. But, in general, they are great company and have enormous loyalty. Whenif it is a bicolor cat, the possibilities are endless and the sky is the limit! It has different combinations that please all tastes, such as:

• Brown and black cat
• Gray and black cat
• White cat with gray
• Yellow cat with white
• Yellow cat with black

The tricolor cat, on the other hand, will always follow the same black, white and yellow cat pattern. Their little way usually charms people because as tricolor cats are mostly females, they are very docile and attached to their family. In addition, they have a very playful and active behavior, always looking for something to distract themselves or a prey to chase. They also have an independent side to themand can be stubborn.

Finally, the scaly cat has a coat that resembles the shell of a turtle, with the colors black and orange well blended. These animals have a very characteristic personality and are very shy and introverted. Generally, it is not a cat that feels comfortable around strangers and is more reclusive in its corner. Already close to the family, the kitten is pure love and loves to receive affection.

Regardless of the color, what matters is love!

Scientific discoveries are very important, but what is even more important is breeding. All the observations that science has proven are just trends - that is, it does not mean that your fraidy cat is necessarily a runaway, or your black cat super quiet. What is really important is a breeding with love, affection and care and, above all, responsibility. A good onefeeding, correct stimulation and a safe home with screened windows is what counts most at these times.

Originally published on: 14/02/2020

Updated on: 29/09/2021