Why Are Brown Cats Rare? - (And 5 Rare Chocolate Cat Breeds) (2024)

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Cats come in all kinds of shades; some coat colors are more common than others while there are those that are incredibly difficult to find. One such color is brown, and to be more precise chocolate!

These cats truly are gorgeous and unusual, and it makes me wonder why there are so few of them? Is there a reason behind such rarity!

Why are brown cats rare? Cats with brown coats have a brown gene variant that reduces the amount of black pigment. While the brown tabby is easy enough to find, chocolate and cinnamon cats are rarer. The Havana Brown is one of the only breeds that has a “true chocolate” coat.

If you want to know more about chocolate and cinnamon cats and what breeds come in these shades of brown, then we got you covered!

What Determines A Cat’s Coat Color?

Before we dive deeper into why brown cats are harder to find, we need to take a look at what affects a cat’s fur color in the first place.

Just like with human skin, what determines a cat’s coat colors is melanin, which is a type of pigment. Melanin has two structural components, eumelanin which produces shades of brown and black, and pheomelanin that gives the fur, red and yellow coloring.

Some cats have dominant genes with a high prevalence of either eumelanin or pheomelanin and their coats are usually a black medium, or dark brown, or red. There are also those cats that have recessive genes, in which case the cats have different combinations of these two structural components, eumelanin or pheomelanin.

Why Are Brown Cats Rare?

Brown cats have a high prevalence of eumelanin and are products of the feline primary gene for coat color (B/b/b1). While the B codes refer to the color black, b and b1 are the recessive codes, and brown variants with reduced eumelanin, that makes cats appear brown in color.

What’s truly fascinating is that the gene that affects the production of black pigment displayed a mutation that caused brown coat colors in different species of mammals in the first place.

Researchers at the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory “identified two mutations in this gene that cause different variations of brown coat colors in cats.” Not only is brown color a mutation, but if we look closer at how this recessive gene works we can clearly see why it’s so uncommon to find brown-colored kitties.

So, let’s take a closer look at each brown gene variant.

Chocolate Cats

As I’ve mentioned above, there are two brown gene variants and chocolate brown is one of them, and it falls under the b code. Since black cats have a genotype B/B, they can’t display brown coloration or have brown offspring, but cats with B/b genotype (B stands for the back dominant gene and b stands for the recessive brown gene,) are carriers specifically of the brown chocolate color.

These cats can transmit the chocolate variant to 50% of their offspring, and if two cats with a B/b genotype mate then 25% of their kittens could be chocolate colored. This is a significantly small number and for a cat to have all brown offspring they must have the b/b genotype, meaning they must be chocolate cats themselves.

Cinnamon Cats

Now I know chocolate must be the one shade of brown that comes to mind when you think of brown cats, but light brown coats, also known as cinnamon is the second gene variant. Cats with b1/b1 genotype are cinnamon-colored and are most likely to transmit this specific shade of brown.

If on the other hand, they have the b/b1 genotype, chocolate and cinnamon then they’ll most likely pass on the cinnamon variant to 50% of their offspring and if two such cats mate then 25% of their kittens will probably inherit the cinnamon colors themselves.

Diluted Shades Of Chocolate And Brown

One of the rarest color shades in cats that you can in most cases find in purebred kitties is the light caramel color also known as Fawn. What’s so interesting about this color isn’t just that it’s a diluted form of the cinnamon color, but that there is another gene, dense pigment gene (D/d) responsible specifically for lightening a cat’s fur and making it look paler.

This gene (d) is also recessive, which means that both parents would have to have this gene (d/d) for a fawn-colored kitty to be brown. Now you might be wondering if there’s a coat color that is a diluted version of the rich chocolate shade (d/d) and while it’s also rear it defiantly exists. It’s mostly known as lilac or lavender, and it too is usually found in purebred cats.

Can Black Cats Turn Brown…Or Reddish Brown?

Solid black bats are oftentimes confused with brown cats because their fur can appear brownish, especially under the sun. Black cats don’t have a brown gene, this rusty discoloration of their fur can usually be blamed on sun exposure, which can be especially visible on long-haired breeds like the black Maine Coon!

My black kitty also turns to the brown side in the warmer months, only to shed every rusty spot as it gets colder. While this change is as natural as it is for our hair to get lighter during the summer, it’s important that we avoid letting our kitties light and especially dark, out when the sun is dangerously hot. Even though cats are mostly covered in fur, there are parts of their body that are exposed, like their ears and nose, and they’re likely to get sunburned or suffer from a heatstroke.

Now another reason your once kitty has turned into a chocolate color is Tyrosine deficiency, which means that your kitty isn’t producing enough melanin. To make sure that your kitty isn’t suffering from Tyrosine deficiency you should visit your vet!

What Cat Breeds Come In Brown?

Most cats come in all shades, and chocolate, cinnamon, or their lighter variants are also included. Breeds like the British shorthair, the Persian as well as the Devon rex, can have a variety of coat colors, even the rare brown, but for certain cats wearing the different shades of brown is a staple of their breed, a part of what makes them so special and what makes them stand out.

1. Havana Brown

This gorgeous cat is the only breed that can be called “true chocolate” not only is it extremely rare but while there over 200 million cats in the world, it’s estimated that there are fewer than 1,000 Havan Brown cats overall!

So, how did we get to have such rare beauty? Well, the Havana Brown is a manmade breed and they were created by crossing the Siamese breed that’s famous for their chocolate brown faces, the black domestic shorthairs, and the Russian blue.

Not only do these cats have a chestnut color, but their whiskers and nose are also brown! The Havana Brown is truly a breathtaking kitty as the CFA states “its distinctive muzzle shape, coat color, large forward-tilted ears, and striking green eyes set it apart from other breeds.”

2. York Chocolate

The Your Chocolate is as you probably have guessed a rich brown kitty, but it’s quite different from the Havana Brown as it appears slightly darker, and it has a semi-longhaired coat. Since this is a new breed that appeared in the 80s not many cat associations have chosen to register it.

What’s so interesting about the York Chocolate is that it can have a coat of chocolate brown, or bicolor chocolate and white or bicolor chocolate and lilac. Moreso, the coat usually will grow darker as the cat matures.

3. Burmese Cat

This beautiful cat was first introduced to America in the 1930s and through selective breeding, the solid brown coat was isolated. Of course, you can find Burmese Cat sporting four colors recognized by the cat fancier’s association, a rich dark brown, a warm beige, pale gray, or medium gray with fawn undertones.

No matter the shade I think the Burmese Cats have won my heart with their golden eyes!

4. Oriental Shorthair

According to CFA this long-legged and faced Oriental Shorthair “was developed to explore all the possibilities of color and pattern.” I mean they aren’t lying since there over 600 colors and patterns, and coat length combinations of this breed out there!

Since there’s so much variety you can imagine that the Oriental Shorthair can be brown chocolate, cinnamon, fawn or Levander, and any other shade in between!

I mean look at this gangly, chocolate beauty!

5. Brown Tabby Cat

While this common breed of cats isn’t a solid brown color, there are four tabby cat patterns with distinctive markings and one of them combines brown and black stripes. Here in Greece where I live, I see many strays and among them, you can always find the classic brown tabby strolling along the streets.

For me, it’s the contrast between the honey brown and the dark stripes that makes them stand out!

Closing Thoughts

While brown cats aren’t easy to find and they are truly rear I’m sure their owners love them not for the rarity and richness of their coat pigmentation, but for the richness of their personality and inner beauty!

I mean chocolate or not, I think all cats are sweet!

What about you? Did you know that brown cats are rear and would you ever consider bringing a cinnamon beauty into your home?

Why Are Brown Cats Rare? - (And 5 Rare Chocolate Cat Breeds) (2024)

FAQs

Why are chocolate brown cats so rare? ›

The color “brown” in cats is only possible due to a genetic mutation that focuses on the gene that produces the color “black”. This genetic mutation aims for this black pigment gene and strives to fully reduce this pigmentation in the cat's coat and coloring.

What is the rarest color of cats? ›

Cream. This buff hue is considered one of the rarest cat colors out there, and it's quite beautiful with its soft white and hint of orange undertone. (In fact, cream cats are technically considered an orange cat breed.)

Are brown cats a mutation? ›

Research by Lyons Feline Genetics Laboratory at University of California, Davis identified two mutations in this gene that cause different variations of brown coat colors in cats. The darker shade of brown coat color referred to as chocolate/chestnut results from an intronic mutation that causes a splice variant (c.

What is the rarest cat combination? ›

The Minskin Cat

The Minskin is an ultra-rare combination of the Munchkin (with their super-short short legs), Burmese, the Devon Rex (with their wavy fur), and the Sphynx.

Are orange cats rare? ›

Females must have two copies to be orange. So while female orange cats are not rare, females are just as likely to inherit genes for other colors, making them tortoiseshells or patched tabbies.

Are black cats rare? ›

It's Rare To Find an All-Black Cat

While some cats are indeed black from head to toe, this is actually rare. Most black cats have some other coloring in their whiskers, paw pads, or random patches of fur.

Do purple cats exist? ›

Lilac or lavender cats are not purple as their name indicates, but it is a very light color, almost dusty. This color is extremely rare from a genetics stand point, even in pedigree cats.

What color cat is least adopted? ›

Entirely or primarily black cats will be less likely adopted—and more likely euthanized—than cats of other colors.

What color cat is the least popular? ›

Black cats seem to be the most common coat color and sadly also the least desirable at adoption time. In fact, black cats are half as likely to find a home than a cat of another color. Why is this?

What is an all brown cat called? ›

The Havana Brown is the only truly solid Brown cat breed around. Sporting a chocolate color or a deep mahogany brown, it is a medium-sized shorthair cat with green eyes. Its personality is intelligent, curious, and social.

What is a Harlequin cat? ›

Harlequin. (Red Mackeral Tabby Harlequin) Mostly white with several large patches of color. Tuxedo. (Black Tuxedo) Black with tuxedo markings. Tuxedo Tabby.

What cat is named for color not breed? ›

Calico cats are not a specific breed of cat. The name generally refers to cats that are primarily white but also have patches of other colors to distinguish themselves, such as orange and black fur. Most calicos are at least two-thirds white.

What is the rarest cat name? ›

We sorted through out list to find the most least common names from our top list.
  • Ari.
  • Morty.
  • Tyson.
  • Phil.
  • Frodo.
  • Captain.
  • Hades.
  • Manny.
Apr 26, 2023

Is gold cat rare? ›

Gold Cat is a Super Rare Cat that can be unlocked by playing the Rare Cat Capsule when "Limited Edition" is part of the current pool. True Form added in Version 11.4 increases health and grants Wave Immunity.

Is a ginger girl cat rare? ›

Female ginger cats are very rare because of genetics. The red colour is in fact dependent on the Orange gene with a dominant 'O' and a recessive 'o' gene.

What are GREY cats called? ›

A Maltese (Italian: [malˈteːze]) is any cat whose fur is either completely, or primarily, gray or blue and is of indeterminate breed.

Do all cats have an M on their forehead? ›

To mark their special place in the feline world, all tabby cats from then on were rewarded with an 'M' on their forehead. But the true explanation for the letter 'M' mark tells us that it all comes down to genetics. The tabby pattern itself is the work of three types of genes that can be found in all domestic cats.

What is a black cat called? ›

There are as many as 22 recognized breeds that can have solid black coloring but the only all-black feline is the Bombay cat. The breed was developed in the 1950s by crossing Sable Burmese with black American Shorthairs with the aim to create a cat that resembled a miniature black panther.

Can black cats have blue eyes? ›

Yes, black cats with blue eyes have graced the world with their existence, but unfortunately, they are on the rare side. The only black cat breed with genuine blue eyes is the Ojos Azules, a name that pays tribute to this feline's beautiful eyes.

Are white cats rare? ›

White cats are some of the rarest, making up only about 5% of the total cat population! With their striking snow-white coats, they look dazzling and very unusual and, of course, they are even more special to their families who love them.

Are black cats color blind? ›

In scientific observations, cats do not appear to perceive the full range of colors that humans can. Some scientists believe that cats see only blue and gray, while others think they see also see yellow like their canine counterparts.

Are ginger cats real? ›

To be ginger, a male kitten only needs to inherit the “orange” gene from his mother. Females, however, need to receive copies of the gene from both parents, and the more copies of the gene she inherits, the more ginger she will be. Females with orange in their coats are more often tortoiseshells and calicos.

Do ginger cats exist? ›

Just like humans, there are different shades of ginger between cats. They can have an orange, red, or yellow-colored fur. Pheomelamine is the pigment responsible for the ginger color in cats. The amount of this pigment reflects how intense the ginger color of the cat is.

Is there a queen cats? ›

Queen. If your female cat has been spayed, she is referred to as a molly for her entire life. However, if your female cat reaches sexual maturity and begins her heat cycle, she can then be referred to as a queen. If you have a female cat who is pregnant or nursing, she is also considered a queen.

What is a Tabico cat? ›

– Calico Tabby or “Tabico” for short – A calico mixed with a brown tabby, so you get brown and orange tabby markings plus larger patches of white.

What color cat is nicest? ›

Orange cats were regarded as the friendliest by respondents, while white cats were labeled aloof, and tortoiseshell cats were thought to have too much "attitude." The subject was revisited in a University of California Davis study a few years later. This time, results were tabulated from 1,274 completed surveys.

What is the most wanted cat color? ›

What color cat is the most popular? While not definitive, surveys reveal that the most popular cat colors in the U.S. include orange tabbies and tuxedo-colored cats (black and white).

What color cats don t like? ›

So, the next time you are shopping for a present for your feline buddy, you will know which colors to avoid and which they can actually see and enjoy. Stick to blues and yellows if you want them to perceive the colors in a similar way to what you see. Avoid white when picking out the necessities.

What color can cats not be? ›

Since a cat's cones are most sensitive to blue and yellow wavelengths of light, they do not see colors like red, orange, or brown. They are similar to people with red-green color blindness—red hues likely appear as the color green to your cat.

What is the least known cat? ›

1. Sokoke Cat. The Sokoke Cat is the rarest domestic cat breed in the world, according to the UK's Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).

What is a Dobby cat? ›

Oriental Shorthair (Dobby Cats) Oriental Cat Breeds. #Oriental: This breed looks and behaves like a Siamese but comes in two fur lengths and over 300 color combinations. Their personality is similar to the Siamese but they are quieter. #

Are brown cats male or female? ›

“Since the genes for sex and hair colors are on different chromosomes, they are inherited independently of each other. Thus, no color is associated with a particular sex, except in cats and hamsters.”

What breed is a brown cat with green eyes? ›

The Havana brown cat is a rare breed. Not only has it struggled to exist over the years, it is the only all-brown cat breed from nose to tail, with the exception of its green eyes.

What is an angel cat? ›

Angel Cats are friendly animal Mobs that fly around the Aether. They can be found in Aether Villages as stray or feral.

What is a werewolf cat? ›

The Lykoi (commonly called wolf cat or werewolf cat) is a natural mutation from a domestic short-haired cat. The mutation has occurred in domestic cats over the last 20 years. DNA testing has been done by UC Davis to confirm that the cats do not carry the Sphynx/Devon Rex gene.

What is the most royal cat? ›

The Khao Manee is considered a royal cat in Thailand, and it was once kept only by the Thai royal family and noblemen. They were also considered sacred and believed to bring good luck and prosperity. Due to their rarity and unique appearance, they can be considered expensive.

What cat color is only male? ›

Both black and orange are carried on X chromosomes. Since males carry one X and one Y, they will either be black or orange. If the colors are diluted, they can be gray (the professionals call this blue) or yellow (the professionals call this cream).

What is a lily cat? ›

Lily C.A.T. is a 1987 science fiction/horror anime film written and directed by Hisayuki Toriumi, featuring monster designs from Yosh*taka Amano and character designs from Yasuomi Umetsu. An English version of the film was produced by Carl Macek and distributed by Streamline Pictures.

What is a cat with 4 colors called? ›

The calico cat is most commonly thought of as being 25% to 75% white with large orange and black patches; however, they may have other colors in their patterns.

What is the #1 cat name? ›

Kitty and Tiger are among the top cat names, but popular baby names such as Luna and Oliver are top choices for cats as well. Along with Luna, other popular girl cat names include Bella, Lucy, Daisy, and Willow -- all also popular for human babies.

What is the coolest cat name? ›

Classic Cat Names
  • Whiskers.
  • Felix.
  • Oscar.
  • Smudge.
  • Fluffy.
  • Angel.
  • Lady.
  • Lucky.
Aug 12, 2022

Should you let your cat lick you? ›

Cats carry bacteria in their mouths, which can lead to local or systemic infection if a cat licks an open wound. Immunocompromised people are most at risk. Acquiring a disease from your cat is very rare, but to be safe, don't let your cat lick your face or any cuts on your skin.

Is Sniper cat good? ›

Strategy/Usage

Like Sniper the Cat, he is particularly useful against individual bosses (such as Dober P.D). However, you should not use Sniper on levels with many peons, as he will likely miss the boss. Sniper also works very well with Cyberpunk, as one can delay enemies whilst the other helps to regain ground.

What kind of cat has gold eyes? ›

Cats with gold eyes

The Abyssinian (pictured above), Burmese, Bombay, Bengal, American Shorthair, and Somali cats are just a few breeds known to have golden eyes.

Is gold brick cat good? ›

This unit is a Tank Cat variant, sharing cost, cooldown and usage in general. Although his stats are lackluster, especially as the game progresses, he can be a great asset for dealing with Floating enemies early on.

Are white cats deaf? ›

Researchers found that only 17 to 22 percent of white cats with non-blue eyes are born deaf. The percentage rises to 40 percent if the cat has one blue eye, while upwards of 65 to 85 percent of all-white cats with both eyes blue are deaf. Some of these cats are deaf in only one ear.

Are black cats friendly? ›

Black Cats Are Very Good Natured

Perhaps it's evolution or part of being worshipped in other cultures for so may years, but black cats are very friendly. Those who have owned black cats report the silky felines being very easy-going, calm, and tolerant of children and other animals.

What type of cat is Garfield? ›

Garfield is an orange tabby cat of an unspecified breed. The official word from his creator, Jim Davis, is that Garfield isn't one particular breed or even based off of a singular cat. Some people theorize that he could be a Persian, British Shorthair, or Maine Coon.

Do chocolate brown cats exist? ›

Although the Havana Brown cat is the only truly, completely chocolate color cat, there are several other cats that are predominantly brown. Most “brown” cats have tabby markings, stripe, and point patterns in their coats, while cats with solid colors are typically black or white.

Are there any chocolate brown cats? ›

The ideal York Chocolate is a strikingly rich chocolate brown or lustrous lavender with a coat that has a glossy sheen and flows over body lines accentuating graceful, flexible body movement.

What is the personality of a chocolate brown cat? ›

Personality: The Havana Brown is a playful cat but she is often content just playing with a favorite toy. She will also play with her parent, but can, at times, be a bit of a loner. This breed tends to get very close to one person and attaches herself to that person for life.

How rare is a brown calico cat? ›

You probably never knew your calico's beautiful coat was also so complicated! In very rare cases—about 1 calico cat in every 3,000—cats can have an extra X chromosome, known as XXY Syndrome or Klinefelter's Syndrome.

What are orange cats called? ›

Ginger cats are hard to miss. Also called red, orange, orange tabby, marmalade, tiger-cat and cinnamon, this distinctive feline can certainly strike a charismatic pose. From 9Lives Morris to Garfield to Puss in Boots, ginger cats are some of the most celebrated felines in television and film.

What are brown cats called? ›

These include the Havana Brown, Burmese, Devon Rex, Persian, British Shorthair, and Scottish Fold. Although not standardized for competition, other felines that are sometimes included in the brown family are the York Chocolate, the Chausie, the Oriental Shorthair, and the Tonkinese.

What is a cinnamon cat? ›

A mutation in the Brown gene (tyrosinase-related protein-1, TYRP1) results in the Cinnamon coat colour. The mutant bI allele produces a light brown or cinnamon colouration. The mutation is recessive, hence two copies of the bI allele are required for cinnamon colouration.

Are female orange cats rare? ›

Orange tabby cats are usually male.

In fact, up to 80 percent of orange tabbies are male, making orange female cats a bit of a rarity. According to the BBC's Focus Magazine, the ginger gene in cats works a little differently compared to humans; it is on the X chromosome.

What color cat is the sweetest? ›

Orange cats were regarded as the friendliest by respondents, while white cats were labeled aloof, and tortoiseshell cats were thought to have too much "attitude." The subject was revisited in a University of California Davis study a few years later. This time, results were tabulated from 1,274 completed surveys.

What is the prettiest cat color? ›

Tuxedo cats (black/white, gray/white) topped the rankings, scoring in the top percentile of all categories. Beautiful and loving, tuxedos enjoy humans, respect their surroundings, and never miss when nature calls!

What is the most loved cat color? ›

What Is the Most Popular Cat Color? Two of the most prevalent cat colors in the U.S. are black and white, and like the stark contrast of their coats, they are often seen as having two vastly different personalities.

What colors is a money cat? ›

Originally, maneki-neko were white, but over the years with the combination of Feng Shui, different color variations were born. The original white color is to get good luck and overall good fortune, while black is to ward off evil, red is for good health, yellow or gold is for wealth, and pink is for romance.

What is a tabico cat? ›

– Calico Tabby or “Tabico” for short – A calico mixed with a brown tabby, so you get brown and orange tabby markings plus larger patches of white.

What is so special about calico cats? ›

What sets Calico cats apart is their tri-color coat. Calico cats have at least three colors in their fur, which at their most basic are white, orange, and black. However, variations on these colors, such as cream, blue-black, reddish, brown might also be noted in the coat of a Calico cat.

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