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Teddy -
solid colored blue
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Think your cat is
making a “Fashion Faux Paw”? We don’t think so! Cat coats come in a
variety of colors, shades and textures. In fact, they come in every
color imaginable! They can be solid, tabby or tortoise. They can be
smoky, pointed, bi-color or calico - or any mixture of these choices!
In the world of cats, a special vocabulary has been developed to
describe a vast array of coat colors and patterns displayed by our
feline friends. We use these terms when describing both cats with
lengthy pedigrees and those whose heritage is unknown. These colors
and patterns are combined in unique ways that make each cat special.
Colors and patterns
are not the same as breeds. Within each breed there are many colors. A
Persian can be red, black, white or many other colors and patterns. A
white cat might be a Persian, a Manx, a Turkish Angora or a domestic
shorthair.
Below are some of
the terms we use at the clinic to describe the coloration of our
patients. We are sure you will find the words that perfectly describe
the feline beauty that lives with you!
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Solid Colors: |
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When a cat is a
solid color the hair is the same color from root to tip. Examples
of solid colored cats are ones that are black, white, chocolate,
red or blue. |
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Shadings: |
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When the root
of the hair is white and the tip is tinted with one of the solid
colors, the cat’s color is described as shaded or smoke. |
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Patterns: |
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Most of our
patients are identified by their pattern as well as their color.
Tabby, bi-colored, pointed, calico and tortoiseshell cats
regularly grace our office. |
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Tabbies - These cats have bracelets around their legs,
swirls on their cheeks, the letter M on their forehead and dark
stripes down their sides. Sometimes the lines are wide,
sometimes thin and sometimes the markings are spotted.
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Pointed patterns - These cats have basic colors and patterns
limited to their face, ears, legs and tail. The body is usually
pale cream or fawn.
- Calico
- These are white cats with patches of black and red. When the
patches are blue and cream we call the color pattern dilute
calico.
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Tortoiseshell - these kitties have patches of red and cream
mixed with black or chestnut. Many will have a blaze of red or
cream on their face.
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Cats are naturally
glamorous creatures. The diversity of colors and patterns helps give
each one his or her sense of style.
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Amanda Jane - calico
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