23 April, 2024
CatsPurfection - A Guide To British Shorthair Cat Colours
Posted on 2 February, 2022
Photo by Frederic Christian on Unsplash
Written by Andrew Guerra, Editor-in-Chief, for CatsPurfection
A perfect snuggle buddy with a round muzzle, a plushy coat, large almond eyes, and a medium-sized rounded body - all these words describe the British Shorthair cat. Owners of British Shorthair (BSH) felines definitely know that these affectionate companions are the embodiment of cute teddy bears that give positive emotions.
When we think about British Shorthair cats, the image that springs to our minds are blue Shorthair kittens with beautiful amber eyes. However, these beautiful felines come in an array of colours and patterns. These encompass both common colours, such as black, white, blue, and novel hues, such as lilac, cinnamon, chocolate, fawn, and the list goes on. On top of that, various patterns (tabby, calico, colour point, tortoiseshell) are recognized.
Along with a wide range of colours and patterns, British domestic Shorthair cats may have different eye colours, which only increases the cuteness overload you have when you look at these fur babies. In this article, we’ll consider the colours and patterns the British Shorthair kitties may have so that you can see what colour your adorable furkid is.
British Shorthair Colours
British Shorthair cats have a round head, round cheeks, a dense coat, as well as almond-shaped eyes that may feature different colouration. Show pets have orange eyes, but blue or mismatched eyes are only accepted in white BSH cats; green or hazel eyes are accepted only in black silver tabbies. However, their distinctive appearance is not the only thing that sets them apart from other relatives in the cat world. British Shorthairs are affectionate, easy-going, friendly, and loyal. Therefore, they are perfect companions for both singles and families.
Let’s take a closer look at the British Shorthair cat colours.
Solid Coloured British Shorthair Cats
These cats have a thick plush coat of solid colour, there are no patterns or blotches of other shades. This category includes solid blue cats, black (smoke British Shorthair cats), golden British Shorthair kitties, felines with lilac fur, cream, and orange British Shorthair kittens.
British Blue
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These cats are known as blue, but in fact, their fur has a grey hue. According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA), their nose leather and paw pads are blue. As a rule, their undercoat is a little lighter in shade than their topcoat.
Lilac
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The lilac British Shorthair cat features a coat of blue, grey, and pink hues. The coat colour ranges from cold lavender to warm pink with a grey undertone. The undercoat is typically lighter than their outer coat, and the eyes and paws are of the same tone as their coat. British Shorthair lilac cats have amber or orange-copper eyes and look extra cute.
Black
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These felines are quite difficult to breed, so it’s a real stroke of luck to find a purebred British Shorthair kitten with black fur. These felines have a black undercoat, a black nose, and black paw pads.
White
British white cats have white fur, pink paws, and a pink nose. In most cases, these white fur balls have hearing problems due to the gene responsible for white coat colour. Therefore, breeders don’t mate two white felines.
Red (Ginger)
Photo by Diana Parkhouse on Unsplash
Resembling the iconic Garfield cat, these red felines with orange or copper eyes look adorable. Their paw pads and noses have a brick-red hue. Although this colouration is called ginger, British Shorthairs can’t have solid colours, so tabby markings can be found on their fur.
Cream
Photo by Selwyn van Haaren on Unsplash
Cream-coloured British Shorthair cats have light red coats, which appear cream when the dilute white gene is present. Sometimes adult felines may have tabby markings. Their nose and paws are pink, their eyes can be golden, orange, or copper.
Chocolate
Chocolate British Shorthair kittens can be of any colour, from dark chocolate to milk chocolate, but the white areas aren’t accepted. The nose leather and paw pads can be either pink or chocolate; these felines can boast mesmerizing orange or copper eyes.
Cinnamon
These beautiful felines are a popular choice for many cat lovers because they boast a beautiful light chocolate coat with a bronze undertone. Their nose tip and toe pads are pink.
Fawn
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This colouration is identified only by a DNA test, so it is extremely rare. Cat’s fur is of a diluted cinnamon colour with a pinkish tinge. Their noses and paws are pink.
Tortoiseshell (Tortie) Colours
British torties have a two-tone pattern on their bodies that looks like a mosaic. There are many tortoiseshell colour combinations. This pattern can feature black, red, chocolate, cream, cinnamon, and lilac solid colours or with a smoke effect. You are likely to meet tortoiseshell cats with amber eyes or copper eyes.
Tabby Colours
Tabby felines can have an assortment of various shades on their fur: chocolate, cream, lilac, blue and black silver, chocolate and lilac silver, brown, blue, and red. Tabby markings across the body can be classic, spotted, or mackerel, and there is a distinctive “M” mark on their foreheads. All markings are clearly visible and solid, white colour isn’t allowed.
Colour Points
Colourpoint British Shorthair felines have a light-coloured body and blue, chocolate, or red points on cold areas (paws, ears, tails, and muzzles).
Conclusion
So, British Shorthairs come in a variety of shades and patterns, and you can choose a kitten of any colour you want. Remember that regardless of its colouration, you will find a loyal, devoted, and affectionate family member to share your life with.
For more cat information from CatsPurfection, please visit: https://catspurfection.com/
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