Cats are individuals with rich and varied personalities. There’s a common belief that “the breed and coat color influence a cat’s personality,” and many cat owners may have experienced this firsthand. Scientific research on the relationship between cat coat colors and personalities is gradually advancing. In the first part, we consulted experts about the history of cats and the formation of coat colors.

Examining Cat History through Genetics

Libyan Wildcat settles near humans, becoming the Domestic Cat

The coexistence of cats and humans began approximately 10,000 years ago in Egypt. Genetic research conducted in 2007 revealed that the ancestors of modern domestic cats are Libyan Wildcats. These wildcats adapted to dry areas with forests and bushes, and in their natural environment, they often had a camouflage pattern called “agouti,” where a single hair displayed stripes of varying shades.

The catalyst for coexistence was the Libyan Wildcats following mice, attracted to human settlements near grain storage areas such as barns. Cats that were more amicable towards humans, especially those with a tendency to befriend people, became beloved pets, evolving into domestic cats.

Variation in Cat Types and Coat Colors

Accelerated breeding cycles in safe proximity to humans led to morphological differences

Cats living near humans had assured meals, improved nutritional conditions, and as a result, their breeding cycles accelerated. This led to the emergence of cats with mutations, increasing the repertoire of coat colors and forms. In contrast to the natural environment where cats with solid colors (such as white or black) or bicolor/tricolor (like spotted or calico) might stand out too much and struggle to survive, these variations thrived with human companionship.

In ancient times, humans selected dogs based on behavior and abilities, creating breeds like hunting dogs and herding dogs. However, with cats, the primary criterion was “cuteness in appearance.” This preference led to an increase in unique cats with distinct coat colors, textures, patterns, and facial features.

Spreading Across the World with Short and Long Hair Varieties

Cats adapted their fur to the climate of the regions they settled in

Around 4,000 years ago, as humans migrated to Europe and Asia, they brought domestic cats with them, spreading cat habitats worldwide. Cats adapted to their new environments, resulting in an increase in short-haired breeds in warm regions and long-haired breeds in colder areas.

In modern times, particularly in Europe and North America, native hybrids were stabilized through breeding, giving rise to various cat breeds. As visual differences increased, some variations in temperament also emerged.

For example, short-haired breeds like Abyssinian and Siamese tend to be relatively active, while long-haired breeds like Persian are less inclined to move around and generally have lower activity levels.

“Does coat color influence personality?”

Research reveals a connection between coat color and aggression

Studies on the relationship between cat coat colors and personalities are relatively recent. There are three main methods for investigation:

1. Conducting surveys with cat owners about their cat’s coat color and behavior.
2. Observing the behavior of cats with the same coat color or breed.
3. Surveying veterinarians or handlers about cat coat colors and behaviors.

While these methods aim to gather as objective data as possible, the results may still vary, and ongoing research continues to refine our understanding.

Since research on cat coat colors and personalities is not as advanced as with dogs, much remains to be discovered. However, let’s explore what is known so far about coat colors and characteristics. In a survey of 14 coat colors, both hybrids and purebreds seem to exhibit some common tendencies.

Agouti (Tabby, Tortoiseshell, etc.)

Agouti is characterized by a gene that divides a single hair into bands of different colors from the tip to the base. This pattern resembles the coat of the Libyan Wildcat, and cats with this pattern often display a strong, wild temperament. Especially in cats with overall brown patterns, there is a tendency towards higher activity and aggression.

Solid (White, Black, etc.)

In solid-colored cats, the gene that suppresses agouti patterns is predominant, resulting in a single-colored coat. Compared to agouti patterns, solid-colored cats generally exhibit lower activity and aggression, leaning towards a docile temperament.

It’s theorized that the amino acid tryptophan, which contributes to making the coat black by providing the raw material for melanin, is also a precursor for serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with calmness. Hence, black cats might have lower anxiety and aggression.

Bicolor (Spotted, Point, Bicolor, etc.)

Coat colors with spotted patterns or color on the tips of the body. While detailed information about their personalities is not clear, they tend to be more docile than agouti-patterned cats.

Tricolor (Calico, etc.)

Calico cats result from the interaction of three genetic factors – black, white, and orange. The gene for the orange color exists only on the female sex chromosome, allowing females to have both orange and other colors simultaneously, forming a calico pattern.

While there are rare cases of male calico cats due to chromosomal abnormalities, under normal circumstances, male calico cats are not born. Therefore, the gender-related behavioral characteristics might be more noticeable than coat color traits in calico cats. They are generally less active, somewhat docile, and often have a smaller size.

Wild Coat Patterns of Bengal Cats

Comparing the characteristics of Bengal cats, expressing wild traits through their coat, with Ragdoll cats

Bengal cats, born from crossbreeding with wild Asian cats, represent a breed with wild characteristics, featuring short hair and agouti patterns. On the other hand, Ragdoll cats, bred for domestic companionship, are a gentle breed with long hair, often exhibiting bicolor or pointed patterns. By comparing the behavior of these two breeds, the differences become evident. * The height of the bars represents the manifestation of behavioral characteristics.

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About Antigenne

Antigenne, holding the banner of enjoying living together with animals and protecting the health both of animals and humans, is dedicated to building a harmonious society for humans and animals. Insisting on the values of innovation, honesty and integrity, sticking to the principle of “quality is the cornerstone of future existence.” through innovative products and dimensional services, Antigenne is looking forward to cooperating with you and expecting to create a bright future with a win-win result.  Together, we can make a difference. Contact Antigenne now and let’s unlock the future of animal health.