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most cat guardians will adopt a cat based on her personality, but some also have a distinct preference for a particular coat color or pattern. but is there a link between coat color and personality? After all, both are controlled by genetics, so it wouldn’t be much of a leap to believe that there is a connection.
In a recent study, researchers from California state university and the new college of Florida surveyed nearly 200 people. study participants were asked to associate 10 personality terms (active, aloof, bold, calm, friendly, intolerant, shy, stubborn, tolerant and trainable) with five cat colors–orange, tri-colored (tortoiseshells and calico cats), white, black and bi-colored (white and anything else). While story respondents said they placed more emphasis on personality than coat color, there appears to be some evidence that the two are linked, at least in the cat guardian’s perception.
It appears that there are some commonalities between coat color and a cat’s personality, but it is important to keep in mind that these are generalizations, and each cat is a unique individual. color may be only one aspect of what shapes a cat’s personality. other factors, such as breed and environment also come into play.
Tabby cats
Tabbies have a reputation for being laid back, calm and more sociable.They’re also said to be very affectionate, and relaxed to the point of being lazy.
Black cats
Black cats can be stubborn and friendly at the same time. They are said to be good hunters, but they can have a tendency to roam. They’re good natured and sociable.
Orange (ginger) and red cats
Orange cats are usually males (only one out of five orange cats is female). Cats with this coloring can be laid back and affectionate, but can also have a bit of a temper. females tend to be more laid back than males.
Black and white cats
Black and white cats (some are known as tuxedo cats when their coat pattern resembles a tuxedo jacket) are said to be even tempered and placid, but they can also be wanderers. They can be very loyal to their family, typically to one person in particular, and can be real lap cats.
Tri-color cats
Tri-color cats such as tortoiseshell and calico cats have a reputation for unique personalities, typically referred to as “tortitude.” These cats can have a bit of a temper, and they tend to be very possessive of their guardians.
Blue, cream, gray and lilac cats
Cats that have lighter coat colors all carry the same gene, called the dilution gene. There is conflicting information on this particular coloring. Some sources say cats with these colors can be mischievous and a bit frantic, while others say they are laid back and mellow.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
This article was previously published on Answers.com and is republished with permission.
Ingrid King
Table of Contents
Tabby cats
Black cats
Orange (ginger) and red cats
Black and white cats
Tri-color cats
Blue, cream, gray and lilac cats
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8 comments on Is There a link between coat color and Personality?
Deb says:
January 30, 2022 at 12:57 am
Grew up allergic to cats. Yet, loved& understood them, In 2007, an orange male tabby found me, I found Zyrtec ! Hollis ( he passed in 1/22) was always in my sight and I in his. He laid on me when I was Ill.. I never used my “hands” as toys (playtime). If he napped in the middle a room, we never woke and forced play… he trusted us . I feel he was a blessing in my life (I could go on ).
I held his sweet face when he passed.
Just before , he looked deeply in my eyes, and I his. I never felt that I could see a soul, I saw HIS. He stared into my eyes and I felt my soul taking in his love. What a wonderful “ginger “.
Last words I whispered..” you deserve to be happy. When it’s time .. go with our Lord. I will see you on the other side. You’re perfect.
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Linda Marion says:
October 2, 2021 at 5:15 pm
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.I am.the proud patent of a. tortiie. I am learning that her personality matches her coat color. She has been living with us for three weeks and is a rescue cat. She typically follows my spouse to bed and sleeps under our.bed. Sally did not accept her bed but I hope I can try a. different type but she sleeps in our garden window and on a love seat next to.my chair. She enjoys sleeping but can wake to race through the house like a crazed animal. So delighted I found her posted on the internet.
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Name* says:
April 14, 2021 at 8:44 am
My ‘totie’ was rescued and she ‘owned’ me when she was 12. now 3 years on she definately owns me. She is feisty and whne i turn the TV off (bedtime) she’ goesnull