Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Is There a Link Between Cat Coat Color & Personality? 5 Commonalities

Adult Silver Bengal Cat lying down

My recent article on “Tortitude – The Unique Personality of Tortoiseshell Cats” led me to wonder whether there’s a link between other cats’ coloring and their temperaments.  After all, both color and temperament can be inherited and genetically controlled, so it doesn’t seem to be too much of a leap to think that a cat’s coloring may be an indication of his or her personality.  It seems that there are, indeed, some commonalities between cat color and personality.  This is what I found:

divider 3 paws

The 5 Common Cat Colors & Their Personalities

Tabby Cats

Tabby cat meows with its mouth open
Image Credit: Kaan Yetkin Toprak, Shutterstock

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-cat-on-bed
Image credit: Pixabay

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.


Ginger, Orange and Red Cats

orange-cat
Image credit: Pixabay

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 cat laying down
Image By: liuksena, Pixabay

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, often to one person in particular, and can be real lap cats.


Blue, Cream, Gray, and Lilac Cats

grey cat enjoying fresh catnip
Image Credit: Anna Hoychuk, Shutterstock

Cats that have lighter coat colors all carry the same gene, called the dilution gene.  I found conflicting information on this particular coloring – some say cats with this coloring can be mischievous and a bit frantic, while others say they are laid back and mellow.

divider 3 paws

Conclusion

I believe that each cat has a unique and special personality, and color is only one aspect of what may play into making kitty who she is.  Other factors, such as breed and environment also come into play.  And of course, our cats are also spiritual beings, and perhaps spirit plays the biggest part in determining personality.

Does your cat’s personality fit into one of these classifications based on coat color?


Featured Image Credit: Pavel Shlykov, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

8 Best Catnips in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Catnip is the dried form of the Nepeta cataria plant, which is an herb related to mint. It has an extraordinary effect on...

What Colors Do Cats Like? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Preferences Revealed

Ever wondered what colors cats like the most? The answer isn’t so simple. The way that cats view and perceive the world is...

6 Best Foods for Bengals Cats in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

As a cat owner, you want your kitty to have the best food possible. You need food that suits your cat’s needs and...

Scoliosis in Cats: Detection & Treatments (Vet Answer)

Scoliosis represents a lateral curvature of the spine, especially of the thoracic area. If you look at your cat’s spine from above, you...

More related

How to Sing to Your Cats (& Do They Like It)? Feline Musical Facts

Tra-la-la-la, do you remember your do-re-mi-fa-so-la-ti-do? If so, your cat might appreciate you humming them a little tune now and again. While few...

How to Cat Proof a TV: 9 Vet-Approved Tips & Tricks

When you think about it, cats and humans have quite a lot in common. For starters, both cats and humans love taking long...

Bob Walker Talks About His Pioneering Catification Projects

Bob Walker is the godfather of Catification — the idea that we can make home improvements to better the lives of your cats....

8 Best Orthopedic Cat Beds in 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

If your cats are like ours, they will sleep just about anywhere. Sometimes you probably even wonder how they can be comfortable when...

Keep reading

Do Cats Gain Weight After Being Spayed? Vet-Reviewed Facts

Most prospective cat owners look forward to having their cat spayed or neutered. After all, tom cats and queens are significantly more annoying and cause a lot more trouble for their owners than spayed and neutered cats. However, most cat...

cat recovering from spay surgery

MRI For Cats: Our Vet Explains What Is It, Uses & Costs

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a form of advanced diagnostic imaging that generates clear 3-D pictures of the soft tissues in the body. If you want more information about your cat’s central nervous system, ears, nose and other soft tissues,...

vet checking up tabby cat

10 Best Hypoallergenic Cat Shampoos of 2026 – Reviews & Top Picks

Just like us, our cats can have sensitive skin. If your cats can’t handle all the chemicals and fragrances that lots of companies use in their products, you might be on the search for something much more natural. Luckily, there...

tabby cat taking a bath

Shedmonster Cat De-Shedding Tool Review 2026 – Pros, Cons, & Verdict

Review Summary Oster is among the most recognizable names in pet care and produces grooming products built around ease of use and durable design. Its dependability shines in its aptly named ShedMonster, an affordable yet effective tool for effortless fur...

Shedmonster Cat De-Shedding Tool Review

Caring For a 1-Year-Old Cat: Vet-Reviewed Health & Wellness Tips

Now that your kitten has hit their 1-year milestone, you’re likely wondering how things will change, since at 12 months, most cats are officially adult cats. It’s important to keep up with your cat’s different life stages, as this will...

bengal cat walking

Are Umbrella Plants Toxic to Cats? Vet Approved Toxicity Explained

Plants are a popular way to beautify your home and break up the concrete jungle with a little bit of natural charm. However, many popular houseplants are toxic for our pets, and ingestion can be deadly. The term “umbrella plant”...

Catster_Are Umbrella Plants Toxic to Cats

Are Irises Poisonous to Cats? Vet Approved Facts & Safety Tips

You likely know how it feels when you discover that your cat has eaten something and you have no idea whether it’s safe. Things that kitties seem quite fond of include plants and flowers, which are common in households. While...

Catster_Are Irises Poisonous to Cats

Bombay Cat Health Problems: 5 Common Issues

The Bombay Cat is an adorable medium to large cat with sleek and short black hair. They’re a mix between the Burmese and American Shorthair. Bombay cats are a generally healthy breed that is also athletic and surprisingly heavy due...

Catster_Health Problems of Bombay Cat