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

Share

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

Why Your Cat’s Poop Smells Like a Biohazard

Nobody enjoys litter box duty, but sometimes it gets unbearable. The smell hits you from across the room. You’re scooping faster, lighting candles,...

RIP Your Furniture? Not With This Guide to Cat Scratch Damage Control

Your couch looks like it survived a minor apocalypse. The curtains have mysterious vertical shreds. That new rug you splurged on is already...

Celebrating 15 Years as the Most Popular Resident of No. 10 Downing Street

For almost 300 years, a rather unassuming Georgian building of black bricks with a shiny black door has been the official residence and...

Ask Dr. Paola – Help! My Kitten Pukes After She Eats! (March 2, 2026)

Welcome to our “Ask Dr. Paola” series, where every Monday we bring expert advice straight from Dr. Paola Cuevas (MVZ) to help our...

More related

Can Cat Dander Travel Through Vents or Air Ducts? Facts & FAQ

Having cats can be rewarding but also a struggle for some people due to allergies. If you have cats and family members allergic...

Taking Care of a Picky Cat: How Olga’s Eating Habits Have Changed

Hi, I’m Christopher! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my silly Russian Blue cat, Olga. When Olga was a kitten,...

Are Munchkin Cats Hypoallergenic? Vet-Reviewed Info & Management Tips

Munchkin cats are arguably one of the cutest cat breeds out there. With their tiny legs, they run around in a waddle-like way...

Can Cats Drink Chocolate Milk? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

There have been images and videos of cats drinking milk for decades. As such, the habit perpetuates, and most owners believe that it...

Keep reading

Does Cedarwood Oil Kill Fleas on Cats? Vet-Verified Effectiveness & Safety Explained

Fleas can be the bane of a cat owner’s existence. Once they appear, they’re everywhere, and worst of all, they make our kitties miserable. Getting rid of fleas can be an arduous task. While plenty of flea control and prevention...

cedar chips and essential oil

Why Does My Cat Bite Me When I Sleep? Vet-Verified Reasons & How to Stop It

It’s natural for cats to bite, and there are various reasons why your kitty might suddenly bite, seemingly unprovoked. Cats are born with innate predatory instincts, so much so that aggressive actions like biting show up naturally during their play...

cat play biting person's hand

How to Clean a Cat’s Nose: Vet Approved Step-By-Step Guide

As a pet parent, you do everything for your cat, from feeding them to grooming and taking them to the vet. When your cat has a stuffy nose, whether from being dirty or from a cold, you want to help...

person cleaning cats nose

Can Cats Sense Earthquakes Before Humans? What Vet-Reviewed Science Tells Us

Have you ever seen a video of a cat freaking out just moments before an earthquake? There are many of these videos out there, which has to mean something, right? But before you jump to any conclusions, you’ll want to...

cat hiding in the dark

Is Rhododendron Toxic to Cats? Vet Approved Facts & Safety Tips

Rhododendrons or azaleas are some of the most popular landscaping plants. It’s easy to see why—they’re gorgeous with their colorful, showy flowers. The genus is large and diverse, with over 1,000 species on four continents1. Of course, there are also...

Catster_Is Rhododendron Toxic to Cats

Can Cats Eat Eggs? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts

Cats can eat many human foods safely and gain some benefits, while other foods can be hazardous for cats to consume. Like most cats, yours is probably more interested in human food and table scraps than their own cat food...

Can Cats Eat Eggs

How to Keep Your Cat’s Nails Healthy in 5 Vet-Approved Steps

As a responsible cat owner, you’re well aware of the importance of caring for your kitty’s sharp little claws—not only for their health but also to spare your furniture! While our feline companions know how to keep their fur in...

cat paws when sitting on the table

Is It True That All Cats Meow? Vet-Reviewed Facts

If your cat constantly wakes you up at the crack of dawn meowing for food, you might have threatened to trade them in for a quieter model out of frustration! Okay, not really, but it is fair to wonder if...

close up cat meowing

Love Cats? So Do We! Join the Catster Community

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.




Sign up for the Catster Email Newsletter

Stay informed with expert pet care insights delivered straight to your inbox! Discover professional guidance on animal behavior, feeding tips, trusted product picks, and much more.