The color of your cat: Does it say anything about personality?

According to folklore, a cat's color and markings can reveal what's going on in that mysterious feline mind.

Saturday April 18th, 2009

A cat's color can tell us something about her personality: It sounds fantastic, but as early as 1872, people tried to link certain kitty colors and patterns with different personality types. There were temperamental torties, placid tabbies, and great white mousers.

But is there any truth to these feline stereotypes? There's no hard evidence to back them up, but you can decide for yourself: Check out our kitty color chart below, and see if your cat matches up to her description.

Kitty color chart

Tabbies are good-natured and friendly. Lovers of the good life, they're often found curled up by the fire or enjoying some laptime petting.

With their white bellies and formal black coats, tuxedo cats stand out for their independence. They like to explore, and will roam far and wide if they're allowed outside.

Gray cats are the sophisticates of the feline world, but beneath that urbane exterior they just want to be loved. And secretly, they like to let loose. Show them a fishing-pole toy and watch their wild side emerge.

Calicos are loving and lively. In old-world Japan, they were also thought to bring good luck.

Red cats, often described as ginger-colored, are sweet but sassy. They can surprise you--and often, make you laugh--with their unpredictable behavior.

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	Sweet Fluffalishuss Cee Cee cat says "Yowl!! What about TORTIES!! We ALL know Torties RULE!!!! almost 2 years ago by Anonymous
	I read what you posted about kitty personalities based on their coloring. What is funny is that I have always had tabby cats. I just like the markings. Not that I would turn one down if it was a different color... I have two cats, currently, and a black and tan coonhound dog. My male cat is neutered but is in great health. When I lost my first cat I went to a neighbor who had a farm. They had 8 female cats who had given birth around the same time. The kitten I chose was the only one in a litter of 8 (my lucky number) that came up to me and wanted to be pet. I picked him up and gave him love, which he gave back. The owner of the farm said," You haven't played with any of the other kitties yet, are you sure that is the one you want?" I said "Oh yes". He has been with me for 11 years and is my best buddy and cuddler. He loves to get under the blankets and snuggle. Our other tabby came to us via being evicted from a neighbor's yard. The cat (a female) had been fostered through a rescue group, but her owners had over 10 other cats at the time. I find this irresponsible. Cats, especially females, I find, are territorial. Having so many cats outdoors simply causes over-population and roaming that other neighbors do not appreciate. This kitty was in our yard a lot. It was in the middle of winter and so cold! We coaxed her with treats and cat food and water. She came to our door every morning and every night, and we found that she had figured out how to get into our garage and sleep. Over a time period of three weeks we finally agreed we should see if she was tame enough to come into the house. We opened the door and in she came. She loves to be inside and close to us. It took some time, but now she lets us hold her on our laps but doesn't like to be picked up. She is pretty independent. She goes in and out when she wants to, but always comes home, especially when we call for her. She is like our shadow when we are out in the yard. Amazingly, our coonhound, even though she is a nose-and-sight hunter, does NOT chase the cats. At least, not our cats. She does want to chase other cats, but never hurts them. She likes it when they run up the trees. Then she goes sniffing for something else. In the house the cats and the dog are the best of buds. I have found that having neutered and spayed animals makes them more lovey and less likely to roam from home. Also, they seem to be more healthy! about 2 years ago by Anonymous
	I was adopted by a stray black cat. She was clearly someone's pet at one time.She simply came & decided to stay. She'd be hanging on the screen door & peeking in,etc. Of course, she became one of us. I had her spayed- yes, she was pregnant but not noticable but perhaps that was why she was so insistent. She was estimated to be 9 mo.old when she came to us & I finally HAD to have her put down at 19 yrs.old because she was so ill. NEVER say never to an animal based on their color. about 2 years ago by Anonymous
	What has always been the first thing that I responded to with the few cats that I have had was their coming to me with trust and love. I couldn't tell you what color their eyes were...one was a stray that was male nurished and had just had a litter. My dog found the dead kittens around our yard. We made a home for her on our outter porch so that she could come and go as she pleased. She did, like clockwork in the a.m. as I went to work and the p.m. when I returned home. We called her Boohookitty from a TV show. We found her in a nest in a hollow in the yard between the shrubs that was filled with leaves, and 3 little grey and white kitttens (blue eyed),We found homes for the kittens, then made arrangements to have Boohookitty neutered, on the morning of with a carrier in hand I waited and waited and never saw that loving cat again. The other cat we called Butterscotch because of her beautiful color and sweetness. Love is the main reason for the choices we humans make...Elkon, Lakewood, NJ about 2 years ago by Anonymous