by Alicia Kort, | February 13, 2024
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Have you ever walked past a windowsill, assumed there was nothing there, seen something move, then jump? Cream-colored cats tend to blend in, but, it turns out, they’re actually not white.
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Cream cats usually have at least a whisper (but often more) of orange in their coats — a bit like the color of peach fuzz. As peach fuzz is officially Pantone’s 2024 color of the year, we’re spotlighting these secret orange cats. Read on to find out more about these rare cats, the different breeds, and why they’re the cream of the crop.
Facts about cream-colored cats
1. Cream cats are just orange cats in disguise.
Yes, really! The cream color that your eyes are seeing is actually a pale orange. Cream cats must have a dominant allele of the red gene and two copies of the recessive allele of the diluted pigment gene. The diluted pigment gene does what it sounds like — it dilutes the dominant fur color. This combination essentially tones down the red pigment in a cat’s fur so much that they appear to be a peach fuzz or cream color. So don’t be surprised when you see some orange cat behavior from a cream cat.
2. Cream cats are more likely to be male.
Orange cats are most likely to be male, so it logically makes sense that it would be the same with cream-colored cats. Female cats would need both of their X chromosomes to be red and then to have the necessary recessive alleles to be cream. That’s why female cream cats are incredibly rare.
3. Cream cats are rare.
One reason why cream cats are rare is because of the diluted gene combination. If you remember biology in high school, you might recall that recessive genes are less likely to show up. The second is that red cats are more likely to be male, making the likelihood of two cream-colored cats getting together uncommon.
While other cat mating combinations might produce cream-colored kittens, the chances of this happening are still relatively low. In such cases, there may only be one or two cream-colored kittens in a litter. According to the Cat Fanciers’ Association, some other combinations include a male black cat with a female tortoiseshell cat and a blue male cat with a female tortoiseshell cat.
4. Cream cats come in many patterns and markings.
Cream cats aren’t actually ever solidly cream, even though they might look like it. Cream cats usually have subtle (or not-so-subtle) patterns in their fur, including tortoiseshell, calico, tabby, tuxedo, and more. And because blue cats can mix with orange cats, it is possible to have a blue-cream cat, too.
5. Cream-colored cats are not albinos.
Even very light cream-colored cats are not albinos because a red cat (or tortoiseshell cat) has to be in the mix in order to create a cream cat. And if you see a mostly white cat with a splash of red on their head or tail, they are technically an orange cat, too.
Cream-colored cat breeds
Unlike other cat color combinations, like black-and-white cats, few breeds boast cream-colored cats as part of their brood. Read on to see a few of these rare cream-colored cat breeds.
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1. Siamese
When you pictured a cream cat, the Siamese probably came to mind. This affectionate and occasionally clingy kitty with brilliant blue eyes can come in a cream or red point. This color is very rare and not always accepted by cat associations. These Siamese cats usually have a reddish, chestnut hue on their face and paws. Siamese cats are playful and vocal Velcro kitties who would make a great companion for families with older children (due to their smaller and more delicate stature) and pet parents with other cats. This vocal kitty is prone to separation anxiety, so they’re best suited for homebodies.
Weight: 6 to 14 pounds Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
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2. Maine Coon
The majestic dog-of-cats boasts a pretty tabby cream point hue. Usually, there are subtle cream markings on their foreheads and tails in this pattern, though they do appear to be almost white otherwise. These big long furry kitties are almost like the Golden Retrievers of cats. Why? They play fetch, they like to swim (yes, really!) and they love to be around their humans. The most high-maintenance thing about the Maine Coon is that their thick, water-resistant coat does require brushing every few days. They don’t shed as much as other cat breeds. Because of their larger size and relaxed demeanor, they do well in households with other pets (if introduced properly) and children (if properly behaved).
Weight: 9 to 25 pounds Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
Jovana Rikalo / Stocksy
3. Persian
Although you might picture Persians as a fluffy white accessory on whatever piece of furniture on which they’re lounging, they can actually be cream, too. But because they’re Persians, they have a fancy (yet fitting) name for it: Champagne. The Persian is beloved worldwide for its calm and cuddly disposition. They make great companions for elderly pet parents and pet parents who want a more independent cat. Persians may be capable of being left alone if they feel safe in their homes, unlike some other cats who are prone to separation anxiety. Persians’ glorious coats of fur do require daily combing and brushing, along with regular baths. Pet parents will need to be prepared to make that commitment.
Weight: 7 to 12 pounds Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
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4. Birman
The beautiful Birman can appear as a cream color-point kitty. This usually manifests as a beige or gold coat with splashes of latte-brown on the face, ears, tail, and legs. All Birmans are considered color-point cats, so it just depends what colors they’re mixed with. These kitties are also highly affectionate, much like the Siamese breed, though they also are very active. They love to play and are highly intelligent, so they benefit from mentally-stimulating toys. Birmans are perfect pets for pet parents with children and pet parents with other cats. These cats tend to be velcro kitties who will follow you from room to room. Birmans do boast long coats, but they’re silky and single-layer, so they only need a weekly brushing.
Weight: 7 to 14 pounds Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
Linn Currie / Shutterstock
5. British Shorthair
The British Shorthair can be cream in color, but their coat always includes a pattern (which can vary widely). This kitty has a muscular body and a round face with prominent (squeezable!) cheeks. The British Shorthair is considered the oldest cat breed in Britain. Famous for its short, dense coat, the British Shorthair does require more brushing than you would think and it does shed moderately. This affectionate yet independent kitty makes a great companion for all kinds of pet parents and thrives in households with other pets. Just a note that they do remain in their kitten stage for several years, so be ready to play.
Weight: 7 to 17 pounds Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
References
The Four Basic Functions of Colour Genes
Coat Color and Cat Outcomes in an Urban U.S. Shelter
Alicia Kort
Alicia Kort is a writer and editor living in Brooklyn. She’s currently the senior commerce editor at Apartment Therapy. She’s been published in StyleCaster, Electric Literature, Newsweek, Interview, Brooklyn magazine and more. In her free time, she runs, reads, and spends time with her dog-nieces, Maya and Lady, and her cat-niece, Pepper.
