4 Reasons Why Your Cats Fur Changes

taloringer

Jul 14, 2017 11:00 AM EDT

You've probably seen cats who are clearly supposed to be black, but their fur has spots of reddish-brown, or even spots of lighter gray. Or maybe you've seen Oriental-breed cats with darker fur on their sides and back as well as their tails, faces, and feet. Or maybe it's your own cat that has made you noticed that their fur coat isn't the same color it used to be. Now, you're probably thinking that its just with older age, but there are other factors as well.

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01
Nutrition plays a role in cat colors

via Catster

A diet deficient in the amino acid tyrosine can cause black cats' hair color to change from black to reddish. Tyrosine is needed to make melanin, the dark pigment in cat fur, and if a cat doesn't get enough tyrosine in his diet, his ebony fur may fade. Other nutritional issues such as copper deficiency and zinc excess can cause black fur to lighten, too. If there is a noticeable difference in your cats fur color, it might be good to see your vet and know what exactly it is your cat is missing in his diet.
02
Temperature can affect cat colors

via Catster

In Oriental cats, the color of cat fur is determined by the temperature of their skin. The skin is cooler at the body's extremities — feet, tail, and ears/face — which is why they have white or cream-colored bodies and darker "points." But skin temperature isn't the only determining factor. The temperature of the cat's environment can have a similar effect. Their body works to raise the cat's temperature and in turn that can have an effect on their color.
03
Sun can change the color of cat fur

via Catster

Just like humans who use the sun to soak in some Vitamin D, cats sit in the sun too. But, as we get darker some cats actually get lighter. Dark-colored cats can get bleached in the sun.
04
Cat colors can change with age

via Pinterest

It's inevitable. Hair color will always change with age. Just like us humans, as cats get older, they start getting gray hairs. But unless your cat is dark in color, you probably won't notice the silver strands creeping in.