Why Blue Cats Are So Special—And Which Breed Might Be Right for You

Blue cat breeds are some of the most sought-after, thanks to their cool-toned coats that have a distinct, eye-catching beauty. In the cat world, “blue” doesn’t mean bright blue like the sky or a Smurf. Instead, it refers to a gray that can take on a bluish hue depending on the light.

Looking for a beautiful blue kitty to add to your family? Consider one of these ten breeds.

Breed Characteristics

This unique coat color is the result of a recessive dilution gene that lightens black fur to blue-gray, explains Rebecca Greenstein, DVM, veterinary medical advisor for Rover. For a cat to have a true blue coat, it must inherit two copies of this gene, she adds. 

Only four cat breeds are exclusively blue-coated, while several others can come in blue among a variety of other colors. It’s also important to note that while all blue cats are gray, not all gray cats are blue. Some grayish coats come from other color dilutions, like lilac.

While blue cat breeds share a similar coat color, their personalities, grooming needs, and activity levels can vary widely. So, when choosing the right blue cat breed for your home, it’s important to consider more than just appearance.