British Shorthair Colors & Eye Variations
Rare Coat & Eye Colors in British Shorthair Cats
When most people think of a British Shorthair, they picture the classic “British Blue”—that plush gray coat with big copper eyes. But did you know this breed actually comes in a huge variety of colors and patterns? Some of them are pretty rare, and that’s what makes them so exciting.
If you’re browsing for British Shorthair kittens for sale, or just love learning about the breed, here’s a breakdown of some of the most unique coat and eye colors you might come across.
Common vs. Rare Colors
There are over 30 recognized British Shorthair colors, which is one of the reasons this breed is so fun. Blue, lilac, cream, and black are the ones you’ll see most often. But every once in a while, breeders produce kittens in colors you hardly ever see—and those are the ones people can’t stop talking about.
Rare British Shorthair Coat Colors
Chocolate & Cinnamon
Chocolate: A rich, warm brown that almost looks like velvet.
Cinnamon: A lighter reddish-brown with a spicy glow.
Both are pretty rare because they only appear when both parents carry the right genes.
Fawn
Think of fawn as cinnamon’s softer cousin. It’s a diluted, pinkish-beige shade that looks elegant and unusual.
Calico & Tortoiseshell
You’ll see calico and tortie patterns in other breeds, but on a British Shorthair, the dense plush coat makes the colors look extra bold and painterly.
What Does “Dilute,” “Ticked,” and Other Terms Mean?
When you start researching British Shorthair colors, you’ll often come across words like dilute, ticked, and shaded. Here’s a quick guide to what they mean:
Dilute: A lighter, softer version of a standard color caused by a specific gene. For example, black becomes blue (gray), chocolate becomes lilac, and cinnamon becomes fawn. Dilute coats tend to look powdery or pastel.
Ticked: Each hair is banded with multiple shades of color, creating a sparkling effect. This pattern is often seen in silver or golden British Shorthairs.
Shaded: Only the very tips of the fur are colored, while the rest of the hair is pale. This creates that frosty, shimmering look in silver and golden shaded cats.
Tipped: Similar to shaded, but with even less color—just a light dusting at the ends of the coat. This gives an almost glowing appearance.
These genetic variations and patterns are what make British Shorthairs so diverse and unique.
Rare British Shorthair Eye Colors
The eyes are just as much a showstopper as the coat. Here are a few less common ones:
Amber Eyes: Deep golden-orange, usually found in chocolate, cinnamon, and red cats.
Green Eyes: Common in silver and golden shaded cats—seriously striking against their shimmering coats.
Blue Eyes: Seen in colorpoints and some white cats. Super doll-like and sweet.
Odd Eyes: One blue eye and one amber or green eye. Extremely rare, usually in white British Shorthairs.
Why Are These Colors Rare?
It all comes down to genetics. Some of these colors are recessive, so both parents need to carry the right gene. And since good breeders focus on health and temperament first, not just color, those rare shades pop up less often. That’s why kittens in these colors are so special (and in high demand).
Finding Rare British Shorthair Kittens
If you’re hoping to bring home a rare-colored kitten, the best place to start is with a reputable British Shorthair breeder. At Blue Eyed British, we specialize in both the classic blues and the harder-to-find shades like fawn or lilac. And of course, all of our kittens are raised with love so they grow up healthy, happy, and ready to join their forever homes.
