Chocolate brown cats are rare, and for one dedicated rescuer, finding one needing foster care was a thrilling surprise. While brown dogs are common, a cat with solid brown fur is almost unheard of, reminiscent of the elusive Jaguarundi.
The phenomenon of brown cats gained national attention in 2023, with many admiring their striking fur. However, it’s essential to remember that a cat’s personality and overall well-being should always be the priority. We strongly advocate for adopting from shelters, as there are countless cats with unique appearances waiting for loving homes.
A Chocolate Brown Kitten in Need of Rescue
This past summer, Kelsey, a rescuer from Los Angeles, shared a photo of her foster kitten, Fefe, and excitement flooded in.
“😱 IM FREAKING OUT 😱 never have I ever seen a chocolate brown kitty before in all my years of rescue!! Meet Fefe 🍫🤎🍩”
— Instagram/rorytotherescue
Fefe’s picture immediately drew interest, with many expressing a desire to adopt her. While Fefe’s beautiful fur color was indeed captivating, rescuers were cautious. Trends can often bring in adopters more attracted to a cat’s appearance than the lifelong commitment required.
The Science Behind Brown Cat Fur
For Kelsey, who had seen thousands of cats in her rescue work, Fefe was the first chocolate brown cat she’d encountered. Research into Fefe’s unique fur explained why it appeared brown:
“The color brown in cats is only possible due to a genetic mutation in the gene that produces black fur. This mutation, passed down through recessive genes, results in the rare brown color.”
— Rory to the Rescue
A cat’s pigmentation comes from melanin, similar to humans. Brown fur is the result of two recessive genes that lead to reduced eumelanin, the pigment responsible for black hues.
Brown Cat Mania
In 2017, we covered a story about the Havana Brown cats rescued from a hoarding situation. Over 90 cats, bred for their fur color, were living in horrific conditions. Sadly, the pursuit of rare colors often leads to unethical breeding practices, causing unnecessary suffering.
Chestnut and Beaver, two Havana Browns rescued from the hoarding situation
— Photo via Cole and Marmalade/@5AcresAnimalShelter
Beautiful Brown Highlights and Stripes
While the appeal of brown cats is understandable, we encourage everyone to adopt, don’t shop. Shelters and rescues are filled with extraordinary cats, many with beautiful brown highlights or tabby stripes. For example, tortoiseshells, calicos, and torbies often boast unique shades of golden brown mixed into their coats.
“Volunteering at a shelter might increase your odds of rescuing a brown cat if you’re in it for the long haul. That’s the right way to do it!”
Rescuing any cat is a special experience, regardless of fur color, and the love you share with them is what truly matters.
Black Cats on the Rise
Here’s a trend we’re thrilled to support! Black cats, which historically have faced challenges in finding homes, are now being embraced for their elegance and personality. For example, Kelsey’s black kitten, Otter Pop, captured hearts with her charm, and it’s encouraging to see the rise in black cat adoptions.
In the end, while appearances might initially attract adopters, it’s the shared bond and love that matter most. Whether they’re brown, black, or any other color, each cat is a beautiful, unique being deserving of a loving home.