This intensely colored pattern occurs in several wildcats, but are brown cats rare to see? The solution to this mystery lies in some genetics but not the type you might first imagine and breed characteristics that go hand-in-hand with having a peculiar coat color.

Little Brown cats do stand out simply because you won’t see many around, and as a serious cat enthusiast that makes them very interesting.

The Genetics Behind Brown Cats

So, what is a brown cat, and why are they so rare? The chocolate or cinnamon quality disturbs the dark shade and produces a brown color in cats. This gene is recessive, so in order for a cat to have that solid coat of chocolate color, it must inherit the gene from both parents.

This particular genetic need adds to why brown coloration is rare in cats. Because the trait must be present in both parents for it to express itself, the number of brown kittens born into this cat population is decreasing.

Why Are Brown Cats Rare?

There are several reasons why brown cats are so rare. The gene for a brown coat is much less present than other genes of color. Because of its genetic oddities, you are slightly more likely to see a brown tabby cat than an actually pure chocolate brown cat. Furthermore, the process of breeding for this color also reduces the number born at large numbers or, in rare, horrific new cat breeds so that fewer are going to be around lining up for homes down the road.

Rare Brown Cat Breeds

The Havana Brown is one of the better-known rare brown cat breeds due to its beautiful, full chocolate coat. While this breed is more popular, it still must meet specific genetics required for a brown cat, so brown cats are pretty rare even in that breed.

The brown cat breed rarity also applies to other breeds that can carry it in their lineage but do not always produce them as kittens. For example, the Burmese and Oriental Shorthairs may come in brown variants, but these are less common than other colors.

The Search for Brown Cats

Or even from the simple fact that it’s a brown cat/kitten, in which case its rarity might make finding one difficult. As brown cats are pretty rare, this may result in potential owners resorting to breeders or waiting for an uncommon color adversary at the nearby shelter.

The challenge of spotting chocolate brown cats (or even less common, the elusive gingers) makes it a bit interesting and rather daunting. The DNA flashiness of these cats often makes it a real game of waiting and seeing for potential buyers.

So, brown cats are rare because of how you need to obtain the genetic makeup, and there are generally fewer breeds that have this color. This elucidates some of the mysteries in the world of brown cat genetics and answers why solid brown cats or single-shade brown tabbies are seen less often.

From a rare brown cat breeds junkie wanting to learn more about the Havana Brown or someone scratching their head and wondering why brown cats are so scarce this range of unique kitties with different shades of rich chocolaty fur puts you in an elite class just by owning one. Knowing these factors not only gives you insight into what makes brown cats special but can also influence your quest to find and adopt one.