British Shorthair colors explained: blue, lilac and seal point

British Shorthairs come in many colors and patterns, but three of the most admired at our cattery are blue, lilac and seal point. They share the same round face and plush coat, yet look quite different.

Here is how to tell them apart, what to expect as kittens grow, and how to choose the one that suits you.

Blue: the classic British Shorthair

Blue is the coat most people picture when they think of the breed. It is a solid slate-gray, even from the root to the tip of each hair, with no markings in an adult. The color comes from a dilute version of black.

Blue British Shorthairs usually have copper or golden eyes, which stand out against the gray. The coat is dense and plush, and it looks wonderful in any light.

Lilac: soft, pale and rarer

Lilac is a gentle pinkish-gray with a warm, pearly glow. It is lighter and softer than blue, and sometimes looks almost lavender in the right light. It is produced by a dilute version of chocolate.

Lilac is less common than blue, which makes it popular with people who want something distinctive. Like blue, lilac British Shorthairs usually have copper eyes.

Seal point: cream with deep brown points

A seal point has a pale cream body with deep brown points on the face, ears, legs and tail. The pattern is called colorpoint and is the same one seen in Siamese cats.

Seal point British Shorthairs have blue eyes, which gives them a striking appearance. They are born pale and the points darken slowly as they grow.

Do kitten colors change?

Often yes. Blue kittens may show faint tabby markings that fade as they mature. Pointed kittens are born nearly white and develop their color over weeks and months.

This is why it can be hard to judge a kitten’s final color at a young age. An experienced breeder can tell you what to expect.

Does color affect temperament?

Not in any reliable way. Temperament depends on genetics, early handling and each cat’s own personality, not on coat color. All three coats share the calm, easygoing nature the breed is loved for.

Choose the color you love, but also choose the kitten whose personality suits your home.

Coat care for each color

Grooming is the same for all three: a weekly brush, more often in spring and fall. A soft brush or rubber grooming glove keeps the coat dense and cuts down on loose hair.

Light coats such as seal point may show dirt more easily, but healthy cats keep themselves clean and rarely need baths.

Choosing your color

There is no wrong choice. Pick the coat that makes you smile, then talk with your breeder about which kitten has the right personality.

If you tell us the color you are hoping for, we will let you know when a litter with that coat is on the way.

Other British Shorthair colors you may see

The three coats described here are not the only ones. British Shorthairs also come in black, cream, white, silver tabby, bicolor combinations of white with another color, and many more patterns. Some cats in our own home are black, silver tabby or lilac and white.

Each color and pattern has its own character, but all share the round face, dense coat and calm temperament that define the breed. Occasionally we have litters with other colors besides blue, lilac and seal point.

If you are drawn to a particular coat that we have not mentioned, ask us. We will tell you whether it is something we expect to have.

Which color is right for you?

Think about the look you love and the home you have. Blue is a classic that suits almost any décor. Lilac is softer and lighter, and appeals to those who want something less common. Seal point stands out with its contrast and blue eyes, and often draws comments from visitors.

Remember that the coat is only part of the picture. Each kitten has its own character, and the best match is a kitten whose personality suits your household, whatever its color.

If you cannot decide, tell us what you are drawn to and what your home is like. We will help you think it through and let you know when the right litter is expected.

Talk to LaziBlues

LaziBlues is a home cattery in Westchester County, New York. See the coats we raise on our kittens page, read more frequently asked questions, or contact us to ask about an upcoming litter. You can also call 914-421-0505.