The term “Prussian blue cat” often causes confusion. While “blue” is a recognized cat coat color and “Prussian blue” is a specific pigment, there is no distinct cat breed or official color known as a “Prussian blue cat.” This article clarifies what “blue” means in feline coats and explores the historical context of the Prussian blue pigment.
Understanding “Blue” in Cat Coats
In feline genetics, “blue” is a dilute form of black, resulting in a coat that appears greyish, slate, or charcoal. This dilution occurs due to a mutation in the melanophilin (MLPH) gene, also known as the dilute gene. For a cat to exhibit a dilute color, it must inherit two copies of the recessive ‘d’ allele (d/d) from its parents. This genetic configuration causes pigment granules to clump and distribute unevenly along the hair shaft, leading to a lighter, less intense coloration.
A “blue” cat’s fur has a soft, muted appearance, not a vibrant blue. The texture varies between breeds, but the diluted pigment gives the fur a powdery or smoky quality. When light interacts with the coat, it can enhance the grey or slate undertones, giving it a subtle sheen. This “blue” coloration is a common, naturally occurring trait found across numerous cat breeds.
The Prussian Blue Pigment: A Historical Perspective
Prussian blue is a synthetic pigment, chemically known as ferric ferrocyanide or iron blue, recognized for its deep, intense blue hue. Discovered around 1706 in Berlin, it acquired the “Prussian” designation from its origin. The pigment was accidentally created by dye maker Johann Jacob Diesbach, working with chemist Johann Konrad Dippel.
This pigment gained prominence in various fields, including fine art, where painters valued its stability and rich color. It was also used in textiles, printing inks, and as a medical antidote for heavy metal poisoning. The association of “Prussian blue” with cats is a misnomer, likely stemming from a general conceptual link between a deep blue color and the pigment, rather than any direct genetic or biological connection to feline coat development.
Cat Breeds with Blue Coloration
Many cat breeds display the “blue” coat color, which is a dilute black. These include:
- The Russian Blue, from Russia, known for its short, dense, shimmering blue-grey coat and striking green eyes. These cats have a gentle and quiet temperament.
- The British Shorthair, which exhibits a blue coat, characterized by dense, plush fur and round faces, with copper or gold eyes.
- Chartreux cats, from France, distinguished by their woolly, water-resistant blue-grey coats and amber eyes, with a calm disposition.
- The Korat, from Thailand, known for its silver-blue coat that shimmers in the light, and large, luminous green eyes.
- Nebelung cats, with a medium-long, soft blue coat with silver tipping, giving them a misty appearance, along with green eyes.
These breeds exemplify true “blue” cats, showcasing the beauty and diversity of this specific coat coloration.