Do black cats turn gray? Yes, black cats as they age can start to develop gray patches of hair. Just like us, humans do; black cats can often find themselves losing a bit of color as they age. While aging is the most obvious reason, other factors can also play a part in a black cat turning gray.
Becoming Gray And Wise
The most obvious reason as to why your black cat has started to get gray patches is due to their age.
You will most likely notice the fur on their face starting to go white or gray.
Black cats may also find that the fur on their paws and stomach can lose color as well. It is the same as us humans where cat’s hair loses pigment as they get older.
Tough Situations
Many of us have heard the term “going gray with stress” well this can also apply to black cats as well.
Black cats that have undergone a rather stressful situation can end up with a patch or two of gray hair due to a lack of pigment.
What does a cat find stressful? It could be something like moving home, having to go to the vet, or even getting a new cat or other pet in the home.
Many studies have shown that the pigment can return over time so it may not be a permanent change.
When The Hair Grows Back
If your black cat has gotten hurt and required surgery or perhaps, they have been spayed, gray hair can start to appear.
Where the new hair grows back after it has been shaved, it can sometimes be far lighter than their original coat.
While studies vary on this, they very well may get that pigment back at some point or they can be left with a cool and interesting gray patch of hair.
Uncared For Cats
No one likes the thought of a lovely black cat being ignored, abused, or living rough on the streets.
However, cats that are uncared for and are not fed properly will often develop gray patches as their body cannot cope with the lack of proper nourishment.
It can also be a sign that the cat is not well if they have gray patches of hair that are rough and not like the rest of their coat.
Staying Looking Stylish
One other reason that black cats can turn gray and lose their color is down to improper grooming. This can be by their human or even themselves.
The good news here is that sometimes what appears to be white/gray fur is just a yucky film that has appeared due to a lack of proper grooming.
Taking care of this yourself can get rid of it, or if you are unsure and think it may be something else a trip to the vet is the way to go.
My Thoughts
We have an American Shorthair called Coco and he was born with little white flecks in his fur here and there.
It is common to see black cats with a bit of white in between their front legs in the chest area and Coco is no exception.
At any one time, he probably has 15-20 white hairs randomly dotted all over his body, and to some, it may look like aging but he’s a young cat and they’ve been there forever.
Do Black Cats Turn Gray? – Summary
Do black cats turn gray? Yes, black cats and all other cats may turn gray.
Age, diet and stress may be a factor in a cats coat becoming gray.
Illness and improper grooming may also be a factor in the cats coat changing appearance.
For more black cat content check out the My Mini Panther Facebook page.
Lee Harris
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