Black cat's fur turning red.

[Lesley Frankie]

Thank you for all your replies. I think that it's an age-related thing with Ben. The only reason I asked for advice was because the change in colour has been very gradual until recently when it seemed to be quite pronounced. However, as i look at the rate my hair is going grey that seems to be the way things go with age!

[Sue P (Paddysmum)]

I've also known a number of black cats who have turned more red as they have got older, but oddly it seems to be more pronounced in those with longer fur. 

[Loups]

Hi,

Just thought I'd weigh in here.

Of the five black cats that have owned me, they've all gone rusty. The oldest cat I had, Demeter, who was about 16 or 17 (we're not sure, got her from CP and she was already about 12 when I got her) was almost completely brown by the time she passed away.

Both my girls, Bast and Shakti, will be 14 this year and they're both showing signs of browning fur and they're both completely black.

So from my personal experience, it's perfectly natural and I wouldn't worry about it. In fact I think it looks kind of nice!

All the best with Ben!

[Lesley Frankie]

Thanks Lyn, That's the answer i am going with for now.

[Lyn (Slugsta)]

I've seen quite a lot of black cats go 'rusty' as they get older.

[Lesley Frankie]

Thank you Frances,  I will keep an eye on Ben and if there is a problem I'll take him to the vet.

[Frances]

James is about 14, black, and has a definite ginger tinge, particularly on his chest.  Christopher is 12, also black, and shows no sign of a colour change - and he spends more time sunbathing!  They both eat the same food, wet and dry. 

While it might indicate a nutritional deficiency, it's much more likely to be down to genetics and age.  A bit like humans going grey .  Provided Ben doesn't show any other signs of a problem, such as loss of weight, I wouldn't worry about it although if you remain concerned you should talk to your vet. 

[Lesley Frankie]

Hello, Ben is about 11 years old. His fur always did have a slightly red tinge in the sunlight but now he is rapidly turning a rusty red colour in large patches. I Googled it and some say that's what can happen with black cats but others say it's a lack of a particular nutrient / protein deficiency. Does anyone have any experience of this who could suggest a definitive cause. Ben prefers to eat dry food but will occasionally have a little wet food. We give him Purina One for sterilized cats . Thank you!