Several factors can cause a cat to change color. The pigment production in fur can increase or decrease, adjusting the shade and density of color in fur as it grows.
The most significant impact on fur color is temperature. When your cat is warm, the pigments that cause fur colors to decrease, and fur will change to lighter shades.
Time of year will be one of the biggest drivers of temperature change – and, therefore, a change in your cat's fur color. A winter coat can look more colorful as the cat's body is cooler.
While not common, some dietary factors can affect hair color. A deficiency in amino acids can turn black fur into a reddish color. At the same time, a lack of copper or zinc can also cause the color to fade.
Metamorphosing Coats: Investigating the Normalcy of Cat Color Change and the Intriguing Factors that Shape Their AppearanceSWIPE UP TOREAD THE FULL ARTICLE