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Why Does My White Cat Look Pink -Pigment Concerns & More

Why Does My White Cat Look Pink -Pigment Concerns & More

Having a white cat can be a lot of work. Their fur shows on most clothing and furniture, and it’s obvious when they need a bath or has gotten into something, they shouldn’t. But, as difficult as white fur can be, it’s natural for cat owners to worry when their white cat starts to turn a little pink. It’s actually quite abnormal to see that though. So let’s get to your question; why does my white cat look pink?

There are many reasons white fur might turn pink, including contamination from something else, flea dirt changing the color of their fur, and even their fur starting to thin and show the skin underneath. 

While some causes of pinkish fur, like rubbing up against non-toxic pink chalk, aren’t harmful, others can be a sign that there’s something more serious causing a problem. 

Here’s what you need to know about your cat’s pink fur. 

Can Cats Naturally Be Pink

Pink isn’t a color that cat fur can turn naturally. Pink fur will always be the result of some contamination or discoloration rather than a color the fur is changing. But, depending on the cause, it might be more complicated than giving your cat a rub down with a cat wipe or a damp washcloth. 

There is one exception to the cats can’t be pink rule, though, and that’s their skin. White cats, and some cats with pale fur color, might have pink skin, but not always. Most cats have skin that’s either pale or similar to the color of their fur, but white cats and other cats will less pigment may have more of a pink or reddish color because their skin shows the pink/red flush of their blood. 

Is A Cat’s Skin Pink

Some cats have pink skin, but not all of them. Cats with darker pigment in their fur often have a similar but lighter color on their skin, while cats that have a paler fur tone might have paler skin or even pink skin. 

So, don’t be too worried if your cat’s skin is pink when you can see it, but don’t be surprised if it isn’t pink either. 

Why Is My Cat Turning Red

Your cat turning red usually isn’t a good sign, but there can be a few reasons for it. The simplest reason is that your cat rubbed up against something red, and a little of the color transferred onto their fur. 

However, reds can pink can also signify that your cat has fleas. That’s because flea ‘dirt’ or feces is a dark reddish-black. Mixed with white fur, that can look pink or red. When the dirt gets wet, like when your cat grooms, it can also be diluted and turn a brighter red or pink color on their fur. 

In some cases, grooming products and flea and tick medications you use on your cat may also be to blame. Some products can discolor your cat’s fur, especially if they have naturally white or pale gray fur. Fur discoloration doesn’t always mean that the medicine is bad or that it isn’t working, but you may still want to switch to a different medication. 

Your vet should be able to give you recommendations if you have any problems with fur discoloration due to medication. 

Why Is My White-Haired Cat Turning Orange

The most common reason for a white cat’s fur to start turning orange is saliva staining. Saliva staining is a sign that your cat is grooming their fur too much, which usually means something else is wrong. The list of possible problems is a long one, though, so you’ll likely need to take your cat to the vet for a proper diagnosis. 

Possible causes of excessive grooming and licking can include: 

  • Fleas
  • Ringworm
  • Ticks
  • Allergies
  • Mites
  • And more…

Since the list of possible problems is so long, it’s essential to make sure you’re certain you know what the problem is. The easiest way to do that is to take your cat to the vet, but some problems, like fleas, may be a little more obvious. 

It’s still important to get your cat to the vet to ensure there aren’t any other complications, even from a flea infestation. 

Does Cat’s Fur Change Color

Cat’s fur can change color slightly over time, but it won’t usually have any radical changes. For instance, your cat will usually start to get gray and white fur as they age, for pretty much the same reason people start to have gray and white hairs when they age. 

But more radical changes are rare. Sometimes fur losing its color or changing texture can signify illness or malnutrition. Other kinds of changes are much less common. 

However, cats can have vitiligo, which is a rare condition that causes patches of skin (and fur) to lose their pigment. Vitiligo spreads over time, which means a cat that starts with a small white patch from vitiligo may eventually be entirely, or almost entirely, white. Vitiligo can also affect the pigment in their eyes, on their nose, and even the inside of your cat’s mouth. 

Fortunately, vitiligo is not dangerous or contagious, so you don’t have to worry too much if your cat is diagnosed with vitiligo. 

Why Is My Kitten Turning White

If your kitten is turning white, you might want to take them to the vet or check their fur and make sure they haven’t gotten into some flour or baby powder. 

Often, fur that is turning white is a sign that your kitten has vitiligo, a rare but not dangerous skin condition. Vitiligo causes the progressive, often patchy, loss of pigment in your cat’s skin and fur. It’s very similar to the same condition in humans. 

However, in case there is something else to blame, you should consult with your vet and make sure there aren’t any reasons to worry. 

Things To Consider

Any significant changes to your cat’s skin or fur is a good reason to take them to a vet. Your cat’s skin and fur should stay relatively consistent their whole lives, with only small slow changes over time. 

Turning pink, falling out, or changing texture or shininess can all be signs of problems with your cat’s fur. Most often, fur changes are related to your cat’s diet. Malnutrition from bad food, or too little food, has effects other than just making your cat lose weight. Your cat’s fur, which is shed and replaced regularly, is one of the first places you’ll see the signs of a dietary problem. 

It’s also important to know that skin and fur issues can signify parasites and other infections. Only a vet will be able to tell for sure what the problem is and address it effectively. 

White fur turning pink can also signify injuries, swelling, or bleeding. If your cat is only turning pink in a specific area, especially if the same area keeps turning pink for no apparent reason, you should check your cat for scratches or sores that could be bleeding and changing the color of their fur.