Understanding Cat Colors and the EMS (Easy Mind System) Codes
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Cats come in a stunning variety of colors, patterns, and shades, making each one unique. The Easy Mind System (EMS) is a coding system used by Feline Associations to classify and describe the coat colors and patterns of cats. This system simplifies the identification of a cat's appearance for breeders, registries, and enthusiasts.
Let’s explore some common cat colors and patterns, and break down how the EMS codes work!
What is the EMS Code?
The EMS code is a shorthand way of describing a cat’s color, pattern, and other physical characteristics. It consists of letters and numbers representing different attributes:
One or two letters to represent the breed.
One letter for the main color of the cat.
One or two digits for patterns, color combinations, or special markings.
Common EMS Codes for Cat Colors
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common colors and patterns in cats, along with their EMS codes.
Solid Colors
n – Black 🖤🐈⬛
Black cats are sleek and elegant. The solid black color is simply denoted by the letter "n" in EMS.a – Blue (Gray) 💙🐈⬛
The color blue in cats refers to a diluted form of black, resulting in a grayish hue. EMS code: "a".b – Chocolate 🍫🐈
A warm, rich brown color, often seen in luxury breeds. EMS code: "b".d – Red (Orange) 🧡🐈
Red cats are often called "ginger" or "orange" in common terms. EMS code: "d".e – Cream 🍨🐈
Cream is a dilute form of red, creating a pale, warm color. EMS code: "e".f – Black Tortie 🐢🐈⬛
This is a mix of black and red (orange), typically seen in females. EMS code: "f".
Shading Patterns
11 – Shaded/Tipped
Shaded cats have a lighter base coat with darker tips, giving them a soft, silvery appearance. These cats are not tabby, but their beautiful shading makes them stand out.12 – Shell (Chinchilla)
These cats have a white base color at the roots of their fur, gradually darkening to a color at the tips, creating a more intense "smoky" look. Shaded smoke cats are not tabby either.
Tabby Patterns
Tabbies are known for their distinctive patterns, and these are represented by numbers in EMS codes.
21 – Unspecified Tabby (Blotched)
22 – Classic Tabby (Blotched)
🌀🐱
Bold, swirling patterns resembling a marbled effect, often seen on the sides of the cat.23 – Mackerel Tabby
⚡🐱
Narrow, vertical stripes running along the sides of the cat, resembling a fish skeleton.24 – Spotted Tabby
🔴🐱
Spotted markings across the body, where the spots can vary in size and shape.25 – Ticked Tabby (Agouti)
🌾🐱
The coat is made up of individual hairs that are ticked with alternating bands of color, giving a shimmering appearance.
Bicolor and Tricolor
03 – Bicolor
Cats with large patches of white and another color (like black or red) are classified as bicolor. A black and white cat would be coded as n 03.09 – Van
Van cats have color only on their head and tail, with the rest of the body being white. EMS code for a red and white van-patterned cat would be d 09.
Diluted and Shaded
y – Golden Shaded
Golden shaded cats have a rich golden undercoat with darker tips. EMS code for a blue golden shaded cat would be ay 11.s – Silver
Silver cats have a lighter, silvery base coat. EMS code for a black silver tabby would be ns 22.
Pointed Pattern
31-Burmese pointed
32-Tonkinese pointed
33-Siamese pointed
Tortoiseshell and Torbie
f – Black Tortoiseshell
A mix of black and red, usually seen in female cats. EMS code: f.g – Blue Tortie
A combination of blue (gray) and cream. EMS code: g.f 22 – Tortie Classic Tabby
Cats that have a tortoiseshell coat combined with a tabby pattern.
Why Are EMS Codes Useful?
EMS codes provide a universal language for describing cats, ensuring that breeders, veterinarians, and cat show judges can quickly understand the appearance of a cat without seeing it. It helps maintain breed standards and allows for accurate recording of pedigree cats.
Using EMS Codes to Find Your Perfect Kitten
If you’re looking for a specific color or pattern of cat, understanding EMS codes can be very helpful. When browsing for a kitten, you’ll often see these codes listed in advertisements or breeder websites, allowing you to pinpoint the exact type of coat you prefer.
Whether you're interested in a striking n 22 03 Black Classic Tabby and White or a unique e 24 Cream Spotted Tabby, the EMS codes guide you to the perfect match!
Understanding Cat Colors & EMS Codes with PurrfectlyFold Kittens
EMS (Easy Mind System) codes are a simplified way of identifying your cat’s color, pattern, and specific markings. Here’s a breakdown of some of our recent kittens' colors, using these codes.
Black Classic Tabby with White (n 22 03)
Braxton is Black Classic Tabby with White (n 22 03)
🖤🐾This kitten has a sleek black coat with bold classic tabby (blotched) patterns and contrasting white areas.
EMS Code: n 22 03
n – Black
22 – Classic Tabby (bold swirling patterns)
03 – Bicolor (with large patches of white)
Black Spotted Tabby with White (n 24 03)
This kitten has a deep black coat, scattered with beautiful spotted tabby markings and white patches.
EMS Code: n 24 03
n – Black
24 – Spotted Tabby
03 – Bicolor (with white)
Black Tortie Classic Tabby with White (f 22 03)
Bella is tortoiseshell kitten blends black and red (orange) fur with classic tabby markings and white accents.
This tortoiseshell kitten blends black and red (orange) fur with classic tabby markings and white accents.
EMS Code: f 22 03
f – Black Tortie (mix of black and red)
22 – Classic Tabby
03 – Bicolor (with white)
Black Golden Classic Tabby (ny 22)
Lalique is The Black Golden Classic Tabby is a striking and elegant Scottish Fold pattern.
The Black Golden Tabby (ny 22) is a striking variation of the Scottish Fold breed, known for its deep, dark base coat enhanced by a warm golden hue. Here's a breakdown of this beautiful coat color:
n -Black
y -Warm golden tint
22 -Classic Tabby
Conclusion
The Easy Mind System (EMS) offers an organized and detailed way to describe the vast array of colors and patterns found in cats. As you dive deeper into the world of feline genetics, you’ll start to appreciate the beauty and complexity behind each cat’s coat. So, the next time you come across a kitten advertisement, take a second look at those EMS codes—you might find your dream cat described in a few simple letters and numbers!