Mother Nature can be genuinely amazing. Sometimes it might outdo even the most talented creative hands and minds. One need not look further than how it colors its animals in the most unexpected and original markings you can imagine. Pictures of animals with unique fur markings is a long standing tradition here at Bored Panda. Special honor is extended to cats in this regard, but is that really surprising? After all, cats truly have been the kings and queens of the internet. Let’s be honest, whose day wouldn’t get better after seeing a cat with a hipster’s mustache? When I look at pictures of Kitlers, I too reminisce about the olden days of the internet.
Yet, nowadays, it isn’t all about cats and their cute little paws. Other animals deserve to be represented and have their shot at being famous too! For that reason, we’ve sprinkled some other unique fur pattern owners in here. Which one captured your attention? Let us know in the comments!
This post may include affiliate links.
Wow. What A Unique Beauty
Genetic chimera! Happens in humans too! See the case of Lydia Fairchild
Fur color for cats and dogs is determined by their genes. Interestingly, there really are only two pigments: black and red. The rest are variations, and white is the absence of the two colors. Orange, brown and gray are dilutions of the two main pigments. All these other colors besides black and red develop because of mutations, modifiers and genetic factors.
Zorro And Bandit Are Ready To Fight Crime
I remember some scandal about these. Didn't it come out that they were fake?
Same. I kept hearing that the masks were dyed on which I always hoped wasn’t the case.
Load More Replies...I was going to say, he looks unsure lol. Other knows the plan inside and out. In fact, by their look, the plan already started!
Load More Replies..."Hey, wanna join the raccoon gang? You cats are pretty good at sneaking around and we could use you as an Inside ally
Marked With A Downvote Since Birth. Still A Very Good Boy
Your response is truly the only correct response to this birthmark.
Load More Replies...So how does a cat get a permanent and natural zorro mask around its eyes? The science behind cat and dog genetics is pretty complex, but it generally comes down to dilution and coloration. A lot of the interesting markings on animals are just lucky ways pigment is distributed along the animal’s coat. The color of extremities ‒ face, feet, tail, ears, even nose ‒ can be influenced by temperature. Colder parts of the body are darker, while warmer parts tend to be lighter.
This Two-Faced Cat Called Quimera
Half void by the looks, could be the one to rule them all
Load More Replies...Why Perfectheart, is that you? EDIT: (Toph on Scratch ref)
He Wears His Heart On His Head
Feel Free To Boop Or High-Five The Snoot
Anyone remember the kids show wishbone? Jackrussel terrier had a mark like that on his ear
I'd kiss it. Dogs noses are SENSITIVE!!! I would not hit it or hi-five it. Maybe with my lips
There are cases when strange markings on the fur can be alarming. The color of a pet’s coat might slightly change the older they get. New or unusual patches of color can indicate a more serious problem. Also observe the quality and thickness of your pet’s hair. If it’s diminishing or appears different from the usual, don’t hesitate to contact your veterinarian.
Lucky Number 7
Years ago I was fortunate enough to have the pleasure of bottle feeding one with a question mark on it‘s head. Just like this one, but a bit smaller.
Supposedly, people connected to the number seven are truthful, intellectual, intuitive, and wise. Nothing on bovines, though.
Any Ideas?
Spot-Bellied Eagle Owls Are Known To Possess Heart-Shaped Markings On Their Plumage
Why have I never seen this species before? Checks web. Lives in India. Normally has huge eyebrows.
Load More Replies...Feather envy. That's all it is. Soft can-openers don't grow their own fur (or feathers). They have to buy fake fur. We will say the fake fur is awfully nice right out of the dryer, though.
Loverboy and Henri donate all their extra fur so I can have the real thing!
Load More Replies...It’s a thing of true beauty to have a pet blessed with a unique fur pattern. Sadly, not every owner is so lucky. What to do if your furry friend lacks that oomph in the looks department? Custom looks can be created with pet outfits and accessories. Pet stores offer a wide variety of animal apparel. From sparkly bows to elaborate human-like suits, it’s now possible to play dress-up with your pet. Then again, what if you want to match your pet’s outfit to yours and that hot dog costume on your dachshund just isn’t enough?
This Is Heidi. Heidi Has Vitiligo
Heidi is beautiful. (People with vitiligo are also beautiful, don't forget that.)
often the vitiligo leaves a symmetrical area at the level of the eyes, I wonder to what it is
In may types (there are multiple types) it's symmetrical all over the body. Source? me, someone with vitiligo. I only have two spots on parts of my body that aren't on the other side. One of my right hip and one of my right thumb.
Load More Replies..."That's One Dapper Mustache , Sir"
My cat has the same fur pattern, people always get suprised when they hear that she's a girl :D
A Black Vitiligo Kitty
Are you sure that it's not that the owner as just painted their ceiling?
Or a cat who's been splashed with a muddy puddle, seeing as the ground is wet and looks a similar colour to her spots.
As three different veterinarians have told Allure, it is medically safe to dye your pet’s hair. As long as non-toxic dyes are used, there should be no harm to pets. Although there is a moral dilemma: the coloring selfishly only benefits the owner, so should it be ethically okay? As with most things when it comes to our pets’ wellbeing, experts advise us to observe their behavior. If your dog or cat doesn’t like the process of getting their fur colored, they will surely let you know.
Meet Wiley, The Dalmatian Puppy With A Heart-Shaped Nose
He Has A Big Heart
He looks peeved that his did not get to pick the shirt he would wear forever
Cat With A Split-Colored Face
Op-purr-a or maybe paw-purr-a... Either way, name a Kitteh Phantom
There are some things to look out for if you’ve decided to color your pet at home. Neater Pets advises to never use human hair dye on animals. If you’re determined to give your pet a colorful makeover, be sure to use dyes that are not permanent. Safe to use are natural food coloring, Kool-Aid or fur chalk. Permanent human hair dyes can contain bleach or hydrogen peroxide. Using those on your furry best friend might result in increased shedding, skin irritation or even chemical burns. Also keep in mind that your pet might ingest the dye that you’re using when licking themselves.
Multicolor Budgie
He has two genoms and the nubbs above his beak are blue so he´s male.
Load More Replies...This Is Sam. He Has Eyebrows
“Alexia, THAT is what you are choosing to wear outside of this premises??”
Load More Replies...Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog, it's too dark to read. Looks like Groucho Marx.
My New Kitten
I was mesmerised by those eyes before I even noticed the heart nose. So cute!
Natural food coloring is made from vegetables, fruits or flowers and shouldn’t pose any threat to your pet’s coat and skin. Kool-Aid is another safe option. This method works best on lighter-colored fur and will fade out in around two weeks. The shortest-lasting makeover you can give your pet is with fur chalk. It washes out easily with shampoo and is designed specifically for fur dying.
This Cat With A Unique Marking On Her Butt
"Where do I insert the thermometer? Oh, right, thanks!"
Load More Replies...Scrappy’s Coat Pattern Started Getting White When He Was 7 Years Old. Most Likely, This Is Due To A Rare Skin Condition Vitiligo (Extremely Rare In Cats)
I'd be really curious if this is actually vitiligo and not a graying or roaning gene. This not a typical presentation of vitiligo. I suspect the former in that it's a graying gene. Similar to what happens to most gray horses. They start out dark and get grayer as they get older
Yeah, that would be interesting. Usually cats don't gray. Maybe a little bit round the nose and on the ears but only very few
Load More Replies...This Lurker With Interesting Fur Patterns
His posture seems to be very guarded, but he's gorgeous none the less.
Load More Replies...I believe this is a karpati cat; it’s a curious mutation that causes these “reverse point” markings!”
The safest way to color your pet, of course, is to go to a professional. Groomers that are trained in coat dying will take the best care of your beloved fur ball. It’s guaranteed they’ll use only non-toxic products that will cause no harm and will make a lot less mess than you would in your home bathroom. The aesthetic outcome should be more pleasing as well, after all, these people are experts and have years of experience doing this kind of thing.
This Paw Has A Small Paw Mark
Venus The Two-Faced Cat
I would love to know the genetics of why on one cat in another picture, the black part has a blue eye and the orange part has a gold eye, but on this cat it's just the opposite.
The Pattern On My Dog's Chest Looks Like A Cat Mid-Sneeze
I am enjoying the sense memory of the smell of bunny fur. Seriously, nothing better.
Load More Replies...Creative grooming in itself is not a new concept, at least in the world of dog owners. The American Kennel Club does not oppose dying canines’ hair, yet they strongly advocate for doing so responsibly. They emphasize that professional groomers should complete appropriate training prior to getting licensed.
A Fine Choice There Sir
Tell your cat to pull his pants up. No one wants to look at that ;)
This Cat's Fur Pattern Looks Like A Boy Holding A Heart
Banksy has been quiet lately, now we know what he was up to.
Load More Replies...Poor little thing is scared. Looks like he may be in an adoption situation. If so I hope it's a happy home with boys.
My friend's white & black cat has a perfect silhouette of Mickey Mouse on his butt....
“Once again…You will pay for this mockery hooman. When you least. Expect. It…” *Severus Snape voice*
This Pupper’s Markings Look Like A Bat
Some states in the US have banned dying pets’ coats. Among them are Colorado, Florida, Maine and South Carolina. Check with the local authorities if your pet’s new look can cost you a fine or lead to your pet being taken away altogether. There’s reportedly some leeway when it comes to enforcing these laws, but it is still technically illegal.
Mustache Cat. Yes, It's Real
I am Hercule Poirot, and my leetle grey cells, ze are telling me eet is time for ze dinner...
This is parfait, mon ami ! i heard david suchet's poirot ! <3 :D
Load More Replies...There Is A Squirrel With 3 Different Colors In Their Fur That I See In My Backyard Every Day
He may have had a mishap while dumpster diving. You should see the awesome Malabar Giant Squirrels!
Similar to a giant Indian squirrel (i would attach a photo, but it glitched, look it up.)
This Chicken With Heart-Shaped Spots
The Queen of Hearts is yelling "off with their heads!!" She looks seriously broody
My Foster Kitten’s Fur Spells Out “Meow”
Have you ever seen the alligator with the word God on his side? Look it up, very creepy/cute
I do see the "M" but the rest..? Still gave this cutie an upvote, of course...
all classic tabbys have an m on their forehead, but the fact that it spells meow is cool
This Cat's Markings Make It Look Like It's Nose Is Missing
Most likely "she", not "he"...at least cats need 2 X-chromosomes for that fur pattern
Load More Replies...She's absolutely GORGEOUS! And really rare with her orange eyes!
This Lamb Whose Markings Make It Look Like A Cow
One of our new born lambs also looks cowish, black with large white spots.
This Golden Retriever Has A Black Birthmark On The Left Side Of His Face
My Sister's Puppy Has A Unique Fur Pattern That Makes It Look Like She Has Glasses
It looks like the dog looked through one of those trick telescopes with shoe polish on the eye piece.
Did you mean trick binoculars a la M*A*S*H* ?
Load More Replies...Makes sense seeing the breed, better for seeing in the snow, the black circles reduce glare.
That only applies to the dark rim around their eyes ("eyeliner"), not to these markings.
Load More Replies...Kitty With A Heart Pattern On The Legs
I've had loads of cats over many years, and only ever had one that would lay down with it's back legs out like that.
He Is Very Proud Of His Heart And Pants Patterns
Is just me or does that cat look a bit skinny? I don’t have a cat though so I wouldn’t know
Some cats are naturally more lean-built, and lots of the ones you see in the media are overweight. He seems to be a bit thin, but it also seems he's an outside cat (please don't keep your cats outside) so he's probably running and climbing a lot more, keeping him thinner
Load More Replies...The background looks like cement. Again, I wonder if this baby has a family or if he or she is a "community" cat.
My Dog Has A Silhouette Of A Fat Cat In His Fur Pattern
My dog doesn't find cats annoying; she's afraid of them.
Load More Replies...Or maybe he uses this to lure cats in by pretending to be one...because he loves them so much
Load More Replies...My Cat Has A Cat-Shaped Pattern On His Paw
The White Patch Of Fur On My Puppy's Chest Looks Like A Bird
19 hours too late! Cute puppers with such big paws! Ready to show a sock who’s the boss!
Load More Replies...Calf Has A Heart-Shaped Marking
Sweet little boy, I do love bulls and cows they're such adorable and loving beings. As a student I worked in the Swiss Alps during summer vacations taking care of cows and goats with a couple. The couple were cheese makers. City dwellers have no idea how lovely are farm animals. Unfortunately I live in a city and miss very much my alpine friends. Cows, sheep, goats are brought to pastor on the Alps rich grasses and flowers which give very delicious milk and delicate cheeses.
Never got the experience in a place like you have, though my family did have some cows and goats…the bull had a problem with the truck we used to transport the hay, he would stand beside it and size it up. Sometime head butting it to make sure the truck knew it’s place, they’re such inquisitive and loving animals otherwise!
Load More Replies...Brown Or Black?
:O it’s perfectpaw! (This is a reference, if you get it you’re awesome)
One Of The Coolest-Looking Dogs I've Ever Seen
whether on humans or animals, I find the arabesques of vitiligo magnificent
Vitiligo is so beautiful. It's sad that so many people who have it feel so self-conscious about it
Load More Replies...I think vitiligo is so pretty! I love how it outlines the eyebrows
These Kittens With Perfect Mustache Patterns
Nice! 👍 So we could have here Hercule and his (imaginary in the books but certainly not here) twin brother Achille "Purrot"
Load More Replies...A Blonde Squirrel On My Old Mail Route
Please send it here to mate with our red ones. The offspring would be gorgeous !
They are absolutely stunning. Completely bonkers, but stunning.
Load More Replies...A Family Returned Her Because Her Fur Wasn't Getting Long. Their Loss Is My Gain - She Is Such A Sweetie
Because they see an accessory, not a living, breathing being with feelings.
Load More Replies...I got a mixed breed puppy looked like a jack russell because i wanted a small dog ended up with a 60lb cow with a drooling problem and I couldn't love her more.
Load More Replies...What a stupid reason to rehome a dog. We were lucky to adopt our boy Floyd because his previous owners gave him up (they said they were allergic but I honestly think it's because he was "too playful" for them. He was only six months old at the time and quite rightly just wanted to play with his hoomans). Oh well, their loss is my gain. I love my wee fur-baby SO much!.
People shouldn't get dogs if they can't handle their energy. One of the main reasons I'll never get a dog myself. It's horrible. Glad Floyd's living his best life now though, you better be giving him all the pup treats!
Load More Replies...Well, good for this good girl and the OP! Some people should just get a plush toy and stay tf away from anything with a pulse
The lop ear, the big ear, the lop ear, the big ear…the best of both worlds!
Load More Replies...How could anyone return that face and those ears! These heathens must like cleaning clumps of long dog hair off floor furniture and every other sitting thing!
Not Your Traditional Aww But My Neighbor’s Llama Named Goblin Came To Say Hi While I Was In The Garden
Moving Out Of A Crime-Ridden Environment Has Done Wonders For Him And His Stress Levels
His fur is softer and he's gotten festively plump in only 5 months!
This Stray Cat With A Heart On His Fur
I love the patchwork quality, matching it to the tail. A lot of detail went into this creation 😉
It would be really awesome if he had a heart shape on the other side of his body.
Look At This Handsome Guy
This Goat Has A Goat On Its Goat Fur... Goat
“I DO NOT HAVE A GOAT ON ME, FOR THE LAST TIME. Get bahaack George stop standing so close they think you’re on me…”
Six Years Ago We Adopted A Small Ball Of Fur With A Rough Past. Today She Still Is A Small Ball But With Happy Memories And A Bright Future
I've never seen such variety of colors in blue eyes. That is really something. Can't stop zooming in on her left eye.
Load More Replies...Those eyes…She sees your future. For your kindness she grants you great tidings from here on..
I’m Wondering If This A Common Coat Pattern In Rabbits And What It’s Called. I Took Him In From Outside And Am Trying To Locate His Owner
That's a domestic Rex, and yes, they do come in colors like that. The owner unfortunately probably dumped him.
It's called harlequin, and if it was gray and white it would be called magpie.
Aww I miss my little ball of hate…she had such little ears and a coat white as snow. Jealous of my wife, and would love to thump her point across to my wife or any visitors but always sprawl out and lay right next me <3
My Cat Bo Has Her Name On Her Back
Glad we went with Bo, because it also looks like a broken heart.
My Cat Has A Cat In His Markings
don't be fooled, this is an orange cat after all xD
Load More Replies...Tatum's Got Marble Fur
This Cat Has A Question Mark On Its Back
My Horse Has A Bird-Shaped Paint Mark And Her Tail Is The Bird's Tail, Hence Her Name “Dove”
A Cat With Pants, Caps, A Helmet And A Broken Heart
My Cat’s Ombré Fur
Me too!!! I was like...what an unfortunate...
Load More Replies...Three Of Hearts
My Dog Buster Has The Skin Condition Vitiligo. It Causes Depigmentation Of The Skin (And Fur). The Left Photo Is From 9 Months Ago, The Right Photo Was Taken Today
Four-Week Old Papillon Has A Heart-Shaped Marking
Now that is some good sleeping…wrap that little pupper up like a burrito
My Cat's Nose, And Most Of Her Markings, Are Split Down The Middle
My Kitten Has A Perfect Number “5” On The Fur Print On His Shoulder
Cute, Fluffy, Red-Headed Fella
My Tortoiseshell Cat’s Fur Pattern Is Split Into 4 Quadrants
This reminds me of a comic on Scratch called Tales of Perfectheart, the main character, Perfectheart looks similar to this cat.
Holy c**p I referenced perfectpaw earlier in this post! I’m so happy I found another person who reads it! :D
Load More Replies...Dog With Heart-Shaped Face
My Little Guy's Fur Makes A Heart When He Lays Down On This Side
My Parents' Rottweiler's Black Fur Has Turned Mostly White Due To Vitiligo
This Zigzag Pattern Appears When Her Fur Is Raised
It wouldn't surprise me at all if there's some Ridgie in his DNA.
Load More Replies...It's due to variant in the Keratin-71 gene is associated with curly hair in dogs. Dogs with the curl variant have curly coats or wavy coats depending on how many copies of the variant they possess.
Interesting Cat's Fur Pattern
Those Fur Markings
This Cat's Color Pattern Makes It Look Like It's Meowing
Good Boy Camouflage
Wow that's a gorgeous dog! I thought it was a snowman dog at first glance.
Don’t agree with the ears, whoever did it, but they look healthy and happy now. That expression is the same my boi gives when he’s about to go into some serious zoomies in the snow!
Load More Replies...Beautiful baby and I really hope not a double Merle, which would make him/her deaf.
This Cat With Mustache And Goatee
A Tortoiseshell Cat With An Extraordinary Orange Pattern On Its Paws
Looks like the last cat of the day made, with no matching parts left. Stunning, though.
My Cat's Fur Pattern On His Nose Is In The Shape Of A Human Nose
Too bad he doesn't have rings around his eyes so he can look like those silly disguise glasses! He/she is adorable tho!
Cat with human nose is cute but what about a human with a nose of a cat?
That would be...unsettling if humans have a cat nose
Load More Replies...My Dog’s Marking Resembles An Elephant
The Pattern On This Pup Our Department Picked Up Yesterday
Xayah And I Went On A Puppy-Appropriate Length Hike The Other Day. She Enjoyed Herself
My Cat Has A Heart-Shaped Pattern On His Fur
That opossum out there is looking pretty suspicious…
Load More Replies...This Is Bruce. Those Eyebrows Have Not Been Drawn On And Are In Fact His Natural Fur
To many letters what does this mean 😆 also adorable pup
Load More Replies...This Dog Has A Big Heart And Freckles
Lola Once Again Fell Asleep In My Arms, I Love Her So Much
New Foster. Think I Might Adopt This One, Whiteout. Such Unique Markings
My Pup Wears Her Heart On Her Chest
This Spooky Cat Is Called A Lykoi. They Have A Naturally Occurring Fur Pattern Which Results In No Undercoat And A Constantly Changing Fur Pattern
They are often called "Werewolf Cats".
AI generated info: The Lykoi cat, also known as the "wolf cat" or "werewolf cat", is a rare breed of cat. The Lykoi cat has a genetic mutation that causes its hair to grow in a werewolf-like way. The skin around the cat's eyes, muzzle, and chin is hairless, making it resemble a human-turned-werewolf. The Lykoi cat is a relatively new breed that originated from the domestic short-haired cat via natural mutation. It is estimated that this mutation developed over about 20 years. The Lykoi cat's name comes from the Greek word lykos, or wolf. The Lykoi
Not every mutation is good. I don´t think that this "feature" is good for the cat (like other unhealthy features like short legs, folded ears, no tail and so forth). PLEASE think what it means for the cat - if you realy love them. Don´t breed "every" mutation just because it is new, unusual - and (in the case of for example Lykoi) you can make money with them. When you are looking for an "unusual" cat - inform yourself before you decide. Some of these features are mutations with a high price - some of those cats have no high expectation of beeing healthy or becoming old !
Lykois were purposely bred by a veterinarian, from parent cats that had been thoroughly examined and tested for disease or genetic flaws. One recessive gene affects the coat which can shed and grow back but lacks an undercoat. They've been accepted by cat associations as a legitimate breed and are very sweet.
Load More Replies...I Don't Have A Superiority Complex, I'm Just Better Than Everyone
Baby Goat With Mini Goat Pattern On Fur
I was thinking the same. He has his own guard dog!
Load More Replies...My Friend's Cat's Fur Looks Like Another Cat
I Met This Absolute Beauty Today. She Has The Most Amazing Pattern In Her Fur That I Have Ever Seen. Beige With Black Tips
Still very much a young pup but they don’t think the ears will ever pop. I hope they stay there because she’s 18/10 on the cuteness scale!
My Dog Has A White Spot In His Brown Fur And A Matching Brown Spot In His White Fur
My Cat's Fur Grew Back In Different Colors After She Was Shaved During Neutering
In Europe, many veterinarians do the spay surgery using a flank incision such as the above, instead of the ventral midline of the abdomen that most vets in the US do.
Load More Replies...It will eventually lighten up again. That patch was just colder because it had been shaved, and Siamese fur is darker wherever it's colder, like the extremities. They're born pale all over because of having been warm all over in the womb.
Any hairy area on a human or animal is shaved before a surgical incision is made there.
Load More Replies...My Girlfriend's Dog Spook Has A Cat Pattern On His Back
The Markings On This Fish Look Like A Cat
Ok Kitty! I know it's you. Quit hiding and come out of the pool now. Playtime's over
My Bunny’s Fur Pattern On His Back Looks Like Him Sitting
My Sweet Astro And His Unique Marking. Second Day Home With Us
Amazing Fur Pattern
My Cat’s Paws Have A Right Angle In Her Fur Pattern
Beautiful Splitted Pattern
Let's breed dogs to look mean and tough to stroke certain peoples' needs to compensate for a certain, small anatomical part. That way even more people can be afraid of these loving dogs who really just like to snuggle.
After reading all the comments I feel the need to say... JUST DON'T BE F****N A******S AND LEAVE THE PUPPERS ALONE!!!
I don't have a clue about dogs (apart from the fact that this one looks very scary to me) so can someone explain why some people *do* crop dogs' ears?
I just hope non of them is dyed or drawn on with markers!
Load More Replies...Want more! Super cute! Hope to see some guinea pigs next time maybe ❤
I just hope non of them is dyed or drawn on with markers!
Load More Replies...Want more! Super cute! Hope to see some guinea pigs next time maybe ❤
