Breeders may have different verbiage for different colors and patterns or may identify the colors of their litters differently than other Breeders. The CFA standard is just one example of what is generally understood. Some notes:
- My understanding of the eye color of a kitten is that it isn't fully-developed until 7-8 weeks of age and may go from the kitten-blue eye color to yellow, green, etc. Nile, our stud, is pointed (blue eyes) and Nina has green/yellow eyes. Though there are some indications early on of what the color might become, in my opinion, no one should be guaranteeing you an eye color before the kitten is old enough. In my case, the majority of my kittens have kept their blue eyes, even getting lighter blue during development.
- The term "point" or "pointed" means the eyes are blue. There can be a "pointed" Sphynx in any color variation as far as I know. All of our kittens, except for one, has been pointed. It appears to be the dominant gene inherited from the father.
- An "odd-eye" is a Sphynx that has two different colored eyes. Each eye is its own color. These are rather rare and can be worth a small fortune, as you'll find.
- When reserving a Sphynx that is very young, it is a bit difficult to know what color it may turn out to be as it matures. Spots may not appear immediately, as they may darken over a couple weeks after birth. The "whites" can get darker, the "greys" may get lighter, darker, etc.
- A Sphynx is not "white" like you would expect a white cat to be, but actually variation of pink/skin color. Nile is a "cream point" (creamier in color, blue eyes) and he is quite light. Next to his litter mates, you could clearly tell just how much lighter he was at just 9 weeks old.
- A "black" Sphynx very rarely stays as dark as it is as a kitten. Some photos, depending on lighting, make it look darker than it actually is. So, when you see a black Sphynx kitten online, they can look dark and impressive. However, they almost always are a darker grey or just grey with a black face/nose area.
- A "blue" color Sphynx is a much like a grey Sphynx, except it has a blue-ish undertone or hue. You may be familiar with the "blue" terminology when it comes to dogs. A "solid blue" ("solid" meaning the whole cat is one color) Sphynx is somewhat rare and ups the cost.
- A "torite" or "tortoiseshell" Sphynx has a sort-of marbled look of colors. Black mottled or patched with red and/or cream is a standard definition.