Felis catus
Thai Lilac
Featured photothai-lilac.jpgThe Thai Lilac is a GCCF-recognized breed of the Thai-type (traditional rounded-head) Siamese family in a self-colored lilac (warm pinkish-grey) coat. Developed in the United Kingdom through selective breeding programs using Thai-type stock carrying the dilute and chocolate genes, the breed received GCCF recognition in 2013. It is one of three self-colored Thai-type breeds recognized by GCCF alongside the Thai Blue and Thai Lilac Point.
Quick facts
- Origin country
- United Kingdom
- Origin period
- Developed early 2000s; GCCF recognition 2013
- Coat type
- Short
- Coat colors
- Lilac (warm pinkish-grey self, only accepted color)
- Size category
- Medium
- Average lifespan
- 12-16 years
- Recognition
- GCCF 2013
Origin
The Thai Lilac emerged from UK breeding programs in the early 2000s designed to produce self-colored Thai-type cats. The Thai is the TICA-recognized name for the traditional, rounded-head form of the Siamese; in GCCF, the equivalent rounded-head type is maintained separately from the extreme-wedge show Siamese. Breeders crossed Thai-type cats carrying the chocolate (b) gene and the dilute (d) gene; kittens homozygous for both genes express the lilac phenotype: a warm, pinkish-grey body color with matching nose leather and paw pads. GCCF granted recognition in 2013.
Recognition
The Thai Lilac is recognized by the GCCF in the United Kingdom, which simultaneously recognized the Thai Blue. The breeds are registered within GCCF's Thai breed group. CFA, TICA, FIFe, and most other international registries do not maintain separate registrations for the Thai Lilac; cats of this type are typically registered as Oriental Shorthairs in the lilac self color under international registries.
Appearance
The Thai Lilac conforms to the Thai (traditional Siamese) body standard: a medium-sized cat with a slightly rounded, apple-shaped head; medium-large, wide-set ears; almond-shaped eyes of a warm green to yellow-green color; and a moderately muscular, medium-length body. The tail is of medium length, tapering. The coat is short, close-lying, and fine. The sole accepted color is lilac: a warm, pink-tinged grey that is paler and pinker than the blue dilution. Nose leather is faded lavender-pink; paw pads are faded lilac-pink.
Sources & further reading (2)
- gccf-registry — accessed 2026-05-07
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-05-07
Frequently asked questions
What does 'lilac' mean as a cat color?
Lilac in cat genetics is the double-dilute form of black: a cat that is homozygous for both the chocolate gene (bb) and the dilute gene (dd). The result is a warm, pinkish-grey coat color that is lighter and more pink-tinged than blue (which is dilute black without the chocolate modifier). The Thai Lilac is self-colored (solid) lilac throughout.
Is the Thai Lilac related to the Siamese?
Yes. The Thai Lilac belongs to the Thai/traditional Siamese family and shares the same rounded-head, moderate-body type as the Thai breed. The key difference from the Thai (pointed) is that the Thai Lilac is self-colored (solid coat with no pointed pattern). Both are related to the Western Siamese breed but represent the traditional moderate body form rather than the extreme wedge-headed show type.
When did GCCF recognize the Thai Lilac?
GCCF granted recognition to the Thai Lilac in 2013, alongside the Thai Blue. The breeds were developed in the UK in the early 2000s through selective programs with Thai-type stock carrying the relevant color genes. Recognition by other major international registries had not followed as of 2026.
