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!

#1 This Two-Faced Cat Called Quimera

Image credits: gataquimera

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.

#2 Zorro And Bandit Are Ready To Fight Crime

Image credits: iwhy_75

#3 Feel Free To Boop Or High-Five The Snoot

Image credits: dog_rates

#4 Multicolor Budgie

Image credits: Susan Dennis

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.

#5 Spot-Bellied Eagle Owls Are Known To Possess Heart-Shaped Markings On Their Plumage

Image credits: meagletrainer

#6 Lucky Number 7

Image credits: valewoodfarms

#7 My New Kitten

Image credits: Pixiex420xstix

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.

#8 This Is Sam. He Has Eyebrows

Image credits: samhaseyebrows

#9 This Lurker With Interesting Fur Patterns

Image credits: barenton

#10 "That's One Dapper Mustache , Sir"

Image credits: meaganjean

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?

#11 He Wears His Heart On His Head

Image credits: bearbrandbb

#12 Wow. What A Unique Beauty

Image credits: Brief_Translator_235

#13 This Paw Has A Small Paw Mark

Image credits: uwuuwu

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.

#14 This Cat With A Unique Marking On Her Butt

Image credits: Sakura73294840

#15 A Black Vitiligo Kitty

Image credits: eskidefter

#16 This Pupper’s Markings Look Like A Bat

Image credits: AnnieChigurh

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.

#17 There Is A Squirrel With 3 Different Colors In Their Fur That I See In My Backyard Every Day

Image credits: Odeiminmukwa

#18 My Foster Kitten’s Fur Spells Out “Meow”

Image credits: indeliblevarlot

#19 Cat With A Split-Colored Face

Image credits: amazingnarnia

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.

#20 This Goat Has A Goat On Its Goat Fur... Goat

Image credits: KeyzerSoze85

#21 He Has A Big Heart

Image credits: Localpula420

#22 My Dog Has A Silhouette Of A Fat Cat In His Fur Pattern

Image credits: littledaikon

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.

#23 This Is Heidi. Heidi Has Vitiligo

Image credits: vinkulelu

#24 This Chicken With Heart-Shaped Spots

Image credits: cacacake

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.

#25 The Pattern On My Dog's Chest Looks Like A Cat Mid-Sneeze

Image credits: VintageRice

#26 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)

Image credits: seniorscrappy

#27 Venus The Two-Faced Cat

Image credits: venustwofacecat

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.

#28 This Cat's Fur Pattern Looks Like A Boy Holding A Heart

Image credits: reddit.com

#29 Calf Has A Heart-Shaped Marking

Image credits: Cloudy_Memory_Loss

#30 This Golden Retriever Has A Black Birthmark On The Left Side Of His Face

Image credits: mister.enzoviola

#31 Mustache Cat. Yes, It's Real

Image credits: hamilton_the_hipster_cat

#32 Kitty With A Heart Pattern On The Legs

Image credits: raavanan007

#33 Meet Wiley, The Dalmatian Puppy With A Heart-Shaped Nose

Image credits: hi.wiley

#34 My Sister's Puppy Has A Unique Fur Pattern That Makes It Look Like She Has Glasses

Image credits: Disprozium

#35 Marked With A Downvote Since Birth. Still A Very Good Boy

Image credits: Ylimeq15

#36 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

Image credits: CurseOfTheQueen

#37 A Family Returned Her Because Her Fur Wasn't Getting Long. Their Loss Is My Gain - She Is Such A Sweetie

Image credits: neuron_fc

#38 A Blonde Squirrel On My Old Mail Route

Image credits: hoobgooblin

#39 This Stray Cat With A Heart On His Fur

Image credits: CarWaro

#40 My Cat Has A Cat-Shaped Pattern On His Paw

Image credits: Suspicious_Mustache

#41 This Cat's Markings Make It Look Like It's Nose Is Missing

Image credits: Bluebottle96

#42 My Horse Has A Bird-Shaped Paint Mark And Her Tail Is The Bird's Tail, Hence Her Name “Dove”

Image credits: TheVoidWantsCuddles

#43 This Lamb Whose Markings Make It Look Like A Cow

Image credits: grumpycatmum

#44 This Cat Has A Question Mark On Its Back

Image credits: JupiterSMH

#45 A Fine Choice There Sir

Image credits: AsxDelsin

#46 My Cat’s Ombré Fur

Image credits: Olliebean6

#47 Tatum's Got Marble Fur

Image credits: originalbarkhikes

#48 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

Image credits: TallyMatty

#49 My Cat Bo Has Her Name On Her Back

Image credits: SlimChiply

#50 My Parents' Rottweiler's Black Fur Has Turned Mostly White Due To Vitiligo

Image credits: bigpaulycolini

#51 One Of The Coolest-Looking Dogs I've Ever Seen

Image credits: BillionBeast

#52 My Little Guy's Fur Makes A Heart When He Lays Down On This Side

Image credits: Zoelise21

#53 These Kittens With Perfect Mustache Patterns

Image credits: LawsonLevi

#54 He Is Very Proud Of His Heart And Pants Patterns

Image credits: vladalex10

#55 This Cat's Color Pattern Makes It Look Like It's Meowing

Image credits: mmmarms

#56 Baby Goat With Mini Goat Pattern On Fur

Image credits: StrangeHatterFarms

#57 A Tortoiseshell Cat With An Extraordinary Orange Pattern On Its Paws

Image credits: Stormaris

#58 This Zigzag Pattern Appears When Her Fur Is Raised

Image credits: bee-milk2

#59 Look At This Handsome Guy

Image credits: logantheshepherd

#60 The Pattern On This Pup Our Department Picked Up Yesterday

Image credits: G0D5P33D

#61 Dog With Heart-Shaped Face

Image credits: bobo_dogsncats

#62 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

Image credits: Tia_MacArthur

#63 Three Of Hearts

Image credits: reddit.com

#64 My Sweet Astro And His Unique Marking. Second Day Home With Us

Image credits: Arielle_hawkrider

#65 My Cat's Nose, And Most Of Her Markings, Are Split Down The Middle

Image credits: Babyy_Bluee

#66 Not Your Traditional Aww But My Neighbor’s Llama Named Goblin Came To Say Hi While I Was In The Garden

Image credits: cakeanddiamond

#67 My Dog’s Marking Resembles An Elephant

Image credits: Empty-Number-3029

#68 My Dog Has A White Spot In His Brown Fur And A Matching Brown Spot In His White Fur

Image credits: digeratisensei

#69 Xayah And I Went On A Puppy-Appropriate Length Hike The Other Day. She Enjoyed Herself

Image credits: tailzborne

#70 New Foster. Think I Might Adopt This One, Whiteout. Such Unique Markings

Image credits: HOTELSandCHEESE

#71 The White Patch Of Fur On My Puppy's Chest Looks Like A Bird

Image credits: SaltMeat709

#72 This Cat With Mustache And Goatee

Image credits: LuvKittensDaily

#73 Brown Or Black?

Image credits: shairazi

#74 This Dog Has A Big Heart And Freckles

Image credits: the.life.of.roper

#75 Good Boy Camouflage

Image credits: megabuiltbullies

#76 My Cat's Fur Pattern On His Nose Is In The Shape Of A Human Nose

Image credits: jerlasvegas

#77 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!

Image credits: RunicNature

#78 My Cat Has A Cat In His Markings

Image credits: slj17

#79 The Markings On This Fish Look Like A Cat

Image credits: NeutrinoBlue

#80 My Cat Has A Heart-Shaped Pattern On His Fur

Image credits: PowersephR

#81 Interesting Cat's Fur Pattern

Image credits: georgiathecalicocat

#82 I Don't Have A Superiority Complex, I'm Just Better Than Everyone

Image credits: cosmothemoustachecat

#83 Four-Week Old Papillon Has A Heart-Shaped Marking

Image credits: amypeeeee

#84 My Kitten Has A Perfect Number “5” On The Fur Print On His Shoulder

Image credits: itontoyo

#85 My Girlfriend's Dog Spook Has A Cat Pattern On His Back

Image credits: PalermoD

#86 My Pup Wears Her Heart On Her Chest

Image credits: LaTigree

#87 Beautiful Splitted Pattern

Image credits: CanYouhearTheS1lence

#88 My Bunny’s Fur Pattern On His Back Looks Like Him Sitting

Image credits: playgirlbarbie

#89 A Cat With Pants, Caps, A Helmet And A Broken Heart

Image credits: DrackoU_U

#90 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".

Image credits: 404-Not-Found-404

#91 Amazing Fur Pattern

Image credits: TheDeliLlama

#92 Cute, Fluffy, Red-Headed Fella

Image credits: mrcoconut4

#93 My Tortoiseshell Cat’s Fur Pattern Is Split Into 4 Quadrants

Image credits: macnchz99

#94 My Cat's Fur Grew Back In Different Colors After She Was Shaved During Neutering

Image credits: smooshmonkey

#95 My Cat’s Paws Have A Right Angle In Her Fur Pattern

Image credits: omniscienttoaster

#96 Those Fur Markings

Image credits: ta_55_nya

#97 Lola Once Again Fell Asleep In My Arms, I Love Her So Much

Image credits: tine2302

#98 This Is Bruce. Those Eyebrows Have Not Been Drawn On And Are In Fact His Natural Fur

Image credits: Olivia_981

#99 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!

Image credits: Wolvgirl15

#100 My Friend's Cat's Fur Looks Like Another Cat

Image credits: Cubey_Cake