EMS colour codes explained
EMS is the standard shorthand the cat fancy uses to record a cat's breed, colour and pattern. Here is how to read it.
How an EMS code is built
An EMS code is read left to right: an optional breed code, then a colour letter (with an optional silver/golden letter), then numbers for the pattern and any white.
Base colours
Silver & golden
sSilveryGoldenPatterns
—Solid / Self11Shaded12Shell / Chinchilla22Classic (Blotched) Tabby23Mackerel Tabby24Spotted Tabby25Ticked Tabby33ColourpointWhite & bicolour
—No white09With white (unspecified)03Bicolour02Harlequin01Van04MittedWorked examples
nreads asBlacka 23reads asBlue Mackerel Tabbyns 11reads asBlack Silver Shadedn 03reads asBlack & Whiten 33reads asSeal Pointny 12reads asBlack Golden Shell / ChinchillaFrequently asked questions
What does EMS stand for?+
EMS stands for 'Easy Mind System' — a standardised shorthand used in the cat fancy to record a cat's breed, colour, pattern and white markings as short letters and numbers.
How do I read a code like 'BRI n 22'?+
Left to right: BRI is the breed (British Shorthair), n is the colour (black), and 22 is the pattern (classic tabby) — so a black classic tabby British Shorthair.
What does the letter 's' mean in an EMS code?+
The letter 's' after the colour means silver (a silver undercoat); 'y' means golden. For example 'ns' is black silver.
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