Many people refer to their cats as tabbies without really understanding what the term means.
Rather than referring to a specific breed, the word “Tabby” Refers to a certain coat pattern commonly found in domestic and feral cats. Tabbies often have stripes, swirls, or colored spots on their coat, depending on their breed and individual genetics.
While it’s difficult to generalize about tabbies because they come from so many breeds, many tabby owners say their cats are friendly, affectionate, and playful.
Also read: The most popular names for tabby cats
Why is tabby cat so special?
Every cat is unique, but what sets tabbies apart are the beautiful patterns that cover their fur. Tabbies have a combination of stripes, swirls, and spots that, depending on the breed, may cover the cat’s entire body or be confined to patches.
There are five types of tabby markings:
- classic
- mackerel
- spot
- tick
- repair
While every tabby is different, most cats with this coat pattern tend to show certain types of markings. Most tabby cats have stripes on the face, back, legs and tail.
What really makes a tabby stand out, however, is the distinctive M-shaped mark on its forehead.
Also read: Why Do Tabby Cats Have an “M” on Their Foreheads?
This recognizable M-shaped marking is also found on many feral cats, especially jungle cats such as cheetahs, ocelots and tigers. Some say the M stands for the word Mau, the Egyptian word for cat. Tabbies are known to be one of the smartest cats in the feline world.
genetics
Although tabbies are not a specific breed, all domestic cats carry the tabby gene, as their origins can be traced back to feral cats that carry the tabby pattern.
In fact, tabby markings are a marker of the domestic cat’s direct ancestors, including:
- African Wildcat (Felis lybica lybica)
- European Wildcat (Felis silvestris silvestris)
- Asian mallard (Felix lybica oranata)
Tabby genetics are extremely diverse and involve a wide variety of coat patterns. Although the striped tabby pattern is the most common, there are five recognized types of tabby markings. The tabby gene may also be missing along with other marker genes, creating cats with solid colors or mixed patterns.
Whether a cat displays its tabby pattern depends on whether the cat inherits a dominant agouti gene or a recessive non-agouti gene.
Cats who inherit the dominant agouti gene (A) will display a visible tabby pattern, whereas cats who inherit the recessive non-agouti gene (a) will not.If a solid colored cat inherits two recessive non-agouti genes (aa), it may exhibit “Ghost stripes.” This refers to the subtle hint of the underlying tabby pattern that is most apparent in strong sunlight.
Tabby cat appearance
While there are several different tabby patterns, most tabbies display some degree of stripes in their coats. Depending on the cat’s genetics, these stripes can be bold and clearly visible, or subtle and faded. Some tabby cats only display visible stripes on their legs and tail.
Other physical characteristics common to tabby cats include:
- There is an M-shaped imprint on the forehead
- dark “eyeliner” around the eyes
- pigmented lips and paws
- thin pencil lines on the face
- A chin and belly that are whiter than the rest of the body
- strapped to the legs and tail
While not every tabby displays all of these markings, if a cat displays more than one of the markings on this list, it’s safe to say it’s a tabby. That said, there are five different types of tabby markings.
1. Classic Tabby
The classic tabby pattern is composed of bold swirls to create a “Target”– Pattern on the side of the cat’s body.Some classic tabby cats also have spots of color, the second nickname for these cats is “A spotted tabby.” The American Shorthair breed typically exhibits the classic tabby pattern.
2. Mackerel Tabby
By far the most common tabby pattern, the mackerel tabby is also known as a striped tabby or tabby. These cats have solid or intermittent stripes that run parallel along the sides of the body with rings around the legs and tail.Many tabby cats with this pattern also have dark stripes on their bellies, which is the nickname “Vest buttons.”
The stripes on the cat branch off from a single large stripe that runs along the cat’s spine.Because the effect resembles a fish skeleton, this striped pattern was given its nickname “A mackerel tabby.”
3. Spotted Tabby
Spotted tables do not show streaks or swirls, but are covered with spots of various sizes. Since these spots vary in shape and size, they often resemble broken mackerel tabby stripes. It’s unclear whether the spotted tabby evolved from the broken mackerel tabby or has unique genetics.
Two cat breeds that typically exhibit a spotted tabby pattern are the Ocicat and the American Bobtail. Ocicats are a breed of domestic cat similar to feral cats – they get their name from their resemblance to ocelots.american bobtail cats are known for their stubby “shaky” Tail.
4. Tabby cat
Tick tabbies don’t have the typical stripes or spots, except sometimes on the legs and tail. These cats have agouti hairs – hairs made up of several pigmented strands. Typically, agouti coats have darker undertones that alternate with lighter shades.
Tick tabby colors are a blend of agouti fur, giving the coat a salt and pepper look rather than distinct stripes. However, some tick-spotted cats do display residual ghost stripes or stripes on the face, belly, and lower legs. If the cat is covered in ticks, it may have a shiny appearance in the sun due to the change in color of the coat.
5. Patch Tabby
The fifth tabby pattern does not refer to a specific type of marking, but rather a combination of tabby markings with other colors or patterns. A patched tabby may be a tricolor or tortoiseshell that exhibits tabby markings.Tortoiseshell cats with tabby patches are often called “Toby.”
You may also come across an orange tabby that displays any of the 5 tabby patterns above, but has an overall orange and white coloration.
character and temperament
Because a wide variety of breeds exhibit tabby coat patterns, it can be difficult to make broad statements about a tabby’s personality. The best way to predict a tabby’s personality is to identify its breed.
In many cases, you can determine a cat’s breed simply by looking at it. Many breeds have different physical characteristics, but if you have a mixed breed cat, the situation may not be so simple.
If you want to determine your cat’s genetics, the Basepaws Feline DNA Test can help you do just that. This kit compares your cat’s genetics to the world’s largest cat DNA database to help you better understand his breed composition. You will receive a report detailing your cat’s breed group and a list of feral cats to which he is genetically related.
Buy Cat DNA Kits at Basepaws
There is a long list of unique cat breeds with tabby colors, including:
The Abyssinian tabby is generally a friendly and affectionate breed, but is also very active. These tabby cats need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them from getting bored and exhibiting destructive behavior.
American Bobtails are also very interactive and form strong bonds with their families. These cats have a playful side – they love to play games with their owners – and they have a strong hunting instinct. This breed is generally quiet, but many will chirp, trill or click when they are excited.
The Birman is a large dog breed, usually weighing over 12 pounds. While these cats usually display a pointed pattern, they can also have tabby spots. A somewhat reserved and often jealous breed, the Birman tends to bond closely with one member of the family. They may be a little territorial towards other cats, but they are generally not aggressive.
Orientals generally weigh only 8 to 12 pounds, but they are very slender with long legs and long faces. These cats are very intelligent and easier to train than other breeds. They also tend to be very affectionate and enjoy spending time with their owners.
The Scottish Fold is known for its small, round ears that fold down against the head. These cats come in a variety of colors and patterns, including tabby patterns, and they can have medium to long hair. Personality-wise, Scottish Folds are mild-tempered and adaptable, but they do tend to bond with one person in the family.
Every tabby is unique genetically and bred, so it’s important to spend some time getting to know your own tabby. Stock up on cat toys and spend quality time with your cat every day.
Fun Facts About Tabby Cats
- orange and black tabby cats are often called “Jam Cat.”
- Morris, an orange tabby cat, has been a commercial model for popular cat food brand 9lives for decades.
- Some believe tabbies were the favorite cats of witches in the 16th and 17th centuries. It is believed that cats belonging to witches are people who have been transformed into cats through magic.
- The average lifespan of a tabby cat is 10 to 15 years。 Indoor cats tend to live several years longer than outdoor cats.
- Tabby cats with a striped pattern are often nicknamed “tiger cat” For obvious reasons.
- the word “Tabby” have different origins. It is thought to have come from Baghdad’s Attabiy district, which mainly sold patterned silks.In the 14th century, the word “atabis” Also used in France to refer to these patterned cats.
- Some of the most common purebred cats with tabby markings include the Maine Coon, Abyssinian, Bengal, British Shorthair, and American Shorthair.
- Professor and author Jim Willis has his own take on the story behind it “rice” Mark the tabby cat. He wrote a story about these marked felines as part of his 2002 book, Pieces of My Heart – Works Inspired by Animals and Nature.
- Garfield is another well-known orange tabby and American Shorthair breed.
- Orange tabbies may develop small black freckles on the nose and mouth area, usually after the first year or two of life.
- There are four common types of tabby patterns: classic swirl, mackerel, tick and spotted. Some include a fifth type— “Patch” Brindle with brindle markings.
- How big is a tabby cat? Maine Coon tabby males can reach a height of 10 to 16 inches, while Norwegian Forest cats can weigh a few pounds as adults.
- In addition to common tabby names like Garfield, Morris, and Tiger, clever names for tabby cats may include Marbled, Spotted, Tigger, and even Tabby.
- Legend has it that a tabby cat helped baby Jesus keep warm. When the baby had a cold, Mary kept the animals in the manger close to him to keep him warm. A tabby cat snuggled up next to the baby, whom Mary gifted with her initials, “male” on its forehead.
- Puss in Boots from the Shrek movies is another famous tabby cat.
frequently asked questions
Do tabby cats have feelings?
The term tabby does not refer to the breed, but to the common hair pattern in cats, so it is difficult to make generalizations about a tabby’s personality. However, many tabby owners report that their cats are friendly and affectionate.
How much does a tabby cat cost?
Again, because tabbies are a coat pattern and not a breed, it’s hard to make broad statements. Some of the most expensive tabby breeds are the American Wirehair, Scottish Fold, and Norwegian Forest. Tabby mixed breed cats are usually the most affordable.
How long do tabby cats live?
In general, cats can live 15 to 20 years with proper care. Indoor cats tend to live several years longer than outdoor cats.
Do tabby cats shed a lot?
It depends on the breed. It might come as a surprise that longhaired tabbies actually shed more than shorthaired cats. That said, longhaired tabbies may require more grooming and coat maintenance.
How Long Do Tabby Cats Live?
In general, a tabby may grow to be 12-17 inches long, 10-12 inches tall, and weigh about 9-23 pounds.Like most cats, they usually stop growing between 13 and 18 months of age
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