If you’ve ever come across a cat with striking stripes, whorls, or markings resembling a bullseye or marble, you’ve likely met a tabby cat. But what exactly is a tabby, and is it a distinct breed? This comprehensive guide will answer all your questions about these beautifully marked felines.
What is a Tabby Cat?
Contrary to popular belief, “tabby” is not a breed, but rather a coat pattern found in domestic cats as well as many purebred pedigrees. The tabby pattern gets its name from the silk produced in the Attabiah district of Baghdad, which had a similar striped appearance.
The Five Tabby Patterns
There are five distinct tabby patterns that arise from different genetic variations:
- Classic Tabby – The distinctive bullseye or target pattern on the sides, with swirling stripes on the legs and tail.
- Mackerel Tabby – Dense, narrow, unbroken stripes that run across the body and tail in a fishbone pattern.
- Spotted Tabby – Spots in a random pattern rather than stripes or whorls.
- Ticked Tabby – Agouti hairs (banded with different shades) resulting in a salt-and-pepper appearance.
- Patched Tabby – Patches of solid red, cream, or brown colors alongside tabby markings.
The Tabby Gene and Coat Colors
The tabby coat pattern is caused by a specific gene (Mc1r) which causes bands of lighter and darker pigment. Most cat breeds inherit the tabby pattern from their original landrace ancestors. However, the color of the tabby markings can vary widely depending on other genes that control coat color.
Common Tabby Colors
Some common tabby colors and descriptions:
- Brown/Classic Tabby – Dark brown to black markings on a golden background
- Red, Orange or Ginger Tabby – Rich red or orange markings on a lighter red/yellow coat
- Blue Tabby – Cool blue-gray markings on a lighter gray base
- Cream Tabby – Very pale cream or buff colored markings on an off-white coat
- Silver Tabby – Dense black markings on a pale silver base (chinchilla coloring)
Popular Tabby Cat Breeds
While tabbies themselves are not a breed, many popular pedigreed cats frequently display the tabby coat patterns:
American Shorthair Tabby
The American Shorthair is one of the few pedigreed cats where the tabby pattern is one of the allowed colors/markings. They can have Classic, Mackerel, Spotted and Ticked tabby patterns in a variety of colors.
Maine Coon Tabby
The large, semi-longhaired Maine Coon comes in a range of tabby patterns like Classic, Mackerel and Ticked. Their lush, shaggy coats show off the tabby markings beautifully.
British Shorthair Tabby
The British Shorthair sports a plush, dense coat that accentuates their tabby patterns. Classic, Mackerel and Spotted tabbies are all recognized varieties in this sturdy breed.
Bengal Tabby
Developed from hybridizing domestic cats with the Asian Leopard Cat, the Bengal has stunning, exotic Spotted or Marbled tabby markings reminiscent of their wild ancestors.
Other Popular Tabby Breeds
Other breeds that commonly display the tabby gene include the Abyssinian, Ocicat, Egyptian Mau, Norwegian Forest Cat, Turkish Angora, and many more mixed breed (“Domestic”) tabbies.
Tabby Cat Personality and Behavior
There’s no single tabby personality, as temperaments can vary based on breed, sex, socialization, and other factors. However, some tabby owners report their cats displaying:
- High energy, playfulness and curiosity
- Outgoing, friendly dispositions
- Intelligence and food motivation
- Affectionate behavior towards owners
- Tendency to “chirp” or vocalize frequently
Do Tabby Markings Affect Cat Behavior?
While anecdotal, some studies suggest coat color/pattern may influence feline behavior and personality to an extent. For instance, the classic ginger tabby male is sometimes called the “great defective” in breeding circles as they tend to be more aggressive and territorial.
Tabby Cats – FAQs
Are all orange cats tabbies?
No, while most orange/”ginger” cats do display tabby markings, it’s possible for an orange cat to be solid or have other patterns like solid, bicolor, etc. The orange/red coloring is separate from the tabby gene.
Do only female cats get calico/tortoiseshell coats?
While very rare, it is possible for male cats to inherit the calico/tortie coat patterns due to genetic factors. However, over 99% of calicos are female. Tabby markings can appear on calico/tortie coats as well.
Why do tabby kittens look striped at birth?
The tabby markings are actually present at birth in tabby kittens. In some cases, the patterns change or become more pronounced as the adult coat develops. Some breeds like Bengals are born with their striking tabby coats.
Are tabby cats more prone to certain health issues?
There are no inherent health risks specifically linked to the tabby coat pattern. As with any cat, proper diet, exercise, vet care and living environment are key for good tabby health.
Embracing Your Tabby Beauty
With their gorgeous coats and distinctive markings, tabby cats are truly unique and eye-catching felines. Whether you have a brown tabby, a gray tabby, or any other variation, these special cats make wonderful household companions. Provide them with a nurturing environment, and you’ll enjoy their beauty, personality, and companionship for years to come.
The Tabby Cat Through History
Tabbies have been around for thousands of years, with evidence of their distinctive coats dating back to ancient times. Let’s explore the fascinating history and role of these patterned felines.
Tabbies in Ancient Egypt
Cats were revered in ancient Egyptian culture, and tabbies were among the favored feline companions. Their striped coats are prominently featured in Egyptian artwork and artifacts. Some historians believe the classic “bullseye” tabby pattern may have represented the eye of the Egyptian goddess Bast.
Tabby Folklore and Myths
Throughout history, tabby cats have been associated with folklore and superstition across various cultures:
- In the British Isles, a tabby cat was believed to bring good luck to a house.
- Some sailors saw having a tabby on board as an omen of good fortune and protection from storms.
- In Germany, it was considered lucky for a bride to own a tabby cat before her wedding day.
- In parts of Russia, a tradition held that feeding a tabby cat on New Year’s day would bring prosperity.
Tabby Street Cats and Rodent Control
Tabby’s striking yet camouflaged coats made them excellent mousers and ratters. Their patterned coats allowed them to blend into urban environments for rodent control duty on farms, ships, and city alleys. As a result, tabby markings became common among streetwise alley cats and working mousers.
The Science Behind Tabby Patterns
Thanks to modern genetics research, we now better understand the complex mechanisms that produce the captivating tabby coat patterns.
The Tabby Gene and Agouti Signaling
The tabby pattern is the result of a specific genetic coding sequence called the “Agouti Signaling Protein” that causes alternating bands of light and dense pigment distribution across the cat’s body and hair follicles.
While all cats inherit two copies of the Agouti gene (one from each parent), tabbies have functional copies that produce the striped, whorled, or spotted patterns by regulating melanocortin receptors. Non-agouti cats like solid-colored breeds have mutations preventing this regulation.
Tabby Pattern Modifiers
Beyond the tabby gene itself, other genetic modifiers influence the final tabby pattern expressed:
- The Taqpep gene modifies the classical bullseye or whirled pattern into the narrower striped “mackerel” pattern.
- The Mc1r gene modulates how much phaeomelanin (red/yellow) or eumelanin (black/brown) pigment is present.
- Other polygenic factors like the Tabby Abyssinian gene contribute to the unique patterns in specific breeds.
As you can see, both the beautiful and diverse array of tabby patterns has a fascinating underlying genetic basis that scientists continue exploring.
Caring for Your Tabby Cat
Tabby cats make wonderful household companions with the proper care and attention. Here are some tips for new tabby owners:
Nutrition and Diet
Feed your tabby a high-quality, balanced diet appropriate for their life stage (kitten, adult, senior). Obesity can be an issue with indoor cats, so monitor portions and provide environmental enrichment to encourage activity.
Grooming Needs
Tabbies with longer coats like Maine Coons may require regular brushing to prevent matting and hairballs. However, most shorthaired tabbies are fairly low maintenance when it comes to grooming.
Environmental Enrichment
Provide your tabby with vertical scratching posts, interactive toys, and ample playtime to satisfy their hunting and exploring instincts. Rotating toys and environmental changes can prevent boredom and stress.
Veterinary Care
Like all cats, tabbies require routine vet checkups, vaccinations, preventative parasite control, and immediate care if illness arises. Find a reputable vet who can ensure your tabby stays healthy.
With the right care and ownership, these beautiful felines with their distinctive tabby coats can make wonderful additions to any home. Appreciate your tabby’s unique beauty and patterning!
