When asked "what cat do you have" the answer we often get is "It's a tabby cat".
The truth however is that Tabby cats are not actually a breed at all, but rather a way to describe cats based on their coat patterns.
What defines a "Tabby Cat"? Just as we identify cats by their fur colour—like Ginger cats, which appear in various breeds—Tabby cats are characterised by their coat patterns and markings.
Essentially, the term "Tabby" encompasses a wide range of breeds and base colours, leading to a remarkable diversity within this category.
A very common but notable feature found in many Tabby cats is the unique "M" shape on their foreheads. (see pic below)
The classic "M" on the forehead
So what makes a "Tabby Cat" Tabby?
In simple terms it's all to do with your cats coat pattern and markings. A Tabby cat can come from so many different breeds as well as underlying base colours, the result is a huge variety of Tabby cats.
As the category of Domestic Shorthair (not a specific breed) cats is very common these are often the ones we associate with being Tabby cats. But , you may well be surprised the wide variety of cats which fall within the "Tabby" group, these include: Maine Coons, Bengals, Scottish Fold, Siamese, Norwegian Forest Cat, Abyssinian & the American Shorthair.
Scottish Fold with the distinctive M
There are four or five main categories of coat patterns that most Tabby's fall into.
They are the Classic, Mackerel, Spotted, Agouti and Patched.
The underlying colour of the cat has a big impact on the tabby markings, and as a result the combination leads to a wide range of appearances.
Tabby cats typically have striking eyes that can be a variety of colors, including green, gold, or copper, often contrasting beautifully with their coat.
1. Classic Tabby
The classic tabby pattern features bold, swirling patterns on the sides, resembling a marble cake.
It typically includes a dark stripe running down the back and a distinctive "M" shape on the forehead.
The body has a mix of lighter and darker shades, creating a beautiful contrast.
2. Mackerel Tabby
The mackerel tabby pattern is characterized by narrow, parallel stripes that run down the sides of the cat, resembling a fish skeleton.
This pattern is often more uniform and less chaotic than the classic tabby.
The stripes usually extend from the spine to the belly, and like the classic tabby, it also has the "M" marking on the forehead.
3. Spotted Tabby
In the spotted tabby pattern, the stripes are broken up into spots or rosettes.
These spots can vary in size and shape and are often randomly distributed across the body.
This pattern can be quite striking and is seen in various breeds, including the Bengal and the Ocicat.
4. Ticked Tabby (Agouti)
The ticked tabby, also known as the agouti pattern, features a more subtle appearance.
Each hair is banded with different colours, giving the coat a warm, sandy look.
Instead of distinct stripes or spots, the ticked tabby has a more uniform appearance, with a slight shading effect.
This pattern is common in breeds like the Abyssinian.
5. Patched Tabby
The patched tabby pattern combines the tabby markings with patches of other colours, typically seen in female cats.
This pattern can include a mix of classic, mackerel, or spotted tabby markings along with solid patches of colour, creating a unique and colourful appearance.
These patterns can occur in various colours, including brown, grey, orange, and cream, making tabby cats incredibly diverse and visually appealing.
Tabby cat personality:
While personality can widely differ among individual cats, tabby cats are often described as friendly, playful, and social.
However in reality, their temperament may be more reflective of the breed rather than the tabby pattern on their coats.
This also applies to their size and build. For example a Maine Coon will still be large and furry irrespective of whether they have tabby markings.
In conclusion:
It doesn't matter what breed or colour our Tabby cats are, all owners will always assure you they love them all the same.
As Cat owners, we at Tinytown.shop understand that just like each of us, that every cat is also unique. That's why we are passionate about giving you tips and tricks to help create cozy and playful spaces for your cat.
