What Breed is My Tabby Cat? Unraveling the Mystery
The truth is, your tabby cat is likely not a specific breed, but rather a cat displaying the common tabby coat pattern. “What breed is my tabby cat?” is a question of identifying the pattern, not necessarily the breed itself, as “tabby” refers to a coat marking and isn’t a breed of cat.
Understanding the Tabby Pattern
The tabby pattern is perhaps the most common coat marking found in domestic cats. It’s actually the default coat pattern; without a specific gene to suppress it, a cat will naturally express a tabby pattern. Consequently, many different breeds can exhibit tabby markings. Therefore, answering “What breed is my tabby cat?” requires more than just seeing stripes or swirls.
The tabby pattern itself is controlled by the agouti gene. This gene determines whether a cat’s fur will have bands of light and dark color, creating the characteristic tabby appearance.
Four Classic Tabby Patterns
The tabby pattern isn’t just one uniform look. There are four distinct classic variations, each with its unique visual characteristics:
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Classic Tabby: This pattern features bold, swirling markings on the sides of the body. Often, a “bullseye” or “oyster” shape is visible on each side. This is sometimes referred to as a “marbled tabby”.
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Mackerel Tabby: This is the most common tabby pattern. It features narrow stripes running parallel down the sides of the cat’s body, resembling a fish skeleton. This is also sometimes called a “tiger tabby.”
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Spotted Tabby: As the name suggests, this pattern features spots of varying sizes scattered across the cat’s body. These spots can be large or small, and they may appear as broken mackerel stripes.
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Ticked Tabby: Also known as the Abyssinian tabby, this pattern doesn’t show the classic stripes or spots. Instead, each individual hair has bands of color, giving the cat a salt-and-pepper appearance. The face may still show faint tabby markings.
Identifying Breed Clues: Beyond the Tabby Marking
Knowing your cat is a tabby gets you only part of the way to answering “What breed is my tabby cat?“. You’ll need to consider other factors like:
- Coat Length and Texture: Is it long and fluffy like a Persian, short and sleek like a Siamese, or something in between?
- Body Shape and Size: Is your cat large and muscular, small and delicate, or somewhere in the middle?
- Facial Features: Does your cat have a flattened face like a Persian, large ears like a Cornish Rex, or a wedge-shaped head like a Siamese?
- Eye Color: Eye color, while not definitive, can sometimes provide clues.
- Temperament and Behavior: Some breeds are known for specific personality traits, such as vocalization (Siamese), playfulness (Abyssinian), or lap-cat tendencies (Ragdoll).
Breeds Commonly Found with Tabby Markings
Many cat breeds can exhibit tabby markings. Here are a few of the most common:
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American Shorthair: This breed is very common and frequently displays the classic or mackerel tabby pattern.
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British Shorthair: This breed also commonly exhibits various tabby patterns.
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Maine Coon: These large, gentle giants frequently display tabby markings, especially the mackerel pattern.
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Persian: While best known for their long, luxurious coats, Persians can also be found in tabby patterns.
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Oriental Shorthair: A sleek and elegant breed that exhibits various tabby patterns.
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Abyssinian: Known for the ticked tabby pattern.
The Importance of DNA Testing
For a more definitive answer to “What breed is my tabby cat?“, consider a DNA test. Several companies offer at-home cat DNA testing kits that can provide insights into your cat’s breed composition. This can be particularly helpful if you suspect your cat is a mixed breed. While not foolproof, these tests can offer a more accurate picture than visual assessment alone.
Common Mistakes in Identifying Cat Breeds
- Assuming Tabby = Breed: As emphasized earlier, tabby is a coat pattern, not a breed.
- Ignoring Temperament: Consider your cat’s personality and behavior. Some breeds are known for specific traits.
- Relying Solely on Visual Cues: Appearance can be deceiving. Mixed breeds can exhibit traits from multiple breeds.
- Overlooking Size and Build: Pay attention to your cat’s overall size, bone structure, and muscle tone.
Resources for Further Research
- Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA): The CFA website (https://cfa.org/) provides detailed information on recognized cat breeds.
- The International Cat Association (TICA): The TICA website (https://www.tica.org/) is another valuable resource for breed information.
- Your Veterinarian: Your vet can provide insights based on their experience and knowledge of cat breeds.
- Cat Breed Books: Numerous books are dedicated to cat breeds, offering detailed descriptions and photographs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does “domestic shorthair” mean when referring to a tabby cat?
“Domestic shorthair” (DSH) simply means that the cat is a mixed-breed cat with short hair. If you have a tabby cat that is a DSH, it means it exhibits a tabby coat pattern and has short hair, but doesn’t have a pedigree or belong to a specific breed. It’s essentially a cat of unknown or mixed ancestry.
My tabby cat has an “M” marking on its forehead. What does that signify?
The “M” marking on the forehead is a hallmark feature of all tabby cats, regardless of their specific tabby pattern or breed. It’s a fundamental part of the genetic expression of the tabby pattern. It doesn’t indicate a specific breed, but simply confirms that your cat has the tabby gene.
Is it possible for a tabby cat to be a purebred?
Absolutely! Many purebred cat breeds can exhibit tabby patterns. Examples include Maine Coons, American Shorthairs, British Shorthairs, Persians, and many others. The breed standard will specify whether or not the tabby pattern is accepted and what variations are allowed. So, the answer to “What breed is my tabby cat?” could be a recognised pedigree breed!
How can I tell if my tabby cat is mixed breed versus purebred?
Without pedigree papers or DNA testing, it can be challenging to definitively determine if your tabby cat is mixed breed or purebred. Look for specific breed characteristics in addition to the tabby pattern. The best way to know for sure is with a DNA test from a reputable provider.
Do female tabby cats have different tabby patterns than male tabby cats?
The tabby pattern itself isn’t directly influenced by sex. However, the color of the tabby pattern can be linked to sex due to the X chromosome. For example, only female cats can be tortoiseshell or calico, which are combinations of colors tied to the X chromosome. A male tortoiseshell is extremely rare. However, the pattern (mackerel, classic, spotted, ticked) remains independent of sex.
What is the most common tabby pattern?
The mackerel tabby pattern is the most common among domestic cats. Its narrow, vertical stripes are a dominant trait, making it frequently expressed in mixed-breed populations.
Can long-haired cats be tabby?
Yes, long-haired cats can definitely be tabby. Many long-haired breeds, such as Maine Coons and Persians, can exhibit tabby patterns. The tabby pattern is determined by genes independent of hair length.
My tabby cat has a very faint pattern. Is it still considered a tabby?
Yes, even if the tabby pattern is faint, your cat is still considered a tabby. The intensity of the pattern can vary based on various genetic factors. A faint pattern often indicates that the agouti gene is not as strongly expressed.
Are certain colors more common in tabby cats?
Yes, brown tabby is the most common color variation. Other common colors include red (ginger) tabby, grey (blue) tabby, and cream tabby. The specific color depends on other genes that control pigment production.
What is the difference between a tabby and a calico cat?
A tabby refers to a coat pattern of stripes, swirls, spots, or ticked hairs. A calico, on the other hand, refers to a color pattern of white with patches of black and orange (or their diluted versions). It’s important to note that calico markings are almost exclusively found in female cats.
How does diet affect the coat of my tabby cat?
A nutritious and well-balanced diet is crucial for maintaining a healthy and vibrant coat. Deficiencies in certain nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids, can lead to a dull or dry coat, potentially making the tabby pattern less distinct.
Is it possible for a tabby cat to change patterns as it gets older?
While the fundamental tabby pattern will remain consistent, the intensity and clarity of the pattern can change slightly as a cat ages. Factors like hormonal changes, exposure to sunlight, and overall health can influence the coat’s appearance.