These cats tend to have darker coats than other types of tabbies, primarily due to the large amorphous spots and stripes along their backs and sides. The American Shorthair is a fine example of a cat with a classic tabby coat. Classic TabbyĬats with bands along their legs and tails, the classic “M” on the forehead, and large swirling blobs of color around their abdomen are often considered classic tabbies. Still, this loop tends to be slightly more pronounced in classic tabbies. This feature resembles a necklace and is one of the most prevalent characteristics found in tabby cats. However, nearly all mackerel tabbies will have a dark circle or semicircle near their collarbone. Some mackerel tabbies may have solid-colored bellies with lighter fur or shorter abdominal stripes that don’t reach the stomach. Notably, the tiger-stripe lines that run vertically down the sides of a mackerel tabby aren’t always distinct or complete. Like other types of tabbies, they too have the “M” shape on their foreheads. The mackerel tabby coat might be the most prolific and common type of patterning.Ĭats with dark bands of fur encircling their legs, tails, and abdomen are mackerel tabbies. Let’s delve a little more deeply into these different tabby types to discover how to identify them.Īfter all, while the classic “M” marking is one of the hallmarks of the tabby pattern, it’s not the only characteristic to look for. For example, Abyssinian cats tend to have ticked tabby patterns, but Domestic Shorthair kitties are more prone to mackerel tabby coat patterns. Though there are several hallmarks of a tabby coat pattern, there are also specific types of tabby patterning. There are plenty of variations among tabbies, and some cat breeds have specific types of tabby patterning. In fact, tabby patterns aren’t one-size-fits-all. Of course, fur coloration and pattern can vary even among these breeds. Several popular registered cat breeds have tabby patterns, including: For example, the Maine Coon often has a long tabby coat and the forehead’s distinct ‘M’ mark. Several breeds have complete or unique tabby patterns. To learn more on this subject, check out my article: Why Are Tabby Cats So Common? Detailed Answers! What Breeds Have Tabby Patterns? This initial population growth gave rise to the mixed-breed tabby cats we know and love today. Left to their own devices, the population of stray tabbies boomed. Many of these cats inherited their ancestors’ non-breeding standard coat patterns, becoming known as ordinary tabby cats. This sad trend gave rise to the term ‘alley cat’ and a growing population of feral and stray cats around urban centers. However, modern cat breeds with tabby patterns only truly came into being during the 19th and 20th centuries.Īs such, most cats found in cities, towns, and villages during the early 1800s were likely tabby cats.Ĭats that were not picked up for indoor living during this early boom of pet ownership were left in the alleyways and streets to survive. In particular, this coat pattern seems to come from the Middle Eastern or Arabian wildcat. Tabby cats are so common because the tabby pattern likely originates from the wild cat ( Felis silvestris). In fact, the history of cohabitation and domestication may stretch even further back in time. Remember, humans and wildcats have been living side-by-side since the birth of Western civilization nearly 10,000 years ago. If you wonder what the best products are for your cat, check out this article that will break down all my recommendations for you: Things To Buy For A Cat Right Now! Why Are Tabby Cats So Common? Though these cats aren’t a specific breed, they’re a common sight throughout much of the world. Tabby cats are household kitties with tiger-stripe patterns along their backs and sides, with an unmistakable “M” shape along their foreheads. They tend to have tortoiseshell, calico, or two-tone fur colors in a distinct tiger-stripe pattern along their backs, sides, and faces. Tabby cats are not rare, as the tabby pattern is one of the most common patterns found in domestic cats. So are tabby cats that rare, or are they more common than you might think? Just as with dogs, domestic felines have differentiated over their centuries of close contact with humans. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site.Ĭats have a wide variety of coat patterns and colors, and some (like the Sphynx cat) have no hair at all. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
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