
Tabby cats are the most common type of cat, but they are not a specific breed. The term 'tabby' refers to the distinctive coat patterns that can show up in various cat breeds. These patterns include stripes, dots, swirls, spots, and whorls. The most common tabby pattern is the mackerel pattern, which features vertical, narrow, curving stripes on the side of the cat's body. Tabbies can come in a variety of colours, including black, brown, grey, cream, and orange. They are known for their social and affectionate personalities, making them excellent pets and first pets for children.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Breed | Tabby is not a breed of cat |
Colour | Can come in many coat colours, including black, brown, grey, cream, and orange |
Pattern | Four basic patterns: mackerel, classic, ticked, and spotted |
Markings | Stripes, dots, swirls, lines, and whorls |
Eyes | Can display a plethora of eye shapes and colours depending on the breed |
M marking | Genetic marking, also referenced in religious stories |
Temperament | Affectionate, intelligent, social, playful, and good with children |
Weight | Heaviest tabby cat was 46 pounds |
What You'll Learn
Tabby cats are not a specific breed
The tabby pattern is thought to be the pattern of cat ancestors, possibly tigers, due to their similar appearance. The pattern is likely common because it is well-suited for the wild, assisting in camouflage when hunting for prey. The tabby pattern can come in various colours, including black, brown, grey, cream, and orange.
There are four basic types of tabby patterns: mackerel, ticked, spotted, and classic (also known as marbled or blotched). The mackerel pattern is the most common, featuring vertical, narrow, curving stripes on the cat's body, with a possible \"M\" shape on their forehead.
The term "tabby" is believed to have originated from Baghdad, where silk cloth was made in the Attabiy district in the 14th century. The Middle French term for this silk was "atabis", which later became "tabis" and was translated into the English word "tabby".
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Tabby cats were named after striped silk from Baghdad
The term "tabby" is believed to have originated from Baghdad, specifically the Attabiy district, known for its striped cloth and silk. The English term "tabby" comes from the translation of the French phrase "striped silk taffeta", which can be traced to the Middle French term "atabis" or "tabis", meaning "rich watered silk". This, in turn, stems from the Arabic term "attabiya", which references the Attabiy neighbourhood in Baghdad, where such silk cloth was originally made. The area was named after the Umayyad governor of Mecca, Attab ibn Asid, or the Umayyad prince Attab.
The silk from Baghdad became popular in the Muslim world and spread to England, where the word "tabby" became commonly used in the 17th and 18th centuries. The use of the term "tabby cat" to refer to a cat with a striped coat began in the 1690s and was shortened to "tabby" in 1774. The word "tabby" was also occasionally used in reference to female cats due to its association with the name "Tabitha", which was at its peak popularity between 1718 and 1754.
The comparison between the silk from Baghdad and the coats of tabby cats is likely how the term "tabby cat" came to be. The silk from Attabiy in Baghdad was known for its distinctive stripes, and the coats of tabby cats feature similar distinctive stripes, dots, or swirling patterns, usually with a marking resembling an uppercase "M" on their forehead. This comparison led to the naming of the cats after the silk, with the term "tabby cat" meaning "one with a striped coat".
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Tabbies can come in any coat colour
Tabby cats are not a specific breed of cat, but rather, they are distinguished by their fur pattern. This pattern can occur in many different breeds, including some exotic designer breeds like the Ocicat. The term "tabby" refers to the fur pattern, which can include stripes, swirls, dots, whorls, and lines.
The tabby pattern can come in any coat colour, but the most common are black-based coats. However, variations in pigment give us brown, grey, cream, and orange tabbies. The orange tabby is particularly interesting because it is usually male. This is because the gene responsible for orange fur is located on the X chromosome. A female cat has two X chromosomes and needs to receive a copy of the "orange" gene from both parents to be born with orange fur. On the other hand, a male cat only needs to receive the gene from its mother. This is why around 80% of orange tabbies are male, making female orange tabbies quite rare.
The tabby pattern is likely so common because it is well-suited for the wild. The markings provide good camouflage when cats are hunting in tall grass or brush. This is also probably why tabby was the colour of the first household cat. The pattern and colour combination is great for staying disguised in the wild, hiding from predators, and hunting.
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Tabbies have an 'M' shape on their forehead
The "M" shape on a tabby cat's forehead is a distinctive marking that adds to their unique and gorgeous looks. This marking is not just a random occurrence but has a genetic basis, as scientists have discovered. The "M" is a natural gene present in almost every tabby cat's DNA, contributing to their overall distinct appearance.
The "M" shape also holds cultural and religious significance. In Christian folklore, it is believed that a tabby cat curled up next to baby Jesus to provide warmth. As a gesture of gratitude, Mary stroked the cat's head, leaving the "M" mark on its forehead. This legend symbolises the comfort and companionship that tabby cats offer.
In Islamic tradition, the "M" is associated with a story of a tabby cat named Muezza, who saved his master Mohammed's life by killing a poisonous snake that had crawled into his sleeve. This tale highlights the loyalty and bravery often attributed to tabby cats.
In Egyptian lore, the "M" has a different interpretation. It is believed to stand for "mau," the Ancient Egyptian word for "cat," which also describes the sound they make. This dual meaning adds a playful layer to the "M" marking, reflecting the cat's meow.
Beyond its cultural significance, the "M" shape also serves a scientific purpose. The pattern of stripes and markings on a cat's fur, including the "M," is defined by the cat's genes and begins to express long before the hair develops. This genetic component ensures that each tabby cat's markings, including the "M," are as unique as their personalities.
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Tabbies are social and affectionate
Tabbies are great for young owners due to their social traits and friendly personalities. They are well known as the "first pet" cats for children. They are also great hunters, which is why they were kept as pets by farmers in the past.
Tabbies are also playful and love to be in on family activities. They enjoy the company of other cats and even dogs, especially if they were raised together from a young age. If you're looking for a cat with a big personality, a tabby is a good choice!
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Frequently asked questions
A tabby cat is not a specific breed of cat but is considered any domesticated cat with a coat that features distinctive stripes, dots, or swirling patterns, usually with a marking resembling an uppercase "M" on their forehead.
There are four basic tabby cat coat patterns: mackerel, ticked, spotted, and classic (also referred to as marbled).
Tabby cats can have a wide variety of coat colours, including brown, grey, cream, and orange. The most common are black-based coats.
Yes, tabby cats are known for their social and playful personalities, making them wonderful pets. They are affectionate and intelligent, and they love to give and receive attention and affection.
Yes, there are several famous tabby cats, including cartoon cat Garfield, brown tabby Lil Bub, and orange tabby Stubbs, who was elected mayor of a town in Alaska.