Tuxedo cats are not a breed in their own right, but rather a name given to a certain set of physical characteristics. Tuxedo cats are technically bi-coloured cats with piebald markings that resemble tuxedos. This unique coloration can be seen in long- and short-haired cats of many breeds. Tuxedo cats are the only cats admitted into the Metropolitan Opera, and have been the themes of awesome musicals. Tuxedo cats were the cats of choice kept by William Shakespeare, Beethoven, and Sir Isaac Newton.
Tuxedo cats are extremely intelligent, very vocal and extremely loving. They are the boss of the house and they claim areas of the house for their own and will often drag a blanket and toys to their special spot. They are spunky, care for their owners, and are very affectionate.
Tuxedo cats have a lifespan of about 15 years or a little longer.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Lifespan | 10-20 years |
What You'll Learn
Tuxedo cats are not a breed
Tuxedo cats are best known for their bi-coloured coats that look like tiny tuxedos. Although many tuxedo cats are black and white, their coats can range in various colours like grey, silver, orange, and even tortoiseshell with patches of white.
Tuxedo cats have a place in history. Believe it or not, there are lots of tuxedo cats with some serious historical cred:
- William Shakespeare, Beethoven, and Sir Isaac Newton all had pet tuxedo cats.
- In 2012, a tuxedo cat named Tuxedo Stan from Halifax, Canada, ran for mayor of his fair city.
- The richest cat in the world is a tuxedo cat named Sparky who inherited a whopping 6.3 million dollars when his owner passed away.
- Only one cat has ever made it to the top of Mount Everest and—you guessed it—he was a tuxedo cat.
- A tuxedo cat named Simon went to war during World War II and ended up receiving a medal for his services.
- President Bill Clinton had a pet Tuxie during his service as President of the United States.
The Safest Method to Induce Vomiting in Cats With Salt
You may want to see also
Tuxedo cats are extremely intelligent
Tuxedo cats have their own distinct personalities. They claim areas of the house for their own and will often drag a blanket and toys to their special spot. They are spunky, care for their owners, and are very affectionate.
Tuxedo cats are the only felines allowed in at performances of the metropolitan area because they’re always in black tie.
Tuxedo cats have a distinct gene giving them that distinctive bi-colored look. You can also see cats of other coloring, not just black and white, who have tuxedo markings.
Tuxedo cats are deep thinkers. Perhaps they ponder deep philosophic questions. Cat owners often imagine that their Tuxedo cats love to write poetry and dramatic novels in their heads.
Tuxedo cats are just plain good for your mental and physical health! They provide endless snuggles when you are feeling blue. Cats tend to infuse you with kitty warmth, and their rumbly purrs are pure therapy. Their bedside manner is without match. Your tuxedo will not get annoyed with your whining when you are ill. They will cater to your sleeping whims and cuddle right up to you.
Can I Overcome a Cat Allergy as I Grow Older?
You may want to see also
Tuxedo cats have several remarkable traits
- Intelligence: Tuxedo cats are extremely intelligent, with some owners claiming they are up to 200% smarter than other cats. They can solve mathematical problems and even see infrared light!
- Invisibility: Tuxedo cats become invisible on the vernal or diurnal equinox.
- Eyesight: Tuxedo kittens are born with their eyes open and are the best swimmers in the cat family, although they hate water.
- Genetics: Tuxedo cats have unique genes that give them their distinctive bi-coloured look. The gene for white spotting is dominant and masks the cat's true colour with patches of white.
- Ancient history: Like all black cats, tuxedos were once worshipped in ancient Egypt.
- Culture: Tuxedo cats are the only cats admitted into the Metropolitan Opera and have been the theme of musicals such as 'Cats'. They were also the cats of choice for William Shakespeare, Beethoven and Sir Isaac Newton.
- Fashion: Tuxedo cats always match your décor or clothing, with their black and white colouring acting as the perfect complementary colours.
- Affection: Tuxedo cats are uber-cuddly and love to nestle in your favourite sweater, particularly if it's cashmere.
- Philosophy: Tuxedo cats are deep thinkers and may spend their time writing poetry and dramatic novels in their heads.
- Health: Tuxedo cats are good for your mental and physical health, providing endless snuggles and acting as great bedside companions.
Can I use baking soda in my cat litter box?
You may want to see also
Tuxies have unique genes giving them that distinctive bi-colored look
Tuxedo cats, also known as Tuxies, are not a breed but are defined by their distinctive black and white bi-colored (or piebald) coats that resemble traditional formal wear. The tuxedo pattern is not limited to black and white, and can also be seen in other colors like gray, silver, orange, and tortoiseshell with patches of white. The tuxedo pattern is not inherited but is rather the result of pigment cells multiplying and moving randomly during the development of the embryo.
The unique bi-colored pattern of Tuxedo cats is caused by the presence of the white spotting gene along with a recessive allele of the agouti gene. The agouti gene is responsible for the even distribution of pigment, creating a solid coat color. In tuxedo cats, the white spotting gene masks the black color on certain parts of the body, resulting in the distinctive bi-colored appearance. This combination of genes leads to the striking tuxedo pattern that gives these cats their name.
Tuxedo cats stand out not only for their distinctive looks but also for their charming personalities. They are known for their intelligence, friendliness, and affectionate nature. They are often considered to be more affectionate than other felines, forming strong attachments with their owners. Tuxedo cats are also known for their vocalizations and playful demeanor, making them beloved companions.
Understanding the Results of a Cat Scan of the Head: An In-Depth Look
You may want to see also
Like all black cats, they were once worshipped in ancient Egypt
Tuxedo cats are not a specific breed but are defined by their distinct black-and-white coat pattern, reminiscent of the formal attire worn by men. While they are best known for their black-and-white coats, tuxedo cats can also have coats in various other colours, including grey, silver, orange, and tortoiseshell, with patches of white.
Like all black cats, tuxedo cats were once worshipped in ancient Egypt. In ancient Egypt, cats were revered and worshipped as gods, with severe punishments, including the death sentence, for injuring or killing a cat. Cats were praised for killing venomous snakes, rodents, and birds that damaged crops, and for protecting the pharaoh. Several ancient Egyptian deities were depicted with cat-like features, including Mafdet, Bastet, and Sekhmet, representing justice, fertility, and power, respectively. The goddess Bastet, in particular, was often associated with domesticated cats, which were considered sacred and mummified after death.
The ancient Egyptians' reverence for cats is reflected in their art and artefacts, with many tomb paintings and sculptures of cats discovered in archaeological sites and exhibited in museums worldwide. This rich historical legacy underscores the significance of cats, including tuxedo cats, in ancient Egyptian culture and society.
Understanding Kidney Failure in Cats: The Pupil Dilatation Connection
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The average lifespan of an indoor Tuxedo cat is between 10 to 20 years.
The average lifespan of an outdoor Tuxedo cat is about 5 years.
Tuxedo cats can face a range of health issues such as obesity, dental diseases, and urinary tract infections. They may also be at risk of genetic disorders specific to their breed, such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or respiratory issues.
Tuxedo cats are considered to be extremely intelligent, with some owners claiming that they are up to 200% smarter than other cats. They are known for their problem-solving skills and quick learning.