Tabby cats are like living works of art, with their signature “M” marking and various stunning patterns. But here’s a fun fact: “Tabby” isn’t a breed. It’s a coat style that pops up in cats of all kinds. From stripes to swirls and spots, these patterns have a way of standing out while still being delightfully common.

Curious about what makes tabbies so unique? Let’s break down the different types, colors, and patterns that give these cats their unmistakable charm.

1. Classic Tabby

The classic tabby pattern is often described as “blotched” or “marbled,” with swirling patterns that resemble a marble cake. Unlike the more uniform stripes of other tabbies, the classic tabby’s markings have a flowing, unpredictable look that makes each cat’s coat truly one of a kind.

You might also spot a “bullseye” shape on their sides—a signature of this elegant pattern.

Breeds like the American Shorthair frequently showcase this pattern, combining their easygoing temperament with a striking marbled coat. Another example is the British Shorthair, where the marbled design often appears in eye-catching shades of silver or blue, giving them a refined and regal appearance.

2. Mackerel Tabby

The mackerel tabby cat patterns have narrow stripes that run parallel down the cat’s sides. These stripes are often continuous and may branch or break into bars and spots on the cat’s flanks. It resembles the skeleton of a mackerel fish, hence the name.

Breeds like the Egyptian Mau, known for their natural athleticism and friendly demeanor, often feature this pattern, blending it with their spotted coats. Another common example is the majestic Maine Coon, where the mackerel stripes enhance their wild and rugged appearance.

Fun fact: Cat breeds with ear tufts often have a tabby pattern

3. Spotted Tabby

The spotted tabby is a showstopper with its bold, leopard-like spots scattered across the coat. These spots come in various shapes and sizes, giving each cat a unique, wild look. Often, their legs and tails retain faint stripes, blending the classic tabby and spotted patterns for an eye-catching combination.

Bengal cats are the epitome of the spotted tabby, showcasing vibrant, rosette-like spots that mimic those of wild cats. Their high energy and sharp intelligence make them as engaging as they are beautiful. Another example is the Ocicat, which boasts a spotted coat with a wild appearance but no wild DNA.

4. Ticked Tabby

The ticked tabby stands out for its subtlety. Instead of bold stripes or spots, these cats have fur that appears uniformly colored, thanks to “agouti hairs” that are banded with alternating light and dark shades.

This creates a shimmering, sandy effect that gives the Ticked Tabby its understated elegance. While their body may lack traditional tabby markings, you’ll often find delicate stripes on their face, legs, and tail.

The Abyssinian is a prime example of a ticked tabby, known for its wild, cougar-like coat and playful nature.

5. Tortoiseshell

Tortoiseshell cats, affectionately called “torties,” are like living mosaics, blending patches of orange, black, cream, and blue into a coat that’s truly one of a kind. While torties aren’t strictly tabby cats, some showcase tabby patterns within their colorful patches, creating a fascinating mix often referred to as “torbie.”

The American Bobtail, with its playful and adventurous nature, is a great example of a breed that can feature tortoiseshell tabby markings. Another unique breed, the Cornish Rex, brings its own flair with a curly coat that can display the tortoiseshell pattern, adding texture to the already vibrant colors.

Fun fact: Almost all tortoiseshell cats are female due to the genetics behind their coat colors, making them a rarity to treasure.

6. Brown Tabby

The brown tabby is a classic favorite, known for its rich, earthy tones and bold black markings. This pattern is eye-catching and timeless, with a warm brown base coat and striking stripes, swirls, or spots. The contrast between the dark markings and the lighter brown fur gives these cats an air of elegance, making them stand out in any crowd.

About 70-80% of tabby cats feature the brown pattern.

Breeds like the Norwegian Forest Cat often showcase this stunning pattern, combining their luxurious fur with the rugged beauty of the brown tabby. The Siberian, another popular breed, wears this coat proudly, adding a sense of wild charm to their affectionate and playful personality.

7. Red or Orange Tabby

Red or orange tabby cats are vibrant showstoppers with their fiery coats and bold patterns. Their base color ranges from bright orange to deep red, with darker markings in classic, mackerel, spotted, or ticked patterns.

The Persian, with its luxurious fur, often displays a glowing red tabby pattern that highlights its regal elegance. Another breed that rocks this stunning look is the Munchkin, whose short legs and playful demeanor pair perfectly with their striking orange markings.

Fun fact: Male orange tabbies are far more common than females due to the genetics of their coat color, making every orange lady cat a special find!

8. Silver Tabby

The silver tabby is elegant, with a shimmering silver or light gray base coat contrasted by bold black or dark gray markings. Striped, swirled, or spotted, the silver pattern adds a touch of sophistication to any cat’s look, making them appear almost regal.

The Scottish Fold, with its signature folded ears, is a classic example of a breed that showcases the silver tabby pattern beautifully.

9. Calico Tabby

These cats showcase a unique mix of orange, black, and white patches, often with tabby patterns running through the orange and black areas. The result is a one-of-a-kind coat that’s both vibrant and intricate.

Each Calico Tabby is as unique as a fingerprint, making them a favorite among cat enthusiasts who appreciate individuality.

The Origin of Tabby Name

The name “tabby” traces its roots back to the Attabiah district of Baghdad, renowned for its beautifully patterned silk fabric called “Atabi.” The fabric’s wavy, striped design reminded people of the intricate patterns on cats’ coats, and so the term “tabby” was born.

While the term “tabby” is now universally recognized, it’s fascinating to think how it all began with a piece of fabric in ancient Baghdad.

 

 

FAQs

Can a tabby cat’s pattern change over time?

Yes, kittens’ patterns can appear less defined and may change as they grow older. Adult tabby cats usually have more pronounced markings compared to kittens.

Do all tabby cats have an “M” on their forehead?

Most tabby cats have the iconic “M” marking, but its prominence can vary. It’s a signature feature of the tabby coat pattern.

Can you predict a kitten’s tabby pattern before birth?

It’s possible to make an educated guess based on the parents’ patterns, but the exact markings won’t be clear until the kitten is born.