“We believe that the classic pattern is the result of an ancient mutation, which probably occurred in European cats thousands of years ago. “Its a very decorative cat,” says Miller. On the top of the head is a little swirl, referred to as a scarab. They also have very distinctive “butterfly wings” over the shoulder. They have big blotches, surrounded by a big circle, says Miller. Also very common, classics are the pattern of many American Shorthair cats. Many people name their striped tabbies “Tiger” for obvious reasons.Ĭlassic : If your cat has whorls on her side that look like a target, then you are the lucky companion of a classic tabby cat.

They usually have darker spots on their bellies. The stripes running down the sides of their bodies may be continuous, but are sometimes broken. Striped tabbies have rings around their tails and stripes running across their necks and chests. Striped : This tabby is also known as the mackerel, and is the most common pattern. In fact, as of this writing, the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) recognizes about 25 breeds with tabby markings.Įons ago, the patterns of the tabby probably evolved as a form of protection for the cat through camouflage, says Miller. There are Persian tabbies, Maine Coon tabbies, Norwegian Forest Cat tabbies, Oriental tabbies – even Manx tabbies. There are long-haired tabbies and short-haired tabbies. Its a color pattern consisting of stripes, combination stripes and whorls – and combination stripes and spots. Many people think the tabby cat is a breed in and of itself, but its not. “This is a lot easier to see in kittens,” says Miller. You should be able to see the hint of a tabby pattern.

The next time you get the chance, look at a black cat in the sun. However, you can often still see the tabby markings underneath as a ghost pattern. If they receive the recessive gene, theyre known as non-Agouti, and they will be a solid color with no pattern.” If they have the dominant gene, theyre called Agouti –Īnd they show the tabby pattern. “All cats have a pattern of stripes, blotches, spots or whorls. “Because all cats are tabbies, genetically speaking,” explains Miller. How does Miller decide that your cat is a tabby? Without even seeing your cat, Joan Miller, vice-president of the Cat Fanciers Association, knows your cat is a tabby.

Types of tabby cats colors