Tabby cats aren’t a specific breed. Instead, they’re defined by the diverse patterns and hues on their coats. Common tabby patterns include the mackerel, spotted, classic, ticked, and patched tabby, while prominent tabby colors are silver, brown, and orange.
Melanin, a pigment, is responsible for a cat’s coat color. Produced by Melanocytes, there are two main forms: orange-leaning pheomelanin and black-inclined eumelanin. Pheomelanin results in a red hue, while eumelanin imparts a black shade. These become the foundational colors for tabbies.
A distinctive “M” mark can often be found on the foreheads of many tabbies. While cats with yellow or cinnamon coats are usually termed tabbies, not every cat sporting these shades is a tabby. Size-wise, tabby cats can range drastically, from a hefty 46 pounds and 15.25 ounces to a moderate 10-16 pounds, standing 12-15 inches tall.
Tabby Colors Demystified:
Tabbies primarily flaunt black and red bases. But these shades can morph due to dilution or dilute modifiers, altering the structure of melanin granules. Black-based hues encompass brown, chocolate, and cinnamon. Their diluted versions are blue or grey, lilac, and fawn. Dilute modifiers include blue-based caramel, lilac-based caramel, and fawn-based caramel. On the red spectrum, you have red, with cream as its dilute and apricot as the modifier.
Tabby Patterns at a Glance:
Mackerel Tabby:
Also termed the “ancient tabby”, this pattern displays dark stripes against a lighter backdrop, punctuated by white hair streaks, stretching from shoulder to tail.
Spotted Tabby:
An offshoot of the mackerel, a gene modification transforms stripes into spots. These cats boast dark spots with facial striping.
Ticked Tabby:
Without clear body markings but some facial striping, these tabbies also usually sport the iconic “M” on their forehead.
Blotched Tabby:
Also known as the marbled or classic tabby, it’s characterized by dark swirls on a pale coat. Some even call it the butterfly tabby due to a butterfly-like mark on their shoulders.
Patched Tabby:
These two-toned cats are often likened to tortoiseshells due to their markings. They showcase patches ranging from yellow to brown on a paler base.
Breeds Often Associated with Tabby Patterns:
Abyssinian:
A descendant of ancient Egyptian felines, these cats are sociable and spirited. Their short fur comes in colors like ruddy, blue, and cinnamon.
American Bobtail:
Sporting varied coat patterns and colors, these cats have a distinct short tail and eyes that can be hazel, green, or yellow.
American Curl:
Native to California, this cat stands out with backward-curled ears. They possess varied coat markings and hues.
American Shorthair:
A classic tabby, this breed comes in various colors. Medium to large in size, they’re known for their friendly nature.
Australian Mists:
Originating from a blend of Burmese, Abyssinian, and domestic cats, they come with either spotted or marbled patterns.
Bengal:
These American-bred cats resemble leopards and come in tabby, sepia, pink, and silver.
Cheetoh:
A fusion of Bengal and Ocicat breeds, they have a muscular build and a variety of coat patterns.
Egyptian Mau:
One of the swiftest domesticated breeds, their spotted pattern is iconic.
Persian:
Originating from Persia, or modern-day Iran, they have long, luxurious fur in various patterns and colors.
Oriental:
A variation of the Siamese, they come in different colors and patterns but are deeply loyal.
Ocicat:
Though they resemble wild cats, Ocicats are purely domestic, born from Abyssinian and Siamese breeds. Their glossy coat comes in multiple shades.
This guide should help you understand the vast and diverse world of tabby cats, both in color and breed association.