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What breed is my cat tabby?

by Bruce Dyer
What breed is my cat tabby?

Are you wondering what breed your cat tabby is? If you are, you’re not alone – many cat owners find themselves asking the same question. Tabby cats are some of the most common cats out there, but many people aren’t aware that tabby isn’t a breed, but simply a coat pattern. Although tabby cats can look quite similar and even have the same personality traits, their breeds can vary widely from cat to cat.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at tabby cats, exploring the different types of tabby cats, their coat patterns, and answering the question of whether or not tabby cats are a pure or mixed breed. We’ll also discuss whether or not tabby cats are a rare breed, as well as the meaning of the “M” on a tabby cat’s forehead.

So, if you’re curious to learn more about tabby cats and determine the breed of your own tabby cat, keep reading! We’ll cover the four main types of tabby cats, their coat patterns, and the answer to whether tabby cats are a pure or mixed breed. We’ll also discuss the meaning of the “M” on a tabby cat’s forehead, as well as whether or not tabby cats are a rare breed. By the end of this article, you’ll be an expert on tabby cats and will be able to answer the question of what breed your cat tabby is.

What breed is my cat tabby?

If you own a cat with a tabby coat, you may be wondering what breed it is. “Tabby” is actually not a breed of cat, but rather a type of coat pattern. The “tabby” pattern consists of stripes, whorls, spots, and other markings, and it appears in several breeds.

What are the different tabby coat patterns?

Tabbies come in four distinct patterns: mackerel, classic, spotted, and ticked. The mackerel pattern is the most common, and it is characterized by thin, dark stripes that run horizontally across the cat’s body. The classic pattern is similar to the mackerel, but the stripes are thicker and often in the shape of a V or an M on the cat’s forehead. The spotted pattern is made up of spots instead of stripes, and the ticked pattern is made up of a single color with no stripes or spots.

What breeds have a tabby coat pattern?

The tabby coat pattern can be found in several breeds of cats. The most common breeds with a tabby coat include the American Shorthair, British Shorthair, Oriental Shorthair, Maine Coon, Persian, and Exotic Shorthair. Other breeds, such as the Bengal, Siamese, and Burmese, may also have a tabby coat pattern.

Are there other coat patterns besides tabby?

Yes, there are several other coat patterns in cats, including solid, pointed, and tabby-and-white. Solid coats are one solid color, and pointed coats are a mix of two colors with one color on the head, legs, tail, and chest and the other color on the body. Tabby-and-white coats are a mix of tabby and white, and they can have any of the four tabby patterns.

How can I tell if my cat is a tabby?

If you’re not sure if your cat is a tabby, there are a few ways to tell. The most obvious sign is the coat pattern—if your cat has stripes, spots, or whorls, then it is likely a tabby. You can also look for the characteristic “M” or “V” markings on the forehead. Finally, you can look for a “tabby gene” on your cat’s DNA test results.

No matter what breed your cat is, if it has the tabby coat pattern, you can be sure that it is a unique and beautiful feline. The tabby coat pattern is found in many different breeds of cats, and it can vary from stripes to spots to whorls. If you’re curious about what breed your tabby cat is, you can look for the distinct coat pattern, “M” or “V” markings on the forehead, or a tabby gene on a DNA test.

What are the 4 types of tabby cats?

Tabby cats are some of the most popular cats in the world, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes. But did you know that there are actually four basic tabby cat coat patterns? These patterns are mackerel, ticked, spotted, and classic, which is also referred to as marbled. Here’s a closer look at each type of tabby cat pattern and how to identify them.

Mackerel Tabby

The mackerel pattern is the most commonly occurring one, and is the pattern most people think of when they think of tabby cats. The mackerel pattern is characterized by narrow vertical stripes that run from the neck to the tail. The stripes can be solid or broken, and the coat may also feature swirls and spots of color. Mackerel tabby cats may also have an “M” shape on their forehead, and their legs and tail often feature additional stripes.

Ticked Tabby

The ticked tabby is a less common pattern, but it’s still easily recognizable. This type of tabby cat has a coat that is composed of small, evenly spaced agouti hairs. These hairs are usually lighter at the root and darker at the tip, which gives the cat a salt-and-pepper appearance. The ticked tabby may also have stripes on its legs, tail, and head, but these stripes will be much finer than the stripes on a mackerel tabby.

Spotted Tabby

The spotted tabby is also known as the “wild” tabby, because it is most commonly seen in cats that are descended from wild cats such as the African wild cat. The spotted tabby has large, evenly spaced circular spots that may be solid or broken, and there may also be stripes on the legs, tail, and face.

Classic Tabby

The classic tabby, also known as the marbled tabby, is the least common of the four tabby patterns. It is characterized by a swirl pattern on the sides and back of the cat, and the swirls may be solid or broken. The classic tabby may also have stripes on the legs, tail, and face, but these stripes will usually be thicker and more defined than the stripes on a mackerel tabby.

There you have it – the four types of tabby cats. You may have noticed that each type of tabby cat has subtle differences in their markings, but all tabby cats share the same characteristic M-shaped markings on their forehead. So, if you ever come across an M-shaped marking on a cat, you can be sure that it’s a tabby!

Whether you’re looking for a new forever friend or just want to learn more about cats, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different types of tabby cats. That way, you’ll be able to tell which type of tabby you’re looking at when you see one!

Are tabby cats pure or mixed breed?

Tabby cats, with their distinctive stripes and markings, are some of the most beloved cats in the world. But are they purebred or mixed breed? It turns out that tabby cats can be either purebred or mixed breed cats, depending on their lineage.

What is a tabby cat?

A tabby cat is simply a cat with a specific type of coat pattern. The coat pattern consists of distinctive swirls, stripes, and patches of color. It is believed that tabby cats originated in the Middle East, but they can now be found in households all around the world.

The tabby pattern can be seen across a wide range of purebred cats and in mixed breed cats. Popular purebred cats with tabby coats include the American Shorthair, British Shorthair, Maine Coon, and Oriental Shorthair.

What are the different types of tabby cats?

Tabby cats come in several different varieties, each with their own unique pattern. The most common tabby pattern is the classic tabby, which features stripes, swirls, and spots in brown, black, gray, and red. The mackerel tabby has a similar pattern, but with more distinct stripes. The spotted tabby has large spots and patches of color and the ticked tabby has a speckled coat.

Can a tabby cat be purebred?

Yes, it is possible for a tabby cat to be purebred. Certain breeds, such as the American Shorthair, British Shorthair, Maine Coon, and Oriental Shorthair, are known for their tabby coats. To be considered a purebred tabby, the cat must have two parents of the same breed. However, the tabby pattern can also be found in cats of mixed heritage.

Are tabby cats more common than other cats?

It is difficult to tell whether tabby cats are more common than other cats, since there is no concrete data on the number of tabby cats in the world. However, it is likely that tabby cats are more common than other cats due to the prevalence of the tabby pattern in both purebred and mixed breed cats.

Are tabby cats special?

Tabby cats are certainly special, but not necessarily more special than any other type of cat. All cats have their own unique personalities and quirks, which makes them special in their own ways. Tabby cats may be more common than other cats, but they are no less special.

Tabby cats can be either purebred or mixed breed cats. The tabby pattern is commonly seen in breeds such as the American Shorthair, British Shorthair, Maine Coon, and Oriental Shorthair. Tabby cats come in several different varieties, each with their own unique pattern. While tabby cats may be more common than other cats, they are no less special. No matter their heritage, all cats are truly special.

Is a tabby cat a rare cat?

Cats have been cherished by humans since ancient times. One of the most beloved types of cats is the tabby, which is recognized by its unique coat pattern. Tabbies come in a variety of colors, and they are known for their playful and loving personalities. But is a tabby cat a rare cat?

What is a Tabby Cat?

A tabby is a type of domestic cat that has a distinctive coat pattern, which can be either striped, spotted, or swirled. The stripes and swirls are the result of a genetic mutation, and the pattern can be seen in many different colors of cats. Tabbies are one of the most recognizable types of cats, and they are often chosen as pets because of their lovable personalities and good looks.

How Common are Tabbies?

Contrary to popular belief, tabby cats are not rare. In fact, they are one of the most common types of cats in the world. The tabby pattern is found in many official cat breeds, including the Maine Coon, British Shorthair, and Persian. It is also a hallmark of the landrace, which is extremely common among the general population of cats around the world.

Are There any Different Types of Tabbies?

There are several different types of tabby cats, each with its own unique pattern. The most common type is the mackerel tabby, which is characterized by narrow stripes that run in a horizontal pattern along the body. Other types include the classic tabby, which has swirls and whorls along the coat, and the spotted tabby, which has spots of color scattered throughout the coat.

Do Tabbies Make Good Pets?

The answer to this question is a resounding yes! Tabbies are known for their loving and loyal personalities, and they are one of the most popular types of cats when it comes to pet ownership. They are also very smart and can be trained to do tricks, which makes them great family pets.

In conclusion, tabby cats are not rare. In fact, they are one of the most common types of cats in the world. They come in a variety of colors and patterns, and they make great pets because of their loving and loyal personalities. So, if you’re looking for a cat to bring into your home, consider a tabby. They are sure to bring you years of joy and companionship.

What does the M on a tabby cat stand for?

Tabby cats are among the most popular cats in the world. One of the most recognizable things about them is the ‘M’ mark on their forehead which can be seen in many different colors and patterns. But what does the ‘M’ actually stand for?

The answer to this question has been a source of debate and speculation for centuries. Some think it stands for the Latin word ‘macula’ which means ‘spot’ or ‘freckle’ and others believe it stands for Mary, the mother of Jesus. The most popular explanation, however, is that the ‘M’ stands for Mohammed.

In Islamic legend, a tabby cat named Muezza saved his master Mohammed from a poisonous snake. To mark their special place in the feline world, all tabby cats from then on were rewarded with an ‘M’ on their forehead.

The shape of the M also has a deeper meaning. It’s said to represent the crescent moon, an important symbol in Islam, which is often associated with Mohammed. The crescent moon is also a symbol of serenity, peace, and protection, which is why many people believe that having an M on their cat’s forehead will bring them good luck and blessings.

Another popular explanation is that the M stands for Mary, the mother of Jesus. This theory suggests that when Mary saw a tabby cat, she was so taken with its beauty that she reached out and stroked its head, leaving an ‘M’ mark on its forehead. The mark is said to represent her blessing and protection over cats, and has since become a symbol of luck and good fortune.

Finally, there’s the Latin explanation. Many believe that the ‘M’ stands for the Latin word ‘macula’ which means ‘spot’ or ‘freckle’. This theory suggests that tabby cats developed the M-shaped marking on their forehead as a natural mutation.

Regardless of the true origin of the M, it’s a beautiful and mysterious symbol that has been linked to tabby cats for centuries. It’s a reminder of the special bond between cats and humans, and a sign of luck, protection, and blessings for all who see it.


It can be confusing to know what breed your cat is when they have a tabby coat pattern, but it is important to understand that tabby is not a breed, but just a coat pattern. If you have a tabby cat, you might be able to tell what breed they are based on their size, shape and temperament, but knowing their breed might not be as important as understanding their unique personality. Keeping your cat happy, healthy and loved is the most important thing. Whether your cat is a tabby or any other breed, they will always be a beloved member of your family.

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