From Calico to Tabby to Tuxedo: A Guide to Cat Colours And Patterns

a-guide-to-cat-colours

From Calico to Tabby to Tuxedo: A Guide to Cat Colours And Patterns

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Cats come in various beautiful colors, many of which can be stunningly unique. When thinking of cats, the standard shades of gray, black, and white may first come to mind. From tabby, tuxedo cat and many patterns in between, felines come in all types of colors and patterns.

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What is a Tabby Tuxedo Cat?

tabby-tuxedo-cat

The Myth of the Tabby Tuxedo Cat: Separating Fact from Fiction

Cats come in all shapes, sizes, and colors, but one feline has sparked confusion among cat lovers – the tuxedo tabby cat. However, the truth is that there is no such breed as the tuxedo tabby cat, or any type of feline that is both tuxedo and tabby.

RELATED: Elf Sphynx: The Enchanting Breed of Cats

Tabby Pattern

First, let’s define what a tabby pattern is. Tabby is a coat pattern that can appear in cats of any breed. The design is characterized by a swirl or “bullseye” on the cat’s forehead, vertical stripes on the body, and circular markings on the sides. The coat can come in shades of gray, brown, orange, and white.

There is no tabby tuxedo cat.

Tuxedo Coat

Now, let’s talk about the tuxedo coat.

A tuxedo is not a cat breed.

A black cat with a white underbelly is a term used to describe a cat’s black and white fur, resembling a tuxedo that a man might wear. A tuxedo cat can come in different patterns, including solid black with white paws and chest or black with white markings on the face and body.

There is no tabby tuxedo cat.

The Myth of the Tuxedo Tabby Cat 

With the definitions of tabby and tuxedo in mind, we can now debunk the myth of the tuxedo tabby cat. While a cat can have a tabby pattern and a tuxedo coat, the two do not coexist. They are two totally different names that describe totally different markings.

The tuxedo tabby cat is a myth. While it’s easy to get caught up in the cute and clever names given to cats, it’s important to remember that each feline is unique and should be celebrated for its individual characteristics. So, the next time you hear someone mention the tuxedo tabby cat, you can confidently correct them and share the truth about these beautiful creatures.

RELATED: Maine Coon Cat Calico: The Gorgeous Feline Breed with Unique Coat Colors

What are the Most Common Cat Colors?

The most common colors of cats are black, white, gray, and tabby. Although tabby is a striped pattern, it is common! Black cats are mostly solid black and can have some white on their paws, chest, or face. White cats can be solid white or have some patches of gray or black. Gray cats can range from a light gray to a dark charcoal gray and can have some tabby stripes. Tabby cats are a grayish-brown color and have distinct stripes, swirls, and spots on their fur.

Event though the most common cat colours are black, white and gray; orange (ginger) kitty cats are not uncommon. They are super sweet kitty cats and often referred to as Garfield cats.

via GIPHY

via GIPHY

What are Rare Colors of Cats?

Rare colors of cats include chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn, and blue. Chocolate cats are a rich brown color and can also have some white patches. Lilac cats are a silvery-gray color and can have some darker points on their nose, ears, and tail. Cinnamon cats are a warm reddish-brown color and can also have some white patches. Fawn cats are a light brown color and can also have some white patches. Blue cats are a cool silver-gray color and can have some white patches.

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Cat Patterns

In addition to the colors of cats, there are also patterns that cats can have. Calico cats are usually white with patches of black and orange, and tuxedo cats are usually white with patches of black. Both of these are striking patterns, and can be both common and rare depending on the breed of the cat.

No matter what color or pattern your cat is, they can be beautiful and unique in their own way. Each color and pattern is special in its own way and can make a pet cat even more lovable.

Cats come in many different colors, each with its own unique pattern and shade. But why is that? What makes a cat a certain color? 

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The answer lies in their genetic makeup. A cat’s fur color is determined by combining two pigments: eumelanin (black) and phaeomelanin (red). These pigments are determined by several genes and the alleles (alternative forms) those genes carry.

When the alleles are combined, they can produce a range of colors and patterns.

From solid black to spotted tabbies.

A cat’s fur can also be two or more different colors thanks to the agouti gene. This gene affects how the two pigments are distributed throughout the cat’s fur.

If the gene is dominant, it can produce a striped or tabby pattern. If it is recessive, it can cause color to be restricted to the cat’s face, legs, or tail. 

Understanding the science behind a cat’s fur color can help to explain why some cats have unique patterns and shades. But whatever the color and pattern, cats are undeniably adorable! 

What are the Different Patterns of Cats?

Cats come in a variety of beautiful patterns, each with its own unique charm. The four most popular patterns are tortoiseshell, calico, tuxedo, and tabby.

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What is Special About a Tortie?

Tortoiseshell cats, aka Torite, are typically all black and orange, though some may have white patches. The pattern is created by a gene that is responsible for producing patches of black and orange fur.

What do Calico Cat Patterns Look Like?

Calico cats are a combination of black, white, and orange. The pattern is created by a gene that is responsible for producing patches of white and orange fur.

RELEVANT: Everything You Need To Know About Calico Cats

What are Tuxedo Cats?

Tuxedo cats are black and white cats, with white on their chest, belly, paws, and face. This pattern is created by a gene that is responsible for producing patches of black and white fur.

RELEVANT: What Breed Are Tuxedo Cats?

Tabby Cats

Tabby cats are a combination of brown and tan stripes, with a lighter-colored face, belly and paws. This pattern is created by a gene that is responsible for producing patches of brown and tan fur.

No matter the pattern, cats are sure to bring joy and companionship to their owners. Whether you prefer tortoiseshell, calico, tuxedo or tabby, cats make great pets!

Sources: 

https://www.petmd.com/cat/genetics/evr_ct_cat_coat_colors_patterns

https://www.animalwised.com/cat-fur-colors-and-patterns-the-science-behind-it-2728.html

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