I know when I adopted my first long haired tuxedo kitten Madison, I was confused about what breed he was. I soon discovered, he was a ‘house cat’ (not really any breed) with tuxedo markings. Are you confused yet? Don’t be, in this post I am going to unpack the question, what breed are tuxedo cats?
Me and my tuxedo cat Finnegan
Finnegan at 8 years old
What Cat Breeds Are Tuxedo Cats?
Tuxedo cats are not a breed. Tuxedo was coined for felines with black and white markings on their cat coats. The tuxedo pattern is an excellent way to think of it.
Cats who display black coats with white underbellies and necks resemble the traditional tuxedo a person thinks of when they hear the word tuxedo, but any black and white cat passes.
Even though tuxedo cats make you feel about formal suits for a man, a tuxedo cat can be male or female. They can be any breed and have short or long hair! The term is purely referring to the markings of the feline coat.
Long-haired tuxedo kitten, Baby Finnegan
What Breed Are Tuxedo Cats?
What Do Tuxedo Cats Look Like?
Tuxedo cats are any cat that is black and white. They are cats with tuxedos; well, like they wear a tuxedo!
These bi-colored felines can be any single cat breed you can think of, including Manx, American Curl, American shorthair, Persian, and just about any other cat breed you can think of, and of course, an average house cat (like my Finnegan) which is a mix of breeds. Some black and white kitty cats greatly resemble an actual tuxedo suit which is entirely black with a white underbelly and white neck.
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This is where I was initially confused. I eventually understand that piebald cats were not a breed, but I had no idea black and white cats could have long-hair or short-hair or medium-hair. Who knew! Only cat, that is the requirement!
Famous Tuxedo Cats Name: Felix
You may know of the tuxedo cat named Felix. This cartoon character was created in Pat Sullivan’s studio in 1919. This cat became super popular and paved the way for more cartoon characters to penetrate the silent film industry. Adults and children from far and wide rushed to see Felix, the beloved black and white kitty cat.
This generated some interest in cats with similar colorings. The name Felix then became (and still is) one of the most popular cat names among piebald cats. Thousands of tuxedo cat parents clamored to name their cherished fur babies Felix. I remember my grandmother had a black and white cat, and his name was Felix! It made perfect sense.
Are Tuxedo Cats Always Male?
Nope! Another common assumption is that Felix, AKA Piebald, AKA tuxedo cat is always a male. This is not the case. Tuxedo cats can be female or male, just like they can be different breeds, long-haired or short-haired. The unique and aesthetic pattern of their coat is not gender specific.
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How Long Do Tuxedo Cats Live?
They are very ‘typical’ as far as longevity is concerned. A tuxie can live up to 20 years (even longer) but it is not incredibly surprising if they start to show signs around 10 years old and can even die of natural causes around that age. The average age is between 10-20.
My tuxedo male cat Madison passed away from complications with FIV when he was 12 years old. I adopted him when he was probably about six, although there was no way of knowing. He had been on the streets in Philadelphia, picked up and brought to a rescue that used a cat toy store for adoptions. I took him home as an FIV-positive pet, and he had a great life. Asthma would get him the most; eventually, he got sick and could not fight off his attacker. But had it not been for the FIV, I believe he had at least another 3-5 years of good, quality living.
This is Madison.
Concluding Purrs
So the long and short of it is, when people ask, what breed are tuxedo cats? You can have a Tuxedo 101 tutorial with them and explain there is no such breed! The markings are only the result of a genetic combination of black genes and white genes mixed. These colors are what give the cat her name. She can be any breed.
Since tuxedos can be any cat breed, there is no specific tuxedo cat behavior.
And now over to you! Who else has a handsome or beautiful tuxedo cat and where can we see pictures?
FAQs About Tuxedo Cats
1. What breed are grey tabby cats?
Grey tabby cats can belong to various breeds, including the Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest, British Shorthair, and more. The term “tabby” refers to a specific coat pattern rather than a single breed.
2. What breed are brown tabby cats?
Brown tabby cats can also come from a range of breeds such as the Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest, British Shorthair, and others. The “tabby” pattern is found across multiple cat breeds.
3. How are tuxedo cats different than other cats?
Tuxedo cats are known for their unique black and white coat pattern resembling a tuxedo. This distinctive coat sets them apart visually. While they can come from various breeds, their tuxedo coat makes them stand out from other cats.
4. What are fun facts about tuxedo cats?
- Tuxedo cats are not a specific breed but rather a coat pattern found in various breeds like the Maine Coon, British Shorthair, and more.
- They are often associated with elegance due to their black and white “formal wear” appearance.
- Tuxedo cats can have short hair or long hair, depending on their breed.
- Their personality traits can vary widely, but they are often described as intelligent and friendly companions.
5. Can tuxedo cats be of different breeds?
Yes, tuxedo cats can be found in a variety of breeds, including but not limited to the Maine Coon, British Shorthair, and Norwegian Forest. The tuxedo coat pattern can appear in both long-haired and short-haired breeds.
6. How do tuxedo cats’ personalities compare to other breeds?
Tuxedo cats’ personalities can differ based on their breed’s characteristics and individual upbringing. Some may be more playful like the Maine Coon, while others might be more reserved like the British Shorthair. It’s important to consider each cat’s unique personality.
7. What kind of care do tuxedo cats require?
Tuxedo cats, like any other cats, require proper care including regular vet visits, a balanced diet (such as wet cat food or appropriate cat food), grooming, and attention to their overall health. Tailoring care to their specific breed traits can ensure their well-being.
8. Can tuxedo cats have health issues specific to their coat pattern?
Tuxedo cats don’t typically have health issues specific to their coat pattern. However, it’s important to be mindful of their breed’s potential health concerns. For instance, Maine Coons might be prone to certain genetic conditions, so regular vet check-ups are vital.
9. Are there long-haired and short-haired tuxedo cats?
Yes, tuxedo cats can have both long and short hair. Breeds like the Maine Coon and Norwegian Forest can exhibit tuxedo coat patterns with long fur, while others like the British Shorthair and Exotic Shorthair may have shorter fur.
10. How do tuxedo cats compare to dog breeds in terms of care and companionship?
Tuxedo cats and dog breeds have different care requirements and personalities. Cats generally require less attention and exercise compared to most dog breeds. Tuxedo cats can provide companionship and affection, but their independence differs from the loyalty often associated with dog breeds. It’s important to choose based on your preferences and lifestyle.
Why Is Kritter Kommunity Your Trusted Pet Partner?
Lisa Illman is the Founder of Kritter Kommunity, LLC. Not only does she have one tuxedo male adult currently, but she has also had him since he was a tiny tuxedo cat baby kitten, so she knows well the tuxedo kitten life cycle, the tuxedo teenage cat life cycle, and the adult tuxedo cat life cycle (he is currently 11 years old). Before her cat Finnegan, Lisa had had two FIV-positive cats for over a decade. One of the FIV-positive cats was a male tuxedo cat. Lisa’s love for animals her entire life (she also had a poodle and parakeet growing up, plus was a caretaker for her roommate’s three pets during college) and networking with the pet community for over a decade enabled her to find top content for her readers
