Tabby cats are not actually a specific breed but rather a description of their characteristic markings. Tabby describes a coat pattern that can appear in many different breeds with a surprising amount of variation. Tabbies can be brown, gray, orange, or even black, and their markings include stripes, spots, whorls, and bands. They typically have a "M"-shaped mark on their foreheads.

Learn more about tabby cat breeds, marking, and the history of the coat pattern.

Tabby Cat Characteristics

It is no surprise the tabby cat is ubiquitous—the gene for the tabby pattern can be found in all domestic cats (look at a coal-black cat in the sun, and you may see hidden tabby markings). These wildly patterned pets vary in size and temperament because they encompass so many different breeds, but tabby enthusiasts agree that friendly, curious, outgoing personalities are common temperaments among tabbies. However, each cat will have their own temperament and personality based on many different factors, including socialization, experiences with humans, and more.

Tabby cats can be large or small, depending on their breed. If your tabby is a Maine coon, they'll be one of the largest cat breeds in the world. And on the other end of the spectrum, your tabby could be the smallest cat breed in the world, the Singapura.

History of the Tabby Cat

Because the tabby pattern exists in so many different breeds, each with their own history and places of origin, it's quite difficult to determine the history of the tabby cat.

Some say the tabby originated with the Mau, an ancient Egyptian breed developed from the domestication of the African wildcat. Its modern descendant is the Egyptian Mau, which bears a tabby pattern. Perhaps the most distinctive feature seen in the Mau and other tabby cats is the vague marking of the letter "M" on their foreheads. 

Tabby Cat Care

The care of a tabby will largely depend on its breed rather than its coat pattern. For instance, a Maine coon tabby will require more brushing, coat care, and possibly hairball medication than a Manx tabby. When it comes to exercise, an Ocicat will need a lot more room to play than a Persian tabby. Talk with your vet to learn more about your specific tabby cat's care needs, including grooming, exercise, and training.

Common Health Problems

While a mixed-breed tabby is generally healthy and robust, many purebred cats have health problems that are unique and require individualized care. Talk with your vet if you have any concerns about your cat's health.

Appearance

Tabby cats range in size and shape from petite to ponderous. They even have a great deal of variation within their tabby patterns. There are five basic patterns that are considered genetically distinct, as follows:

• Classic: This pattern usually has whorls ending in a "target" on the side of the cat. Many American shorthair cats demonstrate this pattern.
• Mackerel (striped): This is by far the most common pattern, so much so that some people think it should have received the title "classic" designation. Mackerel tabbies have striped rings around their tail and legs, a "necklace" of stripes on the front of their chests, and bands of solid or broken stripes running down the sides of their bodies. They will have a darker color in spots running in two lines across their tummies (called "vest buttons").
• Spotted: The Ocicat and the American bobtail are good examples of spotted tabby patterns, although some moggies will also demonstrate this color pattern.
• Ticked: Most tabby cats will have agouti hairs as part of their pattern. If you look closely, you'll see different bands of color down the length of the cat's hair. Cats with an all-ticked pattern almost shimmer in the sunlight because of the color variation.
• Patched: These patterns are recognized when patches of tabby markings appear on a calico or tortoiseshell cat. They are referred to as caliby and torbie, respectively.
  

Diet and Nutrition

A wholesome cat food, dried and/or canned, is generally a great option for feeding tabbies of any breed. However, research your specific cat breed to find out if they have any unique dietary requirements, and ask your vet for recommendations. Monitor the amount of food your cat eats daily to prevent obesity and other health issues.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Tabby Cat

Since tabbies are so common among the general cat population, finding one can be as simple as visiting your local shelter and adopting a kitten or adult cat. If you would like to purchase a particular breed with tabby markings, contact breeders in your region and ask about the availability of tabbies.

Types of Tabby Cat

According to the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), these cat breeds can have the tabby pattern:

• Abyssinian
• American bobtail
• American curl
• American shorthair
• American wirehair
• Birman
• Colorpoint shorthair
• Egyptian Mau
• Exotic shorthair
• Javanese
• LaPerm
• Maine coon
• Manx
• Norwegian forest cat
• Ocicat
• Oriental shorthair
• Persian
• Ragdoll
• Rex (Devon, Selkirk, and Cornish)
• Scottish fold
• Siberian
• Singapura
• Somali
• Turkish Angora
• Turkish van

Tabby Cat Overview

Generally speaking, tabby cats are wonderful pets for individuals and families with kids and other pets. When seeking specific breeds, though, it's helpful to know if the breed you fancy has known personality quirks or less agreeable tendencies. Here are some possible pros and cons of tabby cats:

Pros of Tabby Cats

• Generally friendly and outgoing
• Easy to find due to the commonness of the color pattern
• Beautiful and wild-looking cat coloration

Cons

• Care requirements may be more extensive in some breeds of tabby
• Health concerns also vary among different breeds
• Personality may vary among pure breeds

More Cat Breeds and Further Research

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Abyssinian Breed Profile
• Norwegian Forest Cat Breed Profile
• Siberian Breed Profile

Otherwise, check out all of our other cat breed profiles.