Have a Tabby Cat? It's Not an Actual Breed

Tabby cats are everywhere. Whether they're lounging on windowsills or chasing toys across the living room floor, these striped felines are among the most recognizable in the pet world. But there's more to a tabby cat than just its good looks and charming antics.

The term "tabby" doesn't refer to a specific breed but to a coat pattern that can appear in many domestic cats. From baby cats to senior kitties, tabby patterns are part of feline genetics that have evolved over millennia.

And those patterns? They're more than skin-deep; they're written in the cat's DNA.

What Makes a Cat a Tabby?

A tabby cat is identified by its coat pattern, not its breed. The trademark M-shaped marking on the forehead is one of the telltale signs. Other markings include stripes, swirls, spots or ticked hairs.

These different patterns result in several categories.

Mackerel tabbies: Narrow stripes run parallel down the sides like a fish skeleton. You’ll often notice rings or bands around their legs and tail.
Classic tabby: Bold, swirling patterns resemble marble or whorls.
Spotted tabby: Spots replace stripes or swirls, forming unique patches across their body.
Ticked tabby: Bands of different colors develop on individual hairs — with minimal striping on the body — sometimes making them hard to identify without a closer review.

Each pattern results from specific genetic coding and can be seen in both large and small cats across various specific breeds. Even a torbie — a mix of tabby and tortoiseshell patterns — falls under this broad tabby umbrella.

The Genetics Behind Tabby Markings

Tabby patterns are controlled by a group of genes, including the agouti gene, which determines whether a cat has banded hairs. A mutation in this gene can lead to a solid coat instead. Other genes influence whether the pattern is mackerel, classic, or spotted.

According to research by feline geneticists and developers, these patterns are not just decorative. In the wild, they serve as camouflage.

Even domestic cats today demonstrate this natural shape-shifting ability, blending into environments thanks to their markings. This isn’t just cool biology; it’s a snapshot of feline evolution.

Orange Tabbies, aka Gingers

One standout among the tabby family is the orange tabby. Known for their vibrant color and typically affectionate nature, orange tabbies are almost always male, due to how coat color is inherited. Their hue comes from the pheomelanin pigment, also responsible for red hair in humans.

Orange tabbies can wear all the major tabby patterns and often become forever favorites. Their boldness and curiosity make them ideal for interactive play, especially with toys and kids. They're often seen perched on a page or stepping across your new tab when you're trying to work.

Recognized But Not a Breed

While "tabby" isn’t a standalone breed, it’s a recognized feature across dozens of pedigrees.

According to the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), the tabby pattern is present in many breeds like the Maine Coon, Abyssinian and British Shorthair.

Breed standards even mention tabby patterns in their description, from length of fur to tail shape, and the CFA often updates breed profiles in January, April and June. Some tabbies have become the faces of promotional content or online snapshots shared by enthusiastic owners.

Choosing Your Tabby

Adopting a tabby? It’s not just about the cute factor. Consider how a cat’s energy and behavior will mix with other pets like dogs, or whether your household has kids who want a playful friend. Some shelters now let you choose a cat based on coat pattern, personality and even compatibility.

You might save on adoption fees during seasonal specials, or get a free starter kit of goodies. Some organizations even sell accessories or offer purchase incentives when you bring home a new tabby friend.

Whether you’re drawn to their expressive eyes, signature markings or playful antics, tabbies make a colorful, charismatic addition to your pet family.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.