Tuxedo Cat: Charming and Delightfully Mischievous

Tuxedo cats look like they're always dressed to impress. With their crisp black-and-white markings, it's no surprise these felines are favorites in cartoons, ads, and homes around the world. But there's a lot more to a tuxedo cat than its dapper looks.

Despite what some might think, "tuxedo" isn’t a specific breed; it’s a type of coat pattern that shows up in many cat breeds.

These bicolor cats are instantly recognizable thanks to their black fur and white accents, often found on the throat, paws, belly, chin and even the tail. Sometimes it looks like they're wearing socks, a hat or a miniature tuxedo jacket.

What Is a Tuxedo Pattern?

This tuxedo cat has a bit of a mustache situation. Theresa Donahue McManus / Getty Images

The tuxedo pattern is a unique combination of black and white fur, caused by the expression of the white spotting gene. This gene controls how much white fur appears and where it shows up on the cat’s body and head.

The result? A feline that looks like it's ready for a gala.

You’ll commonly see tuxedo cats in breed listings by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), even though it's a pattern and not a breed. Breed descriptions often include acceptable markings (including tuxedo coloration) within their breed standards.

Famous in pop culture — think of Looney Tunes' Sylvester and other classic cartoons — tuxedo cats are stars on screen and social media sites, especially in video content showcasing their playful antics.

Genetic Features and Variations

Tuxedo cats owe their look to color genes and how they express pigmentation. The white spotting gene limits color in specific areas, leading to dramatic, formal-looking features. The rest of the coat — typically a rich black — is created by dominant color genes.

This genetic variation explains why no two tuxedo cats are exactly alike.

The appearance of their coat can be symmetrical or quirky, with white stripes, low grades of spotting or even small parts of white on a black cat. From a stripe down the back to a streak across the ears, these cats wear their patterns with pride.

Living With a Tuxedo Cat

Tuxedo cats are popular pets because of their personalities. People who love animals often describe tuxedos as intelligent, confident and a bit mischievous. They play hard, nap deep and seem to know they're the center of attention.

Your first cat might have been a tuxedo, lounging in a box or bounding after a feather wand. These cats are great with children and other animals, making them ideal members of the family. And because they’re not breed-specific, you can find them in rescue centers around the world.

You’ll also see tuxedo cat merchandise — plush toys labeled as tuxedo cat models, realistic figures with fur detail, LEGO sets and even puzzle boxes featuring these stylish felines. Their charisma is marketable, and companies often use them in branding.

Grooming and Care

Tuxedo cats are relatively easy to care for, but regular grooming is still key. Brushing their hair a few times a week helps keep their coat healthy. And like all cats, they benefit from play and enrichment to satisfy their curious minds and active bodies.

They enjoy a good play session and will happily explore any box left on the floor. Once fed, they’ll likely find a cozy spot and rest like royalty, purring at your side. Some might say they resemble their humans more than most breeds.

During June and other adoption events, you might save on fees and help a tuxedo cat find its forever home. They make the perfect companion for all ages — a classy cat that’s always ready for a night on the town.

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