What breed are cats with tiger coloring? - briefly
Cats with tiger coloring, often referred to as tabby patterned, can be found in numerous breeds. Among the most notable are the Bengal and Savannah, both of which have distinct wild ancestry contributing to their striking coat patterns.
What breed are cats with tiger coloring? - in detail
Cats with tiger-like coloration, often referred to as "tabby" cats, belong to several distinct breeds and mixed breeds. The tabby pattern is one of the most common coat patterns in domestic cats, characterized by stripes, swirls, or spots on a light background. This striking resemblance to tigers is due to the presence of the Agouti gene, which influences the distribution of color across the cat's fur.
One of the most well-known breeds with tiger-like coloration is the Bengal cat. Developed by crossing domestic cats with Asian leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis), Bengals are known for their wild appearance and distinctive coat patterns that mimic those of jungle cats. Their coats can vary from a light brown to a dark grey or black, with distinct spots or marbling that resemble the coat of a tiger.
Another breed that often exhibits tiger-like coloration is the Egyptian Mau. This ancient breed is known for its distinctive spotted coat, which is often described as looking like the pelt of an African wild cat or cheetah. The spots on an Egyptian Mau are naturally occurring and are not a result of selective breeding practices.
The Savannah cat is another example of a breed with striking tiger-like coloration. Developed by crossing domestic cats with African servals (Leptailurus serval), Savannahs are large, lean cats with distinctive black spots on a golden or brown background. Their coats often have a distinct "M" marking on the forehead and stripes along the back and tail, reminiscent of a tiger's coat.
In addition to these specific breeds, many mixed-breed cats also exhibit tiger-like coloration. The tabby pattern is a dominant trait in domestic cats, meaning that even cats with no known purebred ancestry can display this striking coat pattern. The color and arrangement of the stripes or spots can vary greatly among individual cats, but all share the same wild, exotic appearance that has made tiger-like coloration so popular among cat enthusiasts.
In conclusion, cats with tiger-like coloration come from a variety of breeds and mixed breeds. Whether they are purebred Bengals, Egyptian Maus, Savannahs, or mixed-breed tabbies, these cats share a common genetic trait that gives them their distinctive and striking appearance.