What breed is the tiger cat? - briefly
The tiger cat is not a distinct breed but a term used to describe domestic cats with striped or mackerel tabby patterns resembling a tiger's coat.
What breed is the tiger cat? - in detail
The term "tiger cat" does not refer to a specific breed but rather describes a coat pattern resembling that of a tiger, characterized by distinctive stripes. This pattern is commonly seen in domestic cats and is often associated with the tabby pattern, which is one of the most widespread coat types in cats. Tabby cats can exhibit various patterns, including classic, mackerel, spotted, and ticked, with the mackerel tabby being the most tiger-like due to its narrow, parallel stripes running vertically along the body. Breeds such as the Bengal, American Shorthair, and Maine Coon often display these tabby markings, but the pattern itself is not exclusive to any single breed. The genetics behind the tabby pattern involve the agouti gene, which controls the distribution of pigment in the hair shaft, creating the striped or marbled effect. While the term "tiger cat" is informal and not recognized in formal breed classifications, it is widely used to describe cats with a striking, wild-like appearance reminiscent of a tiger’s coat.