What breed of cat has stripes? - briefly
The Bengal cat is a breed known for its distinctive striped coat, resembling the patterns of a wild leopard. Other breeds, such as the Mackerel Tabby, also naturally exhibit striped markings.
What breed of cat has stripes? - in detail
Several cat breeds are known for their distinctive striped patterns, which are often referred to as tabby markings. The tabby pattern is not exclusive to a single breed but appears across various breeds, both domestic and pedigreed. One of the most well-known breeds with stripes is the American Shorthair, which often displays classic tabby markings characterized by bold, swirling patterns on the sides and a distinctive "M" shape on the forehead. The Maine Coon, a large and majestic breed, also frequently exhibits tabby stripes, particularly in the mackerel tabby pattern, where narrow, parallel stripes run vertically along the body. The Bengal cat, a hybrid breed developed from crossing domestic cats with Asian leopard cats, is renowned for its striking, leopard-like rosettes and marbled or striped patterns that mimic those of wild felines. The Abyssinian, though often associated with a ticked coat, can also display subtle tabby striping in certain lines. Additionally, the Domestic Shorthair, a non-pedigreed cat, commonly showcases a variety of tabby patterns, including stripes, due to the widespread presence of the tabby gene in the general cat population. Stripes in cats are a result of the agouti gene, which controls the distribution of pigment in individual hairs, creating the characteristic banded appearance. These patterns serve both aesthetic and functional purposes, as they can provide camouflage in the wild. Whether in pedigreed breeds or domestic cats, striped coats remain a beloved and iconic feature in the feline world.