What breed of cat is tabby? - briefly
A tabby is not a specific breed of cat but rather a coat pattern found in many different breeds. The distinctive "M" shape on the forehead and stripes or swirls across the body are common characteristics of this pattern.
What breed of cat is tabby? - in detail
The term "tabby" does not refer to a specific cat breed but rather describes a coat pattern found in many different breeds. Tabby cats are characterized by distinctive markings, including stripes, swirls, or spots, often resembling an 'M' shape on their forehead and a necklace-like pattern around their neck. These patterns can vary significantly among individuals, with some exhibiting bold, dark stripes while others have more subtle, delicate markings.
The tabby coat pattern is believed to be one of the oldest and most common in the cat world, with its origin tracing back to ancient wild cats. This distinctive appearance is a result of the agouti gene, which affects the distribution and coloration of the cat's fur. The agouti gene can interact with other genes that determine the base color of the coat, resulting in a variety of tabby patterns such as classic tabby, mackerel tabby, spotted tabby, and ticked tabby.
Many well-known cat breeds can exhibit the tabby pattern, including the Maine Coon, Scottish Fold, British Shorthair, and American Shorthair. While some breed standards may specify particular coat patterns or colors, many breeds allow for tabby variants within their accepted appearances. For instance, the Bengal breed often displays a wild tabby pattern reminiscent of its Asian leopard cat ancestry, while the Abyssinian breed typically has a ticked tabby pattern with distinct bands of color on each hair shaft.
In conclusion, the term "tabby" encompasses a wide range of coat patterns and is not exclusive to any single cat breed. The unique markings of tabby cats add to their charm and appeal, making them beloved companions in households around the world.