What is tabby in cats? - briefly
Tabby is not a breed of cat but rather a coat pattern that can be found in various cat breeds and mixed-breed cats alike. The distinctive "M" marking on the forehead, along with stripes or swirls across the body, are characteristic features of tabby cats.
What is tabby in cats? - in detail
Tabby is not a breed of cat, but rather a coat pattern that can be found in various breeds and mixed-breed cats. The term "tabby" originates from the French word "tabis," which was used to describe a type of striped silk fabric. This name was later adopted to describe cats with similar striped or spotted patterns on their fur.
The tabby pattern is characterized by distinctive markings, including stripes, swirls, and spots, typically arranged in an M shape on the forehead and a necklace-like pattern around the neck. These markings are often accompanied by a darker coloration on the back, which forms a distinctive "spine" or "saddle" shape. The underside of the cat, including the chest, belly, and inner legs, usually features lighter fur with distinct spots or stripes.
Tabby patterns can be classified into several subtypes:
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Classic Tabby: This is the most common tabby pattern, featuring a swirling coat pattern that resembles a marble cake. The classic tabby often has a distinctive "M" shape on the forehead and a darker saddle or spine along the back.
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Mackerel Tabby: This pattern features vertical stripes that run down the cat's body, similar to the appearance of a mackerel fish. These stripes are usually more distinct and uniform compared to other tabby patterns.
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Spotted Tabby: As the name suggests, this pattern features spots instead of stripes. The spots can vary in size and are often arranged in rows or clusters across the cat's body.
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Ticked Tabby (Abyssinian): This pattern is unique because it lacks the distinct stripes or spots found in other tabby patterns. Instead, each hair has a lighter base color with darker bands along its length, giving the coat an agouti-like appearance.
The tabby pattern is not exclusive to any particular breed and can be seen in both domestic shorthair and longhair cats. The specific tabby pattern and coloration are determined by genetics, with certain genes responsible for producing the distinctive markings. For example, the Agouti gene (A) plays a significant role in the development of the tabby pattern, while other genes influence the specific subtype and color variation.
In addition to their striking visual appeal, tabby patterns serve practical purposes for cats. The distinct markings can help camouflage them in various environments, providing an evolutionary advantage during hunting or hiding from predators. The distinctive "M" shape on the forehead is thought to resemble the eyes of a larger predator, potentially deterring smaller prey animals.
Overall, the tabby pattern is a fascinating and complex aspect of feline genetics and appearance, contributing to the diverse and beautiful array of cat coats found in both domestic and wild felines.