The word “tabby cat” describes cats with markings on their fur that are unique and one-of-a-kind. It's because no two cats have the same markings; they can only look similar but not the same.
Table of Contents
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The word “tabby cat” describes cats with markings on their fur that are unique and one-of-a-kind. It's because no two cats have the same markings; they can only look similar but not the same.
Table of Contents
- 1. History of Tabby Cats
- 2. The etymology of “Tabby.”
- 3. Tabby Cats Aren't A Breed
- 4. The Many Pattern Formations of a Tabby Cat
- 5. 80% of Orange Tabby Cats are Male
- 6. There Are Numerous Breeds with Tabby Patterns
- 7. Tabby Cats' Health
- 8. Famous Tabby Cats
Regardless of what coat patterns they have, they have an iconic M marking on their head. Many people associate this mark as a religious icon, like a representation of Mary, Mother of God, or the prophet Muhammad.
Tabby came from the French word tabis, which means “a rich watered silk.” This concept of the word is referring to their striped and spotted patterns.
Here are some facts about Tabby Cats that you might want to know and not miss!
1. History of Tabby Cats
In ancient Egypt, cats are considered the most sacred animal that played a significant role in the Egyptians' lives. They firmly believe that cats are descendants of Bast or Bastet, directly translated to “cat” in Greek, the goddess of moonlight and fertility.
However, ancient Egyptian cats are not just regular cats; they are tabby cats. They were often depicted through paintings, resting on top of their owner's lap, or through statues and wall carvings, sitting beside their owner's chair.
The oldest tabby cat was recorded in prehistoric times around 8000 B.C. Now, this Cat is allegedly lying with its master in its grave somewhere in Cyprus.
The Cat is presumed to have died at eight months old, and its preserved bones are about 9000 to 9500 years old.
Nevertheless, the tabby coat only evolved and gained recognition by the Middle Ages, when domestic cats hunt mice for convenience—resulting in synchronized harmony between cats and humans, especially in maintaining the food chain.
The earliest documented direct ancestry of modern tabby cats dates back to as early as 4400 B.C. in Europe and Southwest Asia. However, it was only in the Ottoman Empire that humans can identify the gene for tabby cat markings.
Through the years, wild and domestic cats show no sign of modified genetic composition. The only way to identify these felines is through their mannerisms, structure, and tabby coat markings.
2. The etymology of “Tabby.”
Aside from its direct translation specified in the introduction, the word tabby originated from several etymologies. The term is prevalent throughout many Muslim countries, particularly in the Middle East, especially in Baghdad in Iraq and Mecca in Saudi Arabia.
The word may also have come from the Middle French word atabis, which stems from the Arabic word attabiya, which describes a particular piece of silky cloth showcased in striped patterns.
However, the word “tabby” became more popular around the 1970s to describe the cats mentioned above.
Several pet owners believe that we must only use the phrase tabby to classify female cats. The explanation for this possibility is because tabby is a derivative of Tabitha, an Aramaic word that directly translates to “female.”
3. Tabby Cats Aren't A Breed
Contrary to popular belief, tabby cats are not a breed of their own but rather a preexisting pattern of their coats. It's ubiquitous to see anyone refer to them as a breed of its own, but it isn't.
Tabby cats, in general, are domesticated cats. They are often referred to as alley cats because of their peculiar but prevalent look.
They can be of any shape, size, and breed. Tabby cats have a fundamental similarity in their coat pattern, which you may find widely in most cats.
They can be an American Shorthair, a Maine Coon, an Oriental, and many other cat breeds. Their personalities also do not equate to what everyone considers a Tabby but instead still conforming to their actual breeds.
4. The Many Pattern Formations of a Tabby Cat
There are four pattern formations within the population of tabby cats, all sharing a similar and solid genetic composition. These patterns are common because of the chromosomes shared by cats and possibly even in crossbreeding.
The four specified and well-known pattern formations are mackerel tabby, classic tabby, ticked tabby, and spotted tabby patterns.
There is also a fifth one called the calico pattern, also known as the turtle shell pattern.
Classic Tabby Pattern
Also known as the spotted or marbled Tabby cat, classic Tabbies are explicitly known for their distinct “M” marking on their forehead and unique coat patterns called “butterfly” and “bullseye.”
Their coat pattern is similar to a butterfly and bullseye target, thus its name. Besides, they may also have unique irr