The tabby cat: all about the most popular version of the cat

You may think that the tabby cat is a cat breed of its own, when in reality it is just the most “popular” version of cat you will encounter. Tabby fur is found in many more breeds than we can imagine. It is usually a color associated with stray cats. One very interesting thing is that the “M” is fixed on what we would call the “forehead” of the cat.

The question now is: does it affect their fur and their personality? Do they have particular characteristics that differentiate them from other cats? Cats with this type of fur have many similarities but different breeds? We try to provide an answer to all the questions in the following article.

The origin of the tabby cat

There are indications that the tabby cat was domesticated (and even revered, if one can imagine) by the ancient Egyptians as well. The most plausible theory about the origin of tabby cats is that they are the descendants of the first wild cats domesticated by explorers. Cats were very popular on “discovery” ships as they provided guard and protection for the grain from rats. This explains the accelerated spread of cats of this kind (because we realize that personality may not have been their strong point).

After they managed to discover everything there was to discover and managed to complete the process of “civilizing” all the peoples who did not ask for it, the navigators passed the cats to the farmers. They found the same utility but at a local level. They now guarded and protected the plantations.

The tabby cat has five color patterns and blends

Contrary to what you might think at first glance, the tabby cat is not a specific breed, but a model that mixes different colors and shapes. In total there are five distinctive patterns for the valuable coat: spiral, striped, spotted, brindle and with white spots on the belly and paws. Colors generally range from black to gray, brown and white. In some cases they can be yellow or brown. But almost all (if not most) have that “M” on their forehead, a feature that gives the cat more charm.

The most common coat of a tabby cat is a mixture of gray with black and tan. This is due to the rather dominant gray gene. Although it seems that all tabby cats are the same and it is easy to confuse them, the details are not repeated and each feline is different in its own way. Neither weight nor height is predictable, and cats typically weigh between 4 and 7 kilograms and measure 25 to 30 cm. Most tabby cats have green or yellow eyes, but it is possible to find one with blue eyes. The paw pads are usually pink or gray.

Tabby cats are generally curious and intelligent

We can easily come to the conclusion that the fur pattern influences the cat’s behavior to a large extent. For example, they are naturally big game and this is due to the origins and “occupation” of wild ancestors. This characteristic is so widespread that their favorite game still remains “hunting”, not to mention their nocturnal habits. (You may find her running around the house at unimaginable hours!) They are very intelligent and can be taught easy perimeter walks around the house.

A rather important detail is that, unlike most felines which tend to be territorial, the tabby cat tends to be very sociable with its peers, another characteristic inherited from ancestors who went in groups to increase their chances of survival, or went in groups to hunt more efficiently. If they feel protected, they will treat their family with lots of love and affection.

Discover 5 curiosities about the tabby cat

• Where does that “M” on the forehead I mentioned above come from? There are several hypotheses behind the feature of that commercial. One of the “hypotheses” (or legend I think would be a better term) would be that Muhammad, who loved cats, had one called “Muezza” who one day saved him from a snake attack. After this episode, he marked the feline’s forehead with an “M” as a way to demonstrate his love and devotion to her. The same legend claims that he himself gave cats the ability to land on their feet. Another legend comes from the Egyptians, who noticed the place and even took advantage of it to call the Egyptian race “Mau” (Cleopatra’s favorite race).
• The tabby cat knows how to hide very well. The “design” of fur brings many advantages when you are a hunter and always have to hide. It can immediately go into “camouflage” mode and make you search for a long time.
• Tabby cats have a special day just for them! It is so loved abroad that in some places, such as the United States, April 30 is celebrated as national “National Tabby Day”. In fact, the cat’s English-speaking name would be “Tabby” and this name is believed to be a tribute to a silk from the Attabiy region of Baghdad.
• It is the most popular cat in the world. Since they have spread to the four corners of the world during travels, each place has a “specific” cat. Unfortunately, it is the type of fur often found in “stray” cats that breed at a higher rate than other cats.
• It’s Garfield’s “design.” The famous cat is an orange Persian tabby.

Grooming a tabby cat also depends on the breed.

Like any cat, they are very clean and always bathed. Therefore, they need permanently disinfected feeders, waterers and litter boxes. They have a very playful personality that encourages constant investment in toys that stimulate them. Taking into account their origin, you can try toys that train the hunting instinct, such as mice, fish or smart balls.

They are very curious and want to discover the world. If you want to control escapes, the ideal solution is to neuter cats and install protective screens. Up-to-date vaccines, deworming and periodic testing are also essential. In terms of hygiene, maintain a routine of brushing and trimming your nails.

In terms of food, we would be better off recommending nothing but BonaCibo. 😀