Tabbys

Tabbys, also known as tabby cats, are not a distinct breed but rather a coat pattern found in many domestic cat breeds and mixed breeds. The tabby pattern is characterized by distinctive markings that include stripes, swirls, dots, or ticked fur, often with a characteristic "M" shape on the forehead. This pattern is believed to be a genetic trait inherited from the wild ancestor of the domestic cat.

There are several recognized types of tabby patterns. The mackerel tabby, the most common, features narrow, parallel stripes running down the sides of the cat's body, resembling the markings of a mackerel fish. Classic or blotched tabbys display bolder, more irregular, and swirling patterns. Spotted tabbys have distinct spots across their body, which can be of various sizes. Ticked tabbys, like the Abyssinian breed, have individual hairs with bands of color, giving them a salt-and-pepper appearance with minimal striping, usually only visible on the face and legs.

The genetic basis for the tabby pattern involves a gene that controls the expression of agouti, which is responsible for the banding of color on individual hairs, and other genes that determine the specific pattern of stripes, swirls, or spots. While the tabby pattern is a coat characteristic, it is not indicative of a cat's temperament or personality. Tabby cats can be found in a wide range of colors, including brown, grey, orange (red), and cream, with varying combinations of these shades in their markings. Their popularity stems from their attractive and diverse patterns.