What Types of Cat Breeds Have the Tabby Pattern?

Considering a tabby a cat breed is a common mistake. It is actually a coat pattern that can be found in many breeds of domestic cat. Despite their great diversity, one feature that all tabbies share is the the "M" on their foreheads. Most breeds can include at least one form of tabby markings.

  1. Mackerel

    • The mackerel tabby pattern is the most common. Slender stripes that run parallel to on another encircle these cats' bodies. This style can remind some of fish bones, a metaphor that inspired the pattern's fishy title. Stripes encircle mackerel tabby legs, and the head and neck are equally covered by collections of bands reminiscent of necklaces. Turkish vans, Selkirk rex, sphynx, Persians, Scottish folds, Japanese bobtails and exotics are among the many cat breeds that can sport mackerel coat patterns.

    Classic

    • Blocky and distinct markings characterize the classic, or "blotched," tabby pattern. Most cat breeds that appear in the mackerel variety can also have this coat type. Swirls help distinguish the classic tabby's face, and continuous lines course from the outer corner of the eyes to the shoulders. Flanks on the classic tabby show bulls-eye shaped rosettes that may be enclosed by rings; this is one of the classic tabby's most appealing features.

    Spotted

    • Spotted tabbies still show the bracelet and necklace ring markings of the mackerels, but spots are peppered throughout these cats' bodies. The spots can vary in size; they can range in shape from ovals to rosettes. The spotted tabby coat is sometimes referred to as a "broken" mackerel pattern. A classic spotted coat type also exists; in this, the spots are splattered more haphazardly than in mackerel spotted tabbies. American bobtails and Savannahs typically exhibit spotted patterns.

    Agouti

    • Agouti tabbies, also known as ticked tabbies, lack traditional stripes and spotting. The characteristic "M" on the forehead qualifies it as a tabby pattern. While these cats' coats have no stripes or spots, they are made up of the agouti hairs found in the light areas of other tabbies. Each agouti hair alternates between dark and light bands of color. Abyssinians are a particularly good example of this.

    Patched

    • The patched tabby pattern is nearly exclusive to female cats. Firstly, patched tabbies demonstrate one of the other four coat pattern types. Red or cream coloration mixed with black or gray in that coat pattern defines it as patched. Calicos and tortoiseshells illustrate this pattern, which can be found in most breeds that include tabby patterns.