Tabbies, Torties, and Calicos. Oh My!

Welcome to Tuesday’s Cats.com Newsletter.

In today’s newsletter, we’ll explore some of the most unique cat coat colors and patterns. You’ll even find out how to help your own cat look their best.

Learn more on Cats.com:

Sisters But Not Twins.

The first two cats I ever adopted were both gray tabby cats. 
 
Munchkin and Bagel were sisters—a fact made obvious by their coloring—but there was one easy way to tell them apart: Munchkin has long fur while Bagel’s was short. 
 
When I decided to adopt a third cat, I imagined bringing home a fiery ginger or long-haired black cat with emerald eyes. But when I saw Biscuit, I fell in love immediately. 
 
Biscuit is all-white, a stark contrast to Bagel and Munchkin. It’s the patches of gray tabby coloring on her ears, tail, and one elbow that drew me in. Her appearance is very different from her adoptive sisters’ but she still looks like she could be related.
 
When it comes to cat coat colors and patterns, the options are endless. 
 
Let’s explore the subject!

Tabbies, Torties, and Calicos Aren’t Cat Breeds.

The term “tabby” refers to a coat pattern in cats—it’s not the name of a breed. Tabby is the most common pattern in domestic cats, and it comes in a wide array of colors. In fact, there are several distinct tabby patterns.
 
1. Classic Tabby
These cats have a marbled, swirling pattern that looks random at first, but if you look closely, you might spot a bull’s-eye shape on the cat’s side. 
 
2. Spotted Tabby
These tabbies are spotted rather than striped, much like a cheetah or leopard. The Egyptian Mau breed is well-known for its spotted tabby pattern.
 
3. Mackerel Tabby
Covered in tiger-like stripes, the mackerel tabby often has a solid stripe running down its back, with vertical stripes along the body and a raccoon-like tail. 
 
4. Ticked Tabby 
One of the most unique tabby patterns, these cats may not be spotted or striped. Rather, each individual hair exhibits alternating bands of color.
 
5. Patched Tabby
There’s also the patched tabby, which might be what Biscuit is. Patched tabbies exhibit a patchwork coat where one or more of the colored sections has a tabby pattern. 
 
After tabby, two of the most common patterns are tortoiseshell and calico. Calico cats have tri-colored fur, typically in a mix of white, orange, and black.  
 
A tortoiseshell coat is mottled black and orange or, in a dilute version, gray and cream. When the tortoiseshell pattern co-exists with tabby markings, you’ve got what cat lovers affectionately refer to as a “torbie.” 

Tips for Making Cat’s Coat Show-Worthy.

Cat coat genetics can get complicated and, once in a while, you end up with something truly jaw-dropping. Like a cat with two different colored eyes or a face split down the middle with a distinct pattern on either side. 
 
The majority of cats adopted from shelters are mixed breed, and they run the gamut for color and pattern. 

If you’re curious about your cat’s genetic history, consider a cat DNA test like the Wisdom Panel Complete for Cats. On top of offering breed insights, your cat’s personalized report may help identify genetic health conditions your cat has an increased risk for. 

You don’t have to have a complete family tree for your cat to love them and appreciate their unique look. All cats are beautiful! 

To help your cat look their absolute best, make sure their diet includes plenty of skin- and coat-supporting omega-3 fatty acids. Some cats may benefit from liquid supplements like salmon oil, or you can easily boost your cat’s intake with tasty treats like bonito flakes or fish filet-style treats.

Don’t forget about grooming, either. Brushing your cat’s coat helps distribute the nourishing oils produced by glands in the skin that keep your cat’s coat soft and shiny.

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A sneak peek at Friday's Newsletter.

Summer is almost here and you know what that means … road trip! If you’re heading out on the road with your cat this summer, take some time to brush up on car safety for cats. We’ve got some tips to get you started in Friday’s mailer.

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