In this article, we tell you more about the history, personality and appearance of the tabby cat.
Meet the tabby cat
Let’s get straight to it: the tabby cat isn’t a separate breed. It’s a pattern in a cat’s coat. That means you’ll find tabby cats in all shapes, sizes and colours. Everyone knows the big cat Garfield, right? He’s a tabby too.
The history of the tabby cat
Tabby cats are also known as “Tabbies,” which is the English name for this kind of coat. Their origin isn’t fully known. They’ve simply always been around. You’ll find tabbies all over the world, both among stray cats and purebred cats. There are lots of legends and myths about the M on a tabby cat’s forehead. According to ancient Egypt, it stands for ‘mau,’ which means cat. A Christian story says the M came from a gentle stroke by Mary after a tabby comforted baby Jesus. In Islamic tradition, a tabby once saved the Prophet Muhammad. As a reward, all cats received an M on their foreheads.
The character of a tabby cat
If you’re looking for a curious and playful house cat, a tabby might be the perfect companion. They’re outgoing and usually great with kids. On top of that, they’re clever and love to be challenged with toys. If you’re after a cuddly cat, you’re in the right place. Tabbies are very affectionate. They’re also bold and strong-willed. As we said earlier, they’re outgoing and independent. You’ll never be bored with a tabby around.
What tabby cats look like
Since the tabby cat isn’t a breed of its own, their looks can vary a lot. One might be taller or longer than another. Some are lean while others have a sturdy build. Several well-known cat breeds can be tabby, such as the Bengal and the Persian. But also the Maine Coon, Abyssinian and American Shorthair are considered tabby cats. The patterns differ. Stripes, spots, swirls or blotches — anything is possible. Some studies even suggest that a tabby’s coat pattern says something about their personality.
Tabby cat kittens
Just like any other kitten, tabby kittens are sweet and adorable. They come in all shapes, sizes and colours. If you’re planning to get a kitten, there are a few things to consider. Tabbies are affectionate animals. Are you away from home a lot? Then it might be a good idea to get two, so they have company. With a tabby, you can go in any direction you want. Looking for a purebred or just a lovely house cat? Make sure to buy from a registered breeder who treats animals with care and knows what they’re doing.
Tabby coat colours
Spots, lines, stripes, blotches and more. The tabby cat comes with all kinds of coat patterns and colours. The most common colours are grey, brown and orange. The classic tabby is also known as the Blotched Tabby. It has a swirl pattern and is often seen as the ‘typical tabby.’ Then there are Spotted and Patched tabbies, which are both speckled. The Mackerel tabby has a striped pattern that really stands out. The Ticked Tabby is the rarest kind and has beautifully detailed markings.
Thinking of getting a tabby? What does it cost?
The price of a tabby cat can vary quite a bit. At a shelter, you’ll usually pay around €100 to €150. Prefer a purebred like a Bengal or Persian? Then expect to pay €1000 or more. With a tabby, you can spend as little or as much as you like. The most important thing we want to stress is this: avoid backyard breeders. They focus on profit, not on the cat’s wellbeing. A good breeder puts the animal first, ensures proper socialisation and follows all veterinary care guidelines. Want to give a cat a second chance? Visit a local shelter and meet the cats waiting for a new home.
