Cats with light brown and white fur are often referred to as tabby and white cats. Tabby refers to the distinctive striped, spotted or swirled coat pattern that is common in domestic cats. The tabby pattern comes in many colors, including light brown. When this is combined with areas of white fur, it produces a cat with a striking two-tone coat.
The tabby pattern is so common in cats that it can be easy to overlook the beauty and variation within it. Light brown tabby and white cats display a complex interplay of colors and patterns which makes each one unique. Understanding the genetics behind tabby cat coats can help us appreciate nature’s artistry in creating these charming cats.
The Genetics of Tabby Cat Coats
All tabby cats have the distinctive “M” marking on their foreheads which comes from the tabby gene. This dominant gene codes for the production of stripes, spots or swirls that make up the tabby pattern. The specific type of tabby pattern is determined by other genes.
The shade of brown or grey seen in tabby fur is controlled by a separate gene for pigment production. Lighter shades of brown generally occur when a cat inherits the dilute gene which dilutes black pigment into a warm, light brown. This combines attractively with white spotting genes to produce light brown tabby and white cats.
The white areas are caused by the piebald white spotting gene which prevents color from developing in certain areas as the embryo develops. This gives each cat a unique pattern of colored and white fur. The size and location of the white areas are randomly determined by the embryo’s genetic code and environment.
Different Types of Tabby Patterns
While all tabby and white cats have striped, spotted or swirled fur, there are four distinct tabby patterns:
Classic Tabby
This produces bold, stripes that run in a bulls-eye pattern on the cat’s sides. The stripes are thick and clearly defined. On the forehead there are thick pencil lines extending from the trademark “M”. The legs and tail also have striking bands of color.
Mackerel Tabby
Mackerel tabbies have narrow stripes that run in parallel down their sides, resembling the bones of a fish. The stripes may be slightly broken into segments and they usually extend onto the legs and tail. Mackerel is the most common tabby pattern.
Spotted Tabby
In this pattern, the stripes break up into small spots. The spots generally form oval shapes and are randomly scattered across the body. On the face, the spots often connect to form rosette patterns emanating from the “M”.
Ticked Tabby
With the ticked pattern, there are no distinct stripes or spots. Instead, each hair has light and dark bands which gives a subtle agouti appearance. The tabby “M” still shows clearly on the forehead. Ticked tabbies have a cluttered look as the bands break up the solid pattern.
Personality and Care
While coat colors and patterns are determined by genes, personality is not. Tabby and white cats have a range of temperaments and dispositions. Some are outgoing and energetic while others are more shy and laid back.
Early socialization and handling make a big difference in helping kittens develop into friendly, well-adjusted cats. Be sure to provide plenty of playtime, environmental enrichment and affection in those important early months.
In terms of care, tabby and white cats have the same needs as any other cat. Make sure they have:
- A balanced diet specific to their life stage
- Fresh water available at all times
- Veterinary checkups and vaccines
- Safe, stimulating toys
- Scratching posts
- Daily playtime and interaction
With their stunning coats and playful personalities, tabby and white cats make wonderful companions when given the proper care. Their distinctive looks add eye-catching appeal to any home.
Common Tabby and White Cat Breeds
While mixed breed domestic cats most often have tabby and white fur, certain pedigreed cats also exhibit this pattern. Some examples include:
Turkish Van
This ancient breed comes in red, cream and brown tabby patterns with white markings. They love swimming and are very energetic and social.
Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese Bobtail breed standard allows for any color and pattern. Tabby and white is a striking choice on these cats with their signature pom pom tails.
Manx
Tailless Manx cats commonly have brown tabby and white coats. Their long rear legs and rounded rumps give them a rabbit-like appearance.
American Curl
The American Curl can have any coat color and tabby and white is popular. Their curled back ears give them a charming, alert expression.
Maine Coon
This large, rugged breed comes in classic and mackerel tabby and white patterns. They have plush, water-resistant coats.
| Breed | Origin | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Turkish Van | Turkey | Love swimming, white coat with tabby markings |
| Japanese Bobtail | Japan | Pom pom tail, range of coat colors including tabby and white |
| Manx | Isle of Man | Tailless, long rear legs, often tabby and white coat |
| American Curl | United States | Curled back ears, wide variety of coat colors and patterns |
| Maine Coon | United States | Large, rugged, water-resistant tabby and white coat |
Tabby Cat Folklore and History
The distinctive tabby pattern is steeped in folklore and legend going back centuries:
– In the Middle Ages, tabby cats were thought to bring good luck. Their “M” markings were believed to represent the Virgin Mary.
– The word “tabby” may derive from Attabiyah, a neighborhood in Baghdad famous for producing a luxurious, striped silk.
– Writers associated the swirling marble patterns in these silks with the coat of the wild European forest cat. The name tabby cat stuck.
– Superstitions connect tabby cats with witches, including the idea that witches could turn into tabbies with the distinctive “M”.
– Writers like Shakespeare used “tabby cat” to refer to older maidens who were restless, impish and mischievous.
– The first documented tabby cat was owned by Mohammed in the 9th century, who cherished his cat named Muezza.
– Famous tabby cats include Evinrude from the movie The Rescuers and Thomasina in the Disney movie The Three Lives of Thomasina.
– The tabby pattern appears worldwide on wild cats, showing its ancient origins.
Clearly, the beloved tabby has struck a chord with humans for centuries. Today, tabby and white cats continue to entrance us with their coats which combine elegance, playfulness and nobility.
Conclusion
Light brown tabby and white cats display one of nature’s most beautiful patterns. Their striped, spotted or swirled fur results from a dominant tabby gene which combines with genes for white spotting and warm, dilute colors. While cats with this charming coat come in many breeds, we most often see them in the mixed breed domestic cat population. Whatever their origins, tabby and white cats offer us a canvas showing the artistry of genetics while warming our hearts with their winning personalities.
