Tabby cats are everywhere, gracing homes and hearts with their distinctive coats. But what exactly is a tabby cat? Despite common misconceptions, “tabby” isn’t a breed, but rather a coat pattern. This pattern, characterized by stripes, swirls, spots, or ticked markings, is so prevalent that it’s easy to see why many believe tabby to be a breed in itself. Adding to the mystique are the numerous myths and legends that attempt to explain one of the tabby’s most recognizable features: the ‘M’ marking on their forehead.
Decoding the ‘M’ Marking: Genetics, Not Myth
For centuries, folklore has swirled around the ‘M’ marking that adorns the brow of tabby cats. One charming tale traces the ‘M’ to the word “mau,” ancient Egyptian for “cat.” Christian legend speaks of a tabby cat comforting baby Jesus, with Mary bestowing the ‘M’ as a mark of gratitude. Another Islamic story recounts a tabby named Muezza saving the prophet Mohammed, who then blessed all tabby cats with the ‘M’ on their foreheads.
While these stories are endearing, the true explanation is rooted in science: genetics. The tabby pattern is determined by agouti genes and pattern genes present in all domestic cats. In fact, every cat carries the genetic code for a tabby pattern. This means that under their solid, pointed, or colorpoint coats, all cats are genetically tabby. It’s simply more visible in cats with tabby-expressing genes. Look closely at any cat in bright sunlight, and you might just glimpse faint tabby markings.
These same genes responsible for tabby patterns in domestic cats are also at play in their wild relatives. Tigers and leopards owe their iconic stripes and spots to these tabby genes. In the wild, these patterns serve a crucial purpose: camouflage. They allow these apex predators to blend seamlessly into tall grasses and foliage, lying in wait for unsuspecting prey.
Tracing the Roots: The Origin of “Tabby”
If tabby refers to a pattern and not a breed, where does the word itself come from? The term “tabby” has fascinating historical roots, stemming from the Middle East. It’s believed to be derived from “Atabi,” a luxurious type of striped silk produced in Attabiah, a region in the Middle East.
When this distinctive silk arrived in Britain, its striped appearance was strikingly similar to the coat of what was then called the “tiger cat.” The resemblance was so strong that these cats began to be referred to as “tabi cats,” which eventually evolved into the familiar term “tabby cat.”
Tabby Cat Personality: Myths and Realities
Beyond their striking appearance, tabby cats are often associated with particular personality traits. Many cat owners believe tabbies possess a unique charm and energy. They are frequently described as being exceptionally outgoing, playful, and curious, always ready to explore their surroundings with enthusiasm.
Some owners even attribute higher intelligence to their tabby companions, noting their problem-solving skills and quick learning abilities. Furthermore, tabby cats are often lauded for their affectionate and cuddly nature, making them popular family pets, especially with children.
Red tabbies, in particular, have a reputation for being feisty and full of character. This lively stereotype is perfectly embodied by the famous cartoon cat, Garfield. It seems the mischievous and lasagna-loving feline may have more than a pawful of truth rooted in real-life tabby personalities.
In conclusion, the tabby cat is not a breed but a marvelously patterned feline friend found across various breeds. Their distinctive ‘M’ marking, a source of enchanting myths, is ultimately a testament to their genetic makeup. From the word’s exotic origins to their often-attributed playful personalities, tabby cats continue to captivate and charm cat lovers worldwide with their timeless appeal.
