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What do you get when you cross a black and white cat with a tabby? A Tuxedo Cat. It’s not just the colour of their fur that makes these cats unique; they also have unique personalities to match! Read on for more information about this fascinating breed of cats.
Table of Contents
What Is A Tuxedo Cat?
What Is A Tuxedo Cat? Tuxedo cats are black and white cats with unique markings. They get their name from the tuxedo-like black and white outfit.
Is A Tuxedo Cat A Breed?
Tuxedo cats are not a specific breed. However, in the United States, they are accepted as a breed by TICA (The International Cat Association) and can compete in their championship program.
The History Of Tuxedo Cats
Tuxedo cats are not a breed in their own right. They are usually black and white ‘mixed’ breeds. This means that they could be the result of breeding between different purebred cat breeds or even with another tuxedo cat! One thing is for sure, though; you can’t breed a tuxedo cat deliberately.
The first mention of a black and white cat was in the 1800s when they appeared in England. They were known as ‘Jellicle cats’ after T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats poem. The name stuck, and these cats became known as tuxedo cats.
In the early 1900s, these cats appeared in America and were given the name ‘tuxedo cat’. The first tuxedo cat was registered with TICA in 1974.
In Ancient Egypt, cats were considered to be gods. Therefore, they were mummified and buried in tombs with their owners. Tuxedo Cats were trendy as they were depicted on hieroglyphics more than any other cat.
Tuxedo Cat Information:
| Tuxedo Cat | Features |
|---|---|
| Weight | 10 – 16 Pounds |
| Colours | Black & White |
| Breed | Various |
| Size | Medium |
| Suitable for Living With Other Pets | Yes |
| Personality | Friendly, Playful, Intelligent, Good Hunters |
What Do Tuxedo Cats Look Like?
A tuxedo cat is defined by its colouring, which includes:
• Solid black fur with white paws and tummy. The more white on the cat, the better the tuxedo markings.
• A white blaze (a patch of white fur that runs between the eyes)
• White moustache and chin
• Ears that are black on the outside with a white inner ear
• Nose, whisker pads and eye rims that are all black
What Causes Tuxedo Cats Black And White Markings?
The Agouti gene causes a Tuxedo cat’s distinctive black and white patterning. This gene affects the way melanin is distributed in the fur, which is why Tuxedo cats have both light and dark colours.
Are There Different Types Of Tuxedo Cats?
Tuxedo cats are black and white cats that have a particular pattern of markings. The most common type of tuxedo cat is the bi-color tuxedo, which has a black body with white paws, chest, and belly.
The Chapman’s cat is another type of tuxedo cat, which has a black back and tail with a white chin, chest, and belly.
There are also tri-colour tuxedo cats, which have a black back and tail with white chin, chest, belly, and paws.
Tuxedo Cat Personality Traits:
Tuxedo cats are affectionate and intelligent. They like people but can be a bit shy at first, preferring to come out when they feel safe and secure. They often bond with one person in the family. You might find that your cat follows you around as well as sleeping on your bed at night.
Tuxedo cats are also playful and love to play fetch with a toy or chase around a laser pointer. They tend to be less active than some other cat breeds, but this doesn’t mean they can’t keep up with a good game!
How To Care For A Tuxedo Cat
Tuxedo cats are very similar to other breeds of cats in their care. They need a balanced diet, regular exercise and plenty of love! The only thing that makes them different is that they have such unique markings. Due to this fur pattern, you may find it easier to find tuxedo cat accessories for your pet.
Tuxedo cats love to play and will need a scratching post to keep their claws in check. They also like toys that they can chase around the house!
Common Health Problems In Tuxedo Cats
All cats are prone to specific health problems. However, as with other cat breeds, tuxedo cats can be affected by a range of different issues due to their breeding and genetics.
Some common illnesses in tuxedo cats include:
– Kidney Disease
This is usually caused by obesity or diabetes. The kidneys become damaged over time until they can no longer function properly. You may notice that your cat is drinking lots of water and urinating in the house. If left untreated, kidney disease will cause death within a few months
– Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy
This condition causes an abnormal thickening of the heart muscle which means it struggles to pump blood around the body effectively. This can cause fainting episodes and even sudden death
– Eye Diseases
Tuxedo cats are prone to eye problems such as glaucoma, where the pressure inside the eyes becomes dangerously high. Cataracts, an opacity of the lens that causes blindness in humans, also occur in tuxedo cats. Other conditions may include retinal degeneration and diabetic retinopathy
How To Keep Your Tuxedo Cat Healthy
- Regular checkups with your vet – You should make sure you take your tuxedo cat to the vet at least once a year for a complete health assessment. Any issues can be identified early on this way, meaning they are easier and cheaper to treat
- Keep your cat lean – Obesity is a common problem in cats. It can lead to diabetes, which will cause further health problems for your pet
- Regular exercise – Tuxedo cats, are active pets by nature, so you should make sure they have plenty of ways to keep themselves entertained throughout the day! Scratching posts and toys are an excellent way to start
- Feed them a balanced diet – Tuxedo cats need a healthy and balanced diet like any other pet. Talk to your vet about the best food for your cat and make sure they don’t become overweight!
- Vaccinate your cat – Tuxedo cats are susceptible to a range of diseases that can be vaccinated against. Make sure you take your pet for their vaccinations as advised by your vet, so they remain healthy and protected.
The Difference Between Tuxedo Cats And Tortoiseshells?
If a cat has three different coloured patches of fur, it is often called tortoiseshell as this was the way they were traditionally recognised until DNA testing revealed that these cats had more than one colour gene. So, for example, if two genes are responsible for black and red fur, the cat will be a Tuxedo.
Are Tuxedo Cats Good Pets?
Tuxedo cats make excellent pets. They are affectionate and intelligent, just like the other breeds of cats that have been around for centuries.
They can adapt to all kinds of homes as long as they get plenty of attention from their family members or people who live with them. In return, your tuxedo cat will love you unconditionally.
What Is Special About Tuxedo Cats?
Tuxedo cats are distinguished by their black-and-white fur, which earned them their name. But there’s more to these beautiful cats than meets the eye.
Tuxedo cats are known for being intelligent and curious, and they often form strong bonds with their owners. They are also relatively vocal, and they are not afraid to let you know when they want something! While all cats are special, tuxedo cats definitely have a unique and wonderful personality that makes them stand out from the crowd.
Tuxedo Cat Facts:
- Did you know that the tuxedo cat is not a separate breed, but rather a coat pattern that can occur in both pedigreed and non-pedigreed cats?
- Tuxedo cats are named for their resemblance to formal wear. They usually have black fur with white “socks” on their feet and a white “bib” around their neck.
- The classic tuxedo pattern is 50% black and 50% white, but some cats may have more or less black fur.
- The tuxedo coat pattern is created by a gene that controls the production of melanin, the pigment that gives fur its colour. This gene comes in two forms, or alleles: one for black fur (B) and one for red fur (b). Cats with two copies of the black allele (BB) are completely black. Cats with two copies of the red allele (bb) are orange, cream, or another light colour. Tuxedo cats have one copy of the black allele and one copy of the red allele (Bb), so they are a mix of black and white.
- Tuxedo cats can be any colour or combination of colours, but they must have both black and white fur to be considered tuxedos. The most common eye colour for tuxedo cats is green, but they can also have blue, hazel, or yellow eyes.
- Tuxedo cats are often born in litters that contain both tuxedos and non-tuxedos.
- The tuxedo coat pattern is sometimes called “pied” or “magpie.”
- Tuxedo cats are popular in the United States, but they are also found in other countries around the world.
- Some famous tuxedo cats include Mr Bigglesworth from the Austin Powers movies, Felix the Cat, and Sylvester the Cat from Looney Tunes.
