Contrary to popular belief, the gray tabby cat (or gray tabby cat which is also correct), is not a specific breed itself, but rather a coat pattern and color that many cat breeds may have.
The tabby pattern, with the signature “M” on the cat’s forehead, and beautiful intricate markings, are what make this domestic cat so adored. Because of their tabby coat, they are also known as tiger cats.
The hairs on this type of cat are composed of different color pigmentation known as agouti hairs. This type of fur is specific to tabby cats.
Many cat owners say that their tabby is an affectionate, playful, and adorable family pet that likes cuddling and purring all day.
If you’re interested in knowing what breeds can have gray tabby patterns, what these cats are like, and you want to learn more about their unique history, read on!
1. Beautiful Eye Color
Credit: Shutterstock
Gray tabby cats’ eyes may appear in a variety of different colors such as green, blue, red, hazel, orange, etc. Moreover, tabbies can have heterochromia, which means that each eye can be a different color.
In addition, their paw pads can be brick red or gray in color. As far as the color of their nose is concerned, this is usually determined by genetics, but nose color can also change throughout their life.
2. Different Coat Types
Credit: Shutterstock
Tabbies can have long or short coats, and it is interesting that longhaired tabbies are easier to groom than shorthaired ones because they shed less. There are lots of interesting facts about their coats.
Have you ever seen a solid-colored kitty lying in the sun and noticed traces of tabby markings on its coat? Depending on the breed, almost all cats have some degree of the tabby coat pattern, though sometimes it is barely visible.
3. Tabby Patterns Are Ancient
Credit: Shutterstock
The tabby coat pattern dates back to ancient wildcats and is one of the oldest feline patterns in existence. It’s a genetic link to their wild ancestors. How fascinating, right?
4. They Come In Four Pattern Types
Credit: Shutterstock
Gray tabby cats can have classic (swirled), mackerel (striped), spotted, or ticked patterns. Each variation adds to their charm. And of course, each one of them is adorable!
3. Temperament Of Gray Tabby Cats
Credit: Shutterstock
The temperament of gray tabbies is usually determined by the specific breed of cat. But, even though every breed is different and each of them has its own personal traits, there are some characteristics that are believed to be common for all tabbies.
Tabbies are known to be excellent hunters and therefore they would make a perfect house companion if you have a rodent problem in your house or barn.
Their tabby stripes are great camouflage and make them invisible to prey while their strong bodies enable them to move without making a sound.
4. Perfect Roommates
Credit: Shutterstock
These friendly, family-loving felines can be purrfect companions. They get along with children and even with other pets.
They are social and curious cats who will follow you everywhere around the house for a moment of attention. When they feel the need for personal space, they will leave your side and rest elsewhere.
Cat owners will say that the orange tabby cat is probably the most affectionate type of tabby. Because of their gentle and good nature, tabbies are a popular choice for therapy animals, and having one will certainly make you feel better and happier.
5. Health & Lifespan
Credit: Shutterstock
Just like their temperament, the health and lifespan of gray tabby cats are also determined by their breed.
However, these kitties have a natural instinct to feed whenever they please, so you might want to be careful with the cat food, as some breeds tend to overeat, leading to health issues such as obesity.
Since these cats are constantly on the lookout for food, they might eat something that can upset their little tummies. This can make them vomit and cough, so if you notice a sudden change in their behavior, take them to the vet immediately.
Other health problems that these cats are prone to are issues with the urinary tract and hyperthyroidism.
As far as their lifespan is concerned, indoor tabby cats can live up to 18 years which is quite long compared to outdoor cats. Due to the many dangers lurking outside, it is believed that outdoor-only cats live no more than 5 years.
6. The Gray Tabby Cat’s Genetics
Credit: Shutterstock
An interesting fact about cat coat patterns is that almost all felines have tabby markings on their bodies. Some are visible and some are not. This is due to the fact that only recognizable tabby cats have agouti hairs.
Agouti gene
The tabby gene that is responsible for this pattern, is called the agouti gene. There are two possible alleles when it comes to deciding the color of a cat.
One is an ‘A‘ gene – a dominant agouti gene and the other one is an ‘a’ – a recessive non-agouti gene. The combination that will make your cat a tabby is the A/A or A/a.
7. The Name Origin
Credit: Shutterstock
Scientists have traced the DNA of these beloved cats and they believe that the tabby coat pattern appeared in the Middle Ages, but it only became common sometime in the 18th century.
It is believed that the word “tabby” originated from the French word “tabi” meaning taffeta which is a type of silk fabric that originated from the Middle French word “atabis”, somewhere in the 14th century.
The word “atabis” derives from the Arabic term “attabiya” which is actually a reference to the district of Baghdad called Attabiya, famous for its striped silk.
There are also some connections to the Spanish word “ataviar” which can be translated as “to decorate” or “to wear”. Finally, the name “tabby” started to be used in the 17th century.
8. Purebred Gray Tabby Cats
Credit: Shutterstock
Gray tabbies are not a specific breed of cat, but a coat color and pattern that determines the cat’s appearance. However, there are many purebred cat breeds that can have this particular coat combination.
9. Hybrid gray Tabby Cats
Credit: Shutterstock
The gray tabby pattern isn’t particular to purebred cats. In fact, there are more hybrid gray tabby cats than purebred ones.
Some of these mixes include: Persian Rex, Persian Ragdoll, Maine Coon Scottish Fold, Maine Coon Persian, and many more.
10. The Beauty Behind The “M” Shape Marking
Credit: Shutterstock
All tabby cats have a distinctive marking in the shape of the letter “M” on their foreheads. There are a few popular myths about how this mark appeared.
One myth talks about how the prophet Muhammed chose his favorite cat and laid his hand on its head, hence the marking.
Another story tells of how the cat stopped baby Jesus’s cries when it started to purr and the Virgin Mary marked its face as a sign of gratitude.
The Egyptian word for cat is “Mau”, and since the cats were considered gods by the Egyptians, the marking “M” is believed to represent the name Mau.
The last one is quite a cute idea. It is believed that the mark “M” is just a frown, created by a cat concentrating on a mouse mole!
11. Gray Tabby Cats Are Famous For World Records
Credit: Shutterstock
A gray tabby cat named Stewie held two Guinness World Records for being the longest cat in the world. Stewie was a gray tabby Maine Coon cat, the breed that is ever popular for its large size.
Sadly, this kitty passed away in 2013, but his name is still in the Guinness Book of World Records.
12. Gray Tabby Cats Were Toy Inspiration
Credit: Shutterstock
Ithaca Kitty, the first American stuffed toy, was inspired by a gray tabby called Caesar Grimalkin. It was designed by Celia Mattison Smith and Charity Smith and patented in 1892.
Shortly after that, the stuffed toy appeared in shops all around the country. Nowadays, gray tabby cats continue to inspire people all around the world.
13. National Tabby Day
Credit: Shutterstock
Believe it or not, the National Tabby Day is a real thing which takes place on the 30th of April. On this day, these lovely cats receive extra treats and belly rubs.
A good thing to know is that a lot of breeders give at least a small discount on gray tabby cats on their national day.
14. Their Stripes Are Like Fingerprints
Credit: Shutterstock
No two gray tabby cats have the same stripe pattern. Their markings are as unique as a human fingerprint, making each one truly one of a kind. What unique little felines!
15. They’re Surprisingly Intelligent
Credit: Shutterstock
Tabbies are known for their curiosity and problem-solving skills. They love exploring, learning new tricks, and even figuring out how to open doors!