Tabby Cat Coat Markings


Welcome To The Tabby Gene Connection	Common Characteristics To All Tabbies The eyelid skin is dark in color creating an exotic eye liner effect that the Egyptians probably imitated. The liner is surrounded by light colored fur creating rims around the eyes. Light colored fur on the chin. The roots of whiskers are accentuated by dark spots. Mascara lines run from the outer corner of the eye toward the cheek. The classic M on the forehead above the eyes. Giving the effect of boots, the darkest color in the pattern covers the bottom of the feet and between the toes. It goes up the back legs to the hock and covers the tip of the tail. Tabby is the coat pattern on all cats of any breed or derivation. All domestic cats have tabby genes in their genotype. There are four variations of this gene.
Tabby Cat - SaSha Chan		Ticked Tabby Is the most dominant tabby form, the non tabby pattern on the body. The Abyssinian is a ticked tabby. Rings on the tail, bracelets on the legs, and necklaces extending into the chest area. From the M on the forehead, lines run over the head and blend into the ticked area. The dark spine is created by broad bands of ticking all the way down to the tip of the tail.
		Mackerel Tabby Is the most common among domestic cats. Distinct thin lines that start from the M, and form three lines that continue down the spine to the base of the tail which should have several complete rings. Legs are evenly barred with thin bracelets. Complete or broken multiple necklaces that adorn the neck and chest area. Covering the shoulders and body thin vertical stripes to the belly that is often plain colored with vest buttons or spots.
		Classic Tabby Is tops in pedigreed cats! Bold lines that are much broader and striking than a mackerel. The shoulders and sides have curves and circles, creating a clear large butterfly wing pattern on the body and a smaller one across the shoulders. The large dot in the wing on the body is called the bull's eye.
		Spotted Tabby Is quite rare, it's a make-up of large and small, round or oblong spots like a wild cat. They are not arranged in lines or rows. Complete bracelets like a mackerel or classic, and defined vest buttons on the belly. Lines begin at the top of the head and break into large elongated spots that go along the spine to the base of the tail which is ringed and dark tipped.
Tabby Cat - SaShaChan © www.members.shaw.ca/sashachan/