The tuxedo cat is not a breed of cat! This is a type of coat pattern that looks like the cat is wearing a tuxedo. These cats are bicolor cats comprised of two colors. In this case, the predominant color is black.
One of the best facts about tuxedo cats? Do you love the musical, 'Cats!'? Tuxedo cats are also called Jellicle cats, which comes from "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" by T.S. Elliot. This book was the basis for the musical Cats! This is my fave Broadway show.
Are these felines easy to care for and live with?
Tuxedo cat appearance and personality
The Spruce Pets tells us that the bicolor pattern is noted in the breed standards for the American shorthair, British Shorthair, Maine coon, Manx, Norwegian Forest Cat, Scottish fold, Turkish Angora, and Turkish Van. Tuxedo cats have a mostly black coat, with patches of white on the legs, chest, face, and throat.
Breeds are typically 6 to 16 pounds and live up to 15 years.
They typically have green to greenish-gold color eyes. Tuxies also have mostly white whiskers. Yes, you can call them 'tuxies' if you like! These cats tend to be sassy!
Do any other cats have cool, patterned coats?
Yes! We've written about both and you know them well.
Tabby cats are also not a breed. The tabby has a distinct coat pattern and you'll see a striped, spotted, or swirling coloration with many different shades of brown and gold.
This also goes for Calico cats! They are mostly white, with patches of two other colors, the most common being orange and black.
Tuxedo cats are crazy loyal
These cats have a lot of love to give!
Thank you Catster for this story!
"In the book, 100 Cats Who Changed Civilization: History's Most Influential Felines, the author features a tuxedo kitty named Trixy. When Trixy's cat dad was sentenced to prison in 1601, the dedicated cat stuck by his side until his release. It's unknown how she got from their home to London Tower, but it's another testament to that spunky tuxitude!"
Other fun facts
- Tuxedo black and white coloring can show up in both female and male cats.
- Famous tuxedo cats are Felix the Cat and Sylvester the Cat.
- If you haven't ever met a tuxedo kitten you should spend some time on Instagram. Adorable!
- This isn't a cat breed! It's a color pattern so you can always remember that there are many breeds you'll find that are black and white cats.
- Many cat lovers love this tuxedo pattern swear they are the friendliest cats ever.
- Personality traits vary and will likely be close to the breed 'personality'
- Black cats may have a white patch on their chest or they may have white paws (socks). The white chest is considered a tuxedo cat even by purists.
- You can always ask your vet about torties or calico cats that also have unique color patters. Or if you're hoping to adopt one of these cats call your animal shelter to see what cats are up for adoption.
Do you live with a Tuxedo cat? Please let us know what you love about them in the comments.
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