Many people assume tabby cats are a specific breed, but the term “tabby” actually refers to a coat pattern that can appear in various full breeds and mixed-breed cats. These beloved felines are known for their distinctive “M” shaped marking on the forehead, along with stripes, dots, or swirling patterns on their coats.
Here are 15 tabby cat breeds that will steal your heart and become your purr-fect companion.
1. Maine Coon
The Maine Coon is a large, friendly breed known for its lush, tabby-patterned coat. These gentle giants are often referred to as the “dogs of the cat world” due to their loyal and affectionate nature.
- Can weigh up to 18 pounds
- Comes in a variety of tabby patterns, including classic and mackerel
- Highly intelligent and easily trainable
2. American Shorthair
American Shorthairs are a popular breed that frequently sports the classic tabby pattern. These cats are known for their adaptability and even temperament, making them excellent family pets.
- Medium-sized breed weighing 8-15 pounds
- Often has a silver tabby coat with bold, black stripes
- Low-maintenance grooming needs
3. Bengal
Bengals are a striking breed that showcases a wild-looking spotted or marbled tabby coat. These active and curious cats are a cross between domestic cats and Asian Leopard Cats.
- Typically weighs 8-15 pounds
- Has a sleek, athletic build
- Requires plenty of mental and physical stimulation
4. Abyssinian
The Abyssinian is a slender, elegant breed that often displays a ticked tabby pattern. These cats are known for their playful, energetic personalities and love of heights.
5. British Shorthair
British Shorthairs are a sturdy, round-faced breed that commonly features a classic tabby pattern. These cats are known for their calm, affectionate nature and adaptability to various living situations.
- Medium to large breed weighing 9-18 pounds
- Often has a dense, plush coat in a variety of tabby patterns
- Relatively low-energy and easy-going
6. Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau is a sleek, spotted tabby breed believed to be descended from ancient Egyptian cats. These athletic felines are known for their speed and vocal nature.
- Medium-sized breed weighing 6-14 pounds
- Has a unique, naturally occurring spotted tabby coat
- Fiercely loyal to their family
7. Ocicat
Ocicats are a striking spotted tabby breed that resemble wild cats but have a domestic temperament. These intelligent, active cats thrive on human interaction and playtime.
- Medium to large breed weighing 7-15 pounds
- Has a distinct spotted tabby coat in various colors
- Highly social and adaptable to new situations
8. Oriental Shorthair
Oriental Shorthairs are a sleek, elegant breed that can display a variety of tabby patterns. These cats are known for their outgoing, talkative nature and love of attention.
- Slender build typically weighing 5-10 pounds
- Can have classic, mackerel, spotted, or ticked tabby patterns
- Highly intelligent and interactive
9. Norwegian Forest Cat
Norwegian Forest Cats are a large, sturdy breed that often sports a classic tabby pattern. These cats are known for their gentle, adaptable nature and lush, water-resistant coat.
- Can weigh up to 20 pounds
- Often has a long, thick coat in a variety of tabby patterns
- Highly independent but affectionate with family
10. Siberian
Siberians are a large, muscular breed that frequently displays a mackerel tabby pattern. These cats are known for their playful, energetic personalities and thick, luxurious coats.
- Can weigh up to 20 pounds
- Often has a dense, triple coat in various tabby patterns
- Highly intelligent and interactive with family
11. American Bobtail
American Bobtails are a medium to large breed known for their wild appearance and short, bobbed tail. These cats often display a mackerel or spotted tabby pattern.
- Typically weighs 7-16 pounds
- Has a naturally short, bobbed tail
- Highly adaptable and friendly with family and other pets
12. Manx
The Manx is a medium-sized breed known for its round appearance and lack of a tail. These cats can display a variety of tabby patterns, including classic and mackerel.
- Typically weighs 8-12 pounds
- Can be completely tailless or have a short stub
- Highly playful and affectionate with family
13. Exotic Shorthair
Exotic Shorthairs are a round-faced, short-coated breed that can display a variety of tabby patterns. These cats are known for their calm, affectionate nature and adaptability.
- Medium-sized breed weighing 7-14 pounds
- Can have classic, mackerel, or spotted tabby patterns
- Low-maintenance grooming needs
14. Somali
The Somali is a medium-sized breed known for its lush, ticked tabby coat. These cats are the long-haired version of the Abyssinian and share their playful, curious personality.
- Typically weighs 6-12 pounds
- Has a fluffy, ticked tabby coat in various colors
- Highly active and interactive with family
15. Turkish Van
Turkish Vans are a large, muscular breed known for their unique, van-patterned coat. These cats often display tabby markings on their head and tail.
- Can weigh up to 20 pounds
- Has a semi-long, water-resistant coat with tabby markings
- Highly energetic and playful
No matter which tabby cat breed you choose, you’ll be gaining a beautiful, loving companion that will bring joy and entertainment to your life for years to come.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.