The tuxedo cat has a bi-colored coat pattern that is usually black and white. The coat combines a large area of unpigmented hair, typically white, and patches of pigmented hair, typically black. The coats of some cats may be a combination of one main color (gray, silver, orange, or tortoiseshell) and patches of unpigmented hair (white). What breed is a tuxedo cat?
You will be surprised to find out that tuxedo cats, also called tuxies, are not a breed. The name refers to their distinct coat pattern that closely resembles a tuxedo.
Read on to find out more about some interesting facts of a tuxedo cat.
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Is A Tuxedo Cat A Rare Breed?
The tuxedo cat are actually quite common and can be seen in almost any breed. The coats of most tuxedo cats are primarily black. The white patches usually show up on the chest, throat, paws, belly, and sometimes, on the face.
The white patches are attributed to the white spotting genes. Some cats exhibit less white color on their coats; others, more, depending on the effects of the said genes.
There are also other variations of the two colors on a tuxedo cat’s coat.
The Van pattern refers to a coat that is predominantly white with the colored patches found on the cap of the head and on the end of the tail.
The Cap and Saddle pattern refers to a coat with a black patch on the head (and sometimes even just on the cat’s ears), and a streak of black across the tail, buttocks, and certain areas of the back.
The Mask pattern refers to a coat with a white blaze (sometimes thick, sometimes thin) in between the eyes cutting across the black color, making it appear as if the cat has an eye mask on.
The Magpie or Harlequin pattern refers to a coat that has patches of white and black randomly scattered across it. Some cats may look like they are wearing bowties because of the spots that fall right on their throats.
The color of their eyes is another distinctive feature of tuxedo cats. Most tuxedo cats have eyes that are green – bluish green, golden green, or bright green. This stunning and gorgeous color is also attributed to the gene that is responsible for the tuxedo cat’s distinguished coat.
A majority of tuxedo cats have white whiskers. Many cats have the same feature. However, the white whiskers in the tuxedo cat look particularly charming as they are set against the black face.
What Does A Tuxedo Cat Symbolize?
The people of ancient Egypt worshipped cats the way they worshipped their gods and goddesses. They mummified cats like they did royalty. They included cats in their hieroglyphics, art, and sculptures. They did all these because they believed that cats had ‘divine energy.’
It is interesting to note that 70% of the cats featured in the artwork and tombs of ancient Egypt are tuxedo cats. It is also fascinating to see how the high esteem that people have for tuxedo cats continue to this day – long after the passage of their glory days among the early Egyptians.
Modern history tells us that tuxedo cats served as faithful companions to note-worthy people like William Shakespeare, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Sir Isaac Newton.
Most Americans know about Socks, President Bill Clinton’s faithful tuxedo cat who moved into the White House with the first family.
Even pop culture has its own share of tuxedo cats. The following are some of the fictitious tuxedo cats that have claim to fame:
- The Cat in the Hat, the playful and impish cat that Dr. Seuss features in his children’s books
- Tom, the cartoon character who plays the other half of Warner Brothers’ Tom and Jerry duo
- Sylvester, the cat of ‘Looney Tunes,’ (also by Warner Brothers)
- Figaro, Gepetto’s pet cat in the movie ‘Pinocchio’
Are Tuxedo Cats Really Smarter?
Tuxedo cats are smart, elegant, and cool-looking pets. Some say that their intelligence can be more than 150% of regular cats. These cats do well as house pets because of their intelligent, sociable, and affectionate nature. They do not only look cool and distinctive; they are also quite extraordinary in manner and demeanor.
Tuxedo cats usually come from the following breeds:
- American Shorthair
- Exotic Shorthair
- British Shorthair
- Scottish Fold
- Maine Coon
- Turkish Angora
- Persian
Although tuxedo cats do not belong to one particular cat breed, most of them share certain distinct traits or characteristics.
Tuxedo cats are bright and intelligent. They are easy to train. They have no problem learning and carrying out tasks that call for obedience, adaptability, and sociability.
Are Tuxedo Cats Affectionate?
Some cats are by nature mean and unfriendly. They want to be left alone. You cannot say the same thing about tuxedo cats. They are amiable in nature and can readily make friends with human beings or with other pets.
Once you have tamed and made friends with a tuxedo cat, you will find him a warm and loyal pet, one who cherishes your companionship.
A tuxedo cat enjoys cuddling or nestling close to you. He is one cute affectionate cat who absolutely adores curling up like a sweet and delightful furry ball near you or rubbing his smooth little body contentedly against your legs. He is likely to follow you around the house.
A tuxedo cat has an enthusiastic, outgoing, and lively disposition. He is playful. He is easy-going, relaxed, and enjoys playing around with you or with other pets.
Are Tuxedo Cats Considered Black?
Tuxedo cats can also be described as a bipolar cat. Although most tuxedo cats are black and white, these beautiful pussy coats can also be dark gray, silver and in rare cases red, orange or brown.
How Much Is A Tuxedo Cat Worth?
A typical premium breed tuxedo cat can cost between $1,000 to $2,000. If you really want to own one but is tight on budget, you can consider adopting them. Here are some reputable sources to consider.
- Petfinder – Allows you to find and adopt a cat that is nearest to your home
- Kitten Rescue – A non-profit, volunteer-run organization devoted to finding loving new homes for unwanted, homeless cats and kittens
- Cat Adoption Team – Largest nonprofit, adoption guarantee cat shelter in the Pacific Northwest
What Do Tuxedo Cats Eat?
Tuxedo cats diet does not differ much from other regular cats. Wet food will be best recommended for them but you can also feed them dry food as snacks when needed. You can also consider making healthy homemade cat food for them.
Care and Grooming
A tuxedo cat is not a breed. Thus, your pet’s health issues depend on what breed(s) of cats he comes from. Generally, a tuxedo cat is susceptible to the same health issues that other cats are predisposed to.
The health and physical condition of your tuxedo cat also depends on his breed. For example, a Maine Coon will usually weigh between 15 and 25 pounds while an American Shorthair, between 11 and 15 pounds.
Your tuxedo cat’s coat may look unique and extraordinary because of its markings, but it does not really require special grooming.
Give your tuxedo cat’s coat a weekly brushing to get rid of dander and dead hair, and prevent matting. Trim his nails twice or thrice a month to keep them from getting too sharp or dirty.
Give your cat sufficient play time and toys to keep him physically and mentally stimulated. Your cat will appreciate some private time, too, so give him a safe, private, and quiet personal space.
[Related Article: 27 Amazing Ways To Keep Bugs Away From Cat Food!!]
How Long Do Tuxedo Cats Live?
The tuxedo cat’s lifespan is also breed-dependent. In general, a healthy cat that is raised indoors can live up to 11-17 years.
Your tuxedo cat’s health concerns are also breed-dependent. Talk to your veterinarian if you notice anything different about your pet’s health.
