![]() ![]() Similarly, you can watch this awesome video to get a grasp on cat color genetics, specifically, the tabby gene:Ħ. If you are interested in all of the nitty-gritty of feline genetics because you are one of those devoted tabby cat owners, you can geek out on a published study regarding tabby pattern genetics. Other tabby cats can be born as long as one of their parents is shaded or tabby. Meanwhile, this is not the case for other colors of the tabby cat. The unique thing about grey tabbies compared to other tabby colors is that a grey tabby must have at least one grey tabby parent. When a kitten has a dominant agouti gene, its hairs create a banding pattern of alternating colors. The agouti gene controls the agouti signaling protein, which is responsible for switching between coat color pigments. Luckily, we don’t need to understand its entirety to learn about the grey tabby cat.įor starters, the important thing to remember is that all tabby cats, including grey tabbies, carry a dominant agouti gene or the tabby gene. But what exactly makes a cat exhibit tabby markings? Moreover, what is unique with the grey tabby cat?įeline coat genetics is quite a complicated topic. All Gray Tabby Cats Share a Unique GeneĪbout 60% to 70% of domestic cats are tabby cats. Other possible hybrids include the Persian Rex mix, Maine Coon Scottish Fold mix, and more. These hybrids are only a few of the many possible mixes that result in grey tabby cats. Take a look at this photo of a Maine Coon Persian grey tabby mix: In fact, there are arguably more tabby cat hybrids than purebred tabbies! There are also hybrid cats that can exhibit a grey coat with tabby markings or patterns. Grey Tabby Cats Can Be HybridsĪs expected, not all grey tabby cats are purebreds. READ NEXT: Scottish Fold Munchkin Cat: The Instagram Famous Cat We All Love 4. Perhaps you can start your search by looking at the grey tabby Maine Coon, grey tabby Persian, and grey tabby Scottish Fold. ![]() Lynx Point Siamese (Colorpoint Shorthairs)Īs you can see, there are a lot of cat breeds to choose from if you are looking for a purebred gray tabby cat.Here’s a list of all purebred cats that can have grey tabby patterns: To be specific, the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) lists 25 cat breeds that can exhibit the tabby pattern. Many purebred cats can be considered grey tabby cats. Moreover, a kitten with a grey coat color that displays tabby markings is known as a grey tabby cat. That said, any cat that exhibits tabby fur is considered a tabby cat. Stripes, whorls, or spots characterize the tabby pattern, and it is present in both wild and domesticated felines. Instead, it is a coat pattern which, in this case, includes a grey fur color. In case you missed it, the tabby cat is not a cat breed. Basically, the study found convincing evidence that confirms the tie between domesticated tabby cats and African Wildcats. Moreover, you can also go through the study in Nature Ecology & Evolution. If you want scientific proof that these cats are indeed related, read this article by ABC News. However, this example serves as a solid clue as to what their ancestors are. Of course, not all grey tabbies will resemble the African Wildcat by this much. Notice how the pattern of the grey tabby cat resembles the coat pattern on the African Wildcat. Tabby cats are believed to be descendants of a wild cat, specifically the African Wildcat, and it’s easy to see why! However, they were later on brought to the United States by breeders and owners who migrated. The very first tabby cats were bred in Europe. Grey tabby cats were first domesticated sometime in the 17th century. Grey Tabby Cats Are Descendants of Wildcats However, nothing is surprising about this! 2. That said, it might be typical for a gray tabby cat to bring dead rodents and dead birds inside the house. Moreover, these kitties can also run blazingly fast at 30 miles per hour! Grey tabby cats can jump at least five feet in height without running. These cats are built for speed and flexibility. One of the reasons why they make excellent mouse hunters is their athletic bodies. In fact, a grey tabby cat would make excellent pest control around the house! These cats are naturally inclined to chase rodents and other crawlers just like wild cats. Grey tabbies, as well as most tabby cats, in general, are known for their excellent hunting skills. Grey Tabby Cats Are Excellent Mouse Hunters Final Thoughts: Should You Get a Gray Tabby Cat? 1. ![]()
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