Tabby cats are not a breed but a popular coat pattern found in many cats around the world. From bold swirls to soft stripes, tabby cats come in different colors and designs that make each one unique.
In this article, I’ll walk you through 12 well-known types of tabby cats, including how to identify them and what makes each type special. Whether you’re a cat lover or just curious, you’ll enjoy learning about these beautiful and friendly felines.
1. Classic Tabby Cat
The Classic Tabby is one of the most well-known tabby cat patterns. It has bold, swirling patterns that look like marble or a bullseye on the sides. This type is easy to spot and is often seen in domestic cats and some pure breeds like the American Shorthair.
Appearance
Classic Tabby cats have thick, dark stripes that curve and swirl across their sides and back. Their base color can be brown, gray, orange, or even cream. The markings are usually a darker shade than the rest of the body. Their chest and belly often have lighter fur with small spots or lines. One special feature is the “M” shaped mark on the forehead, which is common in all tabbies.
Identification
- Bold, swirling patterns on the sides
- “M” shape on the forehead
- Thick, dark stripes down the legs and tail
- Lighter belly with spots or bars
- Common in American Shorthair cats
- Often brown or gray with darker markings
Behavior
Classic Tabbies are not a breed, so behavior depends on their breed and personality. However, many Classic Tabbies are friendly, playful, and easygoing. They often enjoy being around people and can adapt well to indoor living.
Fun Fact
The Classic Tabby pattern is also called the “blotched tabby” in the UK. It’s thought to be one of the oldest natural cat patterns in the world.
2. Mackerel Tabby Cat
The Mackerel Tabby is the most common tabby pattern seen in cats. It has narrow stripes that run vertically down the sides, like the bones of a fish—this is where the name “mackerel” comes from. These cats are often called “tiger cats” because of their striped look.
Appearance
Mackerel Tabbies have a main stripe down the spine, with smaller, straight lines going down the sides. The stripes are evenly spaced and can look like a tiger’s coat. Their face usually has clear markings, including lines from the eyes and the classic “M” on the forehead.
Identification
- Thin, vertical stripes along the sides
- One dark stripe down the spine
- “M” shape on the forehead
- Striped legs and tail
- May be brown, gray, orange, or silver
- Sometimes called “tiger tabby”
Behavior
These tabby cats are usually playful and energetic. Because this pattern is found in many breeds and mixes, behavior depends on the cat’s background. Most are friendly and enjoy human company.
Fun Fact
The Mackerel Tabby pattern is believed to come from wild cats, making it one of the oldest and most natural coat patterns in domestic cats.
3. Spotted Tabby Cat
The Spotted Tabby is known for its unique spots that cover the body instead of stripes. The spots can be small or large, round or oval. Each spotted tabby looks a bit different, and that makes them special.
Appearance
Spotted Tabbies have a dotted look, with dark spots on a lighter background. The spots may be spread out or close together. The background color can be brown, gray, gold, or silver. Like all tabbies, they also have an “M” marking on the forehead and facial stripes.
Identification
- Round or oval spots on the body
- No stripes along the sides
- “M” mark on forehead
- Spotted belly
- Common in breeds like Bengal and Ocicat
- Background color varies (brown, gold, gray, etc.)
Behavior
Spotted Tabby cats are often very active and intelligent, especially if they belong to breeds like the Bengal. They love to play, explore, and climb. Mixed-breed spotted tabbies may also be friendly and social.
Fun Fact
In some spotted tabbies, the spots are actually broken stripes caused by genetics. This creates a beautiful, wild look that many people love.
4. Ticked Tabby Cat
The Ticked Tabby is different from the other types. It doesn’t have stripes or spots on the body. Instead, each hair has multiple bands of color. This gives the cat a soft, even color across the body with a glowing look. The face and legs still show typical tabby markings.
Appearance
At first glance, a ticked tabby might not look like a tabby at all. The coat looks smooth and even, with no strong lines. But if you look closely, each hair has several color bands. The face has clear tabby lines, especially the “M” on the forehead and lines on the cheeks.
Identification
- No clear stripes or spots on the body
- Each hair has bands of different colors
- “M” shape on the forehead
- Faint lines on face and legs
- Common in Abyssinian and Somali breeds
- Coat often appears glowing or smooth
Behavior
Ticked Tabby cats, especially Abyssinians, are known for being active, curious, and loving. They enjoy playing and often form strong bonds with their owners.
Fun Fact
The ticked pattern is sometimes called “agouti.” This type of coloring is also seen in wild animals like deer and rabbits, which helps them blend into nature.
5. Patched Tabby Cat (Torbie)
The Patched Tabby, often called a “Torbie,” is a mix of tabby and tortoiseshell patterns. These cats have the usual tabby stripes or spots, but they also have patches of red, orange, or cream. Each Torbie is unique, and their mix of colors is always different.
Appearance
Patched Tabbies have both tabby markings and tortoiseshell colors. They may have stripes on the legs and tail, with patches of color on the back or face. Some even have a split face—half orange, half brown. The base color can be black, gray, or brown, with red or cream mixed in.
Identification
- Mix of tabby pattern and tortoiseshell color
- “M” shape on forehead
- Red or orange patches with stripes or spots
- Split color face in some cats
- Common in females
- Very rare in males
Behavior
Patched Tabbies are often playful, curious, and full of personality. Because they are usually female, their behavior can be affectionate but also a little sassy.
Fun Fact
Almost all Torbies are female. This is because the genes for tortoiseshell coloring are carried on the X chromosome, and two Xs are needed for the color mix.
6. Brown Tabby Cat
Brown Tabbies are the most common tabby cats. They have dark markings—usually black or dark brown—on a lighter brown or tan background. This pattern appears in all tabby styles, like classic, mackerel, spotted, and ticked.
Appearance
Brown Tabbies are easy to recognize. They have rich brown fur with darker stripes, swirls, or spots, depending on the pattern type. Their chest and belly are often lighter, and like all tabbies, they have the classic “M” marking on the forehead.
Identification
- Dark brown or black markings on a warm brown base
- Seen in classic, mackerel, spotted, or ticked patterns
- “M” shape on the forehead
- Lighter chest and belly
- Common in many breeds and mixed-breed cats
- Very common worldwide
Behavior
Brown Tabbies are not a specific breed, so their behavior varies. However, many are friendly, calm, and good with people. They often adjust well to homes with kids or other pets.
Fun Fact
Because it’s so common, the brown tabby pattern is sometimes considered the “default” look of a domestic cat.
7. Red (Orange) Tabby Cat
Red or Orange Tabbies are well-loved for their bright and cheerful color. People often call them “ginger cats” or “marmalade cats.” These cats are usually male and come in all tabby patterns.
Appearance
Red Tabbies can range in color from light cream to deep orange. Their stripes or spots are often a darker orange or reddish tone. Some have white chests or paws. The tabby pattern is usually very visible because of the strong color contrast.
Identification
- Bright orange or reddish fur
- Darker orange or red tabby markings
- Common in mackerel and classic patterns
- “M” mark on forehead
- Often has white chest or paws
- Most red tabbies are male
Behavior
Red Tabbies are known for being friendly and easygoing. Many owners say their orange cats are very affectionate and social.
Fun Fact
About 80% of orange tabby cats are male due to genetics. That’s why female orange tabbies are rarer.
8. Silver Tabby Cat
Silver Tabbies have a cool and striking look. Their markings are usually black or dark gray, placed on a shiny silver or pale gray background. This pattern looks very clean and bold, and it’s popular in both show cats and house cats.
Appearance
The silver tabby has clear dark lines, swirls, or spots depending on the pattern type—classic, mackerel, spotted, or ticked. The base coat is light gray or silvery white, giving the cat a very sleek and modern look. The eyes are often green or golden, adding even more contrast.
Identification
- Silver or pale gray base coat
- Black or dark gray tabby markings
- Common in all tabby patterns
- “M” shape on forehead
- Often shiny or metallic-looking coat
- Found in breeds like the British Shorthair and American Shorthair
Behavior
Silver Tabbies, like other tabbies, are known for being friendly, calm, and easy to care for. Breed background will affect personality more than the coat pattern.
Fun Fact
The silver color comes from a special gene that removes yellow tones from the fur, giving the coat its cool, bright look.
9. Blue Tabby Cat
Blue Tabbies are not actually blue, but a soft gray with bluish tones. Their markings are a darker blue-gray, and the background color is a lighter, dusty gray. This tabby type looks gentle and calm, often seen in pure breeds and mixed cats.
Appearance
Blue Tabbies have a cool-toned coat with soft, smooth stripes or spots. Their noses and paw pads are usually gray or lavender-pink. Like all tabbies, they also have the classic “M” on the forehead and lines on the face.
Identification
- Light gray (blue) coat with darker gray markings
- Can appear in classic, mackerel, or spotted patterns
- “M” mark on forehead
- Soft, bluish glow to the coat
- Gray or lavender-colored nose and paw pads
- Common in Russian Blue, British Shorthair, and Maine Coon cats
Behavior
Blue Tabbies are often gentle, sweet, and quiet—especially in breeds like the Russian Blue. But every cat is different, so behavior can vary.
Fun Fact
The term “blue” is used in cat breeding to describe this soft gray color. It’s especially popular because it looks so elegant and calming.
10. Cream Tabby Cat
Cream Tabbies have a soft, pale appearance. Their coat is usually a light beige or off-white color with slightly darker cream-colored stripes, swirls, or spots. This is a dilute version of the red (orange) tabby.
Appearance
Cream Tabbies are light-colored cats with subtle tabby markings. The pattern can be classic, mackerel, or spotted, but the contrast between the markings and the background is softer. They often have light pink noses and paw pads, and their eyes are usually gold or amber.
Identification
- Light cream or beige fur with darker cream markings
- Gentle striping or swirls (not bold)
- Common in dilute breeds
- “M” shape on forehead
- Pink nose and paw pads
- Often seen in breeds like the Persian or British Shorthair
Behavior
Cream Tabbies are often gentle and affectionate. They tend to be calm and adapt well to quiet homes. Their behavior depends more on their breed, but many are easy to handle and enjoy cuddles.
Fun Fact
Cream coloring is caused by a dilution gene that lightens red or orange fur, giving these cats their soft pastel tone.
11. Tortoiseshell Tabby Cat (Torbie)
A Torbie, short for tortoiseshell-tabby, is a cat that has both tortoiseshell colors and tabby markings. This mix makes each cat look unique, with a blend of stripes and mottled patches of red, orange, and black.
Appearance
Torbie cats usually have tabby striping over a tortoiseshell base. Their coat may show patches of orange and black with lines or spots mixed in. The pattern can appear random, giving each Torbie a one-of-a-kind look. They always have the tabby “M” on their forehead.
Identification
- Mix of tabby stripes and tortoiseshell colors
- Orange and black or gray patches
- May show stripes, swirls, or spots
- “M” on forehead
- Nearly always female
- Found in both short and long-haired cats
Behavior
Torbie cats are often playful, strong-willed, and bold. Many owners say they have big personalities, which may be part of the “tortitude” reputation tortoiseshell cats are known for.
Fun Fact
Torbie cats are almost always female due to the genetics behind their coloring. Male Torbies are extremely rare and usually sterile.
12. Calico Tabby Cat (Caliby)
A Caliby is a mix of calico and tabby patterns. These cats have the three-color coat of a calico (white, orange, and black or gray) along with visible tabby stripes or spots. The result is a colorful and patterned coat that stands out.
Appearance
Caliby cats usually have large white areas, along with orange and black or gray patches that show tabby markings. The tabby stripes or spots are most noticeable in the orange or gray areas. Like all tabbies, they have the “M” on the forehead and facial lines.
Identification
- Three-color coat: white, orange, and black/gray
- Tabby stripes or spots in orange or gray areas
- “M” shape on the forehead
- Often has white chest, legs, or belly
- Found in both short and long-haired cats
- Almost always female
Behavior
Caliby cats are known for their playful and curious nature. Many are outgoing and enjoy exploring. Because they are usually female, some can also be a bit independent or sassy, but they are also loving pets.
Fun Fact
The word “Caliby” comes from combining “calico” and “tabby.” This mix is not a breed but simply a rare and beautiful coat pattern found in female cats.
