There’s something undeniably dapper about a tuxedo cat. With their little white shirts, solid jackets and perfectly coordinated mitts, they look like they’re perpetually waiting for an invitation to a black-tie event.
But there’s a lot more to these fancy felines than their formalwear. Here are some fun tuxedo cat facts you may not know!
Tuxedo Cats Aren’t a Breed
First things first: a tuxedo cat isn’t actually a breed.
“Tuxedo” describes a bicolor coat pattern. This which means you can find tuxies among many different breeds and, of course, mixed-breed domestic cats. Persians, Maine Coons, Scottish Folds, American Shorthairs and British Shorthairs can all potentially show off variations of this famous formal attire.
That also means tuxedo cats can be short-haired, long-haired, big, small and everything in between.
They Aren’t Always Black and White
The classic tuxedo is black with a white chest, belly and paws, giving the appearance of a dark jacket worn over a crisp white shirt.
But black doesn’t have a monopoly on formalwear!
Depending on how broadly the term is used, cats with other solid colors paired with the characteristic white markings may also be called tuxedos. Gray-and-white tuxies, like our very own Jack William, can look every bit as dressed up as their black-and-white counterparts.
Their White Markings Come Down to Genetics
That white shirt isn’t really white fur painted on top of another color. It’s an area where pigment-producing cells didn’t populate the skin in the same way during development.
Researchers have identified variants involving the KIT gene that produce white spotting in cats, although genetics doesn’t completely predict exactly where every patch of white will appear. That’s why Mother Nature can create everything from tiny white mittens to elaborate shirts, masks, mustaches and knee-high socks.
Basically, every tuxedo is wearing a custom-made suit.
Boys AND Girls Can Wear the Tux
Unlike certain coat colors that are closely linked to sex chromosomes, tuxedo coloring isn’t sex-linked in the same way.
For example, nearly all calico cats are female. The majority of orange cats are male. But tuxedo cats? Tuxies share an equal-opportunity outfit – with a 50/50 split for males and females.
Does the Tux Come With a Personality?
Ask tuxedo cat parents and you’ll hear plenty of stories about exceptionally smart, playful, affectionate, mischievous and sometimes downright ridiculous cats. Our own Jack William is well known in our community for his entertaining antics and impressive comedic personality.
That said, there’s no real evidence that the tuxedo coat pattern itself creates a particular personality. Because tuxies aren’t a breed, their behavior will be influenced by genetics, environment, health and their own wonderfully individual personalities.
So your tuxie may be a brilliant problem solver who follows you everywhere… or a lovable little weirdo who spends 20 minutes trying to retrieve the toy that’s sitting directly behind them.
Both are excellent tuxedo representatives.
One Thing We Know for Sure…
Whether they’re sporting a classic black jacket, a gray suit, tiny white gloves or a gloriously crooked mustache, tuxedo cats have mastered a look humans need an entire wardrobe to achieve.
They wake up dressed for the occasion. Even when the occasion is knocking your coffee off the counter.
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