Tabby cats are among the most recognised and beloved domestic cats, known for their distinctive striped, spotted, or swirled coat patterns.
While many people are familiar with the classic brown or orange tabbies, these cats can appear in a wide range of colours, each with varying degrees of rarity.
This article is for general knowledge only and is based on information from online sources. Coat colour and pattern can vary among individual cats, and rarity may depend on breeding, genetics, and geographic region.
1. Brown Tabby
Brown tabbies reign as the most common tabby pattern in the feline world. Their warm chocolate-brown base coat features striking black stripes that create the iconic tabby pattern we all recognize.
These cats often sport a distinctive “M” marking on their foreheads, believed by some to be blessed by the prophet Muhammad or the Virgin Mary in different cultural tales. Their prevalence doesn’t diminish their charm. These cats remain beloved for their expressive markings and friendly dispositions.
2. Orange Tabby
Flame-colored and full of personality, orange tabbies aren’t actually a breed but a coat pattern. Interestingly, about 80% of orange tabbies are male due to the color being linked to the X chromosome.
Their coats range from pale cream to deep rusty orange, all with the characteristic tabby markings. These cats have gained fame through characters like Garfield and Morris, cementing their place in pop culture. Many orange tabby owners swear these cats have extra-friendly, food-motivated temperaments.
3. Silver Tabby
Silver tabbies captivate with their striking appearance, a cool, sterling base coat adorned with charcoal or black markings. The inhibitor gene responsible for their coloration prevents pigment from reaching the hair shaft, creating that distinctive silvery sheen.
These elegant felines often have green or gold eyes that contrast beautifully with their metallic coats. Though not the rarest tabby variation, silver tabbies are less common than their brown counterparts. Their sophisticated look makes them popular in cat shows and as photogenic pets.
4. Gray Tabby
Often called blue tabbies in cat fancy circles, gray tabbies showcase a diluted version of the black tabby gene. Their smoky blue-gray base coat features darker gray markings rather than the black stripes seen in other varieties.
These cats frequently have gold or copper eyes that provide a stunning contrast to their cool-toned fur. Gray tabbies are relatively common but less so than brown tabbies. Their understated elegance and calm appearance have made them favorites among those who appreciate subtle beauty in their feline companions.
5. Chocolate Tabby
Chocolate tabbies showcase a rich, warm brown coat that resembles fine milk chocolate. Unlike standard brown tabbies, their markings are a softer brown rather than black, creating a more subtle contrast.
This color results from a specific recessive gene and appears most commonly in Siamese-related breeds like the Havana Brown. True chocolate tabbies remain genuinely rare in the general cat population. Their velvety appearance gives them a luxurious look that cat enthusiasts particularly treasure.
6. Cinnamon Tabby
Cinnamon tabbies display a warm, reddish-brown coat that truly resembles the spice they’re named after. Their unique coloration comes from a recessive gene variation of the chocolate gene, making them genuinely uncommon in the feline world.
Most prevalent in Oriental breeds like Abyssinians and Ocicats, these cats often feature amber or gold eyes. The cinnamon color develops from a mutation that affects melanin production. When you spot one, you’re witnessing a genetic marvel that cat breeders have carefully cultivated over generations.
7. Cream Tabby
Cream tabbies exhibit a soft, diluted version of the orange tabby pattern. Their pale, buttery coat features slightly darker cream stripes that create a subtle, delicate appearance unlike their more vibrant orange relatives.
This coloration results from the dilution gene affecting the orange color. Cream tabbies often have blue or green eyes that complement their gentle coloration. While not the rarest tabby variety, they’re less commonly seen than standard orange or brown tabbies, making them a pleasant surprise when encountered in mixed-breed populations.
8. Patched Tabby
Also known as torbies or calibies, patched tabbies showcase a fascinating genetic collaboration. These cats display the tabby pattern overlaid with tortoiseshell or calico patches, creating a complex tapestry of colors and patterns.
Almost exclusively female due to the sex-linked nature of the orange gene, these cats are walking displays of genetic mosaicism. Each patched tabby has a unique distribution of colors, some with more prominent tabby areas, others with more tortoiseshell sections. This natural patchwork makes each one a one-of-a-kind feline masterpiece.
9. Amber Tabby
Amber tabbies represent one of the rarest color variations in the feline world. Found almost exclusively in Norwegian Forest cats, these unique felines are born with black tabby markings that gradually transform into a warm amber hue as they mature.
This color metamorphosis results from a specific genetic mutation discovered in Norwegian Forest cats in the 1990s. The amber color can range from light golden honey to deep russet tones. These cats are so uncommon that even dedicated cat enthusiasts may never encounter one outside specialized breeding programs.
10. Spotted Tabby
Spotted tabbies showcase round or oval spots instead of the traditional stripes, creating a coat that resembles their wild ancestors. This pattern occurs across various tabby colors, from brown to silver to orange.
The spotted pattern is particularly prominent in breeds like the Egyptian Mau, Ocicat, and Bengal, where it’s been specifically cultivated to resemble wild cats. While not rare in certain breeds, naturally occurring spotted tabbies in random-bred populations are less common than their striped counterparts. Their exotic appearance makes them particularly striking companions.
