Last Updated: 11 months ago
Tuxedo cat breeds are some of the most glamorous.
Between their stylish coat pattern and wide popularity in both ancient and modern times, it’s no surprise that many cat owners fell in love with this breed.
Whether you want to get one or learn more about them, join me as I explore everything there is to know about the Tuxedo cat breeds.
Let’s just dive right in, shall we?
Tuxedo Cat Breeds Explained
First things first. Tuxedo isn’t exactly a cat breed.
It’s a color pattern that occurs in several breeds (more on this in a minute), similar to what happens in tortoiseshell cats or calicos.
Tuxedo markings comprise white and black patches, where the white patches occur on the paws, belly, chest, and throat.
As long as the parents have the necessary white-spotting genes, they can produce tuxedo kittens, even when they aren’t tuxedo cats themselves.
And unlike other color patterns, there are both male and female tuxedo cats.
However, some cat breeds are more likely to have the tuxedo pattern than others.
And if you’re a fan of black, fluffy cat breeds, you’ll be pleased to find that some of them can produce a tuxedo kitty.
Now let’s look at some of the cat breeds with tuxedo patterns.
#1 Maine Coons
Nicknamed the “gentle giants”, Maine Coons are some of the most affectionate cat breeds you can own.
They are huge, weighing up to 20+ pounds! They’re also longhaired, making them look gorgeous with the tuxedo color pattern.
Keep in mind that their long hair does require regular brushing.
Also, since Maine Coons are excellent hunters, they need regular physical and mental stimulation.
Maine Coons are an overall healthy breed that has grown to adapt to cold climates.
But regular vet checks are paramount since they can suffer from common cat health issues.
#2 British Shorthairs
British Shorthairs are some of the oldest pedigreed British cat breeds, with records showing they existed as early as the first century.
While most British Shorthairs appear in British Blue, other colors such as solid black and tuxedo have been developed through selective breeding.
British Shorthairs are intelligent, friendly, sweet-natured, and easygoing. Despite featuring a powerful look, they are not very active.
Their short to medium coat does require brushing and regular grooming, but these cats are among the healthiest cat breeds.
#3 Turkish Angora
The Turkish Angora is another ancient breed of cat that’s native to Ankara, Turkey.
They are medium-sized cats with long silky coats, long bushy tails, and large pointed ears.
Turkish Angoras are primarily white, but tuxedos, tabbys, and solid black patterns are available.
To live peacefully with a Turkish Angora, you need to know that they are moderately active and need human attention.
If you leave them alone for too long, they could be destructive. White Turkish Angoras with blue eyes may experience deafness, as it happens in most cat breeds.
But besides that, the Turkish Angora is a healthy breed, with some instances of issues such as Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, which is common in cats as they age.
#4 Persian
The Persian cat is hard to miss. Featuring a long, thick coat, a chubby, medium-sized build, a flat face (mostly in show Persian cats), and a long, bushy tail,
They are some of the most popular cat breeds, having been ranked fourth in the most recent listing by the CFA.
Persian cats are friendly to people and other pets, affectionate to their owners, and more laid back compared to other cats.
Since the long coat matts often and accumulates dirt, these cats need regular grooming.
Their faces also pile up dirt frequently, so make sure to check and clean them regularly.
Persian cats are also more susceptible to Polycystic Kidney Disease, which affects at least 1/3 of their population.
But this shouldn’t stop you from having them as a companion.
#5 Scottish Fold
This is another cat breed with a health issue that makes even more people want to have them in their homes.
This is because of their easygoing and sweet-natured personalities. Scottish Folds are medium-sized cats with short hair.
But what makes them unique are the bent ears that fold forward.
Unfortunately, the gene mutation that causes the folding ears also causes painful degenerative joint diseases in these cats.
Not all Scottish Fold cats will show any symptoms, but when they do, take them to the vet as soon as you can.
Scottish Folds also need regular grooming like any other cat. But pay attention to the ears and since they tend to accumulate dirt and discharge.
#6 Cornish Rex
If you thought only haired cats could be tuxedos, you’re wrong. Cornish Rexes lack fur and only have down hair and a curly appearance.
Their slender body matches their energy and playfulness, and it also earned them the nickname “greyhound” of cats since they resemble greyhound dogs.
Skip this breed if you’re looking for a lap cat since lying down isn’t in their repertoire.
They are constantly moving, very intelligent, and enjoy activities that involve lots of running. This makes them great for homes with playful kids.
According to Vetsreet, their thin coats require little to no brushing. All they need is regular nail trimming and occasional bathing.
Be careful not to expose them to sunlight for too long, since their soft coats are easily damaged.
#7 Munchkin Cat
Munchkin cats are a bundle of affection and joy. They are known for their long, slender bodies and short legs, which make them one of the few cats that exhibit dwarfism.
Some people have expressed concerns about how well these cats can move due to their short legs, and their concerns are warranted.
Munchkin cats suffer from the same mutation that causes dwarfism in humans: achondroplasia.
As a result, they may experience spine issues, mobility issues, and even osteoarthritis. That’s why some cat registry sites won’t register this breed.
But don’t let these issues scare you.
With proper care, these cats can live a long time. Not forgetting that they are excellent lap cats with intelligent and outgoing personalities.
How often you can brush them depends on how long their hair is.
But make sure you groom them regularly, since their short stature limits self-grooming. Regular vet checkups are also necessary.
Other Tuxedo Cat Breeds
Below are more cats that exhibit this color pattern:
- American Shorthairs
- Norwegian Forest Cat
- Domestic Mixed Breed Cat
- Siberian cat
- Oriental Shorthair
- Japanese Bobtail
- American Curl
- Cymrics
- Manx Cat
6 Fun Facts About Tuxedo Cat Breeds
Below are some of the most famous tuxedo cat breeds that have ever lived.
- The ancient Egyptians worshipped them and associated them with good luck and prosperity.
- The USA’s 42nd president, Bill Clinton, owned a tuxedo cat named Socks.
- A tuxedo cat named Tuxedo Stan vied for a mayoral position in 2012 in Halifax, Canada.
- Sir Isaac Newton, William Shakespeare, and Beethoven also owned Tuxedo cats.
- A Tuxedo cat named Simon is a revered war hero remembered for protecting the British Royal Navy’s food when they were fighting the Chinese Civil War. His good work earned him the PDSA Dickin Medal and a hero’s welcome.
- Sylvester the cat in the popular show, Looney Tunes, depicted a tuxedo cat.
FAQs
WHAT TWO CATS MAKE A TUXEDO CAT?
Several cat breeds, such as the Maine Coons, Scottish, Folds, Persians, and Turkish Angoras, can make a tuxedo cat as long as one or both parents have the white spotting gene. The eye color will also depend on the breed, among other factors.
IS TUXEDO CAT RARE?
No, they are not. Tuxedo cats can occur in any cat breed, and they have been around for centuries. They are unique and adorable but are easy to find like any other domestic cat.
HOW LONG DO TUXEDO CATS LIVE?
The lifespan of a tuxedo cat depends on its respective breed. A tuxedo is just a color pattern, and several breeds can exhibit this pattern.
Some will have health issues, while others will be very healthy. Just make sure you know what breed your cat is.
ARE ALL BLACK AND WHITE CATS CALLED TUXEDOS?
No. Tuxedos have a unique pattern with a black coat with white chests, paws, bellies, and throats.
A masked tuxedo can also have white markings or stripes around the nose and chin. But there are many other black and white coat patterns that aren’t tuxedos.
Conclusion
I love genetics. While they sometimes cause health issues, they also produce gorgeous features like the tuxedo coat color pattern.
Some say tuxedo cats are super intelligent and have faster growth rates than other types of cats.
Do you have a tuxedo cat? Please share your wonderful moments with them in the comments below!
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