Spotted cat: all about the most popular cat color in the world (+ gallery with 50 photos)

19-10-202319-10-2023 Tracy Wilkins

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Many believe that the tabby is a breed, when in fact, it is just a coat color pattern. On the other hand, several breeds have this coat. But, generally, this pattern is associated with mongrels. There are several ways to nickname these cats and the "tabby" comes from the "M" shaped spot located on their head, right above the eyes.

Now, does this coat model influence their personality? Are they healthier? Where did these felines come from? Are they all the same? With that in mind, we have prepared this super article to answer these questions. In addition, we have separated a gallery of photos of spotted cats for you to fall in love with. Keep reading!

The origin of the spotted cat comes from the Great Navigations

There are indications that the spotted cat was domesticated (and worshipped) by the Egyptians in ancient times. But the most plausible theory about the origin of spotted cats argues that they are descendants of the first wild cats that were domesticated by navigators. At that time, it was quite common to have a kitty to hunt rodents and avoid other pests on ships. In fact, this explains how they came abouthave spread around the world and have become so popular!

After the period of the Great Navigations, they were used by colonial farmers who, like the navigators, wanted to avoid the presence of small predators on the plantations. Since then, several crossbreeding of spotted cats has been carried out, including some well-known cat breeds.

The striped cat has five color patterns and mixtures

Contrary to what many people believe, the spotted cat is not a breed, but a pattern that mixes several colors and shapes. In all, there are five patterns: spiral, striped, spotted, brindled and with white spots on the belly and paws. The colors vary between black with gray, brown and white. They can also be yellow or brown. But all (if not most) carry that "M" on the back of the cat.forehead, a feature that gives this kitty much more charm!

The most common coat of a striped cat is grey with black and brown. This happens because the grey gene is dominant. It even seems that cats with this trait are all the same and it is quite easy to get confused. But in fact, the details do not repeat themselves and each feline is different from the other. Weight and height are also not predictable, but usually these cats weigh from 4 to 7 kg and measure from 25 to 25 kg.30 cm. Most spotted cats have green or yellow eyes, but it is not impossible to find a blue-eyed spotted cat around. The pads of the paws are usually pink or greyish.

Meet the breeds of spotted cat:

Abyssinian

American Bobtail

For the Brazilian Shorthair

Bad Egyptian

LaPerm

Manese Cat

Ocicat

Persian

Maine Coon

Ragdoll

Angora

Spotted cats' personalities are curious and intelligent

Everything indicates that this coat pattern influences the cat's behavior. For example, they are naturally great hunters and this is due to the domestication of wild cats that were used for hunting. This trait is so prevalent that their favorite game is to act like a hunter, not to mention their nocturnal habits. So, it is not difficult for this cat to run around the house at dawn.So, don't mind your spayed cat watching you around the room. They are also gifted with a lot of intelligence and you can even teach the cat to walk around, always with your supervision, of course.

One detail is that, unlike most felines who tend to be territorial, the tabby cat is usually very sociable with his fellows, another trait inherited from his ancestors who walked in groups to increase the chances of survival, sharing food and watching over the kittens. If he feels he is protected, he will treat the family with a lot of love and affection,However, like most felines, they will adopt places and objects in the house just for them (such as the sofa, the bed, the top of the cupboard...).

See 5 curiosities about the brindle or spotted cat

Where did this "M" come from? There are several hypotheses behind the characteristic spot. One of them says that Mohammed, who was passionate about cats, had a kitty named Muezza who once saved him from a snake attack. After this episode, he marked an "M" on the feline's head as a way to eternalize his love. This same legend argues that it was he himself who gave cats the ability to fall on their feet. Another speculation comes from theEgyptians, who noticed the spot and even took advantage of it to nickname the breed Egyptian Mau (which was also the breed of Cleopatra's cat).

The spotted cat knows how to hide: these cats had more advantages in the wild due to their camouflage power because of their fur. No wonder they know very well how to hide and carry this talent until today.

They have a day to themselves! The tabby cat is so beloved abroad that in some places, such as the United States, "National Tabby Day" is celebrated on April 30. In fact, abroad it is called "Tabby Cat" and it is believed that this name is a tribute to a silk from the Attabiy region in Baghdad.

The tabby cat is the most popular cat in the world: as they spread to the four corners of the world during the navigations, every place has one of these. Unfortunately, what also strengthened the multiplication of this type of cat is the fact that most of them went to the streets. Therefore, the most common are mongrel cats.

It's a pretty famous (and lazy) cartoon: Garfield's breed of cat is an orange and spotted Persian.

Health of spayed cats depends on the breed of cat

The health of a tabby cat depends exclusively on its breed. Since most tabbies are non-breed cats, they have inherited their good health by survival. But when the tabby cat is a breed, it is good to be alert. In the case of a spayed Maine Coon, there is a predisposition to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hip dysplasia. A spayed Persian cat, on the other hand, may have eye problems or suffer from cat's ear disease.Polycystic kidney in Persian.

In general, it is also important to maintain basic care, such as hygiene, indoor breeding, premium cat food and good environmental enrichment. These details reinforce the quality of life of the animal and help keep them free of diseases. Generally, the life expectancy of the spotted cat without a defined breed is 15 years, which can be extended when more attention is paid to health.

Care for the spayed cat also depends on the breed

Like all cats, they are very clean and are always bathing, so they require sanitized feeders, drinkers and litter boxes. Due to their playful personality, they love to get up to mischief! Take the opportunity to invest in various cat toys that stimulate the hunting instinct, such as mice, fish or smart balls. Hiding them around the house can be very interesting. noHowever, also be careful not to encourage insect hunting - which can be quite harmful.

They are mega curious and have a great desire to know the world. To control possible escapes, a solution is the castration of cats, in addition to protective screens around the house. Up-to-date vaccinations, deworming and periodic tests are also essential. In terms of hygiene, maintain a brushing routine and nail trimming. If it is a Maine Coon, brushing should be frequent to avoid hairballs. In caseof the Persian, it is recommended to clean the cat's eyes thoroughly.

Striped cat name tips: get inspired by this list!

As the spotted cat's coat is full of peculiarities, the choice of name can be quite fun! You are free to use your creativity to choose the name for a spotted cat. But remember: short names ending in vowels are the best, as they help them understand the call. Check out some ideas for you to get inspired: