Mary Allen
Some black and white cats look like they are wearing a tuxedo because of their special coat pattern. That is why they are also called Tuxedo Cats. You can find out how this fur pattern is created here.
Tuxedo Cats – When Cats Wear Tuxedos
With their idiosyncratic coat pattern, Tuxedo Cats inevitably attract attention. While the back, sides, head, tail, and legs are predominantly black, the chest, stomach, and paws form a brilliant white contrast. The pattern looks like a cat or tomcat wearing an elegant evening suit with white gloves. More precisely, a tuxedo, because that’s what the English term tuxedo stands for. Tuxedo cats exude a natural elegance and look particularly elegant. Tuxedos are neither an independent breed nor a special breed. A freak of nature put them on a tuxedo. In this post, we introduce you to the fancy velvet paws in a suit.
What is the Origin of the Unusual Drawing?
A genetic defect is responsible for the unconventional fur pattern. A pigment disorder that already arises in the womb makes the black and white cats born in this way. Normally their fur should have been completely black, but nature simply adds missing pigment information in a neutral, i.e. white, color. Hence, it is next to impossible to breed Tuxedo cats. The fur markings are usually created by chance, but it is not that rare.
The name suggests it, but the tuxedo cats are not a separate breed. The unusual pattern can appear in almost any classic breed of cats. It simply creeps into the genome, regardless of whether the cat is large or small, whether it has smooth or frizzy fur, or whether it has short or long hair. The tuxedo looks particularly elegant on cats with short, smooth fur.
It’s Not Just Cats who Wear the Suit
By the way, cats aren’t the only pets who wear a black and white suit. You can also observe similar pigment disorders in dogs, horses, or domestic rabbits. In fairness, however, it has to be said that the tuxedo looks best on cats. Not least because they move so gracefully and as light as a feather. Even with us humans, this whim of nature sometimes comes to the fore, for example in the form of a white forelock.
The most famous representative of the Tuxedo Cats is the cartoon hero Sylvester, a tomcat with the characteristic tuxedo drawing. The red nose is due to the color film and the real tuxedos usually have black or white noses. Suit cats are also often used in advertising because they are particularly photogenic and look elegant. Historical figures such as Beethoven, Newton, and Shakespeare were considered friends of the Tuxedo cats and kept them as pets. A tuxedo cat called “Socks” also lived in the White House in Washington during the tenure of US President Clinton.
Features that Make Tuxedo Cats
The peculiarity of the eye-catching pattern is that you cannot find two cats with identical fur, which also speaks against the possibility of breeding. However, tuxedo fans have defined the special features that make a real tuxedo cat. Because not every black and white house tiger is a tuxedo cat. In any case, the black part of the fur must predominate. This affects the back, the flanks, the legs in whole or in part, the tail, and most of the head, including the ears. The belly, chin, bib, and chest, on the other hand, should be white and especially all four paws – the glove effect. Parts of the cat’s face can and should also be white as if the cat were wearing a mask. There are also tuxedos with a completely black face. Cats wearing gray tuxedos are less common.
In addition, nature meant it particularly well to some suit wearers. For example, some tuxedos have a black pillow in the otherwise white bib, which is clearly shaped like a tuxedo bow tie. Other velvet paws have a “mustache” in a contrasting color above the nose or on the lower jaw. The whisker hairs of the upper jaw and eyes often shine in bright white on black fur – although most cats have light whisker hairs.
How do Tuxedo Cats Behave?
The way a Tuxedo cat behaves always depends on the breed and the individual personality. They are generally considered to be intelligent and docile. They are very curious, trusting, friendly and playful. Thanks to their balanced nature, they can also be kept well together with dogs. They are characterized by high endurance and are always ready for pranks and adventures. Some cat owners swear that their tuxedos are aware of their special charisma and actually behave elegantly according to their fur dress.
Do Tuxedo Cats Need Special Grooming?
Like all cats, Tuxedos are very clean house tigers who spend a lot of the day caring for their fur. And of course, other areas such as ears, eyes, or paws are kept meticulously clean. For cats with long hair, regular brushing is recommended as support. If your cat doesn’t like being brushed that much, a grooming glove from a pet store may help. Then your velvet paw will have the impression that you are petting it.
Where can You buy Tuxedo Cats?
The best thing you can do is adopt a tuxedo cat from the shelter. Since they are not considered a special breed, they are not particularly high on the popularity scale, so many great tuxedo wearers are looking for a new home. Typically, a black and white cat will have to wait much longer to be adopted compared to other coat colors. Therefore, a visit to the local animal shelter is definitely worth it. You should keep in mind that you can only get the cat with an adoption contract and for a nominal fee. This usually already includes the vaccination and neutering of the cat or tomcat. Animal shelters or animal welfare associations are legally obliged to prevent their four-legged residents from multiplying. Often the velvet paws are already equipped with a microchip for recognition. The trained staff at the animal shelter can also give you information about the behavior or character of the cats you are interested in.
Conclusion: Tuxedo cats are very special cats that inspire with their unusual fur pattern, which resembles a tuxedo with a vest and gloves. Some house cats even wear a bow tie and mustache. Usually, they are bright and intelligent leisure partners who have all sorts of tricks up their sleeves. If you want to give a cat in a suit a new home, you should ask at the animal shelter.