The tabby isn't a breed, although many breeds can be tabbies. It's actually a color pattern -- two color patterns, to be exact: mackerel (figure A), with thin "fishbone" stripes, and classic (figure B), with large elegant swirls. Tabby cats generally have an M on the forehead, the result (so one legend says) of a blessing by the Virgin Mary at the manger. Experts say that all breeds of domestic cats began as tabbies; the striped (mackerel) pattern was originally the camouflage coat of their wild ancestors, which helped them hide in the undergrowth (figure C) and evade larger predators. The classic was probably one of the first patterns developed in domestic cats; markings such as points can blend with colors to make interesting combinations. Color doesn't determine disposition, but don't try telling that to tabby owners: many people believe that tabbies are generally smarter and sweeter than other cats.
RESOURCES :
The Cat Encyclopedia
Model: 1552091538
Author: Esther J. J. Verhoef-Verhellen
Firefly Books
March 3, 2001
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