The Brown Tabby Cat Is Super Common but Not an Actual Breed

A tabby cat isn’t a breed; it's a coat pattern that appears in many cats across different breeds.

The tabby pattern is a result of the agouti gene, which creates alternating bands of color on each hair. This produces a range of looks, from mackerel tabbies with striped markings to spotted tabby patterns and the swirled shapes of the classic pattern.

Brown tabby markings are recognizable by a rich, brown background and darker stripes or spots.

These cats often have a bold M-shaped marking on their foreheads, stripes on their legs and tail, and whorls or blotches on their sides. Mackerel pattern brown tabbies have narrow, parallel stripes, while ticked tabbies feature a salt-and-pepper look thanks to banded hairs.

The Cat Fanciers' Association recognizes brown tabby as a standard pattern across many cat breeds.

Brown tabby coats are seen in breeds like Maine Coons, British Shorthairs and American Shorthairs. Some long hair cats, including Persian and Somali cats, also come in brown tabby.

While not a specific breed itself, the striped pattern is so common it appears in everything from show cats to mixed-breed domestic cats. Many cats you see in shelters and homes are brown tabbies.

Though personality is more influenced by breed than coat pattern, many pet owners describe their brown tabbies as curious, playful and sweet. These cats adapt well to households with other pets and are typically affectionate with humans.

Grooming needs vary by breed: Short-haired brown tabbies need less maintenance, while long-haired varieties require more grooming to prevent mats.

Tabby cats come in a variety of colors beyond brown, including orange, blue (gray) and silver. Some tabbies may have cream or white accents on their face, chest and paws. Orange tabbies are usually male, while brown tabbies can be either sex.

Genetics play a major role in determining coat color, and the same agouti gene can produce different results depending on the combination of alleles.

Brown tabby cats are generally healthy, especially if adopted from reputable sources and given regular veterinary care.

As with all domestic cats, annual checkups help catch early signs of health issues. A balanced diet, enrichment through interactive toys, and routine grooming keep your tabby in top form.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.