Tuxedo cats are easily recognized by their two-toned coats, which resemble miniature tuxedos. Although tuxedo cats typically have coats of black and white, these gorgeous cats can also have coats of gray, silver, orange, or even tortoiseshell with white spots. Tuxedo cats, however, are much more than just pretty.
Want more? Check out some fascinating details about nature’s most stylish cats.
1. Piebald cats dressed in suits
No, tuxedo cats are not a particular breed. Instead, they get their name from the striking, bi-colored (also known as piebald) markings on their coats that resemble tuxedos.
As said earlier, tuxedo cats don’t necessarily have to be black and white. Since they can be of various breeds, such as Maine Coon, Turkish Angora, American Shorthair, and British Shorthair, their coats may be short, shaggy, long, or silky.
So what causes the bicolor coats on these animals? For a little education in science, continue reading.
- Genetics Is the Root of Tuxedo Cat Coat Variations
Like calico and tortoiseshell cats, tuxedo cats inherited their fashionable coats from their parents.
For a very long time, it was believed that the “slow” or “sluggish” pigment cells that were unable to reach the complete cat embryo before it was fully grown were the reason of cats’ bi-colored coats.
A more recent idea, however, may simply contradict this widely held presumption. It is now believed that pigment cells travel and multiply randomly as the embryo develops1 and do not have any precise genetic instructions for coat color.
Despite some genetic variations that affect the markings of calico, tortoiseshell, and tuxedo cats, there is one important difference: while most calico and tortoiseshell cats are females (due to the same genetic information that determines their coat colors), the proportion of male and female tuxedo cats is equal.
- Tuxedo Cats Were Worshipped by Ancient Egyptians
It is commonly known that cats were revered and worshipped by the ancient Egyptians. Several Egyptian goddesses were actually depicted as felines.
As a result, cats were commonly portrayed in jewelry, hieroglyphics, and royal tombs. But did you know that about 70% of the cats depicted in these prehistoric tombs and pieces of art were tuxedo cats? Yes, the cats that were most frequently shown (and revered) in ancient Egypt were tuxies.
- Tuxedo cats are capable of using magic
Maybe
It is said that during a vernal or diurnal equinox, tuxedo cats are virtually unnoticeable due to their colourful coats. Some believe that this phenomenon, which blatantly defies the rules of light and shadow, is solid proof of the Tuxies’ magical prowess.
5. Tuxedo Cats Have a Special Place in History
You won’t believe how many tuxedo cats have distinguished careers in the past:
Beethoven, William Shakespeare, and Sir Isaac Newton all owned tuxedo cats as pets. Who knows how much ingenuity and creativity these felines have inspired?
In popular culture, tuxedo cats include The Cat in the Hat, a well-known Dr. Seuss cat, Sylvester from Looney Tunes, and Mr. Mistoffelees from the Broadway play Cats.
A cat from Halifax, Canada named Tuxedo Stan ran for mayor of his home city in 2012. Tuxedo Stan, although not being chosen for office, made history in both the cat and human worlds.
- The richest cat on the planet is a tuxedo cat.
A tuxedo cat by the name of Sparky became much wealthier than every other cat and the majority of people in 1998 after receiving a whopping 6.3 million dollars following the passing of his owner.
- Tuxedo cats have visited locations that no cat has ever visited.
Due to their rapid development and high level of intelligence, tuxedo cats have visited a variety of places that no other cat has ever been to before:
A tuxedo cat is the only cat to have ever ascended Mount Everest, as you probably have knew. It’s true that his human carried him, but isn’t that something?
Simon, a tuxedo cat, served in the military and received a medal during World War II. How did he assist the Allies? by protecting the nation’s food sources from mice and other pests.
Undoubtedly, a tuxedo entered the White House. Bill Clinton owned a pet Tuxie during his time as president of the United States.
What will happen next to tuxedo cats? maybe the entire universe! Rumor has it that NASA would like a tuxedo to be the first cat to set foot on the moon.
Tuxedo cats are easily recognized by their two-toned coats, which resemble miniature tuxedos. Although tuxedo cats typically have coats of black and white, these gorgeous cats can also have coats of gray, silver, orange, or even tortoiseshell with white spots. Tuxedo cats, however, are much more than just pretty.
Want more? Check out some fascinating details about nature’s most stylish cats.
FAQ
- How long do tuxedo cats live?
Tuxedo cats, like most domestic cats, have a lifespan of about 15 years or a little longer.
- How much are tuxedo cats worth?
It really depends on the breed. There are hundreds of mixed-breed tuxedo cats in your local shelter system that you can adopt for a minimal cost. Or, you can buy a purebred tuxedo for $500 and up.
- Why are tuxedo cats so smart?
While many owners of tuxedo cats think their felines are brilliant, we’ve not found any evidence that they are any smarter than your regular domestic shorthair.
