Tuxedo Cat - Profile, Temperament, Traits, and Fun Facts

What is a Tuxedo Cat?

The term ‘Tuxedo’ refers to the black and white color pattern that could occur in any cat breed. These breeds include Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest cat, Scottish Fold, American Shorthair, Manx, and Turkish Angora. But, this variation is not considered valid in many feline breeds.

These felines have a prominent bicolor, or two-color, patterned coat. These cats also have a gentlemanly look that is implicative of a tuxedo. Something that makes these cats definite eyecatchers is their unique and beautiful black and white contrast coat.

Any coat color that has a white and black combination is not considered a tuxedo but the combination must be in a definite design. Usually, the body of the cat is black with white patches on the chest and face and, sometimes, white paws.

Other variations include a white striped nose and the masked tuxedo, along with a white patch around the chin and nose, and white tips on the nose. Besides, the cat may also have a white mustache, the ‘Kitler’ variation.

The variations could be endless but those are not known as or considered tuxedo cats. Those variations include blue or gray and white, and red or orange and white. The term, tuxedo cat, is not officially or stringently defined, cats with gray and white coats could also be called tuxedo cats.

Origins and History of the Tuxedo Cat

‘How did these cats origin?’ Tuxedo cats originated as a result of the combination of the cat’s color genes. These cats have genes that are responsible for the black-colored coat, along with the white spotting gene, ‘S’, that leaves white markings on some places of the cat’s body.

These white spotting genes inhibit the melanocytes from coloring those areas and keep them white.

These spotting genes produce the markings in different numbers, ranging from 1 to 10. The tuxedo cats have fewer markings, usually from 1 to 4 white marks. These felines have prominent black bodies with less white, depending on the number of markings.

When these variations began is unknown but bicolor cats were the most commonly worshipped cats in ancient Egypt. Egyptians used to respect cats and, interestingly, more than 50% of the cats, identified and found on their tombs are Tuxies.

Tuxedo cats are also known as Felix cats. Felix cat is a character that was conceived during the silent film era of the 1920s. Felix, the cat, featured and displayed in various cartoons, merchandise, and animation. The cat lovers still love to have a Felix cat clock with a long wagging tail as one of their cherished cat collectibles.

Sylvester, the cat in the Looney Tunes is another famous tuxedo cat. Sylvester cat has a long bib that extends down his belly and a white dewlap. He has a heavy bottom that makes quite a comical scene when he chases Tweety, the bird.

‘The Cat in the Hat’, written by Dr. Seuss, is a children’s book that was published in 1957 and featured a tuxedo cat as the main character. The book was adapted into a 2003 movie with Mike Myers in the titular role. Besides, Mr. Mistoffelees, from Cats, a Broadway show was also a tuxie.

These cats are also famous for being pets of famous personalities like Beethoven, Sir Isaac Newton, and William Shakespeare. And with former President Bill Clinton, a tuxie once lived in the White House. Talking of the politics, a tuxie named Tuxedo Stan also ran for the mayor’s office in Halifax, Canada. Though he did not win, he will probably be the only cat to have competed in the elections.

Tuxies served in the war also. A tuxedo cat named Simon went to WWII and even won a medal for his services. He used to safeguard the food of the British soldiers from mice and other pests.

In 1998, a cat named Sparky inherited $6.3 million when his owner died. Sparky was a tuxie and probably the richest cat.

These cats are pretty impressive in a lot of ways and because of their unique and striking look, these cats are loved by cat lovers.

Tuxedo Cat Personality Traits - How do These Cats Behave?

‘What kind of personality does a tuxedo cat have?’ It depends on the breed of the cat. As said before, a tuxedo is not a breed but a coat variation. However, owners of these kinds of cats claim that their black and white tuxedo patterned cats do have some unique qualities.

These cats are more relaxed, easy-going, and SUPER intelligent than other cats. Reportedly, it is said that these cats are ‘200% smarter than other felines’.

They are very outgoing and they love to express and voice their thoughts, making them quite vocal. Being extremely intelligent also makes them super independent. They are very good with humans and other pets in the house.

They are somewhat dog-like as they love to cuddle and follow their humans around the house, and everywhere else also. They are very friendly and some believe that they are friendlier and more playful than other cats. Some of the key personality traits of these cats are given below.

• Loyal
• Dog-like
• Playful
• Vocal and ‘talkative’
• Relaxed and easygoing
• Super duper intelligent
• Friendly
• Outgoing
• Extrovert and very energetic
• Observant
• Athletic and active

Many of the cats have tuxedo coats and this is why some qualities are considered common in all cats.

Tuxedo Cat Breeds - Which Breeds are More Likely to be Tuxedos?

The said coat pattern is not limited to just one cat breed only. Different breeds could be tuxedo cats, which means that there are endless possibilities and availability. However, remember that in some cat breeds, these markings could be considered a fault.

Below are some cat breeds that are more likely to be tuxedo cats.

• American Curl
• American Shorthair
• British Shorthair
• Cornish Rex
• Devon Rex
• Exotic Shorthair
• La Perm
• Maine Coon
• Manx
• Munchkin
• Norwegian Forest Cat
• Oriental
• Persian
• Peterbald
• Scottish Fold
• Sphynx
• Turkish Van

Other than the purebred cats, these black and white tuxedo markings happen in mixed breeds also. All of these cats are available in other variations also, in case you like to have any of the said breeds but not the tuxedo coat.

Types - What Types of Tuxedo Cats are Available?

Do you know that there are a number of different kinds of tuxedo cats? These cats come in different variations with black and white being the main color. These tuxies are completely black with white paws, chest, face, and throat.

Below are some other kinds and patterns of these felines.

• Cap and Saddle - these cats have black color on their head and, sometimes, on other parts of the body including ears, rump, tail, and other parts of the back.
• Harlequin or Magpie - these cats have random black and white patches while some of such felines may also have some white spots on their throat, resembling a bowtie.
• Van Pattern - these cats are primarily white in color but have a black head cap and the tail.
• Mask and Mantle - these felines have black bodies with the color extending from the head to the tip of the tail while the rest of the body is white.
• Combined Tabby and Tuxedo Pattern - these cats are tuxies but they also have a tabby pattern. The tabby pattern is identified with an M-shaped mark on the forehead and some streaks near the tail, back, eyes, and cheeks.

Like the Calico and Tortoiseshell cats, these cats may appear in other kinds of tuxedo patterns also. However, the given ones are known and accepted kinds of patterns. Still, the possibilities could be endless and you will be surprised to see the abundance of variations.

Tuxedo Cat Names - Best Names for Your Black and White Friend

Looking for a cute and befitting name for your cat? Tuxedo cats are special and they deserve an equally special name. Below is a list of some cute and unique names for your black and white feline.

• Ash
• Bandit
• Barcode
• Butler
• Charcoal
• Dottie
• Inky
• Inkblot
• Jeeves
• Mischief
• Speckle
• Splatter
• Spot
• Spots
• Spuds

Besides, there are a number of other names that could be based on a number of things. Moreover, you could also get creative and come up with a unique and novel name for your cat.

Tuxedo Cat Care and Grooming - How to Care for Your Feline?

‘Do these cats need any special care?’ No, they do not. Just because they have a tuxedo pattern coat. Tuxedo is a coat pattern, not a breed, which means that your cat’s health needs will depend on his breed.

These cats come from a family of different black and white cats, the health issues that they may have may vary. However, this does not mean that these cats need special care. Some medical conditions and diseases are common in all cats and tuxedo cats are also susceptible to them.

You will need to look after and take care of your tuxedo cat just like any other feline. Though the coat is special in terms of the markings, it does not need any special care. Just like other cats, the coat needs weekly brushing or depending on the type of coat your cat has since some felines may have a long and thick coat.

Brushing will help in removing the dead hair and dander and will also reduce the chances of matting. Trim your cat’s nails every two to three weeks and to keep them clean and sharp, get a scratching post for your feline.

To avoid any unwanted ‘procreation’, spay or neuter your cat when he is five months of age and try to keep him indoors as much as possible. This will keep your cat safe from accidents, fights, and injuries from harmful substances and feral cats and dogs.

If outside, keep him limited to the house’s lawn and do not allow him to roam around unsupervised. To keep him busy and happy, provide ample cat toys and playtime to provide physical and mental stimulation. Cats love their private time and you should keep her bed in a safe and peaceful place.

To keep your cat clean and healthy, empty and clean the litter box daily. Whether these cats are hypoallergenic or not, depends on the cat’s breed. Hypoallergenic cat breeds cause fewer allergies than the usual cats and they make ideal pets for people with allergies.

Tuxedo Cat Health Issues - What are the Possible Health Concerns?

Since the tuxedo cats could be from a number of different breeds, they are prone to a variety of diseases and health issues. Below are some of the common health problems these cats could have;

Tuxedo Cat Dietary Requirements - How to Keep the Cat Healthy?

When it comes to health, food plays a vital role in keeping your cat healthy and playful. The kind of food and your cat’s dietary needs depends on the feline’s breed. Bigger and more active breeds need more food than the ones that stay indoors or are not very active. When choosing the food for your feline, it is important that you choose only the best brand.

You can choose from a variety of dry and wet cat food. But make sure that you choose from the best and vet recommended cat food brands. These brands care for your feline and this is why veterinarians also recommend them. Both the wet and dry food varieties are good, and you can also mix them for more flavor and combinations.

Cats thrive on good quality protein-based food. Unlike dogs that could also do well with whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables, cats are pure carnivores.

They need meat for proper and healthy sustenance. Moreover, you could not give your feline everything and anything off your plate. While both dry and wet foods work well, it is better to give wet food to your cat. It has more moisture and nutrients than dry food and it will fulfill your cat’s water needs also.

Since cats do not drink much water, they need to cover this need through food.

Time and measure your cat’s food and feed her at the same time every day. This will help in keeping your cat at a normal and healthy weight while maintaining a routine.

Tuxedo Cat Facts - Things that Make them Different from Others

Tuxedo cats are different from other cats in a number of ways. Below are some of the things that make these cats special.

• Tuxedo is not a breed, it is a pattern of the coat.
• These cats are smarter than other cats and the kittens open their eyes significantly earlier than other breeds.
• Unlike others, they have the same number of male and female tuxedo cats.
• They have sassy personalities also known as the ‘Tuxitude’.
• A tuxie named Simon was awarded the PDSA Dicken Medal for his services during 1949, Chinese civil war.
• They have a faulty gene that causes the bicolor of their coat.
• Green eyes are common among tuxies.
• They have white whiskers.
• They are very loyal, almost dog-like.
• They are the strongest swimmers of the feline world.

Being a tuxedo cat owner brings joy and good luck, some say this, and with their dog-like personality, you will not feel the need for any other pet or house animal.

Since these cats are extremely affectionate and loyal, they make an ideal emotional support cat. After dogs, cats are the most favored support animals and for very good reasons. These felines are loving to the core and having one will definitely help in socialization.