Dexter is a registered F6 SBT Savannah (black/brown spotted tabby) registered to TICA and CCA-AFC. He is from a multiple award-winning Savannah cattery called SavvyPaws in Toronto, Canada 🍁
Felix is a domestic shorthair tabby, and was an abandoned barn kitten that we found randomly outside on our property one day.
My point is that breed and coat pattern are two separate classifications in the cat world, and tabby markings appear across the majority of the domestic cat population, regardless of their breed. Saying a cat is “just a tabby” doesn’t reveal much about a cat’s history or lineage. It only describes their appearance and coat markings.
And at the end of the day, who cares? Both Dexter and Felix, and every other cat on this planet, are perfect just the way they are, regardless of their features.
Being “just a tabby” doesn’t make one cat any less than another, even if it isn’t a fancy breed ♥️
📷 Breed reference images used under royalty-free license.
As a cat lover who has cared for both pedigreed and domestic cats, I’ve learned firsthand that coat patterns like tabby are truly fascinating yet often misunderstood. People often assume that a tabby coat implies a certain type or lesser pedigree, but as I’ve observed with Dexter and Felix, the reality is far richer. The tabby pattern—characterized by stripes, swirls, or spots—is actually one of the most common and genetically diverse coat patterns in cats. It appears across many breeds including Savannahs, Maine Coons, Siberians, and even Domestic Shorthairs, proving it’s about appearance rather than ancestry. This means a cat like Dexter, a registered F6 SBT Savannah, and Felix, a rescued barn kitten, both share tabby markings but come from vastly different backgrounds. What struck me most is how coat patterns do not determine a cat's personality or worth. Dexter’s elegant spotted tabby coat reflects the breed standard for Savannahs, a breed known for its wild look and spirited nature. Meanwhile, Felix’s domestic shorthair tabby markings are equally beautiful and unique, born from a life of unexpected survival. Both have their own stories, charms, and love to give. Understanding this distinction helps us appreciate cats beyond just their looks. It encourages adopters and enthusiasts to value each cat on an individual basis, embracing the diversity that makes each feline special. After all, whether a cat is a fancy breed or 'just a tabby,' their companionship and character are what truly matter. For anyone intrigued by cat genetics or looking to adopt, knowing that 'tabby' is a coat pattern and not a breed can open up a whole new perspective on the wonderful variety found in our feline friends.
