Tuxedo cat has a distinctive bicolor pattern of black-and-white that is reminiscent of formal wear for men. Mixed breed cats and purebreds can use the tuxedo pattern.
Any piebald mix of black-and-white is eligible to be a tuxedo feline. However, the most striking examples have black bodies with white chests and paws.
The black spot at your throat can look like a bow tie.
Overview of Breeds
OTHER NAMES: Tuxie. Felix cat. Jellicle Cat. Piebald.
PERSONALITY: Variables with breed
WEIGHT: Up to 18 Pounds, depending on the breed
LENGTH: From nose to tail, up to 36 inches depending on the breed
COAT LENGTH: Long Hair, Curly, or Short Hair
COAT COLORS: Black or white
COAT PATTERNS: Bicolor
EYE COOR: There are many shades of blue, green, and gold.
LIFESPAN: Up to 20 Years
HYPOALLERGENIC: No (the Sphynx, Devon Rex, and other breeds of Sphynx are less allergenic).
ORIGIN: Ancient Egypt
Tuxedo Cat Characteristics
Tuxedos can be found in many cat breeds. Named after the formal attire that men wear, the tuxedo design is named.
There is nothing more dramatic than seeing a “tuxie,” or as it is affectionately known, in its finest bib and tucker. Some tuxies may also wear “spats,” which are white boots.
Other variations of the tuxedo theme include a white-striped nose and the “masked Tuxedo” with white around the nose and chin. A white “mustache” is another variation, infamously known as the “Kitler.”
Many breeds and mixes can sport the tuxedo design, so the personalities of tuxedo cats are more varied than their colors.
The environment lives in, and its genetic makeup will determine the temperament of each Cat.
| Affection Level | Variable |
| Friendliness | Variable |
| Kid-Friendly | Variable |
| Pet-Friendly | Variable |
| Exercise Needs | Variable |
| Playfulness | Variable |
| Energy Level | Variable |
| Intelligence | Variable |
| Tendency to Vocalize | Variable |
| Shedding amount | Variable |
The History of the Tuxedo Cat
Cats can have the right color genes to produce the tuxedo look. Tuxedo cats are born with the ability to be black.
The white spotting gene is also present, which hides some of the black spots on the body. It prevents color-producing melanocytes (color-producing melanocytes) from moving to these areas.
The spotting gene produces different levels of white spots, ranging from 1 to 10. The lowest grades of white spotting are for Tuxedo cats, which vary from 1 to 4. The less white you see, the lower the quality.
Although no one knows when this gene combination was first expressed in cats, it has been proven to have existed since at least the ancient Egyptians.
In their tombs, bicolor cats were identified. Modern popular culture is full of tuxedo cats. Here are some examples of bicolored kitties:
- Felix the Cat was an animated character created in the silent film era of the 1920s. Felix appeared in animations, cartoons, and other merchandise. The Felix clock is still a beloved collectible, even today, with its long, black tail waving back and forth.
- T.S. T.S.
- Sylvester, the Cat from Looney Tunes, is another well-known tuxedo cat. Sylvester is a white cat with white jowls and a long, white bib that runs down his belly. He also has white feet and white tips on his tail.
- Dr. Seuss’ 1957 publication “The Cat in the Hat” featured a talking tuxedo cat.
- Socks was the First Cat in the Bill Clinton White House Administration. He was a well-known real-life tuxedo cat.
Tuxedo Cat Care
A tuxedo cat’s care will vary depending on the breed. The color of the Cat’s coat does not require special care.
Your Cat’s skin can be brushed to reduce maltiness and prevent hairballs. Every two to three weeks, trim your Cat’s nails and give him a scratching surface.
To avoid health problems, keep your Cat’s current records with vaccinations and veterinary visits.
Your Cat will love to run and play with toys and have safe places to hide. Your Cat will love to sleep, so make sure you have a place for your Cat to rest.
A litter box for indoor cats is necessary in a quiet place. You can tidy things up by clumping litter and picking out the clumps daily. Make sure you empty the litter box and clean it at least once weekly.
back to menu ↑Common Health Problems
There are many types of Tuxedo cats, and some are more susceptible to certain diseases. These are the most common diseases in cats, according to the ASPCA.
- Cancer: Cancer is more ordinary in older cats. Lymphoma, a type of cancer common in cats, is called “Lymphoma. Pay attention to any unusual skin changes or lumps..”
- Diabetes in Cats: This condition is more common in obese cats, older males, and those who are overweight.
- Feline Immunodeficiency Virus: This virus is transmitted from Cat to cat by fighting and inflicting deep bites. It is best to maintain your Cat inside and away from territorial fights.
- Feline leukemia damages cats’ immune systems and makes them more likely to develop blood cancer. You can get a vaccine to lower your risk.
Appearance
From the moment a kitten is born, you can tell if they have the tuxedo style. Kittens are just miniatures of the adult pattern and do not have a changing color pattern.
They arrive in many sizes and shapes, but their tuxedo-like markings make them look more sophisticated than their peers.
Gray cats can have a similar bicolor pattern to gray cats, but they aren’t considered tuxedo cats.
back to menu ↑Nutrition and Diet
The same food should be given to your tuxedo cat as other cats of the breed. Your Cat does not have to be dressed in the most expensive clothes, but it doesn’t need caviar.
While a wet food diet is recommended, you can also give your dry cat food to snack on. Talk to your vet about your Cat’s specific needs, especially if you have a senior cat, are obese, or have diabetes. Always provide fresh, clean water to your Cat.
back to menu ↑Places to Adopt or Buy a Tuxedo cat
Mixed breed tuxedo cats may be found in shelters. However, pure black-and-white-colored breeds must be purchased from breeders.
Review the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA) breed directory for reputable breeders in the United States.
back to menu ↑Cat Types of Tuxedo
Although specific breed standards prohibit the tuxedo style, it is allowed in the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) standards for the following cats.
- American curl
- American shorthair
- British shorthair
- Cornish Rex
- Devon Rex
- Exotic shorthair
- La perm
- Maine coon
- Munchkin
- Norwegian forest cat
- Oriental (shorthair & longhair)
- Persian
- Peterbald
- Scottish fold
- Sphynx
Tuxedo Cat Overview
You won’t be able to resist the charms of a tuxedo cat, regardless of their pedigree. A tuxedo cat can have long or short hair, male or female, and a unique personality.
Perhaps you are looking for a boldly-colored shelter cat, a black-and-white breed, or a kitten who appears to be wearing formal attire. But one thing is sure; a tuxedo is not your average Cat.
back to menu ↑Additional Research and Breeds
You might be interested in similar breeds.
- Tabby Breed Profile
- Calico Breed Profile
- Tortoiseshell Breed Profile
You can also check out our cat breed profiles.
FAQ
Are tuxedo cats always males?
Although they appear to be wearing traditional male formal wear, tuxedo cat can be either male or female.
How much does a tuxedo cat cost?
Many tuxedo cats are available, and you can find one that suits your family. A premium purebred Tuxedo, a thoroughbred with tuxedo markings, can cost between $500 and $2,000. You can save money by rescuing one from your local shelter.
What breed is my tuxedo cat?
Tuxedo cats can be any breed, but they aren’t just one breed. They are named because of their tuxedo-like markings. Commonly, tuxedos can be domestic shorthairs or a variety of species.
What is special about tuxedo cats?
Owners of Tuxedo cats have been known to say that their cats are more intelligent than cats with other types of coats. Some claim that tuxies can be up to 200% more intelligent than other cats. Although tuxies are among the most skilled swimmers of domestic cats, it is not easy to get them in the water.
What kind of cat is a tuxedo cat?
There’s no such item as a tuxedo cat breed.
The “tuxedo,” like tabby, calico, and tortie, is not a cat breed. This fur pattern describes a Bicolor cat with a black and white coat. Tuxedo kittens usually have a substantial black coat with white patches on their chest and belly.
How much is a tuxedo cat worth?
A Tuxedo cat from a premium species may cost you anywhere from $500 – $2,000
How long do tuxedo cats live ?
Like all cats, the average tuxedo generally lives somewhere between 5 to 20 years when kept indoors.
