Whether you live with a tuxedo cat, you are thinking of adopting one as a family pet, or you prefer admiring them from afar, you may want to learn more about this type of cat. There are many interesting facts about the tuxedo cat that can help you understand this kitty better and develop a deeper appreciation for them as a whole.
Here are 14 fascinating facts about tuxedo cats that every feline lover should know.
The 14 Facts About Tuxedo Cats
1. Tuxedo Is Not the Name of a Breed
The tuxedo cat is not a breed. So what is a tuxedo cat? Well, the name represents the black-and-white coat pattern that a cat may have. Any cat with a majority black coat and white markings (though some have other colored markings on the body) along the face, neck, chest, and belly is typically considered a tuxedo cat.
2. It’s All About Genetics
How a cat’s coat displayed comes down to their genetics. These are responsible for determining their coat length, texture, colors, and patterns overall. Several different genes work together to create a cat’s coat, so the process can be confusing and challenging to understand.
For a tuxedo cat, their genetics dictates that they display mostly black fur with white markings, thanks to the piebald gene. The distribution of the markings can change, but in the tuxedo cat, you will find them especially on the chin, neck, and chest areas.
3. Tuxedo Cats Have More More Than One Special Day
Yes, you heard it right. These cats are so loved and special that we celebrate them twice a year. The Tuxedo Cat Appreciation Day is celebrated on January 29, which is not the same as National Tuxedo Cat Day on November 29. So, there you go—two great excuses to celebrate your beloved tuxie!
4. They Take Well to Photography
Due to their black-and-white coats, tuxedo cats are known for being great photography objects. They show well in front of brightly colored backgrounds and can easily be part of family and household photos. These cats can even stand out in spaces where proper lighting isn’t available, making them photogenic cats that no photography-loving prospective cat owner should overlook.
5. These Curious Cats Are Big Explorers
All tuxedo cats tend to have a curious personality, which is interesting because they can come from many types of breeds and all walks of life. However, most tuxedo cat owners find that their kitties always seem to be on the hunt for something new to explore, whether that means a new play tower or a paper bag that’s been left on the ground.
6. One Tuxedo Cat Became a Decorated War Veteran
A tuxedo cat named Simon served on the Royal Navy sloop-of-war HMS Amethyst during World War II. He received a medal of honor called the Dickin Medal in 1949, presented by the People’s Dispensary for Sick Animals. He suffered from and survived artillery shell injuries while raising the morale of those of the humans he served with and warding off rat infestations from base camps.
7. One Tuxedo Cat Was Named a Millionaire
A tuxedo cat named Sparky was owned by a multi-millionaire and inherited $6.3 million when their owner passed away! This happened in 1998, and Sparky lost his rank as the richest cat to a feline that inherited $11 million from their owner in 2011.
8. One Tuxedo Cat Ran for Mayor
It’s true: A tuxedo cat ran for Mayor of Halifax, Canada, in 2012. The name of the cat was Stan, a 3-year-old male running on the platform of the Tuxedo Party, which hoped to bring attention to the stray cat problem in the area. Stan was once a stray himself, so he had solid experience to work from. In the end, though, Stan lost his bid.
9. They Are Never Identical
No two tuxedo cats look alike. They all have unique markings, even within the same breed. Whether you inspect two or 50 tuxedo cats and compare them to one another, you would be hard-pressed to find identical twins.
10. They Are known as Extremely Affectionate Cats
As for tuxedo cat personalities, they are known for being extremely affectionate. It could be because the same genetics that create their coats also help create their affectionate personality, or it could be a coincidental type of anecdote shared among cat owners. Whatever the case, if you end up living with a tuxedo cat, chances are that you’ll be dealing with a cuddlebug.
11. Strict Show Guidelines Are in Place for Tuxedo Cats
There are strict guidelines to adhere to when choosing to show a tuxedo cat in competitions. For one thing, they must have no more than ¾ of their coat displaying white. The guidelines differ from organization to organization, so contact the organization that you want to participate in to find out the specific guidelines.
12. Tuxedo Cats Are Typically Intelligent
Another anomaly that tuxedo cats seem to share is a sharp sense of intelligence. Although common in multiple breeds, the tuxedo cat tends to excel when it comes to things like training, socializing, and problem solving.
13. A Tuxedo Cat Is One of the Most Famous in the Cartoon World
We all know and love Tom from the “Tom and Jerry” cartoons, but many do not realize that Tom is a mixed-breed tuxedo cat (and grey and white, instead of black and white). He displays many of the characteristics that most tuxedo cats have, including smarts, curiosity, exuberance, and loyalty.
14. A Tuxedo Cat Once Represented the White House
A cat named Socks lived at the White House during the Clinton era, and Chelsea Clinton cared for him throughout his tenure as a family and administrative representative. He was so beloved that his likeness was used to create the design for the children’s version of the White House website. Sadly, the cat had to move in with another family after the Clintons’ dog refused to get along with him.
Final Thoughts
Cats come in all kinds of colors and coat designs, but there is nothing quite like the tuxedo cat. You can spot them from a mile away, and no cat of this type can be mistaken for another. Now that you know all these cool tuxedo cat facts, you can help educate your friends and family so they can become more familiar with this type of feline friend!
Featured Image Credit: Maria Wan, Shutterstock
The 14 Facts About Tuxedo Cats
8 Responses
Very interesting. I have a year and a half old tuxedo called Bella. She is my furry bestie. Full of chat,affectionate but at the same time quite the little predator that brings things in from the garden. She trills alot and will meow by the back door to go outside. if I say you will go out later her response is as if she is saying but I want to go now.
In any case I love her, she is so delightful and she is definitely a spoilt amd privileged princess.
Hi MISS SANDRA C SIMMS, thanks for sharing your story and for loving your princess cat!
I have a black and white kitty named Charlie Brown and he's a momma's boy. He loves to cuddle, he's always by my side and he's the best kitty ever and I hope that when and if I get another one, they will also be just like their brother.
Thank you, Jess Holecek, for sharing Carlie Brown's story. We'd love for your cat to be considered for our Cat of the Week contest! Please submit a high-quality photo using this link: https://www.catster.com/submit-your-cat/
nice
My cat is mostly white and pretty much opposite marked with black and white. Is she a tuxedo cat?
Hi Kista, thanks for your comment, mostly white cats are not considered Tuxedos. She sounds so unique. Consider sending us a pic for our cat of the week contest: https://www.catster.com/submit-your-cat/.
I do have a beautiful tuxedo cat his name is max. But o boy why is he never at home just come to eat and off he go. And I do love ❤️ him to much. And when he wants to eat he call me to love him when his is eating. He is still Yong and not spaid yet. And he loves to talk