How Aggressive Are Tuxedo Cats? What Studies Say

Do you have a cat with an attitude? Or as many call it, cattitude? If you do, you’re not alone. While some cat owners have kitties in their lives that are sweet, docile, and loving, others have the pleasure of having cats in the family that can flip the script and go from darling to devilish in a matter of seconds.

But what about tuxedo cats? Are they known for being aggressive? Does the coat color and pattern even matter? Oddly enough, no matter how gorgeous they are, tuxedo cats are known for being one of the more aggressive cats out there. For pet parents of tuxedo cats, we’re here to help you understand this situation better so you aren’t always dealing with so much cattitude.

A Bit About Tuxedo Cats

With the way they are talked about, many people think tuxedo cats are a breed of their own. This isn’t the case. Tuxedo refers to the coat color and pattern of a particular cat. Tuxedo cats can be multiple breeds genetically but will show that popular, formal coloration that so many people have come to adore.

While the appearance of a tuxedo cat is what attracts so many people to these cats, there’s more to them than meets the eye. We mentioned cattitude already. Have you heard of tuxietude? Yes, it’s a thing. Or at least it’s a phrase tuxedo cat owners use when referring to their crazy kitties. Now, this doesn’t mean tuxedo cats are always aggressive or sassy. They can be loving and gentle when they feel like it. But it’s clear that they aren’t the friendliest cats on the planet.

Can Color and Pattern Affect Cattitude?

Normally, when thinking about the aggression or sassiness of a cat, the breed is what we usually contribute it to. At least, that was until a study conducted in the UK was published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science. This study began with a hypothesis. What if coat color and a cat’s temperament are linked? From there, the research began.

More than 1200 cat owners were approached. These owners answered a list of detailed questions to help the researchers better understand a cat’s reaction to certain situations. These situations were common occurrences like petting, cuddling, going to the vet, or playing. All the information on these questionnaires was used to create an aggression scale for the study. Once that scale was created, the cats were placed on it.

The Study Results

The results of the study were a bit surprising to some, but not tuxedo cat owners. The cats who ranked highest on the aggression scale were tuxedo cats, or those with black and white coats. The label given to these cats was, “most likely to display aggression.” The study also showed that tuxedo cats didn’t enjoy things on their human’s terms. Instead, tuxedo cats preferred things to take place on their terms. This means they want to be handled and interacted with when they deem it’s time. Which, for anyone who owns one of these cats already knows, this is how they live their lives.

Also in the study, it was determined that calico and gray tuxedo cats were the next two in line when it came to aggression. Researchers determined that calico cats didn’t seem as needy as some cats when it comes to affection. In fact, they were labeled as less affectionate than other colors. Gray and white tuxedo cats also were labeled as the color most likely to show aggression when going on a veterinarian visit.

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Does This Mean All Tuxedo Cats Are Aggressive?

The UK study found that the tuxedo cats in the study they conducted were more aggressive than other coat colors, but does that mean all tuxedo cats are aggressive? No, it does not. While tuxies may lean toward being a bit bad, that doesn’t mean your tuxie is temperamental. Like people, every cat is different. They have a personality. Your tuxie could be the sweetest cat out there, leaving you scratching your head while reading this article. Then again, you could be the owner of a tuxie that is completely wild, climbs the walls, and keeps you in check.

Any color or breed of cat can act aggressive or sweet as pie on any given day. Simply because tuxies are known for having a bit of cattitude doesn’t mean you should avoid bringing one of these gorgeous cats into your home if given the chance.

Final Thoughts

Whether you want a cat that will rule the house like royalty, or one that will simply shower you with love, no one can deny the beauty of a tuxedo kitty. Yes, they are known for being one of the most aggressive cat colors, but that doesn’t mean every tuxie will be a wild child. If you’re a cat lover, the attitude isn’t a breaking point. Instead, most of us greet cattitude with open arms. Perhaps cat lovers are simply gluttons for punishment. Then again, it could be that we simply can’t deny those cute, black-and-white faces and could care less if they rule the roost from time to time.

Featured Image Credit: Sarah McGraw, Shutterstock