How Aggressive Are Tuxedo Cats? Vet-Verified Facts & Info

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? There’s no solid scientific proof that tuxedo cats are naturally more aggressive. A few studies have hinted that cat parents sometimes report black-and-white cats (which includes tuxedos), calicos, or torties as being a little feistier in certain situations. But it’s important to know these studies are based on owner opinions, not on scientists actually testing the cats’ behavior.

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. In reality, tuxedo cats are individuals like any other. Some may be bold or sassy, while others are quiet and affectionate. Coat color alone does not reliably predict friendliness or aggression.

Can Color and Pattern Affect Cattitude?

Normally, when thinking about the aggression or sassiness of a cat, the breed is what we usually attribute 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: Owner perceptions of aggression may vary depending on coat color.

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 study found that cats with certain coat patterns, including black-and-white (tuxedo), gray-and-white, calico, and tortoiseshell, were more often reported by owners to show aggression in specific situations compared with solid-colored cats. The differences weren’t huge, and the researchers pointed out that these results came from what cat parents said in surveys, not from scientists directly observing the cats themselves. They also noted that cats described as more aggressive typically preferred interactions on their own terms, which is a common feline trait and not unique to tuxedo-patterned cats.

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.

If your cat is stressed when visiting the vet, telehealth services might be a good option for your family.

Does This Mean All Tuxedo Cats Are Aggressive?

Nope! Just because some studies suggest coat color might influence how people perceive their cat’s behavior, it doesn’t mean tuxedo cats are naturally aggressive. Like people, every cat is an individual with their own quirks.

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 aggressively 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. Some studies have linked black-and-white cats to being reported as a little more feisty, but that doesn’t mean tuxedo cats are automatically aggressive. A cat’s true personality depends on so many things, like their genetics, how they were socialized as kittens, their environment, and of course, their one-of-a-kind individuality. 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 couldn't care less if they rule the roost from time to time.

Featured Image Credit: Sarah McGraw, Shutterstock