Patterns in the Domesticated Cat - Part 2 Tabby Patterns

Patterns in the Domesticated Cat – Part 2 Tabby Patterns

May 26, 2026

YIPES! STRIPES! The Tabby Patterns

Pat Jacobberger, CFA Judge Emeritus

Four distinct tabby patterns, and several variations, occur in the domesticated cat. The “mackerel tabby” pattern is considered the genetically dominant pattern. The “classic tabby,” or “blotched tabby” (as it is referred to outside of North America), is also common, but all tabby patterns are the result of mutations to the mackerel tabby pattern.

All tabby patterns are a combination of two patterns – one superimposed upon the other. The pattern of the ground color (the lighter areas of the coat) is termed “agouti.” It is the universal camouflage pattern found in several mammals, including cats, mice, rabbits, and squirrels. In the agouti portion of the tabby pattern, each individual hair has alternating bands of yellow and black. The second pattern of the tabby is created by the displacement of the agouti banded hairs with solid-colored hairs, which make up the ornamental markings: the pencilings, swirls, and spots.

All tabby patterns have common elements to the description:

Ground color – the background color (agouti) of the tabby pattern. The color and contrast vary depending on the color. The ground color offers significant contrast to the tabby markings.
Tabby marking – the swirls, stripes, and/or the pencilings of the pattern. These markings are one color and very dense.
Spine line – the stripe(s) running down the back or the spine of the cat.
Mascara markings or lines – facial markings, particularly around the eyes, but including cheek markings or swirls.
Bracelets – the markings that encircle the legs.
Necklaces – the markings at the throat.
Tail rings – the markings that encircle the tail.
Buttons – the markings on the belly
The Tabby “M” – the characteristic marking on the forehead of every tabby-patterned cat.

Tabby Patterns

Mackerel Tabby – The “wild-type” tabby pattern. Most of the markings are dense, narrow pencilings. The legs are barred with bracelets coming up to meet the body markings, and the tail is barred with tail rings. The necklaces on the neck and chest are distinct. The head is barred with an “M” on the forehead, and unbroken lines run back from the eyes and down the head to meet the shoulders. The spine lines run together to form a narrow saddle, and narrow pencilings run around body.
Classic or Blotched Tabby – The term “blotched” is derived from the irregular spirals and whirls of tabby markings on the sides or the flanks. The markings are dense, clearly defined, and broad. The legs are barred with bracelets coming up to meet the body markings. The tail has rings, and there are several necklaces on the neck and upper chest. The marks on the forehead form the letter “M.” On the face, an unbroken line runs back from the outer corner of eye, and there are swirls on the cheeks. Vertical lines run over the back of the head and extend to the shoulder markings, which are in the shape of a butterfly. The back markings consist of three dark parallel lines that run down the spine, from the butterfly to the tail. There is a large, solid blotch on each side of the body that is encircled by one or more unbroken rings. There are buttons on the chest and stomach.
Spotted Tabby – The pattern is not uniform in this variation. The markings on the body are made up of spots, and they may vary in size, shape, and arrangement. Sometimes the spots run together and look like a broken mackerel pattern. A spine line runs along the length of the body to the tip of the tail. Sometimes the stripe is composed of spots, and sometimes it looks like a solid stripe. The markings on the face and forehead are the typical tabby markings seen in the other patterns. The underside of the body has buttons, and the legs and tail are barred.
Ticked Tabby – The body hairs are ticked with various shades of color and ground color. The body, when viewed from the top, is usually free from noticeable spots, stripes, or blotches, except for some darker spinal shading. The underside may show tabby markings such as buttons. The face, legs, and tail generally show distinct tabby markings such as the tabby “M” on the forehead, mascara lines, bracelets, and tail rings. Most ticked tabbies have at least one necklace.
Rosetted Tabby – The ground color is clear and free of ticking, while the rosettes and spots can be of any shape and arrangement. Facial markings, bracelets, and necklaces may be “broken” into spots or rosettes, but the “M” on the forehead is distinct. There are distinct buttons on the belly. Currently, the only pedigreed breed that recognizes the rosetted/spotted tabby pattern is the Bengal.
Marbled Tabby – This tabby pattern is full of swirls. While the ground color is clear and without ticking, the contrasting markings may be very distinct and sharp and may have a horizontal or diagonal flow. Buttons on the stomach are distinct.
Patched Tabby or Torbie – This pattern is comprised of any tabby pattern with the addition of red- or cream-colored patches. The pattern is caused by the sex-linked red gene, and so over 90% of patched tabbies are female. The patching can be just that, patching, or it can follow the pattern, running around and through the tabby markings. Each individual cat will be different.