Tuxedo Cat Characteristics and Personality

A defining feature of a tuxedo cat is their black-and-white fur. This contrast of two fur colors means they are a type of bicolor cat. Not only is a tuxedo cat's fur black and white, but it has a distinct pattern. While mostly black, the white fur on a tuxedo cat makes upa round 25% of their total fur. This is distributed in a pattern which covers most of their neck and chest, as well as their snout and forehead.

The distribution of fur on these cats resembles that of a black tuxedo jacket over a white shirt, hence their name. There are black-and-white cats which are not tuxedos because their fur is distributed differently. In addition, tuxedo cats usually have white paws. The rest of their body has black hair. To break this down, we can say the distribution of fur on a tuxedo cat is as follows:

• Most of the body will be black, including the head, ears and even the tail.
• The face, neck, chest and belly will be white.
• The paws can be white up to different heights, depending on whether they look like ‘stockings’ or ‘socks’.

While this distribution is common, there are some variations. For example, it is possible the tip of the cat's tail can be white or black, both would be considered acceptable if they meet the aforementioned criteria. Other small patches of white can appear, but they should still only take up around 25% of the total body hair.

Origin of the tuxedo pattern

It is important to know that this pattern is created naturally and by chance. It is not as a result of any specific breeding program, but was determined by natural selection from genetic pairings between cats. The exact origin or history of this elegant pattern is unknown.

Only cats with this pattern will be called tuxedo cats. There are other black-and-white cats, but their distribution of white and black is not the same. For example, if a cat's coat is predominantly white, they will not be considered a tuxedo cat. For this reason, these black-and-white cats will have other names such as harlequin (no discernable pattern) or locket (a small patch of white appears on the best of a black cat).

If you want to know more about the origins of coat patterns, take a look at our article sharing interesting facts about black cats.

As we have explained, tuxedo cats are those which have a distinct black-and-white coat pattern as we have described above. They are not a distinct breed in and of themselves. In fact, there are various breeds which can display this pattern, although they are perhaps most associated with mixed-breed cats. Beyond this common characteristic, they do not necessarily have any discernable characteristics attributed to this coat color alone.

Despite this, many guardians of tuxedo cats claim they have a certain personality. It is similar to how those who claim that orange cats have a particular temperament. This is anecdotal and not supported by any specific scientific evidence, but many claim the stereotypical tuxedo cat personality is as follows:

• Marked personality
• Friendly temperament
• Very playful
• High intelligence
• Sociable with family

They are also considered to be communicative, calm and affectionate. They are often capable of establishing good relationships with other animals. However, the influence of coat genetics on a cat's personality is so poorly understood to be considered negligible in tuxedo cats. Much more important is their breed, level of socialization, experience, environment and type of care they receive.

To learn more, we investigate cat personality according to coat color in our related guide.

As we have stated, the bicolor tuxedo coat pattern is not recognized in every breed. Only certain breed standards accept for tuxedo coat patterns. They can be longhaired or shorthaired and range in size. Breeds of tuxedo cat include:

• European Shorthair
• Maine coon
• Persian
• British Shorthair
• British Longhair
• Oriental Shorthair
• Manx
• American Shorthair

Despite this coat pattern appearing in the above breeds, the majority of tuxedo cats are mixed-breed. This is because the genes which pass on this pattern can pass on easily through both males and females. This is in contrast to patterns such as the calico which is almost always female. Learn more with our article on calico cat personality and types.

Although we know very little about the exact origins of tuxedo cats, they have been around for thousands of years. This is enough time for various cultures around the world to have attributed certain stories and mythologies around this cats with this coat pattern. Sometimes these are specific to tuxedo cats, but tuxedos have not existed for that long. For this reason, it more generally applies to black-and-white cats.

The origin of the black-and white cat pattern has its own associated (and unverifiable) legend. It is said a black cat with big yellow eyes adored her sailor guardian and followed him everywhere. They were always together. One day, the sailor had to leave on a sea journey. Fearing that the cat might fall into the sea during the voyage, he asked his mother to take care of his beloved feline. The cat had to be locked up so that she would not follow him.

Unfortunately, some time later, the mother received the bad news that her son had died at sea, swallowed by a wave. At that moment, the cat escaped to the shore and scoured the coast, looking for her companion, without success. Much later, the saddened, exhausted and extremely thin cat asked the ocean to take her and keep her soul, as she did not want to live in the world without her human. In response, a giant wave crashed over her.

When she opened her eyes, she was in the arms of her caretaker. Having lost his memory, he regained it when he saw the intense yellow eyes of his cat. He was convinced that it was her, although her appearance was not what it had always been. Her fur had changed. It was no longer black, but mixed with white, as a reminder of her contact with the sea and its foam.

In addition, to the color change, it is said the ocean granted her and all her offspring a gift. This gift was the ability to bring harmony and joy to the home.

If you have a tuxedo cat in your family, does this legend sound about right? Let us know in the comments!

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