The Ultimate Guide to Tuxedo Cats: Everything You Need to Know

The Tuxedo is popular and known for its Black and white colors. Though they’re known for Black and white, other shades of their coat are also seen.

The story began in Ancient Egypt where the Tuxedos were worshipped by the Egyptians.

They seem to be wearing Black ties and coats which is very common in North America. They look like they are wearing a Black mask under their eyes and a throat necklace.

Well, Tuxedo isn’t any particular breed, it’s a coat pattern that resembles the Magpie Bird. So, Tuxedos are actually Piebalds. The equal truth is not all Black and White cats are Tuxedos.

So, we will know the details about the special cat breed. Keep reading.

Tuxedo cat breed information and characteristics, Cat planning
Photo by Lahiru Maramba on Unsplash

Jump to Sections

The specialty of Tuxedo cats:

Other names

Bi-color cat, Bi-color coat pattern, Black mask cat, Moo cat, Shorthair Tuxedo, Cap and saddle, Mask and mantle, Magpie cat, Piebald, Felix, Jellycle, Tuxedo kitty and Tuxie.

Coat length:

Long, short, and curly.

Coat colors:

Mostly Black and White.

Coat patterns: Bi-color

Eye color: Main colors are Blue, Green, and Gold but there are so many shades in these 3 colors.

Life span: It’s a very strong cat. So lives up to 20 years.

Origin: Ancient Egypt.

Origin of Tuxies:

Well, the Tuxedo’s history is glorious and a matter of ego. Cats were worshipped in ancient Egypt.

The people of The Egyptian civilization believed that cats have divine power. So, they worshipped the cats like God and Goddess.

The cats that are Mummified and found in Royal Tombs, Hieroglyphics, and artworks are 70% of Tuxedo cats.

So, there was a royal and Godly vibe for the cats in this ancient era.

After thousands of years, the Tuxedo got the same respect as being the house cat of William Shakespeare, Sir Issac Newton, Beethoven, and also Former US President Bill Clinton. His pet, named Socks was an honorable member of the White House. So, it is proved that Tuxedos are born to be honored.

Appearance:

Appearance of Tuxedo cat, catplanning.com
Photo by Anders Nord on Unsplash

The Tuxedos are generally genetically Black some cats have 70% of their body white and the rest 30% is Black, Orange, or grey- are considered as Tuxedo.

That’s why all Black and White cats are not tuxedo cats. The color proportion should be 70% of White and 30% of Black.

The Tuxedo’s main appearance is in its coat and eyes. Generally, their body is black-coated and their Belly, Chest, and Paws are white as if they’re wearing a Tuxedo.

The cats are so adorable because they’re available in any shape and size. The coat hairs can be both long and short.

Like other breeds, Tuxedos’ eye color depends on their Coat color. Maximum Tuxedo’s eye color is bright and careful looking eyes with Green, Golden Green, Bluish Green, Gold, or Yellowish colors.

Having Big and White Moustouch, mask-looking faces, and Eyebrows set them apart from other breeds.

Temperament and nature of Tuxedo cats:

The Tuxedos are very friendly and outgoing, talkative more than The Persian breeds and less than the Siamese, active and playful, Loyal and dog-like, and extremely intelligent.

A study reveals the truth that, Tuxies can be intelligent and smart more than 200% of other pets. They are affectionate and love to sit on your lap and enjoy your company.

Tuxedo cats follow you like the dogs across the house and are very pet friendly. They communicate with loud voices when needed.

Caring For Tuxedo Cats
Photo by Luku Muffin on Unsplash

Caring for Tuxedos:

It is a matter of relief for the Tuxedo owners that their pets don’t need any special or extra care. As usually brush their coat and teeth at least once per week and trim their nail.

Provide them with a litter box, and a separate place for resting and feeding. If you live in an apartment or busy area, you should not let your Tuxedo go outside.

Then you should arrange plenty of playing as they’re very active and playful. If you live in a suburban area, then you can allow go them outside. But there is also fear of predators. So, don’t let them out after Sunset.

Health and problems of Tuxedo Cats:

The Tuxedo cats have come from many Black and white cat breeds. So, their health-problem and diseases will also differ. But there are some common problems in cats and these are-

Lymphoma- A very common type of cancer among male, fat, and older cats. So, keep an eye on your male Tuxedo’s skin. If you notice a lump or any change in the skin, then take your furry friend to the veterinarian as soon as possible.

Feline Immunodeficiency: It is a widespread virus that spreads among the cats when they fight each other. So, Be careful that your pet can’t fight with other animals.

Leukemia virus: It decreases the immune power. So, get vaccinate regularly your pets.

Take them to the veterinarian after every 6 months. When you ensure a healthy life for your pet friend, it will ensure your back for a long company.

Diabetes: Common in old and overweight cats.

Food and nutrition Tips for Tuxedo Cats:

Food and nutritional tips for Tuxedo cats, Catplanning.com
Photo by Kat D Hope on Unsplash

The Tuxedos need the same food and nutrition as the other breeds. You can choose dry or wet foods for your one.

Some pet owners’ opinion is both dry and wet foods are ideal for cats. Make sure that your pet gets enough protein and 41 nutrients that they need.

If you serve dry food then also serve fresh and clean water to your Tuxedo. Don’t feed them from your plate because they need different foods.

Types of Tuxedo cats:

American curl, American Shorthair, British Shorthair, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Exotic Shorthair, La perm, Maine Coon, Munchkin, Norwegian Forest Cat, Oriental ( Shorthair and Longhair), Persian, Peterbald, Scottish Fold, Sphynx.

Some facts about Tuxedo cats:

  • Tuxedos’ coat colors are not inherited, it is the result of slow and sluggish pigmentation. That means the cells could not reach all parts of the kitty’s body. The pigment cells left White patches and got missed before fully forming.

Recent theories suggest that pigment cells move and multiply randomly when the embryo develops and don’t follow any particular genetic instructions to get patterns.

In other cases, two tuxedos never get the same coat pattern even if they’re cloned because of random patterns and the distribution of their colors and markings.

Tuxedos, Calicos, and Tortoiseshell coat patterns share some similarities in the formation of marking but there is one major difference between the 3 patterns and this is- most Calico and tortoiseshells are females but in the matter of Tuxedo cats the number of males and females are the same.

Bill clinton with his tuxedo cat,Catplanning.com
Bill Clinton with his Tuxedo Cat

History of Tuxedo cats:

  • Sir William Shakespeare, Sir Issac Newton, and magical musician Beethoven have Tuxedo cats. Maybe the kitties are inspired by musical, novelistic, and scientific advancement.
  • The world-famous cartoon character Sylvester from Loony Toons, The Cat in the Hat (the famed character from Dr. Seuss), Tom from ‘Tom and Jerry’ by Sir Walt Disney, and Mr. Mistoffelees from the Broadway Show cats are all Tuxies.
  • A Tuxedo cat became the Mayor in 2012, in Halifax, Canada, named Tuxedo Stan. He didn’t have any office but made history between humans and animals.
  • The richest cat in this world is a Tuxedo cat, named Sparky. In 1998, its net worth was millions of dollars. Sparky’s owners didn’t have any successor.

So, he gifted all his wealth to Sparky. The amount made Sparky the richest cat in this world and obviously, most people don’t worth the amount.

Myths about Tuxedo cats:

Some people think that Tuxedos are especially, talented and smart but all traits come from Genes.

Tuxedos were worshipped in ancient Egypt as representatives of God. Some people believe that Tuxedos have magical powers that they can disappear.

Tuxedo cats are allowed to the metropolitan opera due to their perfect dressing sense.

Overview of Tuxies:

Well, Tuxies are Black and White suited kitties. Whatever its breed is you’ll always get a gentle, intelligent, and affectionate cat.

Adopting a Tuxedo Cat:

You should remember that all Black and White cats aren’t Tuxedos. So, don’t be fooled. Adopt from reputed and trusted breeders. You may check the website of the American Cat Fancier’s Association (ACFA).

Cons of Tuxedo cats:

  • Some breeds of Tuxedo have breed-related health problems.
  • They have particular makings. So, they can not be bred.
  • As it’s not any particular breed so their personality traits vary from breed to breed.

Frequently Asked Questions and answers:

Scroll to Top