Classic Tabby Vs Mackerel Tabby: 6 Distinct Coat Features

Uncover the genetic stories behind each feline’s unique swirls and stripes.

By Medha deb

Created on Aug 29, 2025

Uncover the genetic stories behind each feline’s unique swirls and stripes.

Classic Tabby vs. Mackerel Tabby: Understanding Two Iconic Cat Patterns

When it comes to house cats with a touch of the wild, few cats display as much drama on their coats as tabby cats. But while many cat lovers can identify the distinctive swirling or striped patterns of these felines, fewer realize that the label “tabby” describes a pattern, not a specific breed. Two of the most prominent tabby patternsâclassic tabby and mackerel tabbyâstand out for their visual appeal and fascinating genetic backgrounds. This guide explores the defining features, genetics, and unique personalities of these two famous patterns.

What Is a Tabby Cat? Pattern vs. Breed

The term tabby refers specifically to coat patterns seen in a wide array of cat breeds and mixed-breed cats alike. No matter the breed, a tabby cat is defined by certain hair pigmentation patterns, not by ancestry. This makes tabby patterns among the most widespread and recognizable in the feline world.

Tabby is a pattern, not a breed.
Tabby patterns can appear in purebred and mixed-breed cats.
Multiple base colorsâsuch as brown, orange, silver, or grayâcan support tabby markings.

Types of Tabby Patterns

While classic and mackerel tabby are the most frequently observed, there are four primary tabby patterns, with a possible fifth resulting from pattern combinations:

Mackerel (striped) tabby
Classic (blotched) tabby
Spotted tabby
Ticked tabby
Patched tabby (as a fifth, combines other tabby patterns, often seen in calico and tortoiseshell cats)

While all have their unique appeal, this article spotlights the distinctiveness of the classic (blotched) tabby and mackerel tabby patterns, delving into what makes each special.

Classic Tabby vs. Mackerel Tabby: Key Differences

Feature	Classic Tabby	Mackerel Tabby
Markings	Broad, swirling bands; often resembles a bullseye or marble cake; butterfly shaped shoulder markings; three distinct back stripes	Thin, evenly spaced, parallel stripes; “fishbone” effect with a single spinal stripe and perpendicular branches
Main Body Pattern	Swirls and rounded shapes, with circular ‘bullseye’ on sides	Vertical stripes or bars running down the body; stripes may be broken into short bars or spots
Common Nicknames	“Blotched tabby”	“Fishbone tabby”
Forehead Mark	“M” shape, like all tabbies	“M” shape, like all tabbies
Frequency	Less common than mackerel	Most common tabby type
Origin/Genetics	Mutation of the mackerel pattern gene	Considered the wild-type, ancestral tabby pattern

A Closer Look at Classic Tabby Markings

Classic tabbies are often described as looking like they’ve been painted with broad, swirling brushstrokes. Their:

Coats feature wide, swirling patterns that often form a dramatic bullseye on each side
Backs typically show three bold, straight stripes running from the neck to the tail
Shoulders may have wing-like, “butterfly” markings when viewed from above
Legs and tails usually display alternating bands or rings

This pattern is also known as “blotched tabby” and is less prevalent than the more common mackerel variation, especially in random-bred populations.

A Closer Look at Mackerel Tabby Markings

Mackerel tabbies are what many people imagine when they picture a “striped cat.” Their characteristics include:

Numerous, thin vertical stripes that run closely together down the sides
A single dark stripe along the spine, with numerous parallel stripes branching downward like the bones of a fish
The “fishbone” appearance is particularly distinctive, hence the name
Stripes may be continuous or broken into shorter bars or even spots on the flanks or stomach
Typically the most frequently seen pattern among tabby cats

This is the wild-type pattern found in many wildcat species and is often associated with a more “natural” or “original” tabby look.

Tabby Patterns and Genetics: How Are They Inherited?

The visual splendor of tabby cats is a direct result of feline genetics. Both the classic and mackerel tabby patterns can occur in any breed, depending on the genes inherited. Hereâs a quick glance at the science behind their swirls and stripes:

The mackerel tabby gene is dominant.
The classic tabby pattern results from a mutation of the mackerel gene and is recessive.
Breeding two classic tabby-patterned cats will always yield more classic tabby kittens, while two mackerels can produce either pattern depending on their genes.

Other patternsâticked and spotted, for exampleâarise from variations and combinations of these core genes. Patched tabbies, meanwhile, combine tabby markings with patches of other colors, as seen in “caliby” or “torbie” cats.

Tabby Cat Colors: Classic & Mackerel in Every Hue

Whether classic or mackerel, tabby markings can appear in a dazzling array of colors, depending on breed, individual genetics, and even environmental factors. Youâll find tabby cats in:

Brown tabby (most common)
Gray or silver tabby
Red or orange tabby
Cream tabby
Blue tabby

These color variations occur in both classic and mackerel tabby cats, making for an almost endless variety of handsome household companions.

Personality & Temperament: Are There Differences Between Classic and Mackerel Tabby Cats?

While the markings of tabby cats are among the easiest traits to spot, there is no scientific evidence that a catâs stripe pattern alone determines its personality. However, many cat owners believe tabbiesâregardless of typeâtend to be especially personable and playful:

Both classic and mackerel tabbies are often noted for their family-friendly temperaments.
Some owners describe tabby cats as mischievous, affectionate, and highly social.
Temperament is often more closely related to breed and upbringing than coat pattern.

Classic and mackerel tabbies can display a wide range of personalities, from boisterous and outgoing to serene and gentleâeach as unique as their coats!

Other Notable Tabby Patterns

Although classic and mackerel tabby cats are the most recognizable, here are brief notes about the other two major tabby patterns:

Spotted Tabby: Shows spots or rosettes on the body. Sometimes these emerge from broken mackerel stripes. Seen in breeds like the Bengal or Egyptian Mau.
Ticked Tabby: Each hair is banded multiple times with different colors, giving a “salt and pepper” effect. Found in breeds such as the Abyssinian.

There are also unique patterns in certain breeds or from crossbreeding wild and domestic cats, as in the Sokoke or Bengal breeds.

Tabby Pattern Identification Tips

Look for swirls vs. stripes: Classic tabbies have bold, swirling âbullseyeâ marks, while mackerel tabbies have evenly spaced stripes.
Check the spine: Classic tabbies have three stripes along the back; mackerels have a single stripe with “ribbed” branches.
Shoulder markings: Butterfly shapes indicate classic tabby; thin, parallel lines suggest mackerel.
Legs and tail rings: Both patterns may show rings, though often more distinct in mackerels.

Some kittens or mixed-breed cats may show “intermediate” markings or broken stripes, which might blur the distinction between patterns. In some cases, broken stripes can create a spotted appearance.

Tabby Myths and Folklore

Tabby cats feature prominently in folklore, often attributed with mystical powers, keen intelligence, or even special relationships with historical figures:

The legend of the tabby catâs “M” shapeâsaid to be a mark of blessing from the Virgin Mary or from the Prophet Muhammad’s affectionate cat.
Many cultures throughout history have favoured tabby cats for their perceived luck or wisdom.

Today, the “M” remains one of the universal hallmarks of all tabby-patterned cats, regardless of type.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Classic and Mackerel Tabby Cats

Are classic tabby cats a separate breed?

No, classic tabby is a pattern not a breed. It can appear in almost any breed or random-bred cat.

Which tabby pattern is most commonly seen?

Mackerel tabby is the most common tabby pattern, especially among non-pedigree cats.

Can classic and mackerel tabby cats be different colors?

Yes. Both patterns can present in a variety of base colorsâbrown, silver, orange, and moreâdepending on genetics.

Do classic or mackerel tabby patterns occur in specific breeds?

Both patterns can be found across many cat breeds, as well as in mixed-breed cats. Some breeds tend to favor certain patterns, but both can crop up in a variety of lineages.

Is there any difference in personality between classic and mackerel tabby cats?

No studies demonstrate any personality difference based solely on pattern. Personality is determined by breed, socialization, and environment, not by coat type.

Can a tabby have multiple patterns?

Some cats may show mixed or modified patterns, such as partial stripes and spots, especially in mixed-breed or hybrid cats.

Conclusion: Celebrating the Classic and Mackerel Tabby

Classic and mackerel tabbies may be categorized by their stripes and swirls, but the appeal of these cats goes far beyond looks. With a range of colors, markings, and stories as unique as each feline companion, tabby cats stand out for their charm, beauty, and adaptability. Whether youâre admiring the marbleized beauty of a classic tabby or the tiger-like sleekness of a mackerel tabby, youâre enjoying a piece of natureâs artistryâright in your own living room.

Cats of all breeds and lineages wear their tabby patterns with pride, embodying both the ancient heritage and the friendly, playful spirit that continues to endear these cats to people around the world.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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