A tuxedo cat has fur that is of two colors, black and white. They may be called 'tuxedo' cats because of their color, much like the traditional black and white tuxedo.
A tuxedo cat.
Different Breeds[]
The coloration of a tuxedo cat does not mean that they are completely Tuxedo. They could possibly have other breeds of cats in their backgrounds (I.E. Siamese, Manx, Bombay, Turkish Angora) The two breeds mixed together created a black and white 'Bicolor' cat. Most common black and white household cats are probably mixed breeds, but only research would tell what they were.
Fur Coloring[]
Most tuxedo cats have black cat 'masks' over their eyes, and often over their entire head. To be considered a true black and white cat, a feline's coloring should consist of a solid black coat, with white fur limited to the paws, belly, chest, throat, and often the chin, although many tuxedos may appear to sport goatees, due to the black coloration of their lower jaw and chin. Bicolor may also appear in the color of their skin. Their paw pads can be black or pink. Bicoloring of the nose and mouth is also very common.
Well Known Tuxedo Cats[]
Some well known tuxedo cats in history are Felix the Cat, Tom from Tom and Jerry, Figaro and Sylvester. A black and white cat, Mittens, has a starring role in the animated movie 'Bolt'. (2008, Disney)
Trivia[]
- They are a division of the bicolor cat.