This makes them especially popular in the southern states, where the climate is very hot and humid. First of all, they are very tolerant of warm weather and do not require a lot of grooming. In the United States, mackerel tabby cats are quite common. Why they are so common in the United States. So next time you see a tabby cat, take a moment to appreciate its unique history-and let it know how grateful you are for its existence. Today, tabby cats are found all over the world, and their striking coats continue to captivate cat lovers everywhere. But did you know that these patterns are actually the result of a genetic mutation? The first recorded instance of a mackerel tabby cat dates back to 19th century England when a stray cat with unusual markings was brought to the attention of scientists.Īfter studying the cat’s DNA, they discovered that the distinctive stripes were caused by a recessive gene.
The surprising history of mackerel tabby cats.įor centuries, tabby cats have been revered for their beautiful coat patterns. Regardless of its origins, the Mackerel Tabby Cat is a truly unique creature, and its striking coat is sure to turn heads.
While the exact cause of this mutation is unknown, it is thought to be related to exposure to radiation or chemicals. When this gene is mutated, it results in an overproduction of melanin, which leads to the formation of dark stripes on a light background. The pattern is caused by a gene that is responsible for regulating the production of melanin, the pigment that gives color to fur. In fact, there is a scientific explanation for why these cats have their distinctive striped coats. The origins of the Mackerel Tabby Cat are not as mysterious as one might think. Today, the mackerel tabby is one of the most common types of cats in the world.īelieve it or not, there is a scientific explanation for the origins of these cats. It is believed that the mackerel tabby made its way to Europe in the 16th century, where it quickly became a popular pet. The first documented mention of the mackerel tabby was in 12th century China, where it was described as a “tiger cat”. In fact, this type of cat is thought to have originated in Asia. But where did the mackerel tabby originate?Ĭontrary to popular belief, the mackerel tabby is not a native of Africa. With its characteristic striped coat, it is easy to see why this feline has been a popular choice for centuries. The mackerel tabby is one of the most distinctive and recognizable types of cats. The surprising origins of mackerel tabby cats So if you are curious about your cat’s heritage, be sure to read on. We will also explore why they are so common in the United States. Believe it or not, there is actually a scientific explanation for the origins of these cats! In this blog post, we will discuss the surprising history of mackerel tabby cats. Please use custom search to find many articles on tabby cats on this site.Do you have a mackerel tabby cat? If so, you may be wondering where he or she came from. The striped tabby cat is relatively rare. The blotched tabby is the most common form of tabby pattern. With the British Empire during Victorian times they spread further.
During this time of British expansion many blotched tabby cats became ships’ cats and were therefore scattered all over the globe in quite a short time. It is thought that the blotched tabby cats first surfaced in Britain in the Elizabethan era. Over time the blotched tabby arrived due to a new mutation. Sometimes the lines would have broken up to create spots and dashes. The first cats from this hybridization between the European wildcat and the African wildcat would have been mackerel tabbies with thin dark lines. Dr Desmond Morris suggests that this hybridization between two species of wild cat resulted in the higher contrast tabby cat patterns that we see today. The original domestic cats would have had a more washed out tabby pattern which is seen on the ancestral wild cat species from which the domestic cat originates, namely, the North African wildcat which would have hybridized freely with the European wildcat over time. Domestic tabby compared with wild cat ancestor.
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