Tabby

A tabby is a domestic cat marked by streaks, stripes, spots, or swirling patterns, typically with a distinctive 'M' marking on the forehead. These patterns are caused by the agouti gene, responsible for the hair banding that creates the tabby appearance. While many colors and coat variations exist, the tabby pattern itself is a common and recognized characteristic. The word 'tabby' can also be used adjectivally to describe this patterned appearance in cats. The origins of the name are believed to come from the Attabiya district of Baghdad where a type of striped silk was once produced.

Tabby meaning with examples

• The ginger tabby stretched lazily in the sunbeam, its stripes clearly visible. A small, striped kitten, the spitting image of its mother, was playfully batting at a dangling string. The vet noted the health of the tabby with its gorgeous black markings. The family decided to welcome a friendly tabby into their home after years of being around them.
• Sarah adopted a beautiful grey tabby from the local shelter. She enjoyed watching it stalk the garden from a safe distance. The new tabby cat often made a mess out of its food. Sarah was quite taken by its gentle purrs and the intricate patterns on its fur. After a few months the tabby grew close with Sarah.
• The old tabby with its faded stripes had a calming presence around the house. It would often get into trouble. Its coat, once vibrant, now showed the wear of time and many naps. Despite its age, the tabby continued to show its playful nature. Everyone loved watching the tabby sleep on the sofa.
• Children were thrilled to find a lost tabby cat and brought it home. The tabby cat, though skittish, purred when gently stroked. They looked around the neighborhood but were not able to find the owner of the tabby. The kids named the tabby stripes.