Tuxedo Cat: Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care

A tuxedo cat isn’t a specific breed, but rather a black and white color pattern that looks like a formal suit. The pattern shows up in mixed-breed cats and purebreds like Maine Coons, Scottish Folds, and Manx cats. These cats can live up to 20 years, though their lifespan depends on their breed.

While any mix of black and white patches counts as a tuxedo pattern, the most common look is a black body with white on the chest and paws. Some even have a small black spot on their throat that looks just like a bow tie!

Learn more about tuxedo cats and what makes them so special.

Breed Overview

Other Names: Tuxie, Felix cat, Jellicle cat, piebald

Personality: Varies with breed

Weight: Up to 18 pounds, depending on breed

Length: Up to 36 inches, nose to tail, depending on breed

Coat Length: Short hair, long hair, or curly

Coat Colors: Black and white

Coat Patterns: Bicolor

Eye Color: Various shades of gold, green, or blue

Lifespan: Up to 20 years

Hypoallergenic: No (the sphynx and Devon rex breeds are less allergenic)

Origin: Ancient Egypt

Tuxedo Cat Characteristics

Tuxedo cats have a special black-and-white pattern that looks like a formal suit. Just like a person wearing a tuxedo, these cats have black fur with white patches on their chest, making it look like they’re wearing a fancy white shirt.

Some tuxedo cats have white paws that look like dress shoes or “spats.” They might also have white markings on their face, like a white stripe on their nose or white fur around their mouth and chin. One funny pattern some cats have is a small white patch under their nose that looks like a tiny mustache.

You can find tuxedo patterns in many different cat breeds and mixed cats. While they share the same black-and-white coloring, each tuxedo cat has their unique personality. Most are friendly, smart, and love to play. They usually get along well with people, other cats, and pets.

History of the Tuxedo Cat

Cats can have special genes that make their fur look like a tuxedo. These cats are naturally black, but they also have a gene that adds white patches. This white gene stops color from forming in certain areas of their fur. The amount of white can vary from a little to a lot, with tuxedo cats usually having less white than other bicolor cats.

These black-and-white cats have been around for a very long time. Ancient Egyptians had them, as shown in their tomb paintings. Today, tuxedo cats are popular and often appear in movies, books, and TV shows.

• Felix the Cat became famous in silent movies during the 1920s. He appeared in cartoons and many products. The Felix clock, which shows his black tail moving side to side, is still popular with collectors today.
• T.S. Eliot wrote about black-and-white cats called “Jellical” cats in his 1939 poem book, Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats.
• Sylvester the Cat from Looney Tunes cartoons is a well-known black-and-white cat. He has white on his cheeks, chest, paws, and tail tip.
• The main character in Dr. Seuss’s 1957 book “The Cat in the Hat” was also a black-and-white cat.
• Socks was President Bill Clinton’s black-and-white cat who lived in the White House and became famous.

Tuxedo Cat Care

Taking care of a tuxedo cat is similar to caring for any other cat, but specific needs may vary based on their breed.

Indoor cats need a clean litter box placed in a quiet spot. Empty and wash the box weekly. Using clumping litter and removing waste daily helps keep the box clean.

Remember to take your cat to regular vet checkups and get their shots on time to keep them healthy.

Exercise

Let your cat play with toys and have safe spots to hide. Since cats sleep a lot, give them a cozy bed and places to rest around your home.

Grooming

Your cat’s fur needs the same care no matter what color it is. Regular brushing stops knots and helps prevent hairballs. Cut their nails every few weeks and give them a scratching post.

Common Health Problems

Cats with tuxedo markings can belong to many breeds, and each breed may face different health issues. The ASPCA lists these common health problems that all cat owners should watch for:

• Cancer: Older cats often get cancer. Watch for lumps or skin changes. The most common cat cancer is lymphoma.
• Diabetes: Fat, male, and older cats get this more often.
• Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV): Cats can spread this by biting each other during fights. Keep your cat inside to prevent fights.
• Feline leukemia virus (FeLV): This virus weakens the cat’s immune system and can cause blood cancer. A vaccine can help protect against it.
• Kidney disease: Kidney disease often affects older cats and can cause their kidneys to stop working. Signs include drinking and peeing more, losing weight, eating less, and throwing up. Ask your vet about blood tests that can catch kidney problems early.
• Hyperthyroidism: Many older cats have thyroid problems. Signs include weight loss, more meowing, eating a lot, and sometimes throwing up or having loose stools. A blood test can check for this.

Appearance

A tuxedo cat’s black-and-white pattern is visible from birth and stays the same as it grows up. Unlike some cats whose colors change, tuxedo kittens look like smaller versions of adult tuxedo cats.

These cats can be different sizes and shapes, but their black-and-white markings make them look fancy like they’re wearing a tuxedo.

Even though some gray and white cats may look similar, only black and white cats are called tuxedo cats.

Diet and Nutrition

Feed your black and white cat like any other cat. While they may look fancy, they don’t need special food. Wet food is usually best, but you can also give them dry food for snacks. Always keep clean water available.

Talk to your vet about your cat’s diet, especially if your cat is overweight, has diabetes, or is older.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Tuxedo Cat

Black and white tuxedo cats are easy to find in shelters if you want a mixed breed. For purebred tuxedo cats, you’ll need to contact a breeder since they’re harder to find in shelters.

To find good breeders in the US, look at the American Cat Fanciers’ Association (ACFA) directory.

Types of Tuxedo Cat

Cats with black and white tuxedo markings are only accepted by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) for certain cat breeds.

• American Curl
• American Shorthair
• British Shorthair
• Cornish Rex
• Devon Rex
• Exotic Shorthair
• LaPerm
• Maine Coon
• Munchkin
• Norwegian Forest Cat
• Oriental (Shorthair and Longhair)
• Persian
• Peterbald
• Scottish Fold
• Sphynx

Tuxedo Cat Overview

Whether you want a shelter cat with striking colors, a specific breed with black and white fur, or you’ve found a stray kitten that looks like it’s wearing a fancy suit, tuxedo cats are hard to resist. These cats can have short or long fur and can be male or female. While their personalities vary, one thing is clear: tuxedo cats are special.

Pros of Tuxedo Cats

• Charming pattern resembling a tuxedo
• Almost any cat can possess the pattern
• Several breed standards accept the pattern

Cons of Tuxedo Cats

• Certain breeds may be prone to specific health problems
• Cannot be bred for particular markings
• Personality traits vary

More Cat Breeds and Further Research

If you’re interested in other coat patterns, check out:

• Tabby
• Calico
• Tortoiseshell

FAQ

• Are tuxedo cats always males?
  Although they look like they’re wearing a black-and-white suit, tuxedo cats can be either male or female.
• How much does a tuxedo cat cost?
  A tuxedo cat from a breeder can cost between $500 and $2,000. However, you can save money by adopting one from a local shelter. There are many tuxedo cats in shelters, and you’ll likely find one that’s perfect for your family.
• What breed is my tuxedo cat?
  Tuxedo cats are not one breed; they are named for their markings that look like they are wearing a tuxedo. Tuxedos are commonly domestic shorthairs but can be one of many different breeds.