Though tabbies are not naturally predisposed to being overweight, their lovable natures can influence people to give them more food than is healthy. If treated well, they can be a very contented and well-behaved member of the family. They're rather playful but can get moody sometimes.įortunately, they tend to be very easy going and not prone to attacking. Their intelligence just makes them realize some people and animals are more companionable than others.

However, they have a tendency to play favorites. Tabbies are very friendly and intelligent, getting along with many people and animals. Tabby Cat Personality and BehaviorĮvery tabby is a completely unique individual, so this is a just basic generalization. Just like people, their upbringing and environment can do much to shape their personality. Tabbies do have their own personalities, however. The most distinguishing characteristic of a tabby is bold striping on the fur accompanied by an M shape on the forehead.ĭue to depictions of cats such as Morris, The Cheshire Cat, Garfield and Heathcliff, the tabby is often thought of as slightly mischievous and overly fond of food.Ī more fair assessment of tabbies could be found in Jenny-Any-Dots of the musical Cats who only sleeps all day because she's been very busy all night and spends her waking hours being kind and affectionate to others. Someone thought the striped cat's fur looked much like this patterned silk.

The name is attributed to the patterned silk known as “ atabi“, named for its origin of manufacture in the Attabiah region of Baghdad. The tabby has been domesticated for almost 10,000 years. Due to a resemblance to a distant cousin of Felis domesticus, they're often known as “tiger cats”, though they tend to be of much more gentle temperament.ĭue to dominant genes and natural selection, the tabby has become the most common color pattern in cats. This is not a breed of cat, it is a coat pattern. So they are no longer brother and sister but boyfriend and girlfriend.First, let's clarify what a tabby isn't. The white kitty, Charlie, is ten pounds and is Bennys girlfriend. Benny does purr, but mostly “chuffs” which is where he talks and purrs at the same time. He is addicted to hot wings (specifically the habanero ones) and we have to keep him away when eating them because he acts CRAZY

He LOVES car rides and hikes in the woods. He is leash and harness trained and refuses to go to the vet in a crate. We thought for the longest time the dogs kept getting into the trash, turns out Benny can press the foot peddle and open the trash for himself. He is notorious for doing naughty things and blaming it on the dogs. One time, he used to fall down while eating and I thought something was wrong. Yes, he’s been to the vet and he’s perfectly healthy.

TIAĮdit: to add some details about Benny and to answer some questions. Most bigger cat breeds I’ve seen aren’t usually orange tabby’s. He’s been taking to the vet many many times and doesn’t have any issues, I’m just curious as to why he’s SO BIG. Very intelligent, and goes on walks and hikes with my two dogs. He is the SWEETEST and most loving cat I’ve ever owned. When I hold him he covers my entire upper body. He takes up a good corner of my king sized bed. He’s almost 30 pounds (not over weight), and 3ft from head to tail. My 4 year old orange tabby never really stopped growing until recently. What breed would make an orange tabby XXL?

Fat orange tabby cat