Fun Facts About The Tuxedo Cat And Are Tuxedo Cats Rare?

Tuxedo cats, we’ve all seen them, and we all love them, but what are they exactly? Are they a special cat breed? Are they only a type of coloration or pattern, and are they rare? We’ve gathered all the essential info about tuxedo cats to answer your questions. Here are some entertaining facts about the adorable tuxedo cats!

**Thank you to all the readers who contributed photos for this post**

Tuxedo Cat Facts:

Fact No. 1 – Tuxedo Cats Are Not a Breed

Even though these pet black and white felines have a name, they are not a breed. Tuxedo refers to the combination of colors on the cat that makes them look like a person wearing a suit. The name for these cats “Tuxedo” refers to a specific type of coloration, but this can occur in virtually any cat breed. You can get a bicolor male or female tuxedo pattern in other cats.

Moreover, their coat tuxedo markings can occur with colors other than black and white. So even though the best-known tuxies are black and white, there is virtually no limit to the color combination for tuxies. And that’s not all.

This coloration varies and can occur in cats with long coats, short coats, shaggy coats, silky coats, or any other coat type. This is why there are plenty of variations when it comes to tuxies. But how does it all happen? This takes us to the second fact on our list – genetics.

Fact No. 2 – The Black And White Cats Coloring Comes From Their Genes

That’s right, it’s all in their genes. The bi-color pattern that makes these pet cats look like they are wearing a tuxedo comes from their genetic background. Cats can get the tuxie gene from their parents or from some other member of their family tree.

The gene will make them have a dominant and a second color coat that is less represented on their bodies. Among the specific traits are the socks (in the second color, usually lighter) and the mask – the effect created by the color combination on the cat’s face. If you want to learn more about tuxedo cat breeding, go to www.tuxedo-cat.co.uk, which is dedicated entirely to tuxies.

Fact No. 3 – There Are Several Types of Tuxedo Cats

As we’ve mentioned above, the tuxedo gene can affect any cat. This makes the variation of tuxies absolutely enormous. The best-known type of tuxedo kitty is black (dominant) and white patches with short silky fur.

But there are so many types of tuxies in many colors and breeds. Orange and white cats, or grey and white cats, are relatively common, but there are others too. So yes, there can also be Ragdoll tuxedo cats, and they are gorgeous.

Fact No. 4 – Tuxedo Cats Are Smarter Than Other Average Cats

Not only are they more elegant than many other cats, but tuxies are also more intelligent. Tuxedo kittens develop much quicker than other cats, both physically and mentally. They tend to hit cognitive milestones much earlier as well. These cats make a wonderful, brilliant pet, making them excellent companions.

Fact No. 5 – Tuxedo Cats Are Not Rare

The gene that gives tuxies their famous color pattern is quite powerful, which has produced quite a few tuxedo cats over the years. So they are certainly not rare, but if you are looking to get a tuxedo cat of your own, you have better chances of finding one in a shelter than at a cattery.

Fact No. 6 – There Is Such a Thing as “Tuxitude”

The term “tuxitude” refers to the particular attitude of tuxedo cats. What makes these cats easy to spot is their black and white coats and their elegant attitude. However, despite their solemn appearance, tuxies are said to have dog-like personalities.

They have wonderful characteristics and are extremely friendly, playful, outgoing, and affectionate, making them very nice to be around. They create close bonds with their owners and have a friendly attitude to new people.

Fact No. 7 – Tuxedo Cats Might Have Magical Powers

People say that their black and white coats make tuxies virtually invisible during a vernal or diurnal equinox. In fact, some regard this as proof of their magical powers.

If you are open to the spiritual side, then a tuxedo cat might be the companion you are looking for. Or a tuxie might care to show you the magic in the world.

Fact No. 8 – Tuxies Were Worshiped in Ancient Egypt

As you might already know, ancient Egyptians worshiped cats. So much so that several Egyptian goddesses were actually depicted as cats.

You may also know that cat decorations were a trendy choice for the country of Egypt. Egyptian tombs had plenty of cats featured in hieroglyphics. But you should be aware that over 70% of these cats are tuxedo cats. So again, this shows a clear preference towards cats for the Egyptians.

Fact No. 9 – One Particular Tuxie Cat is a Millionaire

In 1998, a tuxedo cat named Sparky inherited a vast $6.3 million when his owner passed away. It’s safe to say that Sparky the cat is the richest cat in the entire world. This story should emphasize the special bond between tuxies and their owners.

Fact No. 10 – Simon the Tuxedo Cat Is a War Hero

During World War II, one tuxedo cat named Simon enormously contributed to the war. He did what cats do best – he protected the food supplies from mice and other pests, which made him an invaluable asset to the Allies. As a result, Simon received the highest honor for a cat, for Animal Military Gallantry, and his story is fascinating.

Fact No. 11 – A Smart Tuxie Once Ran for Office

This might be news to you, but a while ago, a cat named Tuxedo Stan ran as a candidate for mayor in Halifax, Canada. While Tuxedo Stan wasn’t able to formally run, as he didn’t have a birth certificate, he was able to raise awareness of the feral cat population in the town.

His political party, The Tuxedo Party of Canada, gained international attention (including an endorsement by Ellen DeGeneres). As a result, the town built a new spay and neuter clinic for feral cats.

Fact No. 12 – Tuxies Are Popular With Famous People

Whether it’s because of their dashing look or their superior intelligence, quite a few famous people owned tuxedo cats as pets. Among them are William Shakespeare, Beethoven, Sir Isaac Newton, and even President Bill Clinton. That’s right, tuxies have also made it into the White House!

Fact No. 13 – There Are a Lot of Famous Tuxies

Over the years, these gorgeous kitties have been depicted in many works of artistic fiction. Tuxies have conquered the small screen as well as the big screen. Here are some of the most famous tuxedo cats in animations and films:

Sylvester the Cat – Sylvester and Tweety – Looney Tunes

When people think about tuxedo cats, one cat comes to mind much more.  Sylvester the Cat is the ultimate representative for tuxies everywhere. He is the typical tuxedo cat with black and white fur, and his amusing antics alongside Tweety have made generation after generation fall in love with him.

Regarding tuxie diversity, Sylvester has longer fur than most “classic” tuxies display. What you may need to learn about Sylvester the cat, is that the character has at least three Academy Awards under his paw. Impressive, right?

Tom – Tom and Jerry – Warner Bros. Metro-goldwin-Mayer, and Others

Probably the most famous cat in cartoon history, Tom of “Tom and Jerry” is a tuxedo cat. While he does not have the classic black-and-white tuxie cat coloration, Tom is part of the incredible variety of tuxedo kitties.

Millions of children have grown up watching Tom the cat, chase Jerry the mouse. Known and loved by so many generations of children and adults alike, Tom is one of the most charming cat characters ever to grace the small screen.

Penelope Pussycat – Pepe Le Pew – Looney Tunes

Yet another Looney Toons favorite is Penelope Pussycat. This lovely kitty has stolen the heart of hopeless romantic Pepe Le Pew. She is portrayed as Pepe’s love interest in one of the most beloved episodes in the series, “Odor-Able.” Even though she does not speak, Penelope is undoubtedly a sight for sore “cat” eyes.

The Cat in the Hat – The Cat in the Hat – Dr. Seuss

One of the most famous children’s books of all time, Dr. Seuss’ “The Cat in the Hat,” tells the story of two children who have their world turned upside down by a talking cat. There were several cartoon series based on the book, including a recent one where The Cat is voiced by Martin Short and a film starring Mike Meyers as The Cat.

Figaro – Pinocchio – Disney

Another adorable animated tuxedo cat is Figaro from Disney’s “Pinocchio” (1940), Geppetto’s cat that becomes Pinocchio’s companion. Figaro was Walt Disney’s favorite character in the film. He liked it so much that he requested that Figaro be featured as much as possible. Over the years, his decision has made many children extremely happy as the adorable kitty steals the show.

Mr. Mistoffelees – Cats

In the 2019 movie of musical Cats, and traditionally in stage productions, Mr. Mistoffelees is portrayed as a tuxedo cat. He has magical powers that he cannot yet control – another example of a tuxie cat being portrayed as magic.

Strangely, many people believe that Felix the Cat – from the original 1920s comic – was a tuxedo cat. But they are misremembering – his belly is solid black, and only his face is black and white. Not all bicolor cats are tuxies!

Are Tuxedo Cats Rare?

As you can see, tuxedo cats are trendy. While they may not be a breed, they are certainly a phenomenon. Tuxies have stolen the show with their dashing looks, elegant attitude, superior intelligence, and irresistible dog-like personality.

What do you think about tuxedo cats? Are they your favorite? Tell us all about it in the comments section below.