**Thank you to all the readers who contributed photos for this post**
Tuxedo cats, we've all seen them, we all love them, but what are they exactly? Are they a special cat breed? Are they only a type of coloration? Are they rare? Well, we've gathered all the essential info about tuxedo cats to answer all of your questions. Here are some very fun facts about the adorable tuxedo cats!
Gus photo by Rory V
Tuxedo Cat Facts:
Fact No. 1 - Tuxedo Cats Are Not a Breed
Even though these black and white cats 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 "Tuxedo" refers to a specific type of coloration, but this can occur in virtually any breed of cat.
Lucy kitten tuxedo cat

"Love rescued me"
Fact No. 2 - The Tuxedo Coloring Comes from their Genes
That's right, it's all in their genes. The specific bi-color pattern that makes these 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.
Boo loved by Fiona
Fact No. 3 - There Are Several Types of Tuxedo Cats
As we've mentioned above, the tuxedo gene can take effect in any type of cat. This makes the variation of tuxies absolutely enormous. The best-known type of tuxedo cat is black (dominant) and white, with short silky fur.But there are so many types of tuxies, in so many colors, and so many breeds. Yes, there can also be Ragdoll tuxedo cats and they are gorgeous.
Tuxedo Cat Tanger-Wanger, loved by Melissa Berg Luffy
Fact No. 4 - Tuxedo Cats Are Smarter Than the Average Cat
Not only are they more elegant than many other cats, but tuxies are also smarter and that's a fact. These cats develop much quicker than other cats, both physically and mentally. They tend to hit cognitive milestones much earlier as well. These cats are extremely intelligent, which also makes them excellent companions.
Benji photo by Rory
Fact No. 5 - Tuxedo Cats Are Not Rare
The gene that gives tuxies their famous color pattern is quite a powerful one, which has produced quite a few tuxedo cats over the years. They are certainly not rare, but if you are looking to get a tuxie of your own, you have better chances at finding one in a shelter then you do at a cattery.Fact No. 6 - There Is Such a Thing as "Tuxitude"
The term "tuxitude" refers to the special attitude that tuxedo cats display. What makes these cats easy to spot out is not only their black and white coats, but also their elegant attitude. However, in spite of their solemn appearance, tuxies are said to have a dog-like personality.They are actually extremely friendly, playful, outgoing, but also affectionate, which makes them very nice to be around. They create close bonds with their owners and they have a friendly attitude to new people as well.
Tuxedo Cat Rio loved by Melissa Berg Luffy
Fact No. 7 - Tuxedo Cats Might Have Magical Powers
People say that during a vernal or diurnal equinox, their black and white coats make tuxies become virtually invisible. 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 maybe a tuxie can 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.
Gus

Blaze loved by Vanessa
Fact No. 9 - One Particular Tuxie is a Millionaire
Back in 1998, a tuxedo cat named Sparky inherited a huge $6.3 million when his owner passed away. It's safe to say that Sparky 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 made a very big contribution 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 of the Allies. Simon received the highest honor for Animal Military Gallantry and his story is absolutely fascinating.Fact No. 11 - Tuxies Are Popular with Famous People
Whether it's because of their dashing look or their superior intelligence, it seems that quite a few famous people owned tuxedo cats. Among them are William Shakespeare, Beethoven, Sir Isaac Newton, and even President Bill Clinton. That's right, tuxies have made it into the White House as well!
Bolt loved by Vanessa
Fact No. 12 - 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 film:Sylvester the Cat - Sylvester and Tweety - Looney Toons

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 actually a tuxedo cat. While he does not have the classic black-and-white tuxie cat coloration, Tom is part of the great variety of tuxido kitties.
Penelope Pussycat - Pepe Le Pew - Looney Toons

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

Figaro - Pinocchio - Disney


Benji photo by Rory V
Linda Lewis
I had a wonderful Tuxedo that I had since he was 6 wks old till he was 16yrs old,,,he was the sweetest cat, he was also half Main Coon.....He lived with me longer then any other animal or person....I really miss him.
He was smart, and very loving
Anonymous
im so sorry
Richard St. Martin
I also had a tuxedo cat his name was Eyore. He was with me for 16 years before he passed. He was my best buddy. I was devastated when he died. Now one year later I adopted a Ragdoll tuxedo cat . He had been abused. He has been with me for three months. I named him Otis .
Jenny
Sorry about your Eyore! I am glad you adopted Otis =)
Jennifer A Rausch
Tuxedo cats are the best. I lost my black and white tux in January and I am lost without him. He was so special, he sensed when I was upset and comforted me when my mom was dying. He was a crazy boy and loved as intensely as he was crazy. I also have a gray tux and a blind orange tabby tux who is smart as a whip.
Yusuf
I also have a tux but it's black and white the annoying thing is that it keeps on jumping through the window
Patti Johnson
ABSOLUTELY SUPER PAWESOME & FABULOUS post, Jenny honey! What a AMAZING & FASCINATING topic! I have never had a tuxedo cat but now I want one...lol! LURVED all the facts and the playfulness of the addition of the famous cartoon tuxies! Tuxitude...LURVE THAT, TOO! TYSVM for such a delightful and educational read! I truly enjoyed this post today sooooo very much! 🙂 <3
Big hugs & lots of love & purrs!
Patti & Miss Pink Sugarbelle 🙂 <3 <3 <3