What do Felix the Cat, Sylvester, and a World War II hero have in common?
They are all tuxedo cats – the sharply dressed felines with a black-and-white coat pattern that looks like formal evening wear. But tuxedo cats are so much more than their dapper looks. From the genetics behind that distinctive pattern to their surprisingly rich history alongside humans, these cats have stories worth telling. In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know about tuxedo cats: their genetics, personality, history, health, and why they have captured our imagination for centuries.
In This Article
- 1. The Genetics Behind the Tuxedo Coat
- 2. Tuxedo Cats Are Not a Breed – Here Is Why That Matters
- 3. Tuxedo Cat Personality: What Owners Say
- 4. Tuxedo Cats in Ancient Egypt
- 5. Famous Tuxedo Cats in Pop Culture
- 6. Simon: The Tuxedo Cat War Hero
- 7. Health, Lifespan, and Care Tips
- 8. Why Tuxedo Cats Are Always Photogenic
- 9. Frequently Asked Questions
1. The Genetics Behind the Tuxedo Coat
The tuxedo pattern is not a breed. It is a specific type of bicolor coat caused by the white spotting gene, scientifically known as the KIT gene. This gene controls how pigment cells (melanocytes) migrate and survive during fetal development. When certain variations of this gene are present, pigment cells fail to reach some areas of the skin before birth, leaving those patches white.
The white spotting gene exists on a spectrum. On the low end, a cat might have just a tiny white locket on its chest. On the high end, you get an almost entirely white cat. Tuxedo cats sit at the low-to-medium end of this scale – typically scoring a grade 2 to 4 on the standard bicolor chart. The white is limited to the face, paws, throat, chest, and belly, while the rest of the coat remains solid black.
Did You Know? The white spotting gene is not sex-linked. This means male and female tuxedo cats occur at roughly equal rates – unlike calico and tortoiseshell cats, where the coat pattern is linked to the X chromosome and over 99% of them are female. – Summarized from Wikipedia: Bicolor cat
What makes the tuxedo pattern so visually distinct is its clean, sharp contrast. Unlike tabby stripes or tortoiseshell patches, the black and white areas on a tuxedo cat are usually well-defined with crisp borders. This clarity is what makes them look like they are wearing a purposefully designed suit.
2. Tuxedo Cats Are Not a Breed – Here Is Why That Matters
This is one of the most common misconceptions people have about tuxedo cats. Many owners proudly ask about their cat’s breed, but the truth is that the tuxedo pattern can appear in dozens of different breeds. Here are some of the breeds where you can find tuxedo coloring:
most common
Why does this matter? Because when you adopt a tuxedo cat, you are getting a cat whose genetics include the white spotting gene layered on top of whatever breed background they happen to have. Their personality, size, coat length, and health predispositions come from their breed, not from the tuxedo pattern itself. A tuxedo Maine Coon will act like a Maine Coon. A tuxedo domestic shorthair will act like a domestic shorthair. The tuxedo pattern is just the paint job.
This is also why you will never see a Russian Blue tuxedo cat. The Russian Blue breed standard calls for an even blue-gray coat with no white markings. Similarly, breeds like the Havana Brown, Bombay, and Korat are bred for solid, self-colored coats and do not carry the white spotting gene. Learn more about Russian Blue cats here.
3. Tuxedo Cat Personality: What Owners Say
If you ask tuxedo cat owners to describe their cats, a pattern quickly emerges. Words like “intelligent,” “playful,” “affectionate,” and “talkative” come up again and again. The r/TuxedoCats community on Reddit consistently shares stories of tuxedo cats that seem unusually attuned to their owners’ emotions.
Tuxedo cat owners frequently describe them as bold, friendly, and sociable. While there is no peer-reviewed study proving tuxedo cats are “smarter” than other cats (despite what some online sources claim), the anecdotal evidence is strong enough that many veterinarians and behaviorists acknowledge a pattern.
“Can I just say that I will never own another type of cat but a tuxedo cat – their personality outweighs any other cat type or breed.”
– Shared in the Catastic Facebook community
One possible explanation: because tuxedo cats are not a breed but a pattern, they come from diverse genetic backgrounds. This genetic diversity means they may be less prone to the inbreeding-related health and temperament issues that affect some purebred cats. A healthier, more genetically robust cat is more likely to be social, active, and engaged.
Tuxedo cats are often described as having a perfect balance of traits. They tend to be affectionate without being needy, playful without being destructive, and independent without being aloof. Many owners also note that their tuxedo cats are particularly vocal and communicative – using distinct meows to express specific needs.
Pro Tip: If you want an affectionate cat that bonds closely with its owner, pay attention to the individual cat’s personality rather than looking for a specific pattern. Spend time with the cat before adopting. A tuxedo that approaches you, purrs, and rubs against your hand is more likely to be affectionate than one that hides – and this has nothing to do with coat color.
4. Tuxedo Cats in Ancient Egypt
The connection between tuxedo cats and human civilization runs deep. Ancient Egyptian art and tomb paintings frequently depict black-and-white cats, and bicolor patterns appear prominently in tomb reliefs and papyrus illustrations alongside solid-colored cats.
Cats in ancient Egypt were more than pets. They were protectors of grain stores, guardians against vermin, and symbols of divine protection. The goddess Bastet – depicted as a lioness or as a woman with a cat’s head – was one of the most revered deities in the Egyptian pantheon. Temples dedicated to Bastet often housed live cats, and killing a cat, even accidentally, was punishable by death.
Tuxedo cats specifically appear in Egyptian art because the white spotting gene was already widespread in the cat populations of the ancient Near East. As cats migrated from their wild ancestors in the Fertile Crescent into Egyptian settlements, the bicolor pattern was already part of their genetic makeup. The Egyptians did not worship tuxedo cats specifically – they valued cats in general – but the tuxedo pattern was naturally common, which is why it appears frequently in the artifacts they left behind.
5. Famous Tuxedo Cats in Pop Culture
Tuxedo cats have an outsized presence in popular culture. Some of the most famous animated cats in history wear the tuxedo pattern:
Why are tuxedo cats so overrepresented in media? Part of it is practical: the high contrast of black against white reads well on screen, whether in black-and-white animation or full color. But there is also something about the tuxedo pattern that reads as “character” – these cats look like they have personality before they even do anything.
6. Simon: The Tuxedo Cat War Hero
One tuxedo cat stands above all others in history. Simon was a stray tuxedo kitten found wandering the dockyards of Stonecutters Island in Hong Kong in 1948. A 17-year-old British sailor named George Hickinbottom smuggled the malnourished cat onto HMS Amethyst, a Royal Navy sloop-of-war. The crew quickly adopted Simon as their ship’s cat.
In April 1949, while patrolling the Yangtze River in China, HMS Amethyst was caught in the crossfire of the Chinese Civil War. An artillery shell struck the ship, killing 22 crew members and wounding many others. Simon was seriously injured – shrapnel tore through his legs and chest, and he was covered in burns. The ship’s medical officer did not expect him to survive.
But Simon recovered. Despite his injuries, he returned to his duties – catching rats that were swarming the damaged ship and threatening the crew’s food supplies. His presence also boosted the morale of the trapped sailors during the 101-day siege. Simon would visit wounded crew members in the sick bay, curling up beside them and purring.
For his service, Simon received the PDSA Dickin Medal – the highest award an animal can receive for military gallantry, often called the animals’ Victoria Cross. He is one of only 30 cats in history to receive this honor. Simon died later that year from an infection, but his story has been preserved as one of the most remarkable examples of a cat’s contribution to human history.
Did You Know? Simon’s story is documented in detail by the Popular Science archive and the PDSA. He was buried with full naval honors, and his medal is on display at the Imperial War Museum in London.
7. Health, Lifespan, and Care Tips
Because tuxedo cats come from mixed genetic backgrounds, they tend to be healthier than many purebred cats. The average lifespan of a well-cared-for domestic cat is 12 to 18 years, and tuxedo cats are well within this range. Some live into their early 20s with proper care.
That said, the tuxedo pattern itself comes with one notable consideration: white ears and pink skin are more susceptible to sun damage. According to VCA Animal Hospitals, solar dermatitis – a skin disease caused by sun exposure – occurs mainly in cats with white or light-colored skin on their ears, nose, and eyelids. Over time, this condition can progress to a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma.
Pro Tip: If your tuxedo cat has white ears or a white nose, ask your veterinarian about pet-safe sun protection for those areas. Limiting prolonged sun exposure during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM) is also recommended. – Summarized from VCA Animal Hospitals: Solar Dermatitis in Cats
Beyond sun protection, tuxedo cats need the same care as any other domestic cat:
- Regular veterinary checkups – annual wellness exams, vaccinations, and dental care
- High-quality diet – protein-rich cat food appropriate for their age and activity level
- Mental stimulation – puzzle toys, interactive play, and window perches keep them engaged
- Grooming – short-haired tuxedos need weekly brushing; long-haired ones need daily brushing
- Indoor living – keeping your tuxedo cat indoors dramatically reduces their risk of injury, disease, and accidents
8. Why Tuxedo Cats Are Always Photogenic
There is a reason tuxedo cats dominate social media cat accounts. Their high-contrast coloring creates naturally striking photos. The white chest and face reflect light beautifully, while the black fur provides depth and drama. Every expression is readable because the contrast defines their features – you can see a tuxedo cat’s eyes, mouth, and whiskers clearly against the black fur.
This is also why animators have favored tuxedo-patterned cats for over a century. Felix, Sylvester, Tom, and countless other animated tuxedo cats owe their screen presence to the same visual principle: high contrast reads clearly at any distance, in any format. A tuxedo cat’s face communicates emotion instantly, whether on a movie screen or in a smartphone photo.
If you have a tuxedo cat at home and struggle to get good photos – try natural light near a window, and focus on capturing those white mittens reaching for a toy, or the black-and-white silhouette against a bright background. The contrast will do the work for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do tuxedo cats live?
The average lifespan of a tuxedo cat is 12 to 18 years, consistent with most domestic cats. With proper indoor care, regular veterinary visits, and a healthy diet, many tuxedo cats live into their early 20s.
Are all tuxedo cats male or female?
Unlike calico and tortoiseshell cats (which are over 99% female), tuxedo cats occur at roughly equal rates in males and females. The white spotting gene is not linked to the X chromosome.
Are tuxedo cats rare?
Not at all. The white spotting gene is common in domestic cat populations worldwide, making tuxedo cats one of the most frequently seen bicolor patterns.
Are tuxedo cats more intelligent than other cats?
There is no scientific evidence proving tuxedo cats are inherently smarter than other cats. Their reputation for intelligence likely comes from their genetic diversity (mixed breeds tend to be robust) and from owner bias – people who love their tuxedo cats find them brilliant, just as all devoted pet owners do.
Can a tuxedo cat be a purebred?
Yes. Many purebred cat breeds accept bicolor variations in their breed standards, including the British Shorthair, Maine Coon, Persian, and Turkish Angora. However, most tuxedo cats are domestic shorthairs or longhairs of mixed ancestry.
Do tuxedo cats shed a lot?
Shedding depends on coat length, not coat color. Short-haired tuxedo cats shed moderately year-round with heavier seasonal shedding. Long-haired tuxedo cats shed more and require daily brushing. On a white shirt, black fur is very visible, so tuxedo cat owners may notice the shedding more than owners of solid-colored cats.
What is the difference between a tuxedo cat and a bicolor cat?
All tuxedo cats are bicolor cats, but not all bicolor cats are tuxedos. Bicolor is the broad category for any cat with white and another color. Tuxedo refers specifically to bicolor cats where the white is limited to the face, chest, paws, and belly while the rest is black – resembling formal evening wear.
What cat breeds can have tuxedo coloring?
Many breeds can produce tuxedo-patterned individuals, including British Shorthairs, Maine Coons, American Shorthairs, Scottish Folds, Norwegian Forest Cats, Turkish Angoras, Persians, and Manx cats. The pattern is also extremely common in domestic shorthairs and longhairs. For more on other coat patterns, check our guides on calico cats and tortoiseshell cats.
Is my tuxedo cat a specific breed?
Unless you have documentation from a breeder or a pedigree certificate, your tuxedo cat is almost certainly a domestic shorthair or domestic longhair with the white spotting gene. The tuxedo pattern alone does not indicate a specific breed. This is why understanding coat patterns is more useful than trying to identify a breed.
Key Takeaways
- Tuxedo cats are defined by a coat pattern (low-to-medium grade white spotting), not by breed.
- The KIT gene controls white spotting and is not sex-linked – male and female tuxedo cats are equally common.
- Tuxedo cats have a rich history from ancient Egypt to wartime heroism to pop culture stardom.
- With a lifespan of 12-18 years, mixed genetic background, and robust health, tuxedo cats make wonderful companions – especially when their white ears are protected from sun exposure.
Your description of tuxedo cats is perfect, at least based on our old cat Scooter! His favorite place to sit was on my husbands boneyards legs when they were propped up on an ottoman while he worked on his laptop. Scooter sat as if he was on a tree branch fast asleep! When my husband was at his desk on the computer Scooter would make room for himself between the keyboard & the screen! We all agreed Scooter’s favorite was my husband because of his beard & mustache! Of all the cat’s we’ve seen since Scooter’s personality was very unique & wonderful!
We are very glad to hear that. It seems like Scooter was ana amazing cat, we love to read such stories. Thank you!
We serve two tuxies, both male, both 14. One, Odie, is the incredibly dense eternal kitten, because he’s still young, plays and runs, and has a glossy fur coat. Our second tuxies, Minka, is very round, very dignified. He’s our concierge. He has one speed…he processes like a priest, he never responds to our Akita, the vacuum, our us. He must drink our water out of our glass, or have us flush the toilet so he has fresh water. He’s very good about toileting, he goes outside to do his business, rolls in the dirt and come back in. He does purr.
Our tuxedo Bootstraphagustomarkanthony so named by my 6 yr old daughter was a remarkable boy. From feral to such a lovely boy so gentle and cuddly. He became a personal body guard for our ageing girl Portia and would hurl himself at any cat bothering her. He slept spooned with me every night with his little white hands in mine. He was so lovely and and would sit or sleep by our pond and watch the koi so that is where he was buried.
Oh that’s so sweet, and at the same time so sad… What a wonderful boy <3
Charlie is a handsome Tuxie, I’ve had him over 4 years. Quite smart, also understands if you’re sad. He seems to know when you feel upset, will come and set with you.
We have 2 “tuxies”, Buddy, our 6 year old, is our household “Ambassador” actually running to greet ANY guests we have, while Max, our 4 year old, beats it into hiding at the sound of the doorbell. And usually stays hidden until the “threat” is gone.
Max and my wife, Jane have LONG conversations often.
I have 2 beautiful tuxedo cats both brothers, Billy 3 legs and Boop. My babies
My tuxedo is Tomy very curious cat and with a lot of personality. We trained him to go to his tree house by saying “Tomy go home”. Also he is always replying us when we are saying something to him. He loves ham and to look on the window. We love him.
I have a 2year old , very sweet and lovable! Booger loves his belly rubbed, also like getting in the water bowl! But he has a bad habit of biting!
Hi Sharon,
My tuxedo Bagheera too this habit of biting. At times very badly.
It appears to be in their genes ( although they are not a breed per se )…
I noticed that he always bites after a lot of cuddling
So we make sure we do not cuddle him excessively… lol
Hey there!
Thanks for sharing about Bagheera, your tuxedo cat! It’s interesting how some behaviors can be in their genes, even if they’re not a specific breed. I totally get the struggle with the biting after cuddles. It’s cool that you’ve figured out the cuddling limits to avoid it.
Charlie is a Tuxie, I’ve had him over 4 years now he was given to my husband and I. Person we got him from, just wanted Charlie to be taken good care of. He knows when we are sad he looks at me sometimes, as if too say don’t worry you are going to be okay. Will let me know when the coffee is ready or the microwave has stopped. Plays soccer with his little balls, wakes us up the same time every morning. Life is great with Charlie laugh a lot with this smart young fellow.
My Padre Joe “PJ” fits these descriptions. He is a gentle giant and his intelligence blows me away. He’s my little cuddle buddy as soon as I sit down and he sleeps next to me on my bed. He and I recently lost our male calico who was 10 1/2years old and he has been so sad and depressed. He looks at me and you can see the intelligence and the mourning in his eyes.
My tuxedo Buddy is a real buddy waiting by the kitchen door for treats from supper. Loudly letting me know that he is hungry for my food and attention too.
My tuxedo jingle has a cat scan security job he takes seriously. Random cat scans front and back yard from balconies starts as Norbert control along porch rail. Takes this seriously in the mornings leads mom to each door to let him scan both front and back. Requires ice cubes in water dish and knows how to ask
My cat Emmy has pure white ears that stick up through her black forehead and neck.. Her favorite pose is beside my Egyptian black statue in exactly the same pose as the statue!
Our Zoe want ice cubes in her water dish also. Knows how we open our freezer and patio door and tries to do it herself. She’s only 10 mo. old! Love her.
My Tuxedo crossed the Rainbow Bridge about 3 months ago. She was 14 years old and one of the smartest kitties I have ever had. She could learn to do so many different things other cats couldn’t learn.
My black and white Tucky’s name is Felix. He came to me as a rescue cat. He sleeps wifh me every night, in winter up under the covers. He is a very affectionate boy and followed me around.
One of our tuxedo cats enjoyed playing a toy piano. He would go up to the piano and just tap on the keys and make his own kind of music. It was the cutest thing to watch.
My cat Tux will shake for treats…both right and left paws. He also “saved” me after i had surgery. I was outside with him and our 5 month old puppy jumped on me and when i yelled no Tux chased that dog away from me and cornered it. Laughed for days. They are friends now.
I have a tuxedo cat. Shes smart and loving. At night everyone goes to restroom before bed. She walks over to her box and goes. I say bedtime Sophie, shes always in bed. The love this cat gives is amazing.. She knows when someone needs special cuddling cause their down or not feeling well. Sophie is very loved.
Charlie is a handsome Tuxie, I’ve had him over 4 years. Quite smart, also understands if you’re sad. He seems to know when you feel upset, will come and set with you.
I had a Tuxedo Cat, named Sonny Boy, someone found. Him as a kitten and gave him to me. He was so sweet. He knew when i would have an anxiety attack, he would come and put his arms around me and calm me down, and snuggle, all the otjer cats respected him. He was 16 yrs when he died.
My sweet tuxedo, Sebastian, is exactly this way. He talks with me and he comes when called. He’s never had a bad photo day in his life. And is always ready for his next encounter with the paparazzi. Every single person at work has met him in my home office. But my absolute favorite thing about him is how affectionate he is and gentle. He doesn’t ever use his nails when I am holding him. And he does know my moods and always comforts me. The funniest thing about him is the silent treatment/cold-shoulder I get when I return from vacation. Followed rather quickly by desperate need for love to the point where he’ll stand on his back paws with his arms outstretched to be picked up and then he sits in my one arm like he’s sitting on my hip with one arm by my collar bone and another wrapped around my shoulder, occasionally nuzzling me. He is my sweet boy.
Have had several tuxedo’s and this article is right on! Had one named Tucker who completely ruled the roost and all the animals in it. Have German Shepherds and if they aggravated him (barking for no good reason could do it) he would climb on their heads and chew their ears. He was definitely the ruler of the roost. Miss that boy. He was 14 when he passed.
We are happy to hear that you liked our article. Sounds like Tucker was a real boss of the house 🙂 We are very sorry for your loss.
Most of this is right. But my George is more like a grumpy old man who looks judgingly around the room. But he will comfort you if your feeling down.
As we like to say every cat is unique and have different personalities 🙂
I have a tux on my lap now. She was a stray, skinny and sickly. I have had her a month. I have two feral cats (brother and sister) and they are terrified of Mittens ! She is MEAN to them. They have lived in my house for 18 months. How can I make them be friends?
I,too,had a tuxedo.Really,the love of my life.He passed at 18.He was almost human.
OKOKI My Hazel sounds like Tuxie however is mostly white with black spots. She looks more like a Cow cat however the personality is the same as a Tuxeto. She paws at pictures etc. On the wall, knocks everything off any surface. Loves to nuzzle faces after removing your glasses. Must have bottled water. No tap stuff for her. Love that 3yr old girl.
Miss Boxer is the original matarich at the ranch. She’s an old girl, nearing 20 years and has lived outside all her life. She left her mark on so many of our kitties. She is retired now but still a
Fiesty. bossy lady.
I loved the information about Tuxedo cats and always expected as much. I’ve had three especially loving, rascally, smart Tuxedo boys that lived well into their teens. Loved them all to the moon and back.
Thank you! We’re very glad to hear that you liked it.
We have 2 “tuxies”, Buddy, our 6 year old, is our household “Ambassador” actually running to greet ANY guests we have, while Max, our 4 year old, beats it into hiding at the sound of the doorbell. And usually stays hidden until the “threat” is gone.
Max and my wife, Jane have LONG conversations often.
Tommy our Tuxedo is polydactyl! He loves holding onto our hands and is very vocal and affectionate!
YOu must feel very blessed to have such an amazing kitty 🙂
My tuxedo cat, Oreo, is also polydactyl. I have been double blessed with him for over 6 years.
Spock, my Tuxedo, will be 8 mos. Tomorrow! Love ❤️ of my life! Was an abandoned kitten ⬛ rescued by my local Kitten Rescue Program of the Animal Rescue Service. Really appreciate their service and his foster parents! He’s a cool ⬛!
I have a tuxedo cat, a very handsome intelligent boy but he is not cuddly at all, rarely lets you pet him and very seldom will he sit on our lap, but he always has to be near me.I Am disappointed because I wanted a cuddly boy but love him all the same❤️
I adopted my Tuxedo & she’s 12 and mostly a great companion but can pull a jeckle & hide in a heartbeat and attack viciously. The vet and I figured she was previously abused. I’ve kept her for almost a yr and been patient but her attacks still happen.
It’s very interesting to hear that. Yes, you are right this kitty was abused and she has some kind of PTSD. On one episode of “My cat from hell” there was a kitty who was abused as well and on top of that, he was declawed. So he couldn’t even defend himself. It took a while for this cat to get used to the new owners and as I remember correctly they used some kind of medication to calm him down. We should write an article on this topic.
My guy is a gorgeous little man. He knows when I am feeling down and always comes and lays with me if I am ill. He has the most beautiful owl like eyes too and can’t stand anyone sneezing.
What a love lovely kitty <3
I had a “jeckle and Hyde” tux also. Once we adopted a second cat (who also happened to be a tux) the attacks stopped. Turns out he just needed someone to play with.
My tuxedo cat does that too, it seems to be my hands that he attacks, I have never played with him with my hands only toys and he was never abused as far as I know as I got him at 6 weeks.
Do Coat colors of cats really affect their purrsonalities?
Maybe it’s not a color that affects personality but it’s more like color reflects their personality. Some people like to judge other people by their hair color after all maybe there is some truth in it.
I have an itty bitty 5 lb Italian tuxedo. She’s been with me for over 21 years now. She’s such an affectionate little fur baby.
We have a tuxedo female cat named Harlequin. She is a sweet kitty whose meow is more like a ‘squeak’ and she trills like a bird when she is happy. Harlequin has FOUR extra toes – one on each paw – making them each look like a “Hamburger Helper” hand or that she’s wearing mittens.
Her sister – and littermate – is a tortoise shell who has two extra toes that look like thumbs. They both bring us so much joy and they enjoy playing together.
My tuxedo is called Squeak and lately we have started calling him chirp because he sounds like a bird. There are a lot of tuxedos out there with Squeak as a name. Interesting the vocalisations seem to be similar
My boy Ben, was a street kitten of roughly 6 weeks rescued by my grand daughter and I was lucky to inherit him. He is a highly intelligent tuxedo who understands and reacts to certain directions and is very very affectionate. I talk to him all the time and he responds by talking back. Such a beautiful boy! Thank you for your article on tuxedos, I loved reading about my Ben!
Glad to hear that you liked it! Best wishes to your gentleman Ben 🙂
Hi!!! Loved your article! My Husband Mike and I are blessed with 17 tuxedo cats!! Yes that’s no typo we have 17 and would love to invite you to Idaho to meet what we call “The Crisp Tux Clan” Crisp being our last name they have a generous amount of Maine coon in them so some of them weigh in the 20-30 lb range and every one of them has an amazingly sassy , loving, charisma and personality that just doesn’t quit & my husband laughs when I go outside because every single one of them from the oldest to the youngest follow me around every step of the way!!!
Would my cat qualify as tuxedo since he is dark steel gray with tuxedo white markings
I’ve had cats my whole life and by far the best cat I ever had was my big boy, Tom. He was a huge, beautiful long-haired tuxedo and chose me as his person. He had the best personality and was very attuned to my moods. He has since passed and now I have two 9 month old kittens named Jupiter and Juno and Jup is a tuxedo!
My tuxedo cat is named tux she was a stray Left behind from migrant workers she is the best cat I have ever had she’s very protective of me and loves to run up the steps behind me when I go to bed someone kidnapped her and found out she was in Virginia and I drove from Pennsylvania to Virginia to get her God bless tuxedo cats
I have a tuxedo kitten. Very loving and gentle. Loves cuddles, petting. Loves to play. His parents are feral cats. I feed them outside and have made them a outside little area to get out of cold. But oreo is only 5 and half months. He is huge, big head ,talk and long body. Vets thought he was way older. His mom and dad are reg. Size, both tuxedos as well as the other kittens. I have a chihuahua too. Average size. He is larger than her. Im disabled and cant work anymore. They are both how I get through my days because I’m in alot of pain. Thanks for the information.
My tuxedo Lucy is a year old rescue she is the smartest cat i have ever owned, I also have a older female Ginger who learns from her. The only thing is Lucy gobbles her food so fast. But I wouldn’t trade her for the world ♥️
I have a Tuxedo that adopted us after he was caught, tagged and neutered then released near our home. He won’t stay in the house so he lives outside but he is a very loving and always meets us at the door and he’s very vocal.
My first Tuxedo, Mandy, was the smartest cat I’ve known or even heard of. Just one example, on our first leash walk (she was leashed trained at about 2 years old in 10 minutes) she wanted to walk between a car and the curb where there was a bush reaching to the car; I said “Mommy can’t go that way” and she backed up, then proceeded to go around the car. Having been feral the first (about) 8 months of her life, she was an excellent hunter, but she made friends with a lizard and they would play hunt for hours, taking breaks now and then. Mandy would “catch” the lizard many times but always release it unharmed. She was only 6 pounds, but had tons of love.
I now have two Tuxedos; a mother and her son and they are all you say; they are the light of my life. When my husband passed they gave me hugs whenever I cried and comforted me through the ordeal.
My male tuxedo cat brought me a new born kitten. I have no idea where he found her but he adopted her is this normal?
Our male tuxedo “Tucker” is extremely intelligent and loving. The cuddles, loud purrs and human oriented attitude is astounding. Loves to play fetch (that he taught us how to play by bringing us a hair tie…lol) Very talkative when he wants to have a conversation and will continue for as long as you talk to him. Manipulates drawers, cabinets and other items around the house. And ultimately an extremely affectionate cat. He found me in a dirt pullout/parking lot on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere when he was probably about 10 weeks old. Ran up to me when I had stopped like he was waiting for me, picked him up, he jumped in the truck and we continued our trip home. He’s been a part of the family, and with several other cats in our home, ever since.
My tuxie , Crosby, was born blind, but that has never stopped him! He is now 11 years old and still going strong. He loves to walk in the park on his leash. He also loves to ride in the car. We can go anywhere as long as he is with me. It has been an amazing adventure to watch him grow and learn about the world from a different perspective than most cats.
My ‘Big Boy’ is a Tuxedo and he’s affectionate and protective. He’s a pleasure to have around my home
I could write a whole book on our first cat who was a Tuxedo cat. He was the most maternal cat I have ever had. He used to watch my daughter sleep for hours, he could sense when you weren’t well and had to put his paws where you were hurting. He had to be w/ the family all the time. He used to talk a lot and was known to call my husbands name, say “out” when he wanted to go out, the word “what” was said sometimes. I couldn’t be late from school at night or he would be sitting in the spot where I parked my car and he would tell me off. He was know to ice fish w/ us. I could go on and on. One in a million.
My JP has figured out how to open the toaster oven door and reach in and snag a chicken breast while it’s baking. You must watch him constantly when it comes to food.
I own two female tuxedo kittens Simone & Sophie. They are both from the same litter. They both just turned 6 months this January 4th. I will say with my short time with them since Sept. 1st, they are definitely smart kitty’s. I lost my mom back on September 21st. These two kittens have helped me in mourning my mom’s loss so much and can’t even begin to say how grateful I am to have them both. I look forward to both of them growing up with me. I love them so.
The Tuxedo cat is named for the evening dress of the same name, which gets its name from the Tuxedo Club in NY. Nothing to do with Old English!
I have 4 cats and my tuxedo Mitsy certainly rules the house and the neighbourhood she keeps all the cats in line yet she is never far from my side, if I’m not feeling well {have 2 chronic illnesses} she sits with me and never leaves my side. She awakened me from a flood disaster when when of my other cats turned the taps on and flooded the kitchen and another time a wax melt burner burst into flames and again it was Mitsy who alerted me to this. She is my companion, my life saver and my little hero. She is also the tiniest of my 4 cats weighing only 3kg and people who don’t know her think she is a kitten but she in fact 5 years old 6 this year. She certainly is top dog {cat} in the area and no cat has a chance with this loveable feisty madam, but she is the most loving towards me
I have 22 tuxedo ferals. I love them all!!!!!!
I don’t know about anyone else’s tuxedo but I have found that they “talk” all the time. You can hear them all over the house. My other cats don’t do this at all. One of mine has a favorite toy he carries around. When he does, he talks. We know which one it is. I have two and they both talk. . By the sounds they make, we know when they want a treat or want to go to bed or want let into a room where the door is closed. They are amazing!
My Thomas was born grey and white. He didn’t turn black and white until he was 4 or 5 months old. When I would brush him out, all of the hair in the huge pile was all powder grey. His black hair was so black it had beautiful sheen to it. He loved baths, dogs ( he was raised with herding dogs and didn’t know he wasn’t one) He slept with me every night cuddled in my arms. I lost him suddenly and quickly. He did his normal morning routine and was just fine. I sat watching him doing his morning bath on his table in the sun, then he was dead. I had never had a cat that was smart like him. He wasn’t allowed in he kitchen when I was cooking and he knew it. When he had been crazy for long enough and I would tell him to sit or lay down he would. I never tried to train him but he would take his ques from the dogs and learned commands. I miss the big boy so much. He was the smartest cat I ever was Blessed with.
My amazing cat would chase after my car in the morning when I went to work. I’d have to check when I got to the end of the street that she wasn’t still following me.
She loved to play in water. She’d get soaking wet trying to stop the water coming out of the sprinkler, then come inside to get towel dried, then back to the sprinkler again. So many stories. She would sit on my lap as I sewed and try to catch the machine needle as it flew up and down. Caught her once sitting at the machine and pulling yard and yards of thread out of the needle. Could write a book about her antics!!!
Is it normal that her black fur was actually white if you parted it? Like it grew out white and then changed colour about half way along the length of the fur.
We have 2 tuxes in the household at this time. our eldest kitty.. Sailor, is almost 2. She’s a total QueenB. SHE rules the roost for sure and all 4 of the other kitties and the 3 pooches answer to her. When she’s ready to play they will all PLAY whether they want to or not.. and if she’s sleeping GOD forbid anyone wake her. She gives loves when she wants to and if she doesn’t want to. …. watch out hands.. they’re likely to get scratched… The other tux in the house is a little boy.. he was caught feral at 12 weeksish and I’m working on socializing him. it’s been 2 weeks and he now will sleep in the open and doesn’t run under my bed everytime I move. IF I can catch him, he’ll lay calmly in my arms and let me love on him but hes being very cautious.. he’s made friends with all the other furcritters in the house, he’s just not so sure of me… he’ll get there ..
An you imagine a convention of tuxedo cats ! Oh what fun! We love our Phantom!
My female tuxedo was brought to me on December 24,by the feral mom I was feeding . She was around 4-5 weeks old and it was the day before the temperature was slated to drop below zero. She has been a strictly indoor diva ever since, dainty and feisty, Queen of our house.
My tuxedo cat, Max, is the Mayor or Mann Road! Everyone knows and loves him. What a personality he has. One day he wandered down the road to a house where 2 bachelors live. They had 15-20 friends out on their deck for a cook out. I watched in surprise as Max ran up the deck steps. At the top, I heard all those voices, in harmony, yelling “hi Max”. I thought “wow he gets around more than I thought!” He truly loves people, and me
My tuxedo cat walks with us when I walk my dog. She started doing this on her own & will wait at the front door when it is time for walks. She is the hit the neighborhood. No one knows my name but they all know my cat, & get concerned if they see me & the dog without the cat
I adopted my tuxedo kitten on Dec 11, 2022 when he was 4 months old. He has the energy of 10 kittens combined and can go kind of “Jekyl & Hyde” on me. He is very strong willed and is trying to be the “boss” of the household, but that is a work in progress. He loves playing fetch so much, I’m starting to get a pitchers arm. But he loves walking on the treadmill with me, which is a good way to work off some of his high energy. I am also training him to get used to a harness and leash so we can go outside for some outdoor walks. However, unlike most kittens, when it’s bed time, he settles down for the night either snuggling with me or sleeping in his kitty condo. He does not wake me during the night and sleeps through until I get up.
My Cat Felix’s markings make him look like a Holstein Cow He is a big guy 18.5lbs but not overweight-just big. He is very affectionate and smart and definately an Alpha who wants to be the Cat in charge. He has tufts on the tops of his ears like a lynx and Icall him Mr. Moo sometimes. I never realized he qualifies for the Tuxedo cat catagory until I read this article! Thanks
My daughter named her Tuxedo cat right, Cleopatra, Cleo for short. Cleo is a kitten, very active and into everything. She does have patience and loves to cuddle with us!
The Egyptians didn’t worship them as much as they bred them to sacrifice them. Common misunderstanding.
My Tuxedo is named Beast. He is a polydactyl and has 7 toes on the fronts. He treats the dog as if it’s his mom, the dog is also black and white. He hangs out with the dog, chews bones with the dog, and sleeps with the dog. I’ve never seen a cat do those things.
My tux, Little Bit(Lola), was the runt. Now she weighs in at 15lbs. She holds a special place in my heart because she is the last thing my daddy bought my mom before he passed. Both parents are gone now but they do live on in my heart and in my Tux.
I just got my tuxedo Toby and he fits your description totally. I was so interested in all you had to say about his history, traits etc. He is a wonderful cuddly companion for an old lady!
Our tuxedo kitty Oreo is such a love bug He has always been a lap baby & tends to follow you around like a puppy dog It is really a great stress reliever to have him purring & snuggling!
I inherited my tuxedo from my daughter. He was toilet trained (but would not flush). He knew how to use my electronics (opening and closing the DVD player, he would push the button on my phone and talk to Siri, he turned lights on and off, you name it and he figured it out). He could open doors and cabinets, but struggled with the cat door. He wanted to pull the door towards himself rather than pushing out (after all, that was how cabinets worked). He was not a friendly cat. He loved me, but my adult children were afraid of him. Generally speaking, he ignored the Sheltie until the dog was diagnosed with cancer. I knew when the dog was in pain, because Yogi would take care of him with snuggles and kisses. Yogi would also talk to me.
I have 3 boy tuxedo the love n affection is just amazing
When I adopted my tuxedo, Little Man, he had no name, no food, no litter box. The people that I took him from kept putting him outside. He was about 3/4 months old. I bright him home, named him and he got along with my other cats. But he did not like other people much, especially men. He would bite or attack fir no reason. I always kept him indoors but one day shortly after I got him he broke through the screen of my back porch door. On the fifth day he was missing, I came home from shopping and there he was! He was running straight for me like he was going to jump into my arms! I’ll never forget that day. Wherever he was, I never found out, but he was clean and looked well fed. He is mine and I am his. ❤️
I love my tuxedo cat, he is very loving at times, but is also mean and will chase me down to sink his teeth in..he doesn’t like anyone that comes over and my daughter and grandkids are afraid of him..im not afraid but he still will bite me(not love bites) and I don’t know why he’s like this.
Our tuxedo kitty named Jorge. We rescued him from our local animal shelter. We went looking to adopt a new kitty and Jorge was the first one we saw. They opened his cage and came to and gave me a hug. He picked me. He just turned one and we’ve had him a few months.
He is such a lovebug, he’s features are just beautiful. He loves to play and run around the house. He loves to talk. He also knows when it’s bedtime and gets ready for bed. We all love him. He such a big personality. And I hate leaving him when I go to work. I can honestly say that I love all the cat’s we’ve had. I think Jorge by far makes me happy. I can’t wait to get off work and see him waiting for me by the door.
I think I’m in love with my tuxedo cat
My Tuxedo, Toby, calls me “mama”. My husband taught him to say it. He just kept telling him – go see mama, go tell mama, where is mama and finally he started saying mama. Now he comes where I am and says mama especially if he wants a special treat but sometimes he just jumps on my lap and snuggles and calls me mama. I’ve had him since he as 7 weeks old and he’s a rescue cat.
My son has a Tuxedo cat Myla that we adopted from our local animal shelter. She has a very unique personality. She is very vocal and loves my son so much. She has very little to do with me.
As for their intelligence, I have to say that is spot on. Myla learned by watching me, how to open the lever on the trash can that held her cat food. She learned to play fetch and will not leave you alone until she is done playing. I swear when she meows, she says my son’s name Andrew. She is also very possessive of him. My son leaves the room and she will cry and cry until he comes back. She is such a sweetheart even if she doesn’t want anything to do with me.
My tuxedo MK was a neighbor’s kitten that I rescued from starvation and abuse. 3rd animal I took from her. I got her spayed, shots, teeth done. Found her a home at 3 months. After 8 months the woman that had her went to jail and I went and saw how MK was living and took her back home. She’s been with me for 3 years and is never going anywhere again. I have 3 other rescues. One male Blue Tip Siamese. that is Her playmate. She charges and hits the screen when friends bring their dogs. Growls when I try to hold her, but comes for love on her own. My beautiful fur baby.
I have two tuxedo kitties, Melody and Hoover. Melody has a white breast and legs , with a black mask, back and tail. At 10 lbs, she looks like she dressed in a formal on her way to a masked ball, escorted by a 14 lb. gentleman in a tuxedo by her side. Hoover takes care of me when I come home from chemo (I’m a cancer patient) and Mel just snuggles by my side. I have never had more attentive kitties to my daily activities…love them to pieces!
I’ve had 2 – Lonestar and Pippy Longstocking- both very loving and very very mischievous – Pippy is still with me – Lonestar slept on my head and I swear I can sometimes feel her walking on me – both love my dogs, love drinking lots of water, beg at the table with the dogs lol- Lonestar used to guard the water bowls ! I love love love Tuxedos- Pippy is so very smart – so was Lonestar- and they love their humans
My long-haired tux, Cleo, decided to take me for a walk each day, the consequence of which is that I now know my neighbours of 30+years!
Our little Tuxie girl, named Wonder, as she was recused by my son from a feral momma, who would have kittens, and the neighborhood dogs would kill them. But Wonder managed to get away and came right up to my son, at only about 6 weeks old and he brought her home. She lived for about 16 years,,,and was my husbands best little buddy….smartest cat we ever had, and we had about 9 over our 57 year marriage. She wasn’t afraid of anything, and new her home boundaries but pity the animal that roamed in our yard. She chased after foxes and chased a huge racoon up a tree. She truly was a Wonder. Miss her.
After reading all these positive comments, it looks like I’ll be looking for a Tuxedo!!!
My 9 year old tuxedo is named Peppy Ann.she loves to bathe her human Momma everyday. If I am crying she purrs and tries her best to lick my tears away. She is a great conversationalist. Most nights she likestocrawl under my covers and use my wrist for a pillow. She’ll stay there until I get up. Sometimes I wake up to her under my covers in her favorite spot. I’m not sure how she manages that and doesn’t wake me up
My daughter has a tuxedo cat that’s almost 2 years old. Playful and intelligent — your article hits on all cylinders. When I go over to their house every Sunday, Zorro is friendly and playful. Best of all, he has learned the place on the couch where I usually sit. Within 10 seconds of each time that I sit down, he is on the back of the couch and he starts to groom my hair. The first time he did it, I felt his claws, but he learned quickly. Now, it’s his paws and mouth and when he’s done, he jumps down to go to sleep in my daughter’s lap. Love that cat.
Very very true. My main man Stash always has to be by my side or on my arm when im upset. When he hears me yelling he’ll even break into the room if the door is closed to be with me. My other tuxedo cat Vex loves cuddles just as much. I will always own a tuxedo cat. ❤️
Our tuxedo (Boots) is 7 years old & is a rescue cat. He lived on the streets for several months & was in a shelter for 2 years before he adopted us. We have another cat (Sasha) who is 6 years old, an all black British shorthair & also a rescue cat. Boots rules the house but Sasha can out run him & jump over him in any situation. They usually spend the afternoon curled up next to each other on our bed, Sasha on top of the covers & Boots under the covers.
My Tuxedo, Figaro is very intelligent. When he was about 2 years old, we discovered he could open the doors in our home. The kind of door knows that are like levers. We had to change door knows to keep him in the house. He’s 13 now and seems to be showing signs that the rainbow bridge may be drawing near. I guess we’ll see.
Door knobs not knows.
I have a Tuxedo cat that I have named Tux. Okay I want to dispute the myth that they are of superior intelligence. I love my Tux but she is.not the brightest crayon in the box. She is loving & lives to be petted. How ever when you look in her eyes you are not sure she is
aware. She needs to be shown things a few times before she understands—that includes food. I have Tux & her sister Trixie who is not a Tuxedo cat. Trixie has run rings around Tux. They are a wonderful pair but Trixie is in charge. I also have an older Tortoise cat who Tux just walks up to & smacks poor Reese. Then Reese smacks Tux & Tux acts as if she is surprised that Reese hit her. See Tux is often not being smart. I love her even if she is not intelligent but she loves me & I love her
I rescued my Tuxedo cat soon after Sir Sean Connery died. I named him “BOND” because he looks just like James Bond in the tuxedo he wore so often in the Bond films. He’s my first tuxedo cat and I’ve had cats for nearly 50 years.
I have a handsome tuxedo cat, 11 months old, he is very smart but not at all cuddly, does not like to be touched but follows me everywhere I go, needs to be always near me.Loves to go outside. He also loves to attack every once in awhile and likes to bite, it’s like he’s processed! It’s usually me he does it to.Thankfully those times seem to be getting less often as he gets older.
This article could not be any more spot on. My Zisa is going to be 5 and is very smart and quick at trying to figure things out. She has beautiful markings, is affectionate and is a very loving little girl who’s always either laying on my chest or somewhere near me. She loves to play and exemplifies pretty much all the facts stated. I love her to the moon and back. She chose me, I didn’t choose her. ☺️❤️
My sweet Scarlett is so sweet. I found her as she was a stray cat. In one week she gave birth to 5 cats. They were all different.
I kept one of her kittens that was all black and gave the other ones to my best friend and daughter.
When I feed my two cats Scarlett is so sweet and lets her kitten eat her food.
She is so loving and a great mama cat. She is a such a beauty too.
I have 3 tuxies, a mum and her son and daughter (the other sister is jet black) they are really adorable and sweet cats. They’re indoor cats that are allowed in the back yard when I’m home. They are very cuddly and purry. The mummy cat (all 4kg of her) loves to jump on my lap and snuggle, whereas the other 2 love being picked up. The boy thinks he’s a dog. He will walk up the street on a harness and enjoys going to the beach, even paddling in the sea! He and his sister both love having baths too. Our family is rounded out with mummy cats 2 cousins (black boy and tortie girl) and a tabby I rescued off the street when he was a tiny kitten, plus a blind 11yr old Labrador. They all get on so well and love each other so much, and of course I love them all to the edge of the universe and back!
My tuxedo “Xaus” would come to me on call like a dog if he was inside or out,if I was lounging on the couch watching tv he would jump up,lie doesn’t on my chest with a front paw either side of my neck,proper hugs.
I adopted my Angelo about 7 years ago. He has grown a lot larger than we thought lol Angelo is a very intelligent cat who has learned that turning the door knob is the way to open doors. He wants to cuddle multiple times a day. If he see’s me on the computer he gets angry and gives me dirty looks. When I say NO to feeding him early he plops himself on the floor. It’s like having a child! If he’s mad at you for doing things (computer) he will turn his back to you. My cat has been nothing but a blessing! He’s sweet and lays by his mommy when I don’t feel well. I’ve never seen so much personality in a cat before Angelo. They say we rescued the animals but Angelo rescued me! ❤️
I currently have my second tuxedo cat. My first one lived to 18. For a few years, we lived in a two-bedroom apartment. One day I came home from work and could not find him. I sat down to watch TV and soon there was a scratching at the front door to my apartment. I opened the door, and in strolled my cat. I found out he had opened a small door in the hallway that contained the plumbing for the bathroom. There was a hole in the floor with a pipe going through it. The cat had gone down to the basement, landing in the back of the house. He found his way to the front where the washers and dryers were and then around the corner to the staircase and came up the stairs to my apartment. I nailed the door shut.
I rescued 2 tuxedo kitties that were found in a barn. Soon after the owner of the barn sent me another photo of another little tuxedo I couldn’t say no to. The original 2 were brother and sister from the same litter and at the time I got the 3rd were about 6 months old so I called for a vet appt for all 3. I couldn’t get them in for about a month. In that time siblings got friendly and I now have a loving home of 5 tuxedos and I simply adore. My 16 year old daughter decided they all should have themed names and decided on Pac-man ghost names. I’m so proud she went old school.
So my loving kitties are Dinky, Inky, Blinky, Funky and Clyde. 2 males 3 females
Someone either lost or abandoned a grey tuxedo around my apartment, she was hungry, I fed her and we are now inseparable, she is so intelligent, she goes outside and won’t use the litter box, if I’m feeling sad she will cuddle, she is very vocal, she will pat my arm so I will rub her head, no one claimed her, which I’m glad, she is so special, I’m a senior who lives alone, I think she was sent to me to relieve my loss of loved ones
It seems like this kitty found you, that’s why you have such a special bond 🙂