To make things even more interesting, there are five types of Tabby markings: classic, mackerel, spotted, ticked and patched. In fact, every feline has the tabby gene, but it does not present in the coat of every cat. When asked what breed their striped cat is, many people reply with 'Tabby.' However, like many common cat monikers (Tuxedo, Tortoiseshell, Calico, etc.) 'Tabby' refers to the coat pattern, not a specific breed of cat.
