brown mackerel tabby with gray field

I found this information pretty much useless. The mackerel tabby has stripes comparable to fish bones, with narrow striped rings around the legs and tail. Tabby Image Credit: ANURAK PONGPATIMET, Shutterstock. Mackerel Tabbies are friendly and affectionate cats in general, and the recessive gene that causes their unique patterning has been evolving alongside humans for centuries. The mackerel pattern has narrow stripes that look similar to the bones of a fish - hence the name of the pattern. I learned a lot and we just connected with our temporary Mackerel Tabby's forever family (for the last 5 years), so they could bring their kitty home. What kind of tabby is it that also has the white fur? Any cat (or pet, for that matter), should have a balanced weight to avoid health problems so that theyll live longer. On the left a black golden blotched tabby from @britishcat_goldenmoonglade and on the right a red blotched tabby and white from @pizza_and_luna. If youre considering bringing a brown mackerel tabby into your home, youll want to learn a little more about their temperament. Tabby is a coat pattern and not a breed, it consists of four patterns, mackerel, spotted, classic and ticked. Think of it as a diluted brown tabby. So, a fur composed of agouti hairs has a clearer color than a solid one.When a cat has a tabby pattern, the dark markings are made of solid hairs of the base color while the fur in between the markings is composed of agouti hairs.Tabby cats can come in any existing cat colors, such as black, blue, chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, and fawn. Learn more. However, many cats of distinguished breeding boast the striking tabby coat: from the Norwegian Forest Cat to the Maine Coon. The tabby pattern can sometimes still be seen on some solid-color cats, especially on kittens, and its referred to as ghost markings. He wasnt displaying any of the signs that he was an annoyed cat, hed just get super excited; so excited that if you tried to move away from him, hed jump down, rubbing his body against your legs. It stands for "Me". Like all Tabbies, they have the characteristic M marking on their forehead, usually matching the color of the bands of darker color throughout their bodies. Mackerel Tabby Cats arent exactly a breed theyre a coat pattern thats commonly found in the Domestic Shorthair (also known as. Amazing little boy and it was an amazing rescue. Required fields are marked *. Other cat colors or patterns may hide those tabby markings, but theyre always present. Let's explore more about what makes the brown tabby cat irresistible . What's the color of your cat? The Cream Mackerel Tabby has a light orange design, which makes it look like a regular Domestic Shorthair with light orange color. University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. In the next article I will talk about the colorpoints cats: stay tuned to know more about cat furs! endstream endobj 79 0 obj <> endobj 80 0 obj <> endobj 81 0 obj <>stream The Siberian is a medium to medium large, strong triple coated cat with surprising heft for its size. A tabby cat is a cat that has agouti hairs. The mother had about 4 litters, and today she has that cattitude you speak of, and I believe its due to this giving birth to so many litters. Eumelanin is the one we need to focus on. In fact, the tabby pattern is the most common pattern seen on domestic cats around the world. And just like the saying, a tiger cant change his stripes, its impossible to resist the cuteness thats at the core of all mackerel tabby cats. While they may be referred to as tiger cats, the actual coat coloring of a tiger, an orange ground with black stripes, does not appear on Felis catus, or domestic cats. "A tabby cat generally refers to a randomly bred cat that has a pattern of stripes, swirls, spots, or blotches of coloration in the fur coat," Lyons says. Her fur is super short and silky like a pelt , she has no white except a tiny bit under her chin, , the backs of her feet are black, and she has very definite stripes thst break unto spots across her flank. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. TheKitschyCorner. The brown tabby cat comes in five different tabby patterns and their bright, sparkling eyes offset their richly colored fur. Your email address will not be published. All Rights Reserved. These spots can be large or small, and sometimes appear to be broken mackerel stripes. gene that makes a cat red or cream also makes the tabby markings visible, The Science Behind the Fur: What Makes Black Cats Black, Catster Magazine Subscription Maintenance, Thank you Top 5 Cat Behaviors Explained. https://uploads.disquscdn.com/images/439566cf922e42e873071739ee7ef7a99481612a14a569b55b219031bd271931.jpg What breed if the black tabby? He was trapped in a community of feral cats cleanup. One thing tabby cat breeds across the spectrum share? You could SEE her thinking and planning it was amazing! The patterns may come in various colors and some of them might be a bit darker than others. It will also have black outlines around its nose and eyes. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Of all the tabby variations, the one most associated with traditional tabby markings is the mackerel tabby pattern. Bella: Then theres the gray tabby, who has black stripes on a medium-gray background. So even your seemingly solid black cat might have a trademark tabby coatit just blends in since it's all the same color, explains Leslie Lyons, PhD, professor of comparative medicine at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. Red or Orange Tabby Image Credit: lagunabluemolly, Pixabay The most well-known of orange cats, Garfield, is a classic example of a Red Tabby. It may seem like they are a breed unto themselves, but tabbies are not a breed. I miss them. They opened the door to many, many, fur-babies since, but I still miss them terribly! An agouti hair is composed of several bands of colors: a dark one with the base color of the cat, alternately with lighter and more reddish ones. They have a single stripe running down their backs that branches out around their bodies, giving the appearance of a fish skeleton, and this is where the unique pattern gets its name. Looking straight to camera. You will find tabby cats in a vast array of coat colors as well, ranging including cream, cameo, lilac, seal, gray, silver, red, brown, golden, cinnamon, chocolate, blue and black smoke. The mackerel tabby cat has stripes that run perpendicular to the cat's spine and line his legs and ring his tail. The spots can be more or less elongated into broken lines. JJ was mostly a gray with silver and tan in her stripes. Spencer had some spots. An agouti hair is composed of several bands of colors: a dark one with the base color of the cat, alternately with lighter and more reddish ones. Within the tabby pattern, there are three types of markings. A Mackerel Tabby Cat will live longer if you give them quality food. Can you help me? While domestic or mixed breed cats arent very picky with human food, theyll get more nutrients from the food thats specifically tailored to them. So, how long does a Mackerel Tabby Cat live? Mackerel pattern tabbies have narrow stripes, reminiscent of a fish skeleton because they run parallel to one another. Although the default color of this pigment is black, it can be turned into brown if your cat inherits the recessive b gene from both parents. Thursday September 8, 22. Siberian kitten on black background Adorable black tabby with white Siberian cat kitten, laying down facing front. Nonetheless, this is regarded by most veterinarians as a record thats not worth getting for because it compromises the cats overall health. 6xSJ;v75KUj6H;Yx ~pO.DIY9mt;]/l. These cats may have a bold personality, meaning they'd likely appreciate coming along on adventures with youon a leash, of course. A Bengal black smoke with rosette ghost marking from @leap_of_faith_bengals. Brown mackerel tabbies have black patterns over a warm, brown or bronze base color. Are they eyebrows? Catster is a cat magazine and cat website where cat lovers come together and get expert advice about cat behavior, cat health and cat news. A spotted tabby has spots all over his sides. We have a new Mackerel Tabby named Phineas. Youd be petting him and then chomp, probably just a little overstimulated. In which case (pun not intended), the Mackerel Tabby is a common favorite due to their pattern. Tabbies come in lots of colors and patterns, but here are some of the most common. 'in)F4|B2*>|!#($z!$D}HkEIeAWBQ?6c4ccP<%^i[(}HsQ~)E3\"p[XPP#LLj$JIy0}QZa}Q(#}CEn_MH&. Many cartoons and movies also showed us the stereotype of cats drinking milk and waiting for the milkman to Perhaps youre thinking of adopting or purchasing a new feline companion and have it narrowed down to British Shorthair and Main Coon Cat Breed. There is still much to learn about the genetic behind the different tabby patterns! This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. This pattern is often called the Abyssinian one, as its the pattern found in Abyssinian cats. If the cat has black stripes, its not a gray tabby, its a brown or silver tabby. Which Type of Dog Fence Is Right For Your Pet? Similarly, mackerel is just one type of tabby pattern. Spotted: Speckled across their body. Ideally, the stripes are non-broken lines; evenly spaced. Brown mackerel tabbies have black patterns over a warm, brown or bronze base color. I have what someone called a mackerel tabby and she has broken stripes like dashes. Am I a brown tabby? Many people wonder whether a cats coat color and pattern will have an impact on its health. Truly had the Tabbitude, but we also got to see his softer side over the last few days. Your email address will not be published. These cookies do not store any personal information. In one litter, there are extremely friendly tabbies, extremely shy tabbies and everything in between. A way to extend your cats lifespan is to keep them indoors most of the time with proper pampering. Locus is the words to describe a place on the genetic code where the genes for a particular characteristic are located. But you can read more about these historical debates here. Christian is the Editor-in-Chief of Excited Cats and one of its original and primary contributors. Classic tabby blotching is caused by the Tb gene, and ticking is caused by Ta. There can also be areas of color about the body, and secondary colors like brown and cream may also be visible. Love to all of you, and have a Happy and HEALTHY New Year!! You can see Bellas stripes in this photo take a close look at the top of her head! Classic Tabbies have swirling, randomized banding and patterning, with distinctive butterfly markings on their shoulders, bullseye markings on their sides, and three distinct stripes running down the length of their spines. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Brown Tabbies are what most people think of when they envision a Tabby. Get tips and exclusive deals. Since torties are not solid colored cats to begin with, "torbies" may have four to five different colorations on their coats, Lyons says. Siouxsie: If you want to learn some cool stuff about the genetics behind cat fur, check out these articles Mama wrote for Catster: My first 2 were tabbies. A lifelong cat lover, now based in South East Asia, Christian and his wife are the proud parents of an 11-year-old son and four rescue cats: Trixie, Chloe, Sparky, and Chopper. Mama calls them tabico cats because shes silly. Spots are similar to the stripes but are broken, stopped in their tracks before coming through fully as they do in the mackerel tabby, thus appearing more like spots. A mackerel tabbyhas narrow stripes that run in parallel down her sides. The Happy Cat Site is a participant in the Amazon EU Associates Programme, an affiliate advertising programme designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.co.uk, The Happy Cat Site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Required fields are marked *. I have 9 cats all together lol theyre all rescues, but only 4 are tabbies. Two of the boys are black and white no tabby markings and the other two are orange tabby. $24.99 (10% off) FREE shipping. Thats because tabby cats, during the 16th and 17th centuries, were commonly referred to as female cats owned by witches. And once it made that leap, the quick-witted tabby left textiles in the dust! A silver tabby usually has striking black stripes (unlike the gray tabby) against a much lighter gray or white background, but with no brown/red coloration in the coat (unlike the brown tabby). Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? 104 0 obj <>stream These types of patterns correspond to the way agouti hairs are distributed on the cat's body. hb``f``2d`b` ,@f00;nv4vhh Jl8X p Win a Tomlyn Cat Wellness Pack Sweepstakes: OFFICIAL RULES. One has long hair and looks very much like the marmalade pictured. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Mackerel is the most common tabby pattern, along with the blotched pattern. We try to help you understand your cat and what may or may not be going on with him or her, but please discuss your concerns about your cat with your veterinarian! Our sweet Justi. (223) See blue mackerel tabby stock video clips. Your email address will not be published. 7. There are 4 distinct tabby patterns: Classic Tabby, Mackerel Tabby, Spotted Tabby and the Ticked Tabby. Thomas: Almost every cat breed carries the tabby gene, even Siamese cats! Like all cat breeds, purebred or mixed, the Mackerel Tabby Cat will need sufficient exercise or at least time to play around and explore. Tabby cats need plenty of fresh, clean water. The Mackerel tabby is by far the most common cat coat pattern with the brown Mackerel tabby being the one you'll spot the most. This breed has an additional tabby pattern because it was hybridized with wild cats: this brought new genes for the new tabby pattern. Mackerel tabbies, or popularly known as "fishbone tabbies", are characterized with vertical stripes on the sides. Of course, to find out more about the personality and health of various breeds, you should take a closer look at the breed as a whole. Where I was moved to I was only able to keep T mother I originally had in the beginning, and one of the daughters about a year and a half. 13. See if you can figure out which tabby your cat is: The classic tabby has bold, swirling patterns along his sides much like a marble cake. The brown mackerel tabby is just one color that this beautiful coat pattern comes in. They also have the characteristic M marking on their forehead, along with dark stripes crossing vertically up toward their ears and dark lines crossing from the corners of their eyes. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here. Ive increased my play with her as she will bite trying to play too! Thats why if youd like to adopt a cat from the streets, its best to get them spayed/neutered to make sure they wont encounter much of the dangers that lurk outside. So, mackerel is just one type of tabby pattern that cats can have. First, lets talk about the agouti gene. Brown mackerel tabbies are the most common type of tabby coat pattern. This pattern is the wild-type one, which means its typical in wild cats. Siouxsie: The silver tabby has black stripes like a gray tabby, but the background color is a very light gray. She was the smartest, canniest cat Ive ever known. However, since itis not often easy to determine easily the products or care that your pet manyrequire, it is important you consider the advice of a pro before purchasing anythingfor your cat. Thanks in advance! I know you are going to say but solid black cats arent tabby. Bella: So lets try to sort this out. A broken mackerel could be a cat heterozygous for the Spotted gene. So how do our cats get that beautiful tabby pattern? All the others went to a local no kill shelter, just broke my heart. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Thomas: Then theres the patched tabby a calico or tortoiseshell cat whose orange and black spots have stripes! 5 Types of Tabby Cats and the Breeds That Flaunt Those Striking Patterned Coats. Quick filters: Cut Outs | Vectors | Black & white. And, of course, theyre all individually lovable. Tabby cats (a.k.a. This color might be a bit confusing to describe, but it does exist as a Mackerel Tabby color out there. It reads All orange cats are tabby cats and vice versa.. They are affectionate, loving, and easy-going animals that make a great addition to any family home. The breed has evolved into a much-loved family pet, but their hunting instincts are still intact and should be stimulated with interactive toys and food puzzles regularly to keep them content. For example, in a chocolate tabby, the markings are composed of hairs with a chocolate color, while the agouti hairs have bands of chocolate and light reddish chocolate.Tabby cats usually look clearer than their equivalent solid color because of the agouti hairs. He was 10 years old, weighed 46 lbs. If a cat is sp/sp, it has a normal mackerel or blotched tabby pattern. She is the most adventurous playful cat I have ever had. And its reported that tabbies have it in spades. Thomas: The cream or buff tabby is a dilute version of the orange tabby, with medium orange stripes against a creamy or very pale orange background. If you suspect that your Mackerel Tabby Cat is overweight for their age and normal size, you should take them outside more often or give them stimulating toys to play with. MY Thomas was a long-haired tabby, also a combination of grays, silver and tan. Paws and Effect will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. link to What Kind of Milk Can Cats Drink? Good info. Doesnt stop her from putting me in my place. Let Catster answer all of your most baffling feline questions! The best way to get a healthy cat is to choose a reputable breeder. My Wendy was one too! The mackerel pattern is composed of vertical stripes similar to the one of a tiger. Especially on her belly. Mine was so tiny now just shy of 6months old he is practically full grown. Makes me crack up and I think she knows it. Make sure you kitten-proof your home because otherwise, they will destroy a lot of items around your house. They are playful animals that are rarely aggressive or moody, and since they have been so closely associated with human companionship for centuries, the Classic Tabby makes a great family pet. Your email address will not be published. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. UB~Z)d/Zg`E[pq(}UsBRZ*jIs-wM}! Q0 HQuhYx3. Give us your guesses in the comments and tell us about the tabby cats youve known and loved. We do our best to help you better understand your cats, but the information on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. These cats are generally gentle, affectionate, and loving animals that have a long history of being close to humans. Folklore reports it could be from an Islamic prophet, a blessed virgin mother or even an ancient sacred Egyptian icon. The pattern may present itself on a variety of colored coats, with gray, brown, and orange being the most common. Tabbies can also be a part of another basic coat pattern such as calico or tortoiseshell. Mackerel Tabbies, on the other hand, have thinner, more evenly spaced striping throughout their bodies that may break into smaller segments, with a singular stripe running down their spines that branches into a distinctive fish-skeleton pattern. Your email address will not be published. packs intelligence and problem-solving skills. The stripes are often solid lines but they can be broken and they are born with them. Some believe the M is for Mau, the word for cat in ancient Egypt. Still, certain cat breeds are more known for their tabby patterns than others. A tabby is any domestic cat (Felis catus) with a distinctive 'M'-shaped marking on its forehead; stripes by its eyes and across its cheeks, along its back, and around its legs and tail; and (differing by tabby type), characteristic striped, dotted, lined, flecked, banded, or swirled patterns on the bodyneck, shoulders, sides, flanks, chest, and abdomen. Thomas: As a tabby cat myself, I know how challenging this can be when humans try to describe me. I have 4 tabby cats,first theres Theodore a ginger mackerel tabby,then Cheshire a silver mackerel tabby,Lillian a buff and white marble tabby,and Minnie a brown tabby (not sure what pattern she has,but i posted a picture of her,i love her stripes!). And it happens to be the most common of all the feline coat patterns. Overall randomly bred mackerel tabby kittens will cost 100 or even less. This is a cat that nature designed to survive, with no extremes in type. The Mackerel Tabby Cat often comes in these prominent colors: Sometimes called a Gray Mackerel Tabby Cat, this coat has a mix of light gray and dark with slight hints of cream and tan on their undercoat. Like most tabby cats, the Mackerel Tabby has an M-shaped pattern on their forehead, which has a lot of origin stories. They are usually independent, yet they enjoy the attention that they get from their human family, Theres nothing like a Bengalthese miniature wildcats are often seen as the most difficult and most exotic pet to keep., Tabbies can come in almost any color variation, Cat Nail Biting: What to Do If Your Cat Chews & Pulls His Claws, Why Is My Kitten So Hyper? At Excited Cats, we regularly consult with licensed veterinarians and other industry experts. Brown Mackerel Tabbies also usually have a dark end color for their tail. Finn for short. Thomas, I think youre a grey tabby :D -and a beautiful one too :D Puss was a blackie, but the older he got, the more orange came into his fur -he was still black, except in the bright sun lol :D (didnt make him any less beautiful though), im not entirely sure what kind my 2 are , Heres Alexander: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10154097099910313&l=1c4d16177f, Heres Sophie-Mae https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152688854980313&l=c921cf359f, https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10200315253473388&set=pb.1515674696.-2207520000.1419962291.&type=3&theater. This can give a salt-and-pepper effect to the coat.Nevertheless, residual bandings on the legs, tails, and torso might be present in some ticked tabbies. Mackerel Tabby kittens are quite troublesome due to being too mischievous. These cats are quite common among Domestic Shorthairs. Bengals are active and intelligent cats. However, the ticked tabby pattern is not limited to the Abyssinian breed. They can also vary widely in temperament, but in general, anecdotal evidence points toward Tabby variations being some of the most family-friendly felines, despite their wild-looking markings. They are sometimes referred to as tiger cats because their stripes resemble the only occurring-in-the-wild big cat with stripes, yes, Panthera tigris. Its effect is to modify the mackerel or blotched patterns. Am I a little of both? These are kitties who have the same mother, most likely the same father, and are all nurtured in the same way.. Also known as a light gray cat, the Silver Mackerel Tabby has a cooler tone than the Blue variation with a much lighter shade. There are two possible alleles: the dominant one ("A") which means the cat is agouti, and the recessive one ("a") which means a cat is non-agouti or solid. Thats why in many cat fancies black tabbies are called brown tabbies, but they shouldnt be confused with the chocolate genetic color. ), but arguably the most popular is the mackerel tabby. A Bengal brown spotted tabby with rosette from @zeus_of_norway. Thank you for your info! 2. A brown tabby has black stripes against a brown and gray background; its your typical tiger cat and the wild type coloration of the wildcat. We make no pretense of being veterinarians and we don't know anything about your specific cat's health or behavior history. Most cat experts and breeders agree that the Mackerel Tabby Cat originated from the African and European Wildcat due to the distinctive stripes that are common in tabby cats. The mackerel tabby cat has stripes that run perpendicular to the cats spine and line his legs and ring his tail. Though they are most recognized for their flowing fur and flat faces, Persian cats may turn heads with a mackerel tabby coat as well, though they probably won't be mistaken for a tiger anytime soon. A classic tabby cat, sometimes referred to as a blotched tabby, wears the swirl pattern that may first come to mind when imagining a tabby cat. Tabby markings can either be classic, mackerel, or ticked. They branch out from one stripe that runs along the top of the cats back down the spine, resembling fish skeleton which is why the term mackerel is used to describe it. They can be round, oval or rosettes. complete cat guides for more information. I think she's past the trauma of the fire, unlike me. There are five types of tabby coat patterns, each possessing its own unique markings. Hes in his furever home and doesnt have to worry about those days anymore. "Ticked tabbies may have bands or stripes on their legs and tail; however their body will not have any distinct markings," Dimock says. They are considered to be intelligent cats that are easy-going and full of character, and they generally make great family pets, no matter the breed. Tabbies can easily be identified by their sweet nature and the legendary capital 'M' on their furry forehead. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. Your cat receives one tabby gene from each parent. endstream endobj 82 0 obj <>stream JJ (female) was a silver tabby, also with beige striping. On the left a black ticked tabby (with legs banding) and on the a black tortie tabby from @twomanylegs. Technically, breeders call them blue despite the gray color appearance. "M" marks the spot! "Tabby" is common lingo for cat lovers, but the real meaning of the word might get lost the more . , Your email address will not be published. First of all, the brown tabby has very dark-brown stripes on a light-brown background. Thats because when your cat is outdoors, they are exposed to all kinds of dangers, such as vehicular accidents, bad weather, communicable diseases, attacks from cat predators, and even as far as being stolen for profit or abuse. It is not known whether these spots developed from a mackerel tabby or come from a separate gene. Tabby patterning is one of the most commonly seen patterns across all breeds, and due to natural selection, no matter the markings that your cat has, all felines possess the Tabby gene. Your email address will not be published. The spotted tabby has dark blotches of color, mixing spots with stripes. Brown ticked tabby (without legs and tail banding) from @patrickcatson, On the left a blue solid and on the right a blue mackerel tabby from @loki.mojo. When it comes to personality traits, tabbies are considered friendly, happy-go-lucky cats, intelligent, sassy, very affectionate and wonderful companions. Were focusing on the brown mackerel tabby today. (I think she loves me though-her love language is just different- she stares and blinks at me from a safe distance ), My 6 month old Gracie May, Im told, is a Brown Mackerel! The most famous American Shorthair color is the silver tabby, but they can also be brown, red, blue, cream, and many others. Get tips and exclusive deals. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Doesnt look like the photo worked, so heres a link, Charley on left, Mya on right. So, a fur composed of agouti hairs has a clearer color than a solid one. What You Need to Know. We are not veterinarians. Grooming Needs You have to regularly brush Mackerel tabbies to prevent mat and to distribute the oil through their fur so that they don't shed their undercoat fur. She was said to be a bullseye tabby, as she had stripes in big spirals on her sides. Mackerel Tabby Cat A mackerel. Grey tabbies are known for their lovely temperament and adorable appearance. The pattern of circular smudges on the classic tabby's body closely resembles a bullseye. Tabby is not a breed of cat, but many cat breeds sport tabby patterns. Who Won the Catster Purrrific Photo Contest in 2018? Little Mya, on the other hand, might be a silver tabby as she is a silvery-gray with almost a cream background. Thats why you may want to consider consulting your vet on the best kind of diet and lifestyle for your Mackerel Tabby Cat if thats the case. Natural Silver Mink Mackerel Tabby Devon Rex Spay 2019-20 show season: Regions 1-9: Best of Breed GC, BWR, RW JOBARA'S DAYDREAM BELIEVER. A dog fence is an important detail to consider when adopting a pet for the first time or moving your dog to a new home. What a blessing Thank You! The other has much shorter, more coarse fur, but with orange and tan stripes over light orange, Thomas, I would consider you a silver tabby we know how much of a unique man you are, I wish I could post photos of my clowder here, then you would see what I dont describe very well. Gentle giants at heart, Maine coons love staying close to their familythough, thankfully for your lap, they aren't typically lap cats.