Tabby is the most common cat coat pattern in the world — not a breed. Tabby cats can be any breed, though most rescue tabbies are Domestic Shorthair (DSH) or Domestic Longhair (DLH) mixes. The pattern shows in 4 main forms: classic (swirled), mackerel (vertical stripes), spotted, and ticked.
Personality varies widely — tabby is a look, not a trait. That said, lore around orange tabbies (95% are male) and grey tabbies (often described as the most laid-back) is well-known among cat people. Calgary rescues see dozens of tabbies pass through each month.
Tabby adoption fees in Calgary typically run $100-200 (DSH pricing). Listings update regularly across MEOW Foundation, Calgary Humane Society, AARCS, and the other rescues we aggregate.
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Tabby Adoption FAQ
Is tabby a breed?
No — tabby is a coat pattern. Tabby cats can be any breed (Maine Coon, Bengal, Domestic Shorthair, etc.) but the swirled or striped pattern is what defines them. Most Calgary rescue tabbies are Domestic Shorthairs.
Are orange tabbies always male?
About 80% are male. The orange/red gene is X-linked, so males (XY) only need one orange gene to show the color, while females (XX) need two. Orange females do exist but are rarer.
What's the difference between mackerel and classic tabby?
Mackerel tabby has vertical stripes that look like fish bones. Classic tabby has bold swirls or "bullseye" patterns on the sides. Both are equally common in rescues.
Do tabby personalities differ by color?
No solid science behind it, but anecdotally orange tabbies are often described as friendly and food-motivated, grey/silver tabbies as calm, and brown tabbies as independent. Personality is mostly individual, not coat-driven.