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Comprehensive tabby cat guide: A coat pattern, not a breed, found in most cats worldwide. PATTERN TYPES: Classic/blotched (swirls), mackerel (stripes), spotted, ticked/agouti, patched/torbie. PRICE RANGES: Shelter adoption $50-$200, special patterns $200-$500, orange tabbies $100-$400 (80% male), purebreds with tabby $500-$2,000. COLOR VARIATIONS: Brown (most common), orange/ginger (mostly male), silver (striking), blue/gray (dilute), cream (rare), red. NOT A BREED: Tabby is a coat pattern gene found in virtually all cat breeds and mixed breeds. PATTERN GENETICS: All tabbies have the agouti gene and distinctive 'M' forehead marking. ADOPTION FIRST: Most shelter cats are tabbies - adopt to save lives at minimal cost. PERSONALITY MYTH: Pattern doesn't determine personality - each cat is unique regardless of markings. Petmeetly connects you with tabby cats from shelters, rescues, and ethical sources.
Tabby cats available for sale and adoption
Pattern, Not a Breed

Tabby Cats for SaleThe World's Most Common Pattern

Discover tabby patterned cats in every color and breed. From shelter adoptions to special patterns, find your perfect tabby companion.

Find Tabby CatsLearn About Adoption
Pattern Guide

Understanding Tabby Patterns

Tabby is a coat pattern, not a breed - found in most cats worldwide

The Tabby Pattern

Not a Specific Breed

Pattern found in all breeds and mixed breeds

The 'M' Marking

All tabbies have an 'M' on their forehead

80% of All Cats

Most common pattern in domestic cats

Ancient Heritage

Natural camouflage pattern from wildcats

Adoption Recommended

Since tabby is just a pattern, not a breed, most shelter cats are tabbies. Consider adoption first - you'll save money and a life while finding a wonderful tabby companion with a known personality.

Pattern Variations

Classic/Blotched

Bold swirls forming circular 'bullseye' patterns on sides

Mackerel

Thin parallel stripes running down the sides like fish bones

Spotted

Distinct spots instead of stripes across the body

Ticked/Agouti

Individual hairs banded with color, minimal body markings

Price Guide

Tabby Cat Price Ranges

From shelter adoptions to special patterns and purebreds

Shelter Adoption

$50 - $200

Most affordable option - save a tabby's life

Key Factors:

Includes spay/neuter
Vaccinations included
Health check complete
Microchipped

Special Patterns

$200 - $500

Distinctive tabby patterns and rare colorations

Key Factors:

Silver tabby patterns
Spotted tabby markings
Classic swirl patterns
Unique coat colors

Orange Tabbies

$100 - $400

The beloved orange/ginger tabby pattern

Key Factors:

80% are male
Friendly personalities
Classic ginger color
Popular pattern

Purebred with Tabby Pattern

$500 - $2,000

Pedigreed cats displaying tabby patterns

Key Factors:

Maine Coon tabbies
Bengal spotted tabbies
American Shorthair tabbies
British Shorthair tabbies

Pattern Doesn't Determine Value

A cat's worth isn't in its pattern but in the companionship it provides. Shelter tabbies make just as wonderful pets as expensive purebreds. Focus on personality match rather than pattern perfection. Most beloved family cats are simple tabby-patterned mixed breeds.

Available Tabby Cats

Browse tabby patterned cats from shelters, rescues, and ethical sources

Does Not Have Name - Tabby | Petmeetly

Does Not Have Name

Tabby

2 months old,female
Gem County, Idaho, US
View Profile →
Midnight - Tabby | Petmeetly

Midnight

Tabby

1 year 6 months old,female
Brazoria County, Texas, US
View Profile →
Luca - Tabby | Petmeetly

Luca

Tabby

1 year 7 months old,male
Austell, Georgia, US
View Profile →
Stiles - Tabby | Petmeetly

Stiles

Tabby

1 year 5 months old,male
Sebastian County, Arkansas, US
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Garfield - Tabby | Petmeetly

Garfield

Tabby

7 months old,male
Genesee County, Michigan, US
View Profile →
Mimi - Tabby | Petmeetly

Mimi

Tabby mix

2 years 7 months old,male
Anne Arundel County, Maryland, US
View Profile →
Rusty - Tabby | Petmeetly

Rusty

Tabby

2 years 4 months old,male
Dallas County, Texas, US
View Profile →
Pumpkin - Tabby | Petmeetly

Pumpkin

Tabby

5 months old,male
Maricopa County, Arizona, US
View Profile →
View All Tabby Cats
Pattern Types

Tabby Pattern Variations

Each pattern creates a unique look

Classic/Blotched

Bold swirls forming circular 'bullseye' patterns on sides

Characteristics

  • Marble-like appearance
  • Wide stripes
  • Distinctive 'M' on forehead
  • Butterfly pattern on shoulders

Common In

American Shorthair, British Shorthair

Mackerel

Thin parallel stripes running down the sides like fish bones

Characteristics

  • Tiger-like stripes
  • Narrow bands
  • Striped legs and tail
  • Most common pattern

Common In

Domestic cats worldwide

Spotted

Distinct spots instead of stripes across the body

Characteristics

  • Round or oval spots
  • Broken stripes
  • Rosettes possible
  • Wild appearance

Common In

Bengal, Egyptian Mau, Ocicat

Ticked/Agouti

Individual hairs banded with color, minimal body markings

Characteristics

  • Salt and pepper look
  • Facial markings only
  • Striped legs
  • Subtle appearance

Common In

Abyssinian, Somali

Patched/Torbie

Tabby pattern combined with tortoiseshell patches

Characteristics

  • Red and brown patches
  • Almost always female
  • Complex patterns
  • Unique combinations

Common In

Mixed breed cats

Color Guide

Tabby Color Variations

From common browns to rare silvers and creams

Brown/Black Tabby

Standard adoption fees

  • •Most common color
  • •Black stripes on brown base
  • •Classic appearance
  • •Found in all breeds

Orange/Ginger Tabby

$100 - $400

  • •80% male cats
  • •Friendly reputation
  • •Vibrant coloring
  • •Garfield-like appearance

Silver Tabby

$200 - $500

  • •Black on silver base
  • •Striking appearance
  • •Green or hazel eyes
  • •Elegant coloring

Blue/Gray Tabby

$150 - $400

  • •Dilute gene expression
  • •Subtle markings
  • •Soft appearance
  • •Less common

Cream Tabby

$200 - $500

  • •Pale orange dilute
  • •Soft markings
  • •Rare coloration
  • •Gentle appearance

Red Tabby

$150 - $400

  • •Deep orange color
  • •Bold markings
  • •Mostly male
  • •Eye-catching

Orange Tabby Facts

Orange tabby cats are about 80% male due to sex-linked genetics. The orange gene is on the X chromosome - males need only one copy (XY) while females need two (XX). This makes female orange tabbies less common but not necessarily more valuable. Personality matters more than color genetics!

Lifetime Costs

Cost of Owning a Tabby Cat

Pattern doesn't affect care costs - all cats need the same love

Initial Investment

Adoption Fee$50 - $500
Initial Vet Check$50 - $150
Basic Supplies$100 - $200
Cat-proofing$50 - $100

Annual Care

Quality Cat Food$200 - $400
Routine Vet Care$150 - $300
Litter & Supplies$150 - $250
Toys & Enrichment$50 - $100

Health Advantages

Mixed GeneticsLower vet bills
Hybrid VigorFewer issues
Natural HealthLonger lifespan
Strong ImmunityLess illness

Tabby Cat Success Stories

Real stories from cat owners who found perfect homes on Petmeetly

Hi, yes, I’m planning a future mating for my stud in about 6 months. In the meantime, he’s still available if someone wants him before then

L

Lei

England, GB

Read full story

Victor was an amazing match, and his owner was super helpful and accommodating!

H

Hannah

Washington, US

Read full story

We’ve had wonderful experiences and great success finding the perfect mate for Salem Dexter. I’m very happy with the site and the safe, supportive interactions with potential mates

Autem Glover - Profile photo

Autem Glover

California, US

Read full story
Read More Success Stories
Finding Guide

Where to Find Tabby Cats

Multiple sources for every budget and preference

Adoption Sources

Animal Shelters

Most shelter cats are tabbies - huge selection

Rescue Organizations

Foster-based groups with known personalities

Community Boards

Local cats needing homes urgently

Pet Adoption Events

Weekend events at pet stores

Purchase Sources

Breed-Specific Breeders

Purebreds with tabby patterns

Specialty Pattern Breeders

Focus on specific tabby variations

Registered Catteries

Show-quality tabby patterns

Online Marketplaces

Individual sellers and breeders

Ready to Find Your Tabby?

  • •Check shelters first - Most cats available are tabbies, making adoption easy and affordable
  • •Pattern variety - Choose from classic, mackerel, spotted, or ticked patterns
  • •Color options - Brown, orange, silver, blue, cream, and more combinations
  • •Focus on personality - Pattern doesn't determine temperament - meet the cat first
  • •Health benefits - Mixed breed tabbies often have hybrid vigor and fewer issues

Explore Other Cat Breeds for Sale

Discover kittens and cats for sale from various breeds and find your perfect feline companion

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Find Your Perfect Tabby Companion

Connect with shelters, rescues, and ethical sources to find tabby patterned cats

Browse Tabby Cats