Published May 19, 2025
Kirsten McCarthy / Cats.com
Tabby cats vary in color, pattern, and breed. One thing they have in common? Their adorable, playful nature.
Black is one of the most common colors a tabby cat can be. Sometimes, for cats with especially dark coats, the tabby pattern is difficult to distinguish.
There’s so much to love about these dark beauties. Here are our 7 favorite facts about black tabby cats.
1. Most Black Cats Are Tabbies
Most people are surprised to learn that their black cat does, in fact, have a hidden tabby pattern. Genes determine the color and pattern of cats, and those with certain dominant genes are bound to appear. Black coats, as well as mackerel tabby coats, are dominant. Look at your feline’s coat closely, and you may be able to see some off-black stripes.
2. All Tabbies Have an “M” on Their Foreheads
kudla / Shutterstock.com
Another way to identify a black tabby cat? Check their foreheads for the letter “M”. All tabbies, regardless of color and coat pattern, have this unique marking. It may be less visible on a tabby with dark fur. Many have speculated as to whether the “M” stands for something. (Magnificent? Mayhem?)
3. Black Tabbies Experience Coat “Rusting”
Outdoor black tabbies that soak in enough sun may gradually change their fur color in the process. Over time, the sun’s UV rays can break down their black color and create a red-brown “rusting” effect. While this alone isn’t a cause for concern, call your vet if you notice a color change accompanied by other unusual symptoms.
4. Tabby Is a Pattern, Not a Breed
Given how often they’re referenced in cat communities, it’s understandable to think of tabby as a cat breed—but this is not true. Rather, tabby refers to the coat pattern of a cat. Tabby cats are common for many cat breeds, including Maine Coon, British Shorthair, and American Bobtail.
5. There Are 5 Pattern Varieties for Black Tabbies
Pixel-Shot / Shutterstock.com
Black tabbies have one of five pattern varieties: classic (featuring swirling patterns), mackerel (most resembling natural stripes), spotted, patched (featuring colorful patches of fur such as orange or brown), and ticked (featuring multiple colors on each strand of hair). Some patterns, like patched, may be easier to identify in black tabbies than others, like ticked.
6. Black Tabbies Are Included in the Mythology of Black Cats
You’ve likely heard that black cats bring bad luck, a myth that’s often circulated around Halloween. Unfortunately, this belief enforces a stigma around black cats, including tabbies.
Throughout history, though, cats have been associated with good fortune in some cultures, such as in Japan and throughout parts of Europe. Regardless of mythology, we think black cats are sweet, fun, and just as deserving of love and kindness as any other colored cat.
7. Black Tabbies Are Super Friendly
Tabbies are known for their active, playful, and affectionate personalities, and black tabbies are no different. Many factors determine a cat’s temperment—from genetics to their early lives and environments—but on the whole, you can expect a black tabby to be friendly and ready to play.
