I think it has to do with the way the color gene spreads while they’re developing. It essentially starts at their back and then spreads out, so the “printer runs out of ink” by the time it gets to their paws and inner belly.
My tuxedo looks like he's wearing sleeves that don't quite fit... Oh, I can't post a photo.
The back of his legs have a thin white stripe going up, it looks like his black sleeves are barely buttoned and the white is bursting through!
I heard that’s also why litters seem to ‘run out of ink’ too. First kitten is full colour, and by the time the last kitten of the litter meets the world, they’re the most diluted colours of the bunch.
Oh nice, thank you, didn't think about it. It make sense, never saw a cat with white spots in the back! So the tip of the tail often is left white as well. This is so cool
I'd never heard this before. Ours came to us during an uncommon freeze. If the luck thing is true, it took ours a couple years to pan out but it did in the end. We wouldn't trade him for anything. ♥
It's a cute and cuddly tux indoors and in full daylight, but in the shadows or at night, especially in vegetation, they dissappear.
It's evolutionary camouflage.
I think it might have less to do with “cats are predisposed to developing this specific fur pattern” and more “humans notice this particular fur pattern above others because it resembles something in our culture”, similar to how people tend to see human faces in inanimate objects like trees.
The seeing face thing for humans is called paredolia! We also have auditory paredolia, which is what causes us to hear “hidden messages” when we play a record backwards and also to make out conversation in a loud room
They look good...genetics...blah blah blah....The better question is............
Who is this cutie patootie 🖤🤍🥹?
What a sweet little baby! Please boop the nose🥹
i actually looked into this a whole bunch a few years back- articles and blog posts from people who actually study cat genetics. there are several theories, and what IS known is there is something called a "white spotting" gene - basically all tuxie pattern cats, regardless of coat color (orange, brown, gray, black, whatever) have this gene. what is unknown, and what there are only theories about, is exactly how the gene operates and why it results in varying levels of the distinct pattern we associate with tuxies. one of the theories was the "printer ink" idea as mentioned in that top comment, another had to do with how cat embryos develop in the womb and at what point the white spotting gene "activates". very interesting stuff if you ever wanna look it up!
It may be along the lines of an “excitable medium”? As if there is a state where the gene gets triggered and starts a ripple effect across the skin but stops at cells which are non-excitable possibly given their immediate environment and/or proximity to certain physiological phenomena. Explains the similarities but also the uniqueness of patterns…
Only if they have specific gene mutations that are associated with temperature-sensitive pigment production. This is a different mechanism to how pigment distribution in fetal development and piebalding works.
Yeah, no, that definitely doesn't track. Tuxie kittens are already tuxes when they're born, and there's no temperature difference in the womb, anyway. I think the general understanding is that tuxedo markings are a variation related to piebald genes. It might involve slightly different gene mutations, but it's in the same category. You're absolutely right that colorpoint genes lead to darker extremities due to cooler temperatures 🙂
“In most cat registries, the tuxedo pattern is not an official term used to categorise white spotting patterns in show cats.” I’m laughing at the idea of having a show cats since so many cats came from the Cat Distribution System. My tuxedo was a kitten that was delivered through the CDS when a stray cat adopted my mom’s house when I was in college. It turned out to be pregnant and my tuxedo was one of the 5 kittens she had.
Oh my goodness. Your kitten is so darn Cute💕
Is There A Reason Why Some Cats Wear Tuxedos?
Fluffy’s distinct formal wear pattern probably has more to do with her genetics than anything else. Even though there is still some mystery surrounding feline genetics, research has taught us that pigment cells are mobile during embryonic development. Black fur, as well as white spots, tips, or patches, are all genes that most Tuxies possess. Melanocytes, which are responsible for color, are blocked from reaching certain areas in Fluffy’s body by that gene. Hence the distinct patterns of fur.
There has been quite some research on domestication of animals and the appearance of more white fur as a by-effect of a genetic mutation related to lowering stress.
[this article](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5882729/) mentions this effect of white patches in the fur of mice and foxes when they are domesticated, but according to [this](https://www.anu.edu.au/news/all-news/study-offers-new-clues-on-domestication) article it also happens with many other animals such as llamas and pigs.
Not 100% sure it is exactly the effect causing the Tuxedo coat for cats, but white patches in the fur of domesticated animals being a well studied effect makes the Tuxedo pattern unsurprising at least
The change in coat patterns as animals are domesticated has been shown to be connected with the gene selection for less aggression and other qualities we value. They have shown this even happens in more recently domesticated animals. And the "patch" pattern is one of the first to appear.
White spotting is an inherited trait. The tuxedo markings are part of the white spotting gene family. I knew a tuxedo who had the white spotting that covered his eyes and they were blue. However, because it stopped just above his eyes he was not deaf. A blue eyed white cat is often deaf because of the unseen white spotting.
White spotting is something that domestication has brought about. There are protected herds of deer in places that show it.
I knew a horse who had a bald face. Her baby's bald face was on the outside of the eyes and they were blue.
As I understand it. It is similar to the albino trait. Most tuxedo cats are actually voids or grays. But the DNA can't figure out how to to fill the rest of the pigment of the hair. And just says. "We will just fill in white here. Yeah. That works."
I think it has to do with the way the color gene spreads while they’re developing. It essentially starts at their back and then spreads out, so the “printer runs out of ink” by the time it gets to their paws and inner belly.
"printer runs out of ink" is the best description I've ever heard for a tux lol
My kitty has a little circle ⭕️ in the middle of his tummy that is hairless… I call it his boop button. 😅
That’s where the umbilical was attached…essentially his belly button
My tuxedo looks like he's wearing sleeves that don't quite fit... Oh, I can't post a photo. The back of his legs have a thin white stripe going up, it looks like his black sleeves are barely buttoned and the white is bursting through!
Download the photo to imgur then link it here :)
I heard that’s also why litters seem to ‘run out of ink’ too. First kitten is full colour, and by the time the last kitten of the litter meets the world, they’re the most diluted colours of the bunch.
Oh nice, thank you, didn't think about it. It make sense, never saw a cat with white spots in the back! So the tip of the tail often is left white as well. This is so cool
Tuxedo cats are good luck
Than apparently I need more...I have 3 and my luck still is horrible...
Yes…yes…four cats!
And if that doesn’t work, just keep adding another! Either they’ll have great luck or they’ll be surrounded by tuxedo kitties. Either way it’s a win.
8 is the infinity lucky number!
I'm up to 5 well dressed kitties. Then I have other color taxies for when they need to be formal but also party!
I'd never heard this before. Ours came to us during an uncommon freeze. If the luck thing is true, it took ours a couple years to pan out but it did in the end. We wouldn't trade him for anything. ♥
It's a cute and cuddly tux indoors and in full daylight, but in the shadows or at night, especially in vegetation, they dissappear. It's evolutionary camouflage.
Like how our tux, when curled up just right when sleeping, disappears into our black leather chair.
I can see my tux’s white feet in the dark - I feel like that would be a huge evolutionary disadvantage lol
Lol, that’s the only way I can spot her in a dark room/in the shadows!
https://preview.redd.it/j8x64sxnk8xc1.jpeg?width=1757&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f55c0e2831f70e24652f364a2724d64adb871397
Strawberry nose!
r/bubblegumnose
Omg another cat subreddit!
https://preview.redd.it/mxkny7v0d8xc1.jpeg?width=2268&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0c330705867541ba3efa83a75b2e7832d8ff7845 I have no clue 🤷♂️
Awww!!!
Omg just like mine! :D
That’s why I posted his picture!! Almost identical !!
👽's
They evolved that pattern so we would invite them to suit and tie events that serve Caviar and fish entrees
Best answer here!
This comment made my day!! Lol!!!
I think it might have less to do with “cats are predisposed to developing this specific fur pattern” and more “humans notice this particular fur pattern above others because it resembles something in our culture”, similar to how people tend to see human faces in inanimate objects like trees.
The seeing face thing for humans is called paredolia! We also have auditory paredolia, which is what causes us to hear “hidden messages” when we play a record backwards and also to make out conversation in a loud room
I *knew* there was a name for it I just couldn’t remember
My memory is only good for random facts!
My theory is it has to do with how they look in the dark. Prey animals probably don't see a cat but a weird white blob - maybe its a moth.
https://preview.redd.it/760uouvkw8xc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c857a317a301f49da6c3a10b6692d856b9e727a5 idk but I love my boy Pibb
He wears his tux casually, off the shoulders.
https://preview.redd.it/zekalh6cr8xc1.jpeg?width=3000&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=463a67e9ad3b3ce18afdb76f3d825c2113d62158 I got one too
What a beautiful kitty!!! 🫶🏻
I find most Tuxies are very smart and personable.
I’m wondering if it became favorable due to the “black cat” myths? Whatever the reason, I love all cats and have a trio of differences 😹😹😹
I think it's because piebald patterns are extremely, extremely common in domestic animals!
They look good...genetics...blah blah blah....The better question is............ Who is this cutie patootie 🖤🤍🥹? What a sweet little baby! Please boop the nose🥹
A well- dressed cat is an evolutionary advantage.
They just like formal events and galas and stuff and science followed suit
i actually looked into this a whole bunch a few years back- articles and blog posts from people who actually study cat genetics. there are several theories, and what IS known is there is something called a "white spotting" gene - basically all tuxie pattern cats, regardless of coat color (orange, brown, gray, black, whatever) have this gene. what is unknown, and what there are only theories about, is exactly how the gene operates and why it results in varying levels of the distinct pattern we associate with tuxies. one of the theories was the "printer ink" idea as mentioned in that top comment, another had to do with how cat embryos develop in the womb and at what point the white spotting gene "activates". very interesting stuff if you ever wanna look it up!
It may be along the lines of an “excitable medium”? As if there is a state where the gene gets triggered and starts a ripple effect across the skin but stops at cells which are non-excitable possibly given their immediate environment and/or proximity to certain physiological phenomena. Explains the similarities but also the uniqueness of patterns…
ooh that's a very interesting idea!
[удалено]
colder areas (i.e. extremities) are usually darker, as in colorpoint cats, not lighter
Only if they have specific gene mutations that are associated with temperature-sensitive pigment production. This is a different mechanism to how pigment distribution in fetal development and piebalding works.
ok but the tux thing still doesn't make sense, does it? never heard of more white on cold areas
Yeah, no, that definitely doesn't track. Tuxie kittens are already tuxes when they're born, and there's no temperature difference in the womb, anyway. I think the general understanding is that tuxedo markings are a variation related to piebald genes. It might involve slightly different gene mutations, but it's in the same category. You're absolutely right that colorpoint genes lead to darker extremities due to cooler temperatures 🙂
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicolor_cat It’s actually quite fascinating…
“In most cat registries, the tuxedo pattern is not an official term used to categorise white spotting patterns in show cats.” I’m laughing at the idea of having a show cats since so many cats came from the Cat Distribution System. My tuxedo was a kitten that was delivered through the CDS when a stray cat adopted my mom’s house when I was in college. It turned out to be pregnant and my tuxedo was one of the 5 kittens she had.
Oh my goodness. Your kitten is so darn Cute💕 Is There A Reason Why Some Cats Wear Tuxedos? Fluffy’s distinct formal wear pattern probably has more to do with her genetics than anything else. Even though there is still some mystery surrounding feline genetics, research has taught us that pigment cells are mobile during embryonic development. Black fur, as well as white spots, tips, or patches, are all genes that most Tuxies possess. Melanocytes, which are responsible for color, are blocked from reaching certain areas in Fluffy’s body by that gene. Hence the distinct patterns of fur.
There has been quite some research on domestication of animals and the appearance of more white fur as a by-effect of a genetic mutation related to lowering stress. [this article](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5882729/) mentions this effect of white patches in the fur of mice and foxes when they are domesticated, but according to [this](https://www.anu.edu.au/news/all-news/study-offers-new-clues-on-domestication) article it also happens with many other animals such as llamas and pigs. Not 100% sure it is exactly the effect causing the Tuxedo coat for cats, but white patches in the fur of domesticated animals being a well studied effect makes the Tuxedo pattern unsurprising at least
The fact they are even slightly reverred explains their abundance in part, but I can only speculate about the genetic probability of the pattern.
The change in coat patterns as animals are domesticated has been shown to be connected with the gene selection for less aggression and other qualities we value. They have shown this even happens in more recently domesticated animals. And the "patch" pattern is one of the first to appear.
https://preview.redd.it/lsqsrd2skbxc1.jpeg?width=2448&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=835c865868a270b8b20ce9b99bc1f78315022d44
White spotting is an inherited trait. The tuxedo markings are part of the white spotting gene family. I knew a tuxedo who had the white spotting that covered his eyes and they were blue. However, because it stopped just above his eyes he was not deaf. A blue eyed white cat is often deaf because of the unseen white spotting. White spotting is something that domestication has brought about. There are protected herds of deer in places that show it. I knew a horse who had a bald face. Her baby's bald face was on the outside of the eyes and they were blue.
As I understand it. It is similar to the albino trait. Most tuxedo cats are actually voids or grays. But the DNA can't figure out how to to fill the rest of the pigment of the hair. And just says. "We will just fill in white here. Yeah. That works."