Tuxedo Ragdoll Cat: Pictures, Facts, Origin & History
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When you think of a cat with a tuxedo coat, you may think of Felix the Cat, Sylvester the Cat, or The Cat in the Hat. This type of bicolor pattern, known as “piebald,” is predominantly black and white, but the pattern can also be in other colors with patches of white.
A tuxedo pattern is, in fact, not a cat breed at all but rather a cat with a unique bicolor coat. Some Ragdoll cats may have the tuxedo pattern, but any cat breed can have this fancy look. In this article, we’ll focus on the Ragdoll cat breed with tuxedo coats.
The Earliest Records of Tuxedo Ragdoll Cats in History
Tuxedo cats, also known as “tuxies,” have been around for thousands of years. It’s said that Ancient Egyptians worshipped cats, and their images can be seen carved in temples. However, some debate surrounds this information.
Some experts and historians believe that Ancient Egyptians did not worship cats1. Instead, they believed cats held a divine energy and appreciated their pest control that helped prevent the spread of disease. Cats were also believed to bring fortune and good luck.
The cats painted inside the temples resemble tabby cats rather than black and white cats. Cats played an important role in that time period, as Ancient Egyptians considered them to be deities, as well as the physical form of the goddess Bastet2.
As for Ragdoll cats, this cat breed was developed in the 1960s by Ann Baker and is in the top ten cat breeds to own3. As for the tuxedo coat, it’s actually genetic and did not originate from selective breeding, and the tuxedo pattern can be seen in both male and female cats4.
How Tuxedo Ragdoll Cats Gained Popularity
The Ragdoll cat breed is popular due to its docile, laid-back personality and intelligence. Some even claim that cats with the tuxedo pattern are more intelligent and have a dog-like nature, much like the Ragdoll cat. Tuxedo cats are considered friendly and love to be around their humans.
Tuxedo cats are popular among celebrities and famous figures, ranging from William Shakespeare to Sir Isaac Newton to Beethoven to former president Bill Clinton. In fact, Clinton’s cat, whose name was Socks5, was the first cat to ever step foot in the White House and was a favorite among photographers in and around the White House6.
Even so, cats with the tuxedo color pattern are not extremely popular, mostly because they tend to be mixed breeds. You have a better chance of finding one in a shelter.
Formal Recognition of Tuxedo Ragdoll Cats
No formal recognition of Tuxedo Ragdoll cats exists, only the Ragdoll cat breed itself. Remember that cats with the tuxedo pattern are not a cat breed but rather just the coat pattern the cat possesses. Tuxedo Ragdoll cats are not recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA)7 or the Cat Fanciers’ Association8.
The tuxedo pattern is more common in cat breeds such as Main Coons, Turkish Angoras, the American and British Shorthair, Cornish Rex, and Manx, as well as mixed cat breeds, but it’s not impossible to spot a Ragdoll with the tuxedo pattern. In fact, if you do spot a Ragdoll with the tuxedo color pattern, it is more than likely a mixed breed. Only Ragdolls with blue eyes are considered purebred.
Top 5 Unique Facts About Tuxedo Cats
1. A Tuxedo Cat Was a Decorated War Veteran
Simon the Cat was a stray with a tuxedo coat spotted by a seaman during World War II. The seaman thought the cat would make an excellent addition to the crew aboard the British ship known as the HMS Amethyst to help rid the vessel of rats and other pests.
The ship ultimately was attacked, leaving several men injured. Simon was injured, too, but he still did his job of keeping the ship rodent-free. News got around about Simon, and he became famous and was awarded the Dickin Medal—the only cat to receive such an honor. Simon is buried with full Naval honors in a pet cemetery just outside London, England.
2. The Richest Cat in the World Was a Tuxedo Cat
Sparky, a black and white tuxedo cat, inherited $6.3 million from his owner when the owner passed away in 1998. At one time, Sparky was considered the richest cat in the world.
3. A Tuxedo Cat Made It to Mount Everest
Getting to the top of Mount Everest is a huge feat and accomplishment. Turns out the only cat to ever see the top of the mountain was a tuxedo cat named Roderick. His human Sherpa carried him, but still, that’s pretty impressive.
4. A Tuxedo Cat Ran for Office
A Tuxedo cat named Stan, known as Tuxedo Stan, ran for mayor in Halifax, Canada, in 2012. Tuxedo Stan was the leader of the Tuxedo Party, with goals to improve the welfare of stray cats throughout the city. He sadly died of kidney cancer in 2013.
5. Tuxedo Cats May Have a “Tuxitude” Attitude
Some believe cats with the tuxedo pattern can have a “tuxitude” attitude, meaning they are extremely playful and affectionate with dog-like attitudes. Some even claim tuxedo cats are smarter than the average cat, but the evidence is lacking to support this theory. Still, that isn’t to say this theory isn’t true.
Does the Tuxedo Ragdoll Make a Good Pet?
Since any cat breed can have a tuxedo pattern, a tuxedo Ragdoll will definitely make a good pet based on the Ragdoll cat breed. As we’ve mentioned, some claim that tuxedo cats are smarter and friendlier with dog-like personalities, which are the same characteristics the Ragdoll cat breed possesses.
Ragdolls are known to follow you from room to room, are good around children and other pets, and love affection from their humans. A well-known trait of the Ragdoll is going limp when held, hence the name. It’s believed they go limp because it reminds them of being carried around in their mother’s mouth as a kitten.
Ragdolls are large cats known as gentle giants, weighing up to 20 pounds. They are docile, affectionate, loving, and thrive on human companionship. Owning a Ragdoll is a rewarding experience, and they remain a favorite among cat lovers.
In Conclusion
Ragdoll cats are among the top ten cats to own. However, if you want a true, purebred Ragdoll, a tuxedo Ragdoll will not qualify as such. Nonetheless, if you find a tuxedo Ragdoll, don’t disregard owning the cat just because it isn’t purebred.
A tuxedo Ragdoll cat will give you just as much love and affection as a true Ragdoll. Plus, tuxedo Ragdolls are extremely photogenic! In the end, a tuxedo Ragdoll will have the same temperament as a true Ragdoll and will bring you years of joy and companionship.
See Also: White Ragdoll Cat: Facts, Origin & History (With Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: Liao Zhiwo Henry, Shutterstock
