9 Fancy Facts All About Tuxedo Cats

9 comments

Updated: 1/16/20

From the tippy-top of their pink noses to bottom of their white-tipped paws resembling spats, Tuxedo cats have captured the fancy of cat fanciers all over the world. But did you know that Tuxedo cats are not a breed of cat? The "tuxedo" actually refers to their bi-color or piebald coats of black and white. They can be Maine Coons, Turkish Angoras, American Shorthairs, or British Shorthairs and their coats can be short, shaggy, long, or silky. Without further 

Not all tuxedo cats are male.

While most humans associate tuxedos with males, tuxedo cats are roughly 50/50 with both male and females donning the black and white color. This makes them dissimilar to calicos and tortoiseshell cats, which are usually females, and orange tabbies which are more likely to be male.

 

A Tuxedo cat has lived in the White House.

A tuxedo cat named Socks moved into the White House in 1993 when President Clinton took office. He joined the Clinton family in 1989 and his likeness hosted the children’s version of the White House website while living there. Socks passed away in 2009 just shy of his 20th birthday.

 

A tuxie ran for office and inspired a political party.

A Canadian cat named Tuxedo Stan ran for mayor in Halifax in 2012. He didn’t win that election, but he did bring some awareness for homeless cats and the Halifax City Council provided a grant to help spay and neuter homeless cats in the area. Unfortunately, Tuxedo Stan passed away from cancer in 2013. His legacy is continued in the Tuxedo Party of Canada Cat Welfare Society as a movement to improve the welfare of felines in Halifax and around the world.

 

Tuxedo cat Simon is a decorated war hero.

In 1948, Simon was picked up by a British seaman from a dock in Hong Kong and brought aboard the HMS Amethyst to be the ship’s mouser or ratter. He performed well, taking care of any rodents that might eat the ship’s food supply or chew through ropes and wood. He received 2 service awards, the Amethyst campaign ribbon, and is the only cat to have received the Dickin Medal. He died in 1949 from injuries sustained during a battle and was buried with full naval honors.

 

Tuxedo cats are famous throughout history.

Tuxedo cats have been part of popular culture for longer than you might expect! Felix the Cat debuted in 1919 (over 100 years ago) during the silent movie era, Sylvester the Cat first appeared in 1939 (“I tawt I taw a puddy tat”), and Dr. Seuss’ Cat in the Hat first appeared in 1957. All 3 cats are still showing their tuxitude in movies, television, books and other media.

 

A Tuxedo cat was once the richest cat in the world.

A tuxedo cat named Sparky inherited 6.3 million dollars when his owner passed away in 1998. This also made him wealthier than most humans. That’s a lot of tuna fish and catnip! 

 

Tuxedo cat Henri has been an internet film star since 2007.

Henri, le Chat Noir is an existential and very well-known cat that stars in his own videos.

 

A cat reached the summit of Mount Everest. 

The only cat known to make it to the top of Mount Everest reportedly was a Tuxedo cat that was carried by his human Sherpa. His name was Roderick. 

 

Tuxedo cats aren't limited to just black and white.

While you might expect "tuxedo" cats to sport coats just in the traditional black and white of the mens formal attire they're named after, you might also spot "tuxies" in grey, orange, and silver.


9 comments


  • Shawn Fischer

    I have 2 tuxedo kitties. One male and one female. Little Man (One Wan Kinobi) and Grace. If I had a millions to leave them I sure would.😉


  • Dorie

    I have 5!


  • Angela

    My tuxedo even has a mustache!


  • Ann

    When I think “tuxedo cat,” I imagine a black cat with four white paws and a white front. Given that, I’m not sure if Felix really qualifies.

    I have often described my Siamese mix, Mr. Bartlett, as having a tuxedo pattern, for he had the white paws and front. He was, however, gray rather than black, so he probably wouldn’t have qualified as a real tuxedo cat.

    I don’t know if there’s any truth to it, but I have run across an internet rumor that describes tuxedo cats as highly intelligent.

    I bet a lot of male tuxedo cats have been given names with “Mister” in them.


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