CAPS: Tabbies are the masters of patterns

Dear readers, as I wrote the description of our enchanting Teadalma, I realized that I honestly do not know what a Tabby cat is. With a bit of research, I discovered that the word Tabby refers to a cat’s coloring, not to their breed, although many breeds come with Tabby coats.

The common perception is that Tabby cats are a breed, but it is actually a physical description. While we describe humans as being blonde or brunette, there are many variations of each color. The same holds true for Tabbies because their coats have many variations in color and pattern with gray, brown, and orange being the most common.

Tabbies genes can be traced back to ancient African wild cats that had similar patterns as our modern Tabbies. In fact, most cat breeds have Tabby genes even if they do not show any patterning. One common feature characteristic of all Tabby cats is the distinctive “M” shape on the forehead. Many believe the “M” symbolizes Mau, the ancient Egyptian word for cat. 

There are actually five distinctive Tabby coat patterns, each one possessing unique markings.

1. The Classic Tabby has bold, swirling patterns similar to a marble cake.

2. Mackerel Tabbies have narrow stripes branching out from one stripe that runs along the top of the back and down the spine, which resembles a fish skeleton.

3. Spotted Tabby cats have spots all over their sides. The spots can be large or small, oval or rosettes.

4. Ticked Tabbies do not have traditional stripes or spots on the body, but have tabby marking on the face and agouti hairs on the body. Agouti hairs are individual hairs striped with alternating light and dark bands.

5. Patched Tabby is a term used to describe a tortoiseshell Tabby. Typically, they have patches of brown and red.

Looking at the photo of Teadalma, I can only guess that he is a Mackerel Tabby, and I can see the distinctive M on his head. However, I have concluded that keeping tabs on Tabbies is pretty tricky.

LOOKING FOR A HOME

We have two handsome one-year-old male puppies. BG and Diego are anxiously waiting to find their forever homes. We also have six Border Collie mix puppies five-months-old and 10 Tabby kittens in shades of gray. Come and check them out; they are cute!

IN NEED OF

• Items for the CAPS garage sale. Call 775-423-7500 to have your items picked up.

• Volunteers to help pick up garage sale items.

• Funds to sustain the shelter. We have veterinary, food, and utility bills. Any contribution will be helpful.

• Would you like to foster animals? We need volunteers. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

• Dog walkers, we need consistent volunteers to walk and socialize our dogs. Call 775-423-7500 for details.

• Aluminum cans. We will pick up your cans; give us a call at 775-423-7500. You can also drop them off at CAPS.

OVER THE RAINBOW

Our adorable cat Cinder left us this month. A mycoplasma infection and renal failure ended his short life. His family loves and misses him greatly. XO Julia

SHOUT OUT TO

The NAS Fallon volunteers who worked at the American Car Wash for CAPS. All tails are wagging for you!

COME SEE US

CAPS is open to the public on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

We suggest appointments for adoptions and food pantry.

DON’T FORGET

If you would like a newsletter, call 775-423-7500 or email caps@cccom.net.

CAPS’ mailing address is P.O. Box 5128, Fallon, NV 89407. CAPS’ phone number is 775-423 7500. CAPS’ email address is caps@cccomm.net. Please visit the CAPS website (www.capsnevada.com) and Facebook page (Churchill Animal Protection Society). Be sure to “Like” CAPS on Facebook because we are likeable.

Kathleen Williams-Miller, a CAPS volunteer, is at jkwmil@outlook.com.