If you’ve ever owned or admired a cat with beautiful stripes, swirls, or spots, you might have wondered: Is a tabby cat a breed or just a color? The answer is simple—tabby is not a breed but a coat pattern! It appears in many different breeds, including long-haired cats, which can sometimes make it tricky to tell exactly what kind of cat you have.
And if you’ve ever been told your fluffy, regal-looking cat might be a long-haired domestic tabby instead of a Maine Coon, you might be wondering: What’s the difference? Let’s break it all down.
What Makes a Cat a Tabby?
A tabby cat isn’t a specific breed; it’s a coat pattern that comes in many forms, including:
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Classic Tabby – Large, bold swirling patterns on the sides (also called a "marble" tabby).
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Mackerel Tabby – Vertical, fishbone-like stripes down the body.
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Spotted Tabby – Distinct spots instead of stripes.
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Ticked Tabby – No visible stripes on the body, but faint striping on the face and legs.
No matter the pattern, tabby cats almost always have the signature "M" shape on their forehead, a genetic trait passed down through feline history.
Long-Haired Tabby Cats: What Makes Them Special?
A long-haired tabby cat has all the classic tabby markings but with a luxurious coat that gives them a majestic and fluffy appearance. Their silky or shaggy fur, thick tails, and feathered ears make them stand out. However, not all long-haired tabbies belong to a specific breed—many are simply domestic long-haired cats with tabby markings.
But what if someone tells you your fluffy tabby might be a Maine Coon? Let’s take a closer look at how to tell the difference.
Maine Coon vs. Long-Haired Domestic Tabby
If you thought your cat was a Maine Coon but someone said it’s just a long-haired domestic tabby, here’s how to tell them apart:
Breed vs. Mixed Background
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A Maine Coon is a specific pedigreed breed with distinct characteristics.
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A long-haired domestic tabby is not a breed but rather a mixed-breed cat with tabby markings.
If your cat doesn’t have a documented lineage from a Maine Coon breeder, it’s likely a domestic long-haired cat with some Maine Coon-like traits.
Size and Body Structure
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Maine Coons are one of the largest domesticated cat breeds, often weighing between 10–25 pounds with a long, muscular body.
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Domestic long-haired tabbies can vary widely in size but are usually smaller and more lightweight than a purebred Maine Coon.
Fur and Tail
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Maine Coons have a thick, water-resistant, shaggy coat and a bushy, plume-like tail that helps them survive harsh climates.
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Domestic long-haired tabbies can also have fluffy coats, but their fur may not be as thick or have the same water-resistant properties.
Face Shape and Ears
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Maine Coons have a square-shaped muzzle, a slightly concave nose, and large tufted ears with lynx-like tips.
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Domestic long-haired tabbies usually have a more standard cat face shape, often rounder and less angular.
Personality and Behavior
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Maine Coons are known for their dog-like personalities—they’re highly social, playful, and love to follow their owners around.
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Domestic long-haired tabbies can have a wide range of personalities, but they may not be as interactive or playful as a Maine Coon.
Final Verdict: What Kind of Cat Do You Have?
If your cat is large, shaggy, has tufted ears, a square muzzle, and an extremely social personality, it may be a Maine Coon or at least have some Maine Coon heritage. But if it has long fur and a tabby pattern without these distinct features, it’s most likely a long-haired domestic tabby—a beautiful and lovable mixed-breed cat.
Regardless of the breed, tabby cats—long-haired or short-haired—are some of the most charming and intelligent cats around! Whether your feline friend is a purebred Maine Coon or a domestic long-haired beauty, their unique personality and stunning coat make them special.
