10 striped cat breeds: The tiny tiger guide

Have you ever met a feline who doesn’t think it’s king of the jungle? Well, suburban jungle, in most cases. Striped cat breeds have been prowling our homes and gardens for thousands of years, crouching behind couches, playing with pot plants, and stalking us on stairs, these tiny tigers certainly see themselves as top of the natural pecking order. So, if you love domestic cat breeds with stripes, we have all the facts for you right here!

Let’s look more closely at stripy cat coat patterns, find out which breeds have them, what this says about their paw-sonality, and whether one of these pint-sized predators could become a new member of your fur family.

It’s worth mentioning that this is basically a list of pedigree breeds of cats that can have a tabby coat pattern. A stripy cat is often called a tabby - it’s a coat pattern, not a breed! Make sense? Well, regardless, here’s our list of 10 striped cat breeds.

10 tiger-tastic striped cat breeds

1. American Shorthair

As their name suggests, the American Shorthair hails from the United States as a domestic short-haired cat. Unlike their European siblings, these furballs have a slightly smaller, rounder face but come in the same variety of colors, including stripy cat fur patterns. Often associated with the classic tabby look, they’re a quintessential part of any suburb or street. 

2. Abyssinian

The first breed of cat with tabby coats or striped patterned fur to resemble a wild cat is the Abyssinian. This gorgeous breed often comes with an unusual solid color of brown fur, however, they can be found with a tabby coat pattern over their toasted fur. These cats are known for their striking eye color and large ears, they make for a loyal and calm companion.

3. American Bobtail

First off, we’re sad to say the American Bobtail doesn’t have any Bobcat in its DNA. The name Bobtail refers to their adorable stumpy tails which can vary in length from a small nub to a large strawberry. Often seen with the mackerel tabby pattern, these bold babies are super friendly and snuggly, making them excellent family pets.

4. Manx Cats

The mini Manx is a charming breed hailing from the UK. Like the American Bobtail, these guys are naturally born with little to no tail. They’re much shorter and stockier than their American cousins, but what they lack in size and tail length they make up for in friendliness and personality.

5. Persian Cat

The luxurious Persian Cat is one of only two long-haired cat breeds on our list. Their delicious floof can come in a variety of tabby coats which make them seem all the more like mini tigers. However, unlike their wild relatives, the Persian is known for being one of the most docile breeds of kitty and an ideal lap cat.

6. Maine Coon

Thought to be the largest breed of domestic cat, the Maine Coon can make for both a great outdoor and indoor cat (as long as you have the space to accommodate them). Smart, gentle, affectionate, and friendly, this breed of cat is often said to have dog energy! They come in a wide variety of luscious coat patterns such as white, gray, black, ginger, and, of course, stripy coat patterns.

7. Bengal

Often bought for their wild cat looks, the Bengal is only slightly related to the Asian Leopard Cat, and sadly not the tiger as many believe they are. However, this small pinch of wild is reflected in their shimmering stripped cat coat pattern which is often set off by bright green eyes. As beautiful as these cats are, they require a lot of physical and mental stimulation - without this they will destroy all interior decor. Seriously.

8. Toyger

Yep, that’s right, this breed name literally means ‘toy tiger’. Related most closely to the Bengal, the Toyger is a designer breed brought into this world to look like tiny Tiggers. Like their Bengal cousins, the wild side of these kitties is still very much present, so don’t be fooled by those big beautiful eyes and shiny stripy coat pattern.

9. American Curl

Like the American Shorthair and Domestic Shorthair, the American Curl comes in a range of different coat patterns and colors. The length of their fur can also be long, so they really are a Jack-of-all-trafes! Their stand-out feature: Two semi-circular ears, perfectly round to frame their squishy faces. Great with kids and easygoing, this is becoming a popular breed of cat in family households. 

10. Egyptian Mau

Fun fact: ‘Mau’ is the Ancient Egyptian word for ‘cat’, so an Egyptian Mau means ‘Egyptian cat’! As cat history goes, this is one of the oldest breeds of cats around. These stripy cats mostly come in different shades of gray with a white tummy. Petite and pretty, they’re lovely quiet companions who prefer quieter homes with lots of toys to play with.

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