National Tabby Day

A cute tabby cat lounging on a cozy blanket, with a stack of books and a warm cup of tea nearby, surrounded by autumn leaves.. — National tabby day illustration

Ah, National Tabby Day! A day dedicated to those lovable and adorable striped kitties that frolic around our homes and steal our hearts. Get ready to dive into a world of purrs, whiskers, and playful paws as we explore the internet history of this delightful feline celebration.

When is Tabby Day?

It's national tabby day on the 30th April.

The Internet History of National Tabby Day

Tabby cats have been adored for centuries, and it's no wonder they finally have a day to call their own. National Tabby Day first gained traction on the internet back in 2017, when cat lovers around the world took to social media to share their love for these striped beauties.

Since then, the celebration has only grown, with adorable tabby cat photos flooding our news feeds every April 30th. It's a day to honor these quirky, cuddly, and mischievous feline companions that bring joy and laughter to our lives.

From hilarious tabby cat videos to heartwarming adoption stories, the internet has become an endless source of tabby-related content. National Tabby Day has united cat lovers from all walks of life, inspiring us to appreciate the unique charm of these furry friends.

History behind the term 'Tabby'

1600s

The Merchant and the Cat

In the 1600s, the term 'tabby' first appeared to describe a type of silk taffeta fabric. The term likely originated from the French word 'tabis,' which referred to a richly patterned silk produced in Baghdad. This vibrant and luxurious fabric became highly sought after by European merchants and nobility.

1630

Spanish Seafarers Encounter Feline Friends

During their expeditions in the New World, Spanish seafarers encountered feral cats with striped coats. These cats were commonly found in the port areas of North Africa and were brought on ships to control the rat population. The Spanish referred to these cats as 'gatos rayados', meaning striped cats.

1690

Origins of the Term

The term 'tabby' first appeared in the English language in the year 1690. It originated from the Arabic word 'attābīya', which refers to a silk taffeta fabric with a wavy or watered texture. This fabric was imported to Europe from the Attabiyah district in Baghdad. The term began to be used to describe cats due to the resemblance of their coat patterns to the wavy texture of the fabric.

1632

Birth of a Cat

In 1632, the term 'tabby' made its appearance, originating from the word 'tabi' in Arabic meaning 'silk cloth'. This term was initially used to describe a type of striped silk taffeta fabric imported from the Ottoman Empire to Western Europe. The unique patterns on the fabric resembled the markings found on the coats of some cats, eventually leading to the association between the fabric and the feline species.

1630

The Origin of the Term 'Tabby'

The term 'tabby' has its origin in the 1630s and is derived from the word 'Atabeg,' which means 'a title for a governor or ruler' in Arabic. This term was later adopted by the Ottomans and used to refer to a rich silk fabric characterized by a watered or wavy appearance.

16th Century

Invention of the Term Tabby

The term 'tabby' originated in the 16th century and was initially used to describe a type of silk taffeta fabric. It was known for its slightly waved or ribbed appearance, which resembled the coat markings of a certain cat breed.

1600s

Origins of the term 'tabby'

The term 'tabby' originated in the 1600s and was derived from the French word 'tabis,' which referred to a type of rich, watered silk fabric. This fabric was often used to create luxurious drapes and furnishings.

18th Century

Introduction of the Term for Female Cats

In the 18th century, the term 'tabby' started being commonly used to refer to female cats. This association with cats stemmed from the resemblance between the wavy patterns on the fabric and the striped or blotched markings on the coat of certain domestic cats, known as tabbies. The use of 'tabby' to describe cats became widespread and persisted through the years.

1692

The Cat Connection

By 1692, the term 'tabby' started being used to describe the cat itself. This was due to the striking resemblance between the striped patterns on the silk fabric and the markings on certain cat breeds, particularly the domestic shorthair cats. These cats were commonly referred to as 'tabbies' because of their beautiful coat patterns.

1678

The Introduction of 'Tabby Cat'

The term 'tabby cat' first appeared in 1678 and referred to a domestic cat with a mottled or striped coat pattern. This name was given to these cats due to the resemblance of their coat patterns to the wavy appearance of the tabby fabric.

18th Century

Tabby Cats Gain Popularity

During the 18th century, tabby cats gained immense popularity as pets in Europe and North America. Their distinctive coat patterns, consisting of swirls, stripes, or spots, captivated cat lovers. The term 'tabby' became widely used to describe any domestic cat with these coat markings, regardless of breed or size.

1630s

Cats and Taffeta

By the 1630s, people started noticing that the distinctive patterns on tabby silk resembled the mottled coat of an orange and black-striped cat called a 'tabby cat.' The resemblance was so striking that the term 'tabby' began to be associated with cats, particularly those with similar striped markings.

1630s

Introduction of tabby cats

Tabby cats, known for their distinctive striped or spotted coat patterns, were introduced to England from the Middle East in the 1630s. The term 'tabby' started being used to describe cats with these coat patterns, associating their appearance with the luxurious fabric.

1690

Tabby Fabric Gains Popularity

Tabby fabric, characterized by its plain weave and distinctive visible weft, became popular in the late 17th century. The texture of the fabric bore a resemblance to the striped coats of the 'gatos rayados,' and the term 'tabby' was used to describe both the fabric and the cats.

18th century

Expansion of tabby as a descriptive term

During the 18th century, the term 'tabby' expanded beyond just describing cats. It began to be used more broadly to describe any animal with a mottled or striped coat pattern, resembling the patterns seen in tabby cats.

19th Century

Extension to Describe Character Traits

During the 19th century, the term 'tabby' began to be used metaphorically to describe certain character traits. Specifically, it was used to depict someone who was considered talkative, gossip-prone, or slightly argumentative. This usage likely derived from the perceived chatty and curious nature of some tabby cats.

1730

Tabby Cat Breed Named

The term 'tabby' began to be specifically associated with a breed of domestic cats distinguished by their identifiable coat patterns. These cats displayed either a classic 'M' pattern on their forehead or a marble-like mottled pattern. Their popularity grew, and 'tabby' became a widely recognized term for this distinct cat breed.

1700s

The Rise of the Tabby Cat

During the 1700s, the tabby cat gained popularity as a domestic pet. Its distinctive coat patterns and charming personality made it a beloved companion. The association between the term 'tabby' and cats became firmly established, with the word frequently used to describe any cat with mottled or striped markings.

19th Century

Tabby as a Description

In the 19th century, 'tabby' took on a broader meaning and began to be used as a descriptive term for patterns beyond cat coats. It started to be used to describe a type of plain-weave silk or cotton fabric with a pattern resembling the wavy texture of the original silk taffeta. This usage extended the association of the term beyond cats to textiles.

1692

Tabby Brick Construction

In 1692, the term 'tabby' took on a new meaning when it was used to describe a type of construction material. Tabby bricks, made from a mixture of lime, sand, water, and crushed oyster shells, were commonly used in building houses and structures in coastal regions of the Southern United States. This unique construction material became known as 'tabby' due to its resemblance to the wavy appearance of the tabby fabric.

1760

Tabby as a Color

During the mid-18th century, the term 'tabby' expanded its meaning to include a specific color. Tabby was used to describe a grayish-brown or sandy hue resembling the coat patterns of the tabby cat. This color became popular in various applications, including architecture, where houses with this color were referred to as 'tabby houses'. The term 'tabby' began to transcend its initial association with fabric and cats, taking on a broader connotation.

1850

Tabby Enters the Vocabulary

By the mid-19th century, 'tabby' had firmly entered the English vocabulary as a term for striped or brindled patterns. It was used not only to describe cat coats but also extended to describe other objects with similar markings, such as tabby horses and tabby fabric variations, like watered silk.

1800s

Tabby as a Generic Term

By the 1800s, the term 'tabby' had evolved to become a generic term for any domestic cat. It lost its specificity to striped or mottled markings and was used to refer to cats of any coat pattern. 'Tabby' became widely recognized and used in everyday language to describe feline companions.

18th Century

Tabby as Cat Breed

During the 18th century, 'tabby' became associated with a specific cat breed known as the 'American Shorthair.' This breed had distinctive tabby coat patterns and was commonly referred to as a 'tabby cat.' The term 'tabby' gradually expanded to include other domestic cat breeds with similar coat patterns.

20th Century

Tabby in Architecture

In the 20th century, the term 'tabby' found its way into the field of architecture. Tabby is a building material made from a mixture of lime, shells, gravel, and water. It was commonly used in coastal areas, particularly in the Southern United States. The term 'tabby' was used to describe the distinctive texture and appearance of the walls and structures made using this material.

20th Century

Evolution in the Modern Vernacular

In the 20th century, the term 'tabby' evolved further and started being used to depict a girl or woman rather informally and colloquially. This usage was often applied affectionately and in an endearing manner. It reflected a shift from the original association with the fabric and cats to a more human-centered meaning.

1800s

Tabby in Southern Architecture

In the early 1800s, tabby became closely associated with American Southern architecture. A building technique using a mixture of lime, sand, water, and oyster shells or gravel was developed and popularized, primarily in coastal areas. This material, known as 'tabby', was used to construct walls and foundations. The term 'tabby' was henceforth linked to this architectural style, which can still be observed in some historic buildings today.

19th century

Tabby as a term for female cats

In the 19th century, 'tabby' became specifically associated with female cats. Male cats with similar coat patterns were referred to as 'gib,' 'gib-cat,' or 'tom-tabby.' The term 'tabby' for female cats emphasized their connection to the fabric and elegance.

20th Century

Tabby in Modern Context

In the 20th century, the term 'tabby' expanded its usage beyond fabric, cats, color, and architecture. It began to be used more broadly, referring to any domestic shorthair cat with distinctive coat patterns, regardless of color. Today, 'tabby' is widely understood as a versatile term encompassing both a specific cat breed and a coat pattern that can be found in various types of felines globally.

1903

Tabby Becomes an Architectural Term

In architectural terminology, 'tabby' refers to a building material consisting of lime, sand, water, and oyster shells. The term likely originated from the Spanish word 'tapia,' which means mud wall. Tabby walls were prevalent in coastal regions, especially in the Southeastern United States, and this unique form of construction integrated the term 'tabby' into the architectural lexicon.

Present Day

Tabby in Contemporary Usage

In contemporary usage, 'tabby' still maintains its associations with cat coat patterns, textiles, and architectural materials. The term is widely recognized and continues to be used to describe a specific type of cat coat, as well as fabrics and architectural structures with a similar wavy pattern or texture. Its diverse history and cultural impact have embedded the term 'tabby' firmly in various disciplines.

19th Century

Tabby as Female Cat

In the 19th century, the term 'tabby' took on a gender-specific meaning and began to be associated with female cats. This was primarily due to the belief that female cats tended to have more pronounced tabby coat patterns compared to male cats.

Present

Contemporary Usage and Popularity

Today, 'tabby' continues to be used to describe female cats and remains a popular term for characterizing their unique coat patterns. Additionally, it continues to be employed in colloquial contexts to describe women in an endearing way. 'Tabby' has become a part of pop culture, appearing in literature, movies, and even as names for fictional characters.

20th century

Usage of tabby in architecture

The term 'tabby' also found its way into architectural terminology during the 20th century. In certain areas, particularly the southeastern United States, 'tabby' refers to a construction material made from lime, sand, shells, and water. Tabby was used in the construction of historic buildings, showcasing its versatility as a term.

Did you know?

Did you know that tabby cats come in various patterns, including classic, mackerel, spotted, and ticked? Each pattern adds its own touch of feline fashion to these already stylish kitties!