You are one lucky pet parent if you have a tabby because they’re known for being affectionate, smart, and friendly. They also tend to live a long lifespan of 12 to 20 years especially if they’re well-cared-for.

The health of Tabby cats can vary depending on its breed, but most cats can live upward of 15 years.

between 12 and 18 years

Cats with tabby markings have the same average lifespan as any other type of cat: around 10 to 20 years. Although some breeds live longer than others, markings do not have any direct effect on a cat’s lifespan. Female cats tend to live longer than male cats but, unlike tortoiseshell cats, tabbies can be either sex.

While 13 to 17 years is the average life expectancy for an indoor cat, some live much shorter lives while others live well into their 20s. One kitty, Crème Puff, made it to the ripe old age of 38!

Here are a few pointers when it comes to tabby cats’ price: “Randomly” bred tabby cats can cost as little as $100 or less. Purebred tabbies can set you back with $700-$1500. Designer tabbies like the Bengal cost around $2k and more.

Stores usually charge between $150- $300 for a commonly available short-haired orange tabby cat. However, the exotic breeds of cats with an orange coat and a tabby pattern are quite expensive and cannot be found across all the pet shops.

Each pedigree cat has a few different coat colours and patterns – colourpoint, tabby, and tortie are the most common. In general, pedigree cats are more affectionate and friendlier than moggies.

The mark of a true tabby cat One story has it that the ‘M’ is related to the word ‘mau’ which in Ancient Egypt meant ‘cat’. In Christian folklore, a tabby cat dutifully showed up to comfort baby Jesus. In gratitude, his mother Mary stroked the cat’s head and left an ‘M’ mark on its forehead.

Ticked tabbies

Moggy: these mixed breeds can vary in their personality but are normally very loyal once they are settled and very happy to live indoors when they receive sufficient attention.

2 – 16 yearsIn the wild

However, with the right care and attention, you should have no problems keeping a cat in a flat. Many cats live happily and comfortably indoors, enjoying life in a flat without the need for a garden space or access to the outdoors.

While it is true that cats enjoy sunshine, fresh air, and exercise, they do not need to go outside to be satisfied. Some creative planning on the part of their human guardians can help indoor cats live fully.

A cat’s desire to roam the “jungle” outside can be traced back to their distant ancestors. Whether strolling a fence line, lounging on a roof, hunting for birds or mice, or prowling their ever expanding territory, how safe is your feline friend when left outdoors? Should your cat be kept inside?