A tabby is any domestic cat (Felis catus) with a distinctive
'M'-shaped marking on its forehead; stripes by its eyes and across its
cheeks, along its back, and around its legs and tail; and (differing
by tabby type), characteristic striped, dotted, lined, flecked,
banded, or swirled patterns on the body—neck, shoulders, sides,
flanks, chest, and abdomen. "Tabby" is not a breed of cat, but a coat
type seen in almost all genetic lines of domestic cats, regardless of
status.