The Tuxedo Cat Duke Already Wore a Tuxedo. The Coat Was a Bonus.
The tuxedo markings could not be more fitting. A black face with a white blaze and chest sits above a lace cravat and a gold waistcoat, and a navy velvet coat with gold buttons and epaulettes completes the look. The cat's eyes are golden-green and watchful, and the ears point up and slightly forward as if listening for a distant sound. The background is a hazy dark brown. Duke Tuxedo looks dignified and slightly amused, the kind of nobleman who keeps a rule book for every room in the palace and has already broken most of the rules.
Tuxedo cats are not a breed but a coat pattern, black with white, and they can be any breed or mixed. Their personalities vary widely, though many owners joke that tuxedos are outgoing and playful. No scientific rule ties coat color to character, so each cat should be seen as an individual. Short-haired tuxedos need only weekly brushing. They benefit from play every day, with wand toys, climbing spots and a view out a window. Fresh water, a balanced diet and regular vet visits keep them healthy. Because white fur shows more dirt and sun, check with a vet about care if your cat has pale ears.
A real duke wears his tuxedo every day, and this one wears it better than most. The buttons gleam, the whiskers are neat, and the manners are impeccable.
