A “Standard Issue Cat,” often called SIC, is an internet slang term describing a domestic feline with a tabby coat pattern. This is not a formal cat breed, but a humorous term for their widespread prevalence. It highlights their common appearance as the archetypal housecat.
Identifying a Standard Issue Cat
Identifying a Standard Issue Cat is primarily by their coat patterns, especially a prominent “M” marking on their forehead. This “M” is a hallmark of all tabby cats. Beyond this facial marking, SICs display one of four primary tabby patterns: mackerel, classic, spotted, or ticked.
Mackerel tabbies exhibit thin, parallel vertical stripes resembling a fish skeleton, often with a dark stripe along their back. Classic tabbies feature broader, swirling patterns that create a marbled or blotched appearance. Spotted tabbies have distinct spots across their bodies, which are essentially broken mackerel stripes. The ticked tabby shows bands of color on individual hairs but generally lacks prominent body stripes, with patterning mostly visible on the face, legs, and tail.
The Origin of the Term
The phrase “Standard Issue Cat” borrows from military terminology, where “standard issue” refers to basic, universally distributed equipment. This concept was adapted to domestic cats due to the widespread nature of the tabby pattern. The term implies that these cats are the “default” or most common model in the “cat distribution system.” It underscores their ubiquity and classic appearance.
Why Tabby Cats Are So Common
Tabby cats are common due to their genetic heritage; the tabby pattern is a dominant trait inherited from wild ancestors like African and European wildcats. This natural patterning provided camouflage, aiding their survival in various environments. The agouti gene is responsible for the banded hairs that create the tabby pattern, and it is dominant over the gene for solid coat colors. A cat only needs one copy of this dominant gene to express the tabby pattern.
Every domestic cat carries the genetic information for a tabby pattern, even if they appear solid; “ghost markings” can sometimes be seen in certain light or when the cat is a kitten. This underlying genetic predisposition ensures that tabby patterns remain the most common coat type across the global cat population. Their adaptability and widespread distribution have also contributed to a perception of their friendly and resilient temperaments.