I asked ChatGPT:

Tabby cats have stripes due to a combination of genetics and evolutionary adaptation. The striped pattern, known as "tabby," is controlled by specific genes that determine the coloration and pattern of a cat's fur. Here are the main reasons behind the striped patterns of tabby cats:

Genetics: The tabby pattern is primarily influenced by the "agouti" gene, which affects the distribution of pigment in the hair shaft. There are several types of tabby patterns, including mackerel (narrow stripes), classic (blotched or marbled), spotted, and ticked (where individual hairs have bands of color).

Evolutionary Advantage: Stripes provide......