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Last Updated: November 9th, 2023
Everything you need to know about the endearing orange cats!
There is something unique about orange cats, and it’s not just the color of their fur. From famous orange cats in pop-culture, to many owners claiming that their orange cat is as friendly as they get, ginger felines have something special to offer. In this article, we will explore cat breeds that have orange fur, some orange cat myths and famous orange cats. Join us on this playful journey!
The classic orange or “ginger” coat color in cats is not limited to a single breed. It’s a color that appears across a wide variety of breeds, mainly due to a gene that codes for the orange coloration. Here are some cat breeds where you might commonly find the orange coat color:
These are not specific breeds, but rather mixed-breed cats with varying lengths of fur. Many domestic cats with no specific pedigree come in orange.
Persian Cat is known for their long, luxurious coats and distinctive faces, Persians can come in a beautiful orange (often referred to as red by breeders).
This large and sociable breed often comes in a range of colors and patterns, including orange.
Usually, Abyssinians are a reddish-orange color, often referred to as “sorrel”.
Renowned for their blue coats, British Shorthairs also come in orange, although it is less common.
This breed comes in over 80 different colors and patterns, including the orange tabby.
Their folded ears are a hallmark, but their coats can also be orange.
Bengals are often spotted or marbled, but they can also come in an orange color with their distinctive patterns.
These cats are known for their short legs, and they can sport orange coats as well.
This breed is similar to the Persian but with shorter fur and can be found in orange hues.
No, an orange tabby is not a specific breed of cat. The term “tabby” describes a common coat pattern featuring stripes, dots, lines, or swirling patterns, along with the distinctive “M” on their forehead. Orange tabby cats can be found in many breeds, as well as among mixed-breed or moggie cats.
Orange cats are not particularly rare. The orange fur color, often referred to as “red” or “ginger” by breeders and geneticists, is a result of the presence of the orange gene, which is a variant of the black color gene. The orange color is actually quite common among several breeds, especially in mixed-breed populations.
The gene responsible for the orange color is sex-linked and is found on the X chromosome. Since males have one X and one Y chromosome, they only need to inherit one copy of the orange gene to express the color, making them orange if they have it. Females, having two X chromosomes, must inherit two copies of the orange gene to be orange. If a female inherits only one orange gene, she will be a tortoiseshell or calico, showing a mix of orange and black or non-orange fur. This genetic distribution means that while orange cats are common, orange females are less common than orange males.
In the case of purebred cats, some breeds do not typically have orange in their color standards, but many mixed-breed cats display the orange coloring. It’s not unusual to see orange-colored cats in shelters, rescues, or as strays because the color is prevalent in the general cat population.
The gene responsible for the orange color is sex-linked and is found on the X chromosome. Since males have one X and one Y chromosome, they only need to inherit one copy of the orange gene to express the color, making them orange if they have it. Females, having two X chromosomes, must inherit two copies of the orange gene to be orange. If a female inherits only one orange gene, she will be a tortoiseshell or calico, showing a mix of orange and black or non-orange fur.
This genetic distribution means that while orange cats are common, orange females are less common than orange males. About 80% of ginger cats are male.
The idea that ginger cats are friendlier than cats of other colors is a common stereotype, but it’s important to note that personality in cats is not determined by coat color. Cat temperaments are influenced by a wide range of factors, including breed, individual personality, early socialization, and life experiences.
While many people report that their ginger cats are particularly affectionate and friendly, this is anecdotal and there is no scientific evidence to support that orange or ginger cats have a distinct personality type.
Some studies have looked into whether people perceive different cat coat colors as indicators of certain behaviors, which can affect how they interact with and socialize cats. This could potentially lead to self-fulfilling prophecies where, for example, if people believe ginger cats are friendlier, they may treat them in a way that encourages friendly behavior. However, such perceptions are subjective and don’t reflect any inherent traits tied to coat color.
There is no scientific evidence to suggest that orange cats are less allergenic than cats of other colors. Allergies to cats are generally caused by proteins found in the cat’s saliva, skin cells (dander), and urine, not by the color of their fur. These proteins can be found on the fur when cats groom themselves, spreading saliva on their coat, which then becomes airborne as the cat sheds.
The primary allergen that affects humans is called Fel d 1, and its production is not linked to the color of a cat’s coat. Some individual cat breeds, like the Siberian cat, may produce less Fel d 1 than others, but this variance is not related to their coat color.
A big reason why orange cats have a special place in our hearts is due to their presentation in pop culture. The most famous being Garfield, the lasagna-loving feline with a deep hate for Mondays. Heathcliff, the mischievous protagonist of his own comic strip, has also captured widespread affection. In the world of animation, the swashbuckling Puss in Boots from the “Shrek” films and the streetwise Thomas O’Malley from Disney’s “The Aristocats” are treasured characters. These fictional characters reflect the warmth and playfulness often associated with the real-life orange tabby cats found in homes around the globe.
If you are thinking about getting an orange cat, the ginger fur will mostly only speak about their looks, and not personality. There are many myths about orange cats, but for the most part, they are not scientifically proven. It’s important to look into the specific breed of the cat that you are getting, to find out if it fits your lifestyle.
The purrfect life for your furry friend.
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