Are you ready to learn some amazing facts about orange cats? These beautiful feline creatures are filled with surprises and we can’t wait to share them with you. Let’s dive in!
If you’re more of a visual person, we’ve got you covered! Check out this awesome video that goes along with the article. Enjoy!
1. Orange Tabby Cats Are Not a Breed
Did you know that orange tabby cats aren’t a separate breed? Actually, “tabby” refers to a coat pattern found in various cat breeds.
2. Orange Cats With Solid-Colored Coats Don’t Exist
Have you ever noticed that most orange cats have a unique pattern on their fur? Interestingly, solid orange coats don’t exist.
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3. All Orange Cats Are Tabbies, But Not All Tabbies Are Orange
If you look at an orange cat, it’s definitely a tabby, but not all tabbies are orange. Tabby is a pattern with many color variations.
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4. Orange Tabby Cats Have Four Patterns
Did you know that tabby cats come in four fabulous patterns? Yes, that’s right!
The classic tabby has bold and swirling patterns that resemble a yummy marble cake, while a mackerel tabby has narrow stripes running parallel down its sides. This kind of tabby is sometimes called a “tiger cat” because it looks like a tiny tiger roaming around your home. A spotted tabby has spots all over its sides, and they can be round, oval, or even rosettes. Cool, right? The ticked tabby is a bit different because it doesn’t have the traditional stripes or spots on its body. However, this coat pattern has tabby markings on the face and agouti hairs on the body.
Now, you might be wondering, what exactly are agouti hairs? Well, these hairs are easy to spot when you take a closer look at the lighter parts of a tabby’s coat. They are striped with alternating light and dark bands, which look pretty cool and unique!
5. They’re marked with an “M” on their forehead
Have you ever noticed the cute “M” shape on your orange kitty’s forehead? There are a lot of stories about how that “M” ended up there, but the real reason is really cool.
Info
The “M” is part of the same gene that creates the tabby pattern on their fur.
This is kind of like a genetic trademark that makes orange tabbies even more special.
6. Males Outnumber Females
There are more male orange tabby cats than females. In fact, about 80% of all orange tabby cats are male. This is because the gene responsible for their beautiful orange coloring is linked to the X chromosome. So, female cats (XX) need both X chromosomes to have that unique ginger color, while male cats (XY) only need the orange gene from their mothers to show off their vibrant hue.
7. Orange Tabbies Are Usually Large
Orange tabbies tend to be slightly larger than other cats. It’s not a huge difference, but they are usually a bit taller and wider. This could be because most orange tabbies are males, and male cats generally grow larger than females.
8. A Specific Pigment Is Responsible for Their Color
Did you know what gives orange cats their fiery color? It’s a special pigment called pheomelanin, which is also found in humans with red hair.
9. Black Freckles Are Often Their Hallmark
Look closely, and you might spot little black freckles on your orange cat’s nose, gums, and lips. Nature sure knows how to add some extra charm to their already lovable faces! These freckles are usually harmless, but it’s always a good idea to get any changes in pigmentation checked out by your friendly veterinarian.
Photo: Instagram: zuzikotaraka
10. Orange Tabbies Can Have Four Eye Colors
Orange tabbies have eyes that are truly mesmerizing. Their eyes come in four stunning colors: gold, green, copper, or blue, which blend perfectly with their coat. And if you happen to have an orange cat with green or blue eyes, you’re in luck – you have a very special kitty that’s rare to come by.
11. Orange Cats Are Chatty
Is your orange furball a bit of a chatterbox? You’re not alone! These cats are known for their vocal nature. They love having long conversations with their people.
12. They Are Very Affectionate
If you’re lucky enough to have an orange cat in your life, you’ll know they’re not just talkative; they’re also incredibly affectionate. They love showering their humans with love and cuddles!
13. Orangies Have Lots of Nicknames
These orange cuties are known by many names, like ginger, yellow, caramel, butterscotch, and marmalade cats.
14. Ginger Cat Appreciation Day is September 1st
Mark your calendars! September 1st is Ginger Cat Appreciation Day. This day was created by Chris Roy to remember his beloved ginger cat Doobert, who passed away in 2014. Roy, a software engineer, rescued Doobert as a stray kitten in 1997 and the two were inseparable for almost two decades before Doobert passed away at the age of 17.
15. A Ginger Cat Was Once a Mayor
In 1998, the residents of Talkeetna, a small town in Alaska, elected a cute orange tabby cat named Stubbs as their mayor. Stubbs was loved by both the locals and tourists and he held the office for an incredible 19 years. Although he did not have any legislative powers, he won several uncontested re-elections. Sadly, the Honorable Mayor Stubbs passed away in 2017 at the age of 20 after serving the town faithfully for many years.
It’s pawsitively amazing, isn’t it?
Final Thoughts
Well, there you have it, lovely people! We hope these 15 facts about orange cats brightened your day a little. From their unique patterns to their lovable personalities, orange cats are truly one-of-a-kind companions.
