All cats are wonderful, but there is just something very special about orange cats. From their beautiful coats to their friendly dispositions, we can agree that they make the perfect furry companion. This list covers 10 facts about these beloved felines.
1. All Orange Cats Are Tabbies
The tabby cat is not a breed of cat but a fur pattern. Unlike some cats who have solid white, black or gray fur, you will not find one that is solid orange. All orange cats have a pattern, some being more bold than others.These tabby patterns include classic, mackerel, spotted, ticked and patched. Not all tabby cats are orange but all orange cats are tabbies.
2. They Go By Different Names
Many people have referred to orange tabbies as being “ginger cats” and “marmalade cats”.
3. Most Are Male
80% of orange cats are male and 20% are female. It’s believed that the color comes from a sex-linked gene. The X chromosome is what makes an orange cat orange. Since female chromosomes are XX and males are XY, males only need the orange gene from their mothers to have orange fur.
4. A Lot Of Them Have Freckles
Orange cats are typically more prone to freckles due to a genetic predisposition called lentigo. As a cat ages, people may notice the cat forming black spots on their nose, lips and the rims of their eyes. Generally you will see this in middle age and senior cats, but they can begin to form at age one.
5. There Have Been Many Famous Orange Cats
Throughout history there have been many famous orange cats. Some of them being:
Morris- 9 Lives cat food commercials
Orangey- Starred in Breakfast at Tiffany’s along with others of the time.
Jock- Winston Churchills beloved feline.
Stubbs- Honorary Mayor of Talkeetna, Alaska
Garfield- Lasagna loving comic cat.
Jonesy- Starred in the movie Alien.
Thomas O’Malley- Disney’s Aristocats
Puss In Boots- Shrek
6. Ginger Cat Appreciation Day
September 1st has been deemed as Ginger Cat Appreciation Day.
7.Orange Fur Comes From A Particular Pigment
The dominant pigment present in orange cats is called pheomelanin. Each cat has a varying degree of pigment, some are a light creamy color while some are more reddish. Pheomelanin is also present in humans who have red hair.
8. Was Kissed By The Mother Mary
The tale goes that the baby Jesus was comforted by an orange tabby. Mary kissed the cat on the forehead leaving the letter M on it’s forehead. Some people believe this is why many tabbies have Ms on their foreheads today.
9. Tend To Be Overweight
Orange cats are known for their love for food and laziness causing many of them to be overweight. It is important to monitor their food intake to prevent illness as they age.
10. Known To Be Friendly
Orange cats are well known to be cuddly, affectionate and mouthy. Many are said to be velcro cats because they don’t leave your side.
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