All cats are unique and awesome in their own way, but orange tabby cats have a special place in many peoples’ hearts. These felines certainly live up to the hype and they have some features that are exclusive to their genetics. Here are some fun facts about orange cats!
1. Orange tabby cats are almost always male.
This is a really interesting fact and it tells us that sex and coat color genetics are somehow related, at least in orange cats. Up to 80% of orange cats are male and nobody knows why.
2. Their coats come in 4 different patterns.
The mackerel pattern is what everyone knows as the traditional orange tabby, but there are also cats in a classic pattern, a ticked pattern and a striped pattern. These are all found in regular tabby cats as well, but are an interesting fact regardless. More to read: Why do cats groom themselves?
3. They are often called “marmalade cats” or “ginger cats.”
These nicknames have been around for many years to differentiate the black-based tabby cats and the orange tabby cats.
4. The color shows up in many different breeds.
Tabby cats are not a breed themselves; in fact, tabby just refers to the coat markings. But orange tabby cats are genetically possible in many different established breeds such as Maine Coons, Persians, American bobtails and British Shorthairs.
5. The orange coat color is produced due to the presence of the pigment pheomelanin, which displays colors in the red to cream ranges.
The deepness of the orange depends on the individual cat and some orange tabbies will be very dark while others will be very light.
6. Winston Churchill had an orange tabby cat.
His name was Tango and Churchill was known for having a strong affinity for felines of all coat colors.
7. They’re still cats.
Just like all other cats, their personalities vary from orange tabby to orange tabby. They are all individual beings with their own likes and dislikes, but one thing is certain – they make great companions! If you’re looking to add a cat to your home, consider looking at some orange tabbies.
