Orange cats stole the spotlight on TikTok and Instagram over the past few years and are overrepresented in pop culture. There is a discussion about whether their behavior is due to their coat color. But is that just internet hype? The truth is that the coat color might influence their behavior. We are here to discover the 7 facts about orange cats!
1. Males Outnumber Females
Orange cats are not always male, but in most cases they are. It is because of the sex-linked mutation that causes their orange coat color. It is well-known that females have two chromosomes (XX), while males have X and Y chromosomes (XY). The gene for the orange fur is only present on the X chromosomes. So, males can inherit the orange gene from only one of their parents to become fully orange. On the other side, females have to inherit the gene from both parents. If you are planning to adopt an orange cat, there is an 80% chance that you will adopt a male cat.
2. Orange Female Cats Are More Aggressive Than Males
This can also be based on the fact that in general female cats are often more territorial, and have defensive behavior to protect their space, kittens, and resources. This natural territoriality can explain the increase in orange cat aggression.
According to a study conducted with an Internet-based survey, it was found that female cats can be more aggressive than males. This survey included 1,432 cat guardians. It included cat owners that have orange female cats (tortoiseshells, calicos, and “torbies”). These cats showed more aggressive behavior in 3 settings: during everyday interactions, veterinary visits, and during handling.
3. Orange Tabbies Are Not a Breed
These cats are not a breed, but this is a coat color and pattern of many mixed-breed cats. The term “tabby” means the coat pattern that includes stripes, swirls, and spots, usually in the “M” shape on the forehead.
The orange tabby pattern can appear in many famous breeds, including:
- Domestic Shorthair and Longhair
- Abyssinian
- Persian
- American Bobtail
- British Shorthair
- Maine Coon
4. Orange Cats Are Eccentric and Weird
Some of us realized this after orange cats became virally famous through videos, reels, and memes. We can freely say that these cats are a bit “different” than other cats, but there is not enough scientific evidence to confirm this.
We realized this from a young age when Garfield and Puss in Boots became famous. The media presented and still presents us with orange cats as goofy and mischievous characters. Viral videos constantly show us odd and humorous behavior from orange cats.
5. Orange Cats Are More Common in Rural Areas
According to professionals, male cats carrying the orange allele can be more sensitive to mortality risks than other cats. This is due to the road traffic and hunting pressure.
For cats to have a successful reproduction they require calm and quiet surroundings and that is why less dense environments like rural areas are ideal for them. In rural areas, these cats will have less reproductive stress. Rural areas fit these cats well because they also tend to engage less in risky situations.
6. Orange Cats Are The Hollywood’s Furry Celebrities
Orange cats deserved their spot in Hollywood due to their unforgettable roles in movies, TV shows, and pop culture. Garfield is without a doubt the most famous orange cat. He is a lazy, witty, and comic character.
Another famous character is Puss in Boots, from the Shrek franchise. Puss is voiced by Antonio Banderas in the latest movie. Crookshanks from the Harry Potter novel series is another famous orange cat.
Other famous orange cats include:
- Milo (from Milo and Otis)
- Jones (from Alien)
- Spot (from Star Trek: The Next Generation)
- Orion (from Men in Black)
- Orangey the Cat (Breakfast at Tiffany’s)
7. Orange Cat Stereotypes
It is no wonder that throughout the years we have developed stereotypes for orange cats. One famous stereotype is that orange cats are more outgoing and affectionate than other colored cats. The reason behind this might be the fact that most of the orange cats are male and they tend to be less territorial and more friendly than females.
Another stereotype is that these cats are clumsy, silly, and lazy. The reason behind this might be the viral videos, memes, and the laziness that Garfield has been showing us on the small screen for years.
The general belief is that orange cats have more personality than other cats. Don’t be fooled by social media and let any physical characteristics affect your adoption choices!
