Orange cats, also known as ginger cats, are characterized by their bright orange or red fur. They stand out for their vivid coats and striking personalities. But what are orange cats actually called? There are a few common names used to refer to these colorful felines.
Orange Tabby
The most common name for orange cats is orange tabby. A tabby refers to a coat pattern featuring stripes or swirling patterns. All tabby cats have the letter “M” shape on their foreheads. Orange tabbies specifically have orange and black stripes along their coats.
Around 80% of orange cats are male. The gene for orange fur is carried on the X chromosome. Since female cats have two X chromosomes, the orange color is often overridden by another coat color gene. Male cats only have one X chromosome so if they inherit the orange color gene, it will present as their coat color.
Ginger Cat
Another very common name for orange cats is ginger cats. This refers to their reddish-orange fur color, similar to the spice ginger. The terms “orange cat” and “ginger cat” are often used interchangeably. Ginger is a more descriptive word that captures the vivid reddish tone of their fur.
In the United Kingdom, orange cats are almost exclusively referred to as ginger cats rather than orange tabbies. Ginger is a more commonly used word to describe the color in the UK. An orange ginger ale, for example, is called ginger beer in the UK.
Red Tabby
Some people may also refer to orange tabbies as red tabbies. This refers to orange cats that are more closely to a deep reddish tone than a true orange. Red tabby is used interchangeably with ginger tabby to describe the more richly colored fur.
Red cats are also sometimes distinguished from orange and ginger cats. A red cat will have a more brownish, rusty tone to their fur without the vibrant orange or ginger tones. Red tabbies have stripes like other tabbies but in the more subdued red fur color.
Marmalade Cat
Marmalade cat is a more creative and uncommon name for orange cats. It refers to their fur resembling the color of marmalade jam or orange marmalade. This name captures the warm, golden orange tone of their coats.
Marmalade is also sometimes used as a fun, whimsical name for individual orange cats, similar to naming a black cat Licorice or a white cat Marshmallow. But as an actual classification of orange cat breeds, it is much less common than the other names.
Some Other Names
There are a few other creative, informal names used to describe orange cats and kittens:
- Buttercat
- Creamsicle
- Marmalade
- Pumpkin
- Carrot
- Amber
- tangie
- peanut
- Cheddar
These fun nicknames capture the warm orange tones of ginger tabby fur. They are more commonly used as individual pet names rather than classifications of cat breeds.
Famous Orange Cats
Orange cats have certainly left their mark across pop culture, fiction, and history. Here are some of the most famous ginger felines:
- Garfield – lazy, lasagna-loving comic strip cat
- Crookshanks – Hermione’s cat in Harry Potter
- Tangie – The Hunger Games
- Heathcliff – title character of 80’s cartoon
- Felix the Cat
What do many of these famous orange cats have in common? Strong, cheeky personalities! The feisty attitude of orange cats matches their fiery fur.
Why Are They Orange?
So what causes orange cats to get their distinctive golden ginger coat in the first place? It all comes down to genetics.
The orange color mutation first occurred randomly in cats in the Mediterranean region. Cat genes come in two variants – black and red. The red gene variant results in orange fur. This red gene was carried to other parts of the world as cats migrated.
The orange gene is thought to provide a reproductive advantage. Male ginger cats tend to be larger and have more aggressive territorial behaviors. This helped the orange color mutation spread through natural selection.
Orange Cat Personality
Are orange cats actually different in temperament from other cats? Many cat lovers would say yes! Here are some of the most common personality traits associated with orange cats:
- Confident – Orange cats tend to have strong, assertive personalities.
- Intelligent – Ginger cats are often described as clever and quick learners.
- Affectionate – They bond very closely with their human companions.
- Energetic – Orange cats love to play and stay active.
- Vocal – Expect lively chats and trills from a ginger kitty.
However, it’s important to remember that each cat is an individual. While many orange tabbies share these traits, there are always exceptions. Proper socialization and handling makes a big impact too.
Some people believe that male orange cats in particular tend to be more affectionate and attached to their owners. But both male and female ginger cats make wonderfully outgoing, loving pets.
Health and Care
Orange cats have the same basic health and care needs as any other cat color. Here are some key things to know about their health and caring for them:
Lifespan
Orange cats have typical lifespans of 12-16 years or more. Keeping them indoors, providing veterinary care, and feeding a balanced diet are the best ways to promote a long, healthy life.
Health Issues
Orange cats are prone to some conditions like any other cats:
- Obesity
- Dental disease
- Kidney disease
- Abscesses and infections
- Feline leukemia virus
However, they have no specific conditions linked solely to their orange coat color. Genetics play only a small role in feline health compared to environment and care.
Grooming
All cats spend much of their day grooming themselves. To supplement self-grooming:
- Brush your orange tabby at least weekly.
- Trim their claws every 1-2 weeks.
- Check their ears for dirt and wax buildup.
- Brush their teeth or provide dental treats.
Proper at-home grooming prevents health issues and reduces hairballs.
Enrichment
Orange cats are intelligent, high-energy cats. Be sure to provide:
- Cat trees, perches, and scratching posts
- Interactive cat toys
- Food puzzle games
- Changing toy rotation to prevent boredom
- Daily playtime and exercise
A mentally and physically stimulated ginger cat is a happy, healthy cat!
Finding Your Own Orange Cat
Ready to add one of these bright, vibrant cats to your family? Here are some tips for finding your perfect orange feline companion:
- Check local shelters and rescues for adoptable orange tabbies.
- Search for reputable orange cat breeders in your area or online.
- Consider whether you prefer a kitten or adult cat based on energy levels.
- Make sure to meet the cat before adoption to interact with their personality.
- Prepare your home with cat essentials – litter box, scratcher, cat tree, toys.
- Cat-proof your home by putting away breakables and securing chemicals/medications.
Bringing home a new ginger kitty is an exciting time. With the right prep and supplies, you’ll be off to a purr-fect start together!
Fun Facts About Orange Cats
To wrap up this comprehensive guide, here are a few fast facts about these fabulous felines:
- Only about 20% of orange cats are female.
- The first documented orange cat was in Ottoman Empire paintings from the 1600s.
- Orange cats are good luck in some cultures, especially Japan and Ireland.
- Having an extra toe is common in orange tabby cats.
- The orange gene is located on the X chromosome, which is why males are more often orange.
- Orange cats are no more likely to be left-pawed than other colors.
- Ginger tabby patterns come in classic, mackerel, ticked, and spotted varieties.
- The first cloned cat was an orange tabby named Cc or Copy Cat.
Orange cats certainly have unique genetics leading to their vibrant, eye-catching coats. But at the end of the day, they are terrific cats no matter their specific breed, patterns, or nicknames. An orange cat by any other name would still be just as sweet!
Conclusion
Orange tabby, ginger, and marmalade cat are the most common names used to describe cats with orange and red fur. While some people use red tabby or buttercat, orange or ginger tabby is the standard terminology. These cats get their distinctive coat from a genetic red fur gene mutation. Orange cats tend to have big personalities that match their big color. With proper care, these energetic, confident kitties make wonderful lifelong feline companions.
