
The chances are pretty high that you’ve already seen an orange tabby cat and might have even met a few. If you know about these felines, you realize they’re some of the friendliest and most laid-back cats who like long naps and lots of cuddles. Whether you’re looking to adopt an orange tabby or want to learn more about these amazing kitties—here are 15 interesting facts about them.
Most Orange Tabby Cats Are Boys

Not all orange cats are male, but the majority are. In fact, a solid 80% of orange tabby cats are boys. Now, why is that? All of it has to do with genetics. You see, female felines need two orange genes—one from each parent—to have that beautiful coat color. Males, on the other hand, only need one. So, it’s much easier to find a male orange cat.
Orange Tabby Cats Are Super Affectionate

Every cat has its own special personality, chances are that an orange tabby cat will be super loving. They tend to be more friendly and social than others. When you see a litter of kittens, an orange tabby will likely be the one coming over to greet you, meowing, purring, and rubbing against your legs. You’ve probably seen hundreds of Instagram reels showing how lovely these kitties are.
The Secret Behind Their Ginger Color

Like humans with red hair, orange cats have a pigment called pheomelanin in their fur. This happens because of a genetic process that suppresses the usual black-brown eumelanin pigment in favor of pheomelanin, which gives them their ginger color. Some redheads are known for their lively and bold personalities. But when we talk about orange tabbies, their personalities differ just like any other kitty.
Tabby Cats Rock a Variety of Patterns

Tabby cats come in five cool patterns. The classic pattern has swirls of different orange shades, while the mackerel pattern looks just like tiger stripes. And there’s also a spotted pattern which shows off spots instead of stripes. Patched tabbies mix dark or gray-brown with red or orange patches. Finally, the ticked pattern seems like a solid color at first, but if you look very closely—you’ll see classic stripes on the face and legs.
Ginger Cats Are Known for Being Chill

Ginger cats have a pretty strong reputation for being relaxed. Some of them are even lazy, but some are quite active and curious, depending on their lifestyle and age. It’s very individual. They can make perfect companions, but of course, don’t forget that each ginger kitty has their own personality, which will rely on early socialization and life experiences.
Orange Tabbies Really Love Their Food

If you forget to feed your orange tabby on time, they WILL wake you up in the morning. These kitties really love their food, but just like any other cat, you need to watch out for obesity. Cats can quickly gain weight if they eat too many calories and don’t get enough exercise, which depends on their lifestyle. So, it’s super important to limit any extra snacking to keep them healthy.
The Fun Nicknames for Orange Tabbies

Because of their coloring, orange tabby cats have picked up a bunch of fun nicknames over the years. Most of the time, they’re called ginger cats or yellow felines, and sometimes people even call them caramel, butterscotch, or marmalade kittens. It’s pretty fitting that orange cats have so many food-inspired names since they are super crazy for tasty treats and meals.
Orange Tabbies Come in Different Shades

One cool thing about an orange tabby’s coat is that it can show a range of colors, from light cream to deep red mahogany. On top of the unique patterns (as we told you before) that they can have, they have different shades that highlight their features. So, while they’re called orange cats, they’re actually much more than just one color!
Orange Tabby Cats Are Usually on the Bigger Side

On top of being prone to weight gain, orange tabby cats are usually a bit bigger than other felines. While the difference isn’t that huge, they tend to be slightly taller (and sometimes even wider). This is partly because male cats are generally larger than females—no matter the pattern. When you compare your orange kitty with some other type, you’ll see what we’re talking about.
Orange Tabbies Aren’t Just One Breed

Here’s something you might not know: The orange tabby isn’t a breed on its own. Many different breeds can have that orange tabby look, so the color doesn’t depend on a specific type of cat. Some of the most common breeds that can show this pattern and color include Persians, Turkish Angoras, Maine Coons, American Bobtails, Abyssinians, and Egyptian Mau cats.
The Famous “M” Mark on Their Foreheads

Many legends surround the famous “M” shape on an orange tabby’s forehead. One story says that Mother Mary kissed the cat to bless it for rocking baby Jesus to sleep (we’re not joking). Another tale says that an orange tabby killed a snake for Muhammad, who then put his mark on this feline (again, we’re serious). But in the end, no one really knows the true story.
Orange Tabbies Can Get Black Freckles

You might see an orange cat with tiny black specks on their lips, nose, and other parts of their skin. This cute color pattern often leads to adorable freckles. When the skin cells called epidermal melanocytes multiply, your kitty can develop spots commonly referred to as lentigo. But these should be checked by your vet to make sure they’re not a cause for concern.
Tabby Patterns Help Them Blend In

Just like tigers and other big cats, orange tabbies have their hues and patterns to help them blend in while hunting. The same idea also applies to our pet cats—just think about how a Bengal tiger hides in tall grass. We’re sure you’ve caught your kitty sneaking up on you a time or two!
Orange Tabbies Have Eye Colors You’ll Love

We’ve already talked about how orange cats have various coat hues, but did you know they can also have different eye colors? Orange kitties can have gold, green, copper, or, less often, blue eyes. Each color beautifully contrasts with their fur. While the shades can vary a bit between gold and light amber, their eyes generally stay within those basic colors.
Celebrity Orange Cats We All Know and Love

We really seem to love orange cats—and there are tons of celebrity ones that are a testament to this! You may know Garfield, a super popular orange kitty known for his sassy attitude and love of lasagna. Puss in Boots from Shrek is also an orange tabby, as is Heathcliff and Crookshanks from Harry Potter (the one who’s Hermione’s pet).