Cat owners report that orange cats are friendlier
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Orange cats are thought to be the friendliest of all cats, but is this just a myth? Self-report surveys indeed suggest that orange cats are more affectionate. This finding, however, could be a result of confirmation bias or a self-fulfilling prophecy, with cat owners looking to support their own stereotypes.
Yet, there are other plausible reasons why orange cats may be more affectionate. The gene responsible for the orange color is sex-linked, resulting in a much higher likelihood that an orange cat will be male versus female. Although the research is far from definitive, male cats have been said to be slightly friendlier than female cats, which could explain the loving nature of orange cats. Accordingly, “tortitude” may be partially explained by the fact that tortoiseshell cats are almost always female.
But might there be another reason, besides gender, that explains the unique behavior of orange cats? Pontier et al. (1995) conducted a study examining the frequency of the orange gene variant among cat populations, finding that orange cats may differ from other cats in a number of ways.
To conduct their study, the researchers sampled from 30 cat populations in France from 1982 to 1992, collecting data on 56-491 cats from each population. They found three interesting trends with regard to orange cats.
1. Orange cats are more common in rural (less dense) as opposed to urban environments. This finding suggests that orange cats may enjoy greater reproductive success in particular social conditions. In rural environments, the mating system of cats is more polygynous, meaning that while male cats tend to mate with multiple female cats, females tend to mate with only one male. Meanwhile, in urban environments, both female and male cats have multiple mates.
Orange cats may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors that result in death
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2. Orange cats are less common in areas with greater mortality risk. This finding indicates that orange cats may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors that result in death.
3. Orange cats show greater sexual dimorphism. Orange males weigh more than cats of other colors, and orange females weigh less than cats of other colors. This pattern has been documented previously in Australia.
These intriguing patterns led the researchers to come up with a theory – that due to physical and behavioral differences, orange cats (the male cats in particular) may rely on a different reproductive strategy. Specifically, since they are larger in size (and likely more aggressive given previously documented links between a male cat's body size and aggression towards other cats), orange male cats may enjoy greater social status and thus reproductive success in rural locations where females typically only mate with one male.
Orange male cats may be more socially dominant, leading to greater reproductive success in rural areas
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However, in urban environments, their social status may not get them as far. In these dense environments, female cats tend to mate with many male cats. As a result, reproductive success is dependent on sperm competition rather than physical competition between male cats. Therefore, in an urban environment, the competitive nature of orange male cats may heighten their risk of death (e.g., through fights with cats or other animals), thus driving down the proportions of orange cats. This idea is supported by past findings that larger male cats are more dominant and aggressive, resulting in both greater reproductive success and greater mortality risk.
Although these color-based behavioral associations may seem odd, they are found among other animals including rodents and birds (as reviewed in Pontier et al., 1995). Certain genes responsible for behavior or other physical attributes (e.g., body size) may be inherited alongside those responsible for fur color.
This study identifies several unique characteristics of orange cats, however, it does not explain why orange cats are friendlier to humans. If this stereotype is true, might it be attributed to the risk-taking behaviors of these special cats? Perhaps orange male cats, due to their dominant status and bold personalities, feel more comfortable with approaching humans, who often frighten timid cats. Future studies can investigate whether this might be the case.
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Facebook image: Magui RF/Shutterstock
References
Pontier, D., Rioux, N., & Heizmann, A. (1995). Evidence of selection on the orange allele in the domestic cat Felis catus: the role of social structure. Oikos, 73, 299-308. https://www.jstor.org/stable/3545954
FAQs
The study found evidence from their behavior which found that cats with orange hair were reported to be more affectionate. Citing Psychology Today, the gene responsible for the color orange is linked to sex proves orange cats are predominantly male.
What is the science behind orange cats? ›
The other reason that orange cats are orange is that the color is carried through the X chromosome. Because a female cat has two X chromosomes, they need the color to come through from both their mother and father; because a male cat has an X and a Y chromosome, they need only get the orange chromosome from their mom.
What is the significance of the orange cat? ›
They represent optimism and strength
The orange cat is also a powerful symbol of optimism and determination. No matter what obstacles you have to overcome, you can be sure of yourself and your abilities. The presence of the red cat in your life gives you the strength of mind to overcome anything.
Is Orange cat special? ›
We have to admit, there's something special about orange cats that's hard to put our finger on. We love them for their unique spirit, playful spunk, and charming antics. Plus, their gorgeous coat color doesn't hurt.
Do orange cats actually have different personalities? ›
Ultimately, orange cat parents are more likely to believe their felines are friendly, but "there's no science that says a difference in personality actually exists when you start testing actual cats," says Dr.
What color cat is the friendliest? ›
When comparing the cats by coat color, gray cats had the highest scores for shyness, aloofness and intolerance, while orange cats had the highest scores for trainability, friendliness and calmness. Tabby cats had the highest scores for bold and active, tricolor cats for stubborn, and bicolor cats for tolerant.
What personality do ginger cats have? ›
Ginger cats are perceived to be friendlier and more affectionate with humans. A study conducted in 2012 revealed that based on cat owner perception, gingers are regarded as the most affectionate with their guardians and have been lovingly dubbed 'Velcro cats'!
What is the trivia about orange cats? ›
Ginger cats can have orange flame point markings, be partially orange, or be completely orange. The gene that gives ginger cats their distinctive coat colour is on the X chromosome. Only female cats need two copies of this gene, only male cats need one. There is an 8 out of 10 chance that any red cat you see is a male.
What is the best thing about orange cats? ›
They tend to be snuggly. Some orange tabbies are so affectionate that they are often cat-egorized as “velcro” kitties. They are also chatty kitties. Orange tabbies are known to be quite talkative.
Are orange female cats special? ›
Female cats that are orange in color are very rare. On average, only 1 in 5 orange cats will be female. In local populations, these numbers can be far higher or lower depending on the gene pool.
The orange color is more prominent in male cats than female cats, so I would say that an orange-colored female cat would be a rare color (for a female). It's the same as how most calicos are female and a less amount of them are male.
Why are orange cats more cuddly? ›
According to a review by Karen Wu, Ph. D., assistant professor of psychology at California State University, LA, the risk-taking behavior of male orange cats makes him dominant. Their bold personality makes them feel more comfortable approaching humans and often scares shy cats.
What are orange cats called? ›
Ginger cats are hard to miss. Also called red, orange, orange tabby, marmalade, tiger-cat and cinnamon, this distinctive feline can certainly strike a charismatic pose. From 9Lives Morris to Garfield to Puss in Boots, ginger cats are some of the most celebrated felines in television and film.
Do orange cats have more health problems? ›
Unfortunately, orange cats tend to have more health issues than other cats. They can develop allergies that lead to skin issues and hair loss, but they're most commonly known for their weight issues. Orange tabbies are prone to obesity because of their love of food.
Are orange cats healthy? ›
Like all breeds, ginger cats are at risk of developing health conditions over their lifetimes. Here are some conditions to be aware of if you have a ginger cat: Dental problems: Like all cats, ginger cats may be prone to dental problems, such as gum disease and tooth decay.
Why are orange cats the most friendly? ›
According to a review by Karen Wu, Ph. D., assistant professor of psychology at California State University, LA, the risk-taking behavior of male orange cats makes him dominant. Their bold personality makes them feel more comfortable approaching humans and often scares shy cats.
How long do orange cats live? ›
How long does an orange tabby cat live? Generally speaking, the average indoor housecat has a life expectancy of 15 to 20 years. Providing your tabby with a healthy diet and routine veterinary care can help maximize his lifespan.
Why do orange cats lay on their back? ›
Because your cat feels safe
Cats sleep a lot, and for some kitties a supine position is the perfect way to catch some ZZZZZs. Because felines are most vulnerable while asleep, your cat is sleeping on his back because he doesn't fear any danger.
