This is why male orange tabby cats are much more common than female ones. Since there are many more black genes than orange genes in domestic cats’ gene pool, it’s much less likely to have two orange genes at once. However, since female cats have two X chromosomes, they need the orange hair gene on both chromosomes. If males have the orange hair gene, they will be orange tabbies. Since males usually carry one X chromosome, they can have either black or orange fur. Jerold Bell, adjunct professor of genetics at Tufts University. These genes are contained on the X chromosome, says Dr. Why is this? A cat’s fur colour is produced by 2 basic genes-a black hair gene and an orange/red hair gene. Interestingly enough, about 80% of all orange tabbies are male. Shopping for an outdoor cat house? Find the best one at UnderCover Pet Houses today! There are 4 times as many male tabbies as females. It’s responsible for the many color variations in orange tabbies, such as red, orange, and cream. This pigment, called pheomelanin, also produces red hair in humans. Tabbies’ orange colour comes from a specific pigment. Cats of many different breeds-such as Maine Coon, Abyssinian, American Bobtail, Persian, and more-can be tabby cats if they inherit the right genetic pattern. This pattern is caused by a specific gene. Tabby cats have striped, spotted, and/or swirled patterns on their fur. Instead, the word “tabby” describes their unique coat markings. Orange tabby cats aren’t a separate breed. Here are 5 fun things you might not know about orange tabby cats. And they go by several nicknames, like marmalade, marmie, and ginger. Our friendly staff will make you and your cat feel welcome and can answer any questions or concerns you might have.Orange tabby cats are like North America’s “cat next door.” Warm, lovable, and cute, these cats have been featured in cartoons (like “Garfield”) and even films (such as The Adventures of Milo and Otis). Contact our practice to schedule an appointment, or just come on by! We are located at 35 Haddonfield Road, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. If your kitty is healthy and thriving or feeling under the weather, bring him or her to see us at your earliest convenience. We offer an array of medical services for your furry family member, including: It’s no wonder that they are such a popular and beloved addition to the family!ĭo you or your friends own orange tabbies? We’d love to hear about your experience with them! Let us know if you have found them to be as personable and quirky as their reputation suggests.Īll Breeds Welcome at The Cat Clinic at Cherry HillĬats of all sizes, patterns, colors, and personalities are encouraged to come by for a visit here at the office! Your pet should go to the cat veterinarian twice per year to ensure a long, happy, healthy life. If there is one obvious trend that no one can deny, it’s that these “purrfect” specimens are beautiful to behold! The vibrant orange color of their coats and the striped, swirled, and spotted tabby patterns make them very pretty kitties indeed. Owners report that their orange companions love to snuggle and are playful, friendly characters. The first notable trend with orange tabbies? Most of them are male–females make up only about 20 percent of these lovable felines! Regardless of the gender, these cats are renowned for being social, affectionate, and vocal. We at The Cat Clinic at Cherry Hill interact with such a variety of breeds and temperaments that we can’t pick favorites, but it’s worth taking a closer look at this trend! But have you heard the rumors surrounding orange cats? The orange tabby is not a specific breed of its own, but many who have had the pleasure of owning them insist that they are the most affectionate, sweet-natured cats out there. Collies are seen as protective, family-oriented dogs, thanks to Lassie eagles are patriotic black cats are associated with Halloween and are notorious for being “bad luck” (completely unfair and untrue). Whether they’re accurate or not, reputations and stereotypes have a way of making people look at things differently.