“Since the genes for sex and hair colors are on different chromosomes, they are inherited independently of each other. “These other chromosomes contain genes that affect hair color, pattern, shape and length,” Grahn says. Robert Grahn, a forensic analyst at the veterinary genetics laboratory at the University of California in Davis. But a number of additional chromosomes are present and vary depending upon species, says Dr.

As you may recall from high school biology, mammals have two chromosomes that determine their sex-XX for females and XY for males. The color of a cat’s coat is closely linked to its gender. Most orange cats are male and most calicos are female. And you’re certain that the orange tabby cat you want to adopt at the cat shelter is a boy. This article originally appeared in the award-winning Modern Cat magazine.You’ve always assumed the calico cat that sits in your neighbor’s window is a she. Easy-going and laid-back, orange cats are perfect snuggle buddies. Though all ginger cats have individual personalities, consensus says these cats like to relax. This is likely because most orange cats are males. Marmalade cats tend to be slightly larger and taller than other cats. This gene results in one of four possible tabby patterns: mackerel (tiger stripes), ticked (fur with alternating light and dark stripes), spotted, and classic (a swirled pattern). All tabby cats, including those that are orange, have a patterned coat caused by the agouti gene. There are no cats with solid-coloured orange coats. This could be because 80% of orange cats are male, and male cats tend to be more social and affectionate with both humans and other cats. While there’s no scientific studies to back this, orange cats are thought to be friendlier and more affectionate than other cats. This is the same pigment that causes red hair in humans. They Have Something in Common with Your Red-Headed Friends.Ī specific pigment called pheomelanin causes the orange coat colour. Lentigo increases in the number of pigment-producing cells, causing the freckles. Lentigo is not cause for worry in and of itself, though if you notice any changes, speak with your vet. This is caused by a genetic condition caused lentigo, which is common in calico and tortoiseshell cats. M any orange cats have dark freck les around their nose and/or gums. According to Gary Weitzman, head veterinarian at the San Diego Humane Society, cat personalities are tied to coat colour-and orange cats are far and away the most talkative of the bunch!Īlenkasm/bigstock 5. Males, on the other hand, have the XY chromosome, so they only need their one X gene to have the marker for orange colouring. Why? The marmalade colour comes from a sex-linked gene, with the X chromosome being responsible for the orange coloured fur.īecause females have two X chromosomes, females need the gene for orange fur to occur twice in both of their X genes. Orange Cats Are Almost Always Male.įour out of five orange tabby cats are born male-a whopping 80 percent of orange kittens will be boys. The trademark “M” marking is caused by the same gene that gives orange cats their tabby pattern. Though various legends attribute the “M” to everyone from the Virgin Mary to Mohammed, the real, science-backed explanation is in their DNA. Look for the “M.”Īll orange cats sport an “M” on their forehead. The word “tabby” originates from a striped silk made in Iraq.

Many people mistakenly believe that “tabby” is a specific breed when in fact, it is a reference to the unique coat markings all tabby cats have. If Your Cat is Orange, It’s a Tabby.Īll orange cats are tabbies (though not all tabbies are orange). Read on for what makes orange cats unique! 1. There’s lots to love about orange cats, from their chatty disposition to their unique markings.

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