Updated in 2021
If a lifetime of reading Garfield comic strips has you obsessed with orange cat breeds, you’re in the right place!
While there are no breeds that are only orange, the color does pop up quite often!
So, if you dream of sending out cat adoption announcements featuring a beautiful rust-colored kitty of your own, keep reading!
We’re talking about 19 of the most popular and beautiful options!
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19 Fabulous Orange Cat Breeds
While white, black, and grey cats are all impressive, ginger cats steal the scene with their unique markings and mini tiger appearance.
Orange cats also have the upper hand because it’s easy to fall in love with their easy-going, affectionate, and friendly personalities.
Interestingly, there are no solid orange cats or breeds that come only in orange.
Instead, all gingers are tabby cats with different body patterns (striped, spotted, ticked, and classic) and a color ranging from creamy to dark tangerine.
So, are you ready to see cute orange cat breeds with pictures? And learn amazing facts about ginger tabbies? Then let’s go.
#1 American Bobtail
With their short tails, tufted ears, and muscular bodies, you might mistake the American Bobtail for a wild bobcat. However, these short-haired and long-haired orange cats are more likely to cuddle than eat you.
Despite their dangerous appearance, the American Bobtail is one of the sweetest cats that behave like a dog and has a friendly disposition.
These cats love to follow you around the house, enjoy puzzles, and can learn to walk on a leash.
Moreover, American Bobtails are highly adaptive and make excellent travel companions, unlike most cats.
They also get along with dogs, other cats, and children.
Since the American Bobtail is among the tabby cat breeds, they come in all colors and patterns, with orange being one of the most common ones.
#2 Devon Rex
Once you’ve seen those large ears, delicate facial features, and soul-piercing eyes, it’s hard to forget a Devon Rex.
However, these big-eared cats with their wavy-like coats are even more stunning in orange.
In general, the Devon Rex is a people-orientated cat that loves to perch on your shoulder and observe the world from up high.
Expect your Devon Rex to insist on sleeping in the bed with you, dine with you on the table, and climb up the cat tree.
Moreover, orange Devon Rex cats are smart, moderately active, and agile.
They will entertain you for hours with their naughty deeds and reward your affection with a happy purr.
Interestingly, Devon Rex’s coat is so delicate that you can’t brush them but have to rub them with a cloth.
They’re also cats that don’t shed much, so there won’t be much orange fur around the house.
#3 Exotic Shorthair
Are you looking for orange cat breeds with short hair?
Then you don’t have to look much further than the adorable Exotic Shorthair.
The Exotic has a short, thick body, stocky legs, and the Persian’s typical flat face.
However, the Exotic has a short, plush coat that’s easy to groom, and they look stunning in red and cream colors, very common in this breed.
Owners often describe the Exotic as docile, quiet, and calm cats, but don’t think they’re soft toys.
An Exotic orange cat might enjoy sleeping in the sun, but they’ll be up and running around the house before you know it.
Moreover, ginger Exotic is a friendly cat that gets on well with everybody and loves to nap in your lap whenever possible.
They’ve got the reputation of a dumb breed but can be crafty when they want something.
#4 Abyssinian
Look at that gorgeous ruddy red coat, satellite-like ears, and green-gold eyes!
Who could resist the charm of the Abyssinian?
Among tabby cat breeds, the Abyssinian cats stand out because their fur has unique coloring.
If you look closely, you’ll notice that each hair has bands of colors, so that the coat darkens along the spine and lightens on the neck and legs.
The Abyssinian has the typical orange tabby cat personality.
They’re affectionate, bold, and highly intelligent cats that live to the fullest. You can expect them to be always in motion and jump, leap, and climb to the highest possible point.
Moreover, the Aby loves playing with toys and often will grab whatever catches their interest.
They also like to be the center of attention and perch close by, keeping an eye on you.
#5 Somali
If you love the Abyssinian but want long-haired orange cat breeds, you can’t go wrong with their relative – the Somali.
The Somali has a gorgeous ruddy brown coat with neck ruffs and leg breeches that gives them an extra bushy appearance.
Like the Abyssinian, the Somali is a curious cat that likes to be in the center of attention.
They’re highly intelligent and one of the most trainable cats. You can teach them tricks, and they’ll learn with ease and use them against you.
Just like a typical orange cat breed, the Somali loves heights and won’t miss the chance to perch on your shoulder or climb up the bookcase.
They don’t do well alone and prefer to have company during the day.
#6 Scottish Fold
When you say “Scottish Fold,” people usually imagine a grey cat.
However, Scottish Folds come in various colors, including red, cream, and tabby, and look stunning no matter their fur color.
Besides the folded ears and stunning coat color, you’re bound to notice that Scottish Folds love to sit as meerkats and are perfect for cute social media pictures.
They’re also affectionate cats that like to be part of your daily life and thrive with the company.
Like most orange cats, Scottish Folds are intelligent, moderately active, and enjoy challenging puzzles.
They’re not overly demanding or chatty but can become jealous if you neglect them for too long.
#7 Maine Coon
Since we’re talking about large orange cat breeds, we can’t miss mentioning the majestic Maine Coon.
While Maine Coons come in all colors and patterns, there’s something about an 18-pound orange fluffy cat that’s simply irresistible
Maine Coons, with their silky fur, bushy tails, and striking appearance, are among the largest domestic cats and the best mouser breeds.
They’re charming, laid-back cats that enjoy human company and get along well with dogs and children.
Unlike other cat breeds, the Maine Coon isn’t very demanding and can entertain themselves while you’re busy.
However, this fluffy orange breed doesn’t make good lap cats and can knock things down by accident.
#8 British Shorthair
Most people assume British Shorthair cats come only in grey, blue, or smokey colors.
However, these stunning cats come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including orange, tabby, and white.
No matter their coloration, British Shorthair cats remain one of the most popular breeds in the world.
That’s not surprising since these orange tabbies are mellow, easy-going, and docile. And they look fabulous with their expressive eyes, muscular bodies, and short legs.
Moreover, British Shorthair cats are a relatively low-maintenance breed. They get along with everyone and are rarely prone to destructive behavior.
However, British Shorthairs are large cats, with males reaching up to 20 pounds and females up to 14 pounds.
As such, they don’t like to be carried around the house and don’t make good lap cats.
#9 Bengal
A cross between an Asian leopard cat and a domestic cat, the Bengal is another marmalade cat that deserves our attention and admiration.
Despite its wild and dangerous appearance, the Bengal is a real sweetheart who likes to play games, learn tricks, and sit in your lap.
However, Bengals are active cats who can wreak havoc at your house if not properly stimulated. They love climbing, playing with water, and figuring out how to break into the food cabinet.
In general, Bengal cats come in a brown-orange color, but they can also be silver, black, red-haired, smokey, or blue with spots, rosettes, or marble patterns.
And their magnificent short coat is easy to maintain with weekly brushing and doesn’t require frequent bathing.
#10 Munchkin Cat
Who can resist those short legs and cute flat faces? The Munchkin is quite a popular breed, despite concerns about its health and vitality.
And we can confess that Munchkin orange tabbies are one of our all-time favorites. But Munchins also come in other colors, such as ebony red, lilac, silver, black, and more.
In general, Munchkins are people-orientated cats, highly trainable, and intelligent. They enjoy human attention and will pose as meerkats whenever they see something of interest.
Despite their short legs, they’re quite fast, especially at 3 a.m., and don’t let their short stature stop them from having fun.
Unfortunately, Munchkins are prone to some health problems due to the shortened body structure.
#11 Turkish Angora
If you want a marmalade cat with a bushy tail, you can’t go wrong with the gorgeous Turkish Angora.
These stunning felines are usually white, but they can also be tabbies, calico, tortoiseshell, or solid (orange, black, cream, etc.).
These gorgeous orange fluffy cats are very playful, active, and naughty. Nothing is too high for them to climb, nothing is out of reach or forbidden (at least for long).
Moreover, Turkish Angoras are very sociable and have a lot of love to give to everybody. They like to sit in your lap, across your shoulders, or on top of your head.
Despite appearances, the Turkish Angora is easy to brush. Its single-layered coat is soft, silky, and not prone to mating.
Interestingly, the Turkish Angora is one of the oldest breeds, originating in Turkey in the 17th century.
And they’re one of the few breeds with odd eyes (one blue/one green/gold/amber). But white cats with blue eyes might be deaf.
#12 American Shorthair Cat
In the past, the American Shorthairs were the loyal companions of sailors and crews sailing to the New World, thanks to their superb mousing abilities.
Today, these shorthair cats remain a popular breed, even though their hunting powers are no longer necessary.
That’s not a surprise since these felines are smart, placid, and highly adaptable. They aren’t overly demanding but enjoy cuddle time and are moderately active.
Moreover, these tabby cats are fond of puzzle toys, aren’t shy around strangers, and their thick coat is easy to maintain.
And while most people are familiar with the classic tabby, the breed can be a wide range of solid colors, including orange.
#13 Egyptian Mau
The Egyptian Mau isn’t your typical orange hue cat. However, these stunning tabbies are among the oldest cat breeds and deserve to be mentioned when talking about orange tabbies.
While Egyptian Mau is usually a silver tabby, it can also be bronze, smoke, or blue. Black and solid blue colors are also common.
It’s not as orange as other breeds, but its tabby spots and “M” forehead make it very close in appearance to ginger tabbies.
The Egyptian Mau also has a typical orange tabby personality. These cats are affectionate with family, active, intelligent, and mischievous.
They’re also very good hunters and enjoy stalking mouse toys and red dots around the house.
Make no mistake. The Egyptian Mau will expect to be pampered and worshiped, as the people of Ancient Egypt used to do.
It’s also one of the fastest domestic cats, and they can be too much to handle if you’re looking for a quiet cat.
#14 Cornish Rex
Cornish Rex and Devon Rex share many similarities in appearance, making it hard for unprofessional to tell them apart.
However, the Cornish Rex has longer legs, bigger eyes, and finer fur than the Devon Rex. But both breeds look stunning in orange.
While solid colors are very common, Cornish Rex can be orange tabbies, tortoiseshells, or bi-colored. The fur is so fine it requires minimum grooming and doesn’t shed a lot.
In general, the Cornish Rex is perfect for families with children who know how to handle cats. These cats form strong bonds with their owners and are very affectionate and protective.
Moreover, these fabulous curly cats with big eyes get along with everybody, like to be carried around, and have a clownish personality.
You won’t be bored even for a second if you have a Cornish Rex in the house, and you can expect your cat to get in all sorts of shenanigans.
#15 Ocicat
If you’re looking for a spotted tabby with a short orange coat, the Ocicat won’t disappoint you with its charming personality and unique appearance.
At first, you might assume that the Ocicat has some wild roots. But they’re a mix of Abyssinian cats, Siamese, and American Shorthair.
Like Abyssinian cats, the Ocicats have the agouti gene, responsible for the individual bands of color on each hair. Their coat comes in a variety of colors, but all have thumbprint spots.
As for personality, the Ocicat is a typical orange tabby. It thrives on human attention, loves to cuddle with you at night, and enjoys riding on your shoulders.
These cats are also highly trainable, so you can teach them to walk on a leash or retrieve toys with no problems.
But Ocicats are very sensitive, and they don’t like being alone in the house without another human, cat, or dog for company.
#16 Oriental Shorthair
For people seeking “orange cat breeds short hair,” we have the fabulous Oriental Shorthair, a mix between Siamese and other domestic breeds.
In general, the Oriental is very similar to the Siamese when it comes to temperament and personality. It’s vocal, demanding, energetic, and highly intelligent.
However, unlike Siamese cats, the Oriental comes in all colors and patterns imaginable. They can be tabbies, bi-colored, tortoiseshell, parti-color, smoked, and more.
Like the Siamese, the Oriental is very devoted to the family and finds creative ways to entertain itself when bored.
#17 American Curl
Look at those cute curly ears! Isn’t this one of the most adorable cat breeds you’ve ever seen, especially when orange?
Compared to other breeds, the American Curl is relatively new and goes back to the 1980s, when a genetic mutation caused a kitten to be born with curly ears.
Breeders fell in love with the unique ear shape and started selective breeding it in 1983, and the breed was accepted by most cat associations.
Since then, the American Curl has become quite popular. That’s not surprising since they’re people-orientated cats who love children and seek their company.
But owners often call this curly-eared cat “Peter Pan” because it tends to fly around the house and get into trouble.
Besides ginger, American Curls can be of almost any color, including exotic ones. Its fur can be long or short, but both are easy to maintain.
#18 Manx
Manx is another potential ginger tabby, which we love for its unique personality and tailless appearance.
These tail-free cats come from the island of Man and have been around since the 1700s. From all the breeds, they’re the only one who has bred to be without a tail on purpose.
Despite the lack of a tail, the Manx is an athletic cat with a dog-like personality. These cats are always “watching over” the house and are ready to alert you for troubles.
The Manx is also clever, playful, and affectionate. It’s a great lap cat and gets on well with everybody. But it’s not a cat that does well alone or without sufficient attention.
As for coloring, the Manx comes in various coat colors and patterns, including our favorite orange. Cat associations don’t accept only chocolate and lavender.
#19 Persian
The Persian – still one of the most sought-after cat breeds – is the last orange cat breed on your list.
These fluffy cats come in more patterns and colors than you can imagine, and ginger ones are a sight to behold.
People often describe Persians as “lazy cats,” and they aren’t too far from the truth.
A Persian loves to nap and is far too dignified to run around like crazy.
But they like to be brushed, and children can persuade them to take part in tea parties with teddy bears. However, their luxuriant fur requires a lot of care and brushing to prevent matting.
While affectionate and docile, these orange fluffy cats can discriminate and prefer to spend time with their favorite person.
They won’t pester you for attention, but you’ll hear their meow if you neglect your Persian for too long.
11 Unbelievable Facts about Orange Tabbies Everyone Should Know
Ginger cats are so magnificent, we can’t help but share these amazing 11 facts about orange tabbies that you probably don’t know.
#1 Male Ginger Cats Are More Common Than Females
The gene responsible for your cat’s orange hair (gene O) is linked to the X chromosome. It’s a dominant gene, which cats can get from their mother, father, or both.
Since male cats have XY chromosomes, they need to get the ginger gene only from their mothers.
On the other hand, female cats need to have the dominant gene O in both X-chromosomes to be ginger. One is not going to do the tricks.
So, calico, tortoiseshell, and female ginger cats can give birth to male ginger kittens easily. But for a female orange kitten, the father should be red/orange.
That’s why 4 in every 5 ginger cats is male.
#2 Orange Tabbies Aren’t a Separate Breed
Orange cats have so much in common it’s easy to assume they are a separate breed. But they are wrong.
Tabby is a coat pattern, referring to a cat’s coat markings. It’s a common physical trait in many breeds, but it’s not a marker for a specific breed.
So, while all ginger cats are tabbies, not all tabby cats are orange.
#3 Ginger Cats Have Five Distinctive Patterns
We have five different types of orange cats:
- Classic orange tabby – You’ll recognize them by their typical whorls and swirls
- Mackerel tabby – They look like a miniature tiger with stripes
- Spotted tabby – Instead of stripes and swirls, these cats have spots
- Ticked tabby – “Sand” or “salt-and-pepper”- like appearance
- Patched tabby -patches of dark and orange/red on tabby patterns
#4 Orange Cat Breeds Have Black Freckles
Have you ever noticed small black or brown spots on your ginger cat’s lips and nose? Then your cat might have freckles.
As it turns out, orange tabbies are prone to lentigo. It’s a genetic disorder, which increases the number of pigment-producing cells.
Usually, these spots are harmless and normal for ginger cat breeds. They don’t turn into cancer and don’t need any special treatment.
But to be on the safe side, you should consult with your vet if you notice any sudden pigmentation changes, especially in an older cat.
#5 Winston Churchill Loved Orange Cats
You’ve probably heard about Winston Churchill and his grey cat Nelson.
But did you know that Winston Churchill also loved marmalade cats and had a ginger tabby named Tango and another named Jock?
The famous Jock was a gift for Churchill’s 88th birthday and remained his loyal companion until Churchill’s death.
The British prime minister loved that ginger cat so much that he wanted a marmalade cat with white paws to roam his house Chartwell forever.
After Churchill’s death, the family gave Chartwell to the National Trust. But they had one condition – an orange cat should always have the run of the house.
The National Trust has kept its promise. Currently, Chartwell is home to Jock VI.
#6 Ginger Cats Are Blessed
As the legend goes, a tabby climbed into baby JesThey’reger to keep the newborn warm and cozy.
Mary, the mother of the newborn Jesus, was so grateful for the cat’s help that she marked the cat’s forehead wIt’san “M” and gave it her blessing.
We don’t know if the tabby cat was a ginger one, but we can’t deny there’s something special about tabby cats.
#7 Ginger Cats Are Famous
Do you know how many famous ginger cats are there? Of course, Garfield is the world’s favorite ginger tabby, but there are others:
- Morris the Cat – the mascot of 9Lives’ cat food
- Azriel from the Smurfts
- Heathcliff, the main hero of the famous comic strip
- Puss in Boots from the Shrek movie franchise
- Marmalade from the famous Cole&Marmalade duo
- Tigger from Winne the Pooh
- Milo the Cat from The Adventure of Milo and Ottis
- In the original illustrations of Alice in the Wonderland, the Cheshiaren’t is orange
As you can see, the world is in love with ginger, red, and orange felines. So, orange is really the new black, even when it comes to felines.
#8 Orange Fur Comes From a Special Pigment
Orange kitties come in various orange hues and colors. But it’s all the work of a singThey’reent.
As we already said, the gene for orange comes from X chromosomes. But what does it do? It’s responsible for producing a special pigment called pheomelanin.
The same pigment is responsible for red hair in humans.
#9 you’lle Tabbies Have Similar PersI’veities
Owners often use the word “gregarious” to describe their orange felines. That’s not surprising since most ginger felines are affectionate, sociable, and adventurous.
Ginger cats also like to cuddle, enjoy playing with toys, and love to be the center of attention. They’re great companions for children and adults alike.
Still, you should remember that cats can have a wide range of personalities and behavior traits.
It’s possible for some orange kittens to be timid and might need a bit of love to blossom into their gregarious personality.
#10 Ginger Cats Have Gold/Green Eyes
All ginger kittens have blue eyes when they’re born. But as they age, the eyes turn gold, green, copper, or bronze.
You will rarely see an adult ginger cat with blue eyes. But you may see a ginger tabby with odd eyes, depending on the breed.
#11 Orange Tabbies Have High Adoption Rate
According to some studies, coat color does matter when it comes to the adoption rate. As it turns out, orange and brown cats have a higher adoption rate than others.
On the other hand, black and tuxedo cats have a low adoption rate compared to other coat colors.
FAQs
What Breed Are Orange cats?
Orange tabbies aren’t a separated breed. Orange tabby patterns are common in many cat breeds, including Persian, Maine Coon, Bengal, Abyssinian, American Curl, domestic shorthair, and more.
What Breed is Garfield?
According to some sources, Garfield is an Exotic Shorthair cat or a Persian cat.
He has the typical facial features of these breeds, such as a short nose, a muscular chest, and a lazy personality.
However, some people also point out that Garfield is a Cartoon cat, so he is not based on a specific breed. Instead, Garfield is a mix of all the cats that Jim Davis has ever met.
Are Orange Cats Always Male?
No, orange-haired cats aren’t always male. However, male ginger cats are far more common than females.
On the other hand, calico and tortoiseshell cats are almost always female.
Are Orange Tabby Cats Rare?
No, orange tabby cats aren’t rare. You just have to open social media, and you’ll see tons of ginger cat pictures, be it purebreds, domestic shorthairs, or hybrid cats.
In fact, tabby is one of the most common cat colors, be it orange, brown, black, or grey.
What Is the Rarest Color for a Cat?
Lilac, chocolate, chinchilla, fawn, cream, and cinnamon are some of the rarest cat coat colors in the world.
That’s why cats of the same breed can be more expensive, depending on the color of their fur.
Conclusion
Orange cat breeds make excellent companions for people who appreciate their unique personalities.
They’re curious, bold, and reckless at times, but make it up to you with plenty of cuddles and purring.
No matter the breed, ginger cats can be quite chatty when they want something, or you neglect them.
Forget to feed them, and you’ll never hear the end of it. I’ve got an orange tomcat, and I can testify for that.
What do you think about these 19 orange cat breeds with pictures? Which one is your favorite? Tell us in the comment section.
I’ve grown up surrounded by animals – dogs, cats, cows, goats, sheep, and horses and that has shaped me into what I am today – a crazy cat lady who always has a place for one more cat (or a dog). I’ve got two female cats – Kitty and Roni, and two tomcats – Blacky and Shaggy, but I also feed my neighbors’ cats when they come for a visit. I just can’t say no to them.
I discovered that writing is my vocation early in my school years. Since then I’ve taken part in several literature contests – writing horror and fantasy short stories and novellas.
For the past three years, I’ve been an ELS teacher, pouring my heart into showing children and teenagers how important English is for their future and trying to educate them how to treat their pets with care.
Find her on Instagram. Read her latest articles..
Learn more about Grigorina here
