Fact or fiction: are orange cats nuttier than other cat breeds? To all my orange cat parents out there, you may either be familiar with this myth firsthand or have heard such rumors.
If you are someone considering adopting a new kitty friend, you may have heard of this orange cat myth. Regardless of your preferred cat aesthetic, it is a good idea to take genetic dispositions into account for current or future furry friend’s personality.
What We Know: Orange Cats and Their Craziness
The rumors are true! Thanks to Why Orange Cats Are So Special, According to Science, I have learned that there is a lot that goes into an orange cat’s spunky personality. Ultimately, though,
“orange cats may be more likely to engage in risky behaviors that result in death.”
But… why? Well, gender and size are contributing factors. “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.” Since orange cats are generally larger in size, especially since they are predominantly male, they may thrive off of a high social status, leading to strong behavioral characteristics.
Although this may not sound preferable if you want a calm companion, there is more to an orange cat’s persona. The good news: “self-report surveys indeed suggest that orange cats are more affectionate.”
orange cat
The Good News: Orange Cats and Their Lovingness
Said to be more loving, orange cats are known for their affection in addition to their chaotic habits. This could also be due to their gender: “male cats have been said to be slightly friendlier than female cats, which could explain the loving nature of orange cats.”
An orange cat’s risky behavior can be explained by science, but their predisposition for friendliness has yet to be scientifically shown. Nevertheless, orange cat owners tend to rave about their furry friends, myself included.
In My Experience…
I must admit, I am a bit biased as an orange cat mom. But, anyone who spends time around my furry son cannot deny his zesty and loving personality. Allow me to take a moment to introduce you to my cat companion.
Finn
This is my almost-three-year-old cat, Finn. Now, I must admit – I didn’t intend to become a dedicated cat-mom to Finn. I fell into the role of step-mom about two and a half years ago when I started dating Finn’s other dedicated parent.
I am embarrassed to say that I am a historic cat hater. It pains me to admit it, but I used to find cats annoying. Growing up with dogs, I was a dog person through and through. This silly little orange tabby changed me for the better, though.
It took me some time to get used to Finn’s zoomies, nighttime adventures, and playful disposition. After a rocky start, Finn and I started spending more time together, and we slowly began cuddling and playing more frequently.
It took some time for us to warm up to each other, but recently, we have become best friends. Over time, I have “trained” Finn to curl up in my lap when I sit criss-cross-apple-sauce. Historically fearing strangers, Finn will cuddle up in any visitor’s lap if they sit on the floor nowadays. Who doesn’t love some cat cuddles complete with purring!
Finn has changed my life: being a cat mom brings me such joy. Although he loves roaming the countertops, he also loves to cozy up and take a nap with his humans. Not to mention… Finn makes me laugh so hard!
An accidental comedian, Finn loves random places like behind books on a bookshelf, in small boxes, and on top of the fridge. Nothing makes me laugh harder than our playtime and his hiding spaces.
So, yes, in conclusion, I was curious to learn about the science behind orange cats…
I have wondered how much of my crazy cat’s behavior is nature vs. nurture. This still remains a mystery, but I know that there is science and self-reporting out there reinstating my experience: orange cats can fill your home and heart with chaos and love like my sweet little Finn.
