There’s no good way to know how many orange cats exist today; a rough number, according to Quora, is that 20% of all felines in the world are orange cats.
A study conducted by the University of California, Davis found that approximately 80% of orange cats are male. This is because the gene responsible for orange coloration is located on the X chromosome, and male cats only have one X chromosome.
Another cool study found that orange cats are more common in certain regions. For example, they are more prevalent in the United States and Western Europe while they are less common in Asia and Africa.
Popular Breeds of Orange Cats
When it comes to orange cats, there are several popular breeds that are worth mentioning. Here are some of the most well-known breeds of orange cats:
Maine Coon Characteristics
Maine Coons are a popular breed of cat that are known for their large size and friendly personalities. They are also known for their distinctive orange coats, which can come in a variety of shades ranging from pale orange to deep red. Maine Coons are known for their playful and affectionate nature, and they make great family pets.
Persian Cat Features
Persian cats are another popular breed of cat that can come in a wide range of colors, including orange. These cats are known for their long, luxurious coats and their laid-back personalities. Persian cats are often described as being very regal and elegant, and they make great indoor pets.
American Bobtail Traits
American Bobtails are a unique breed of cat that are known for their distinctive bobbed tails and their friendly personalities. These cats can come in a variety of colors, including orange, and they are known for being very playful and active. American Bobtails are great with children and make great family pets.
Exotic Shorthair Profile
Exotic Shorthairs are a breed of cat that are similar in appearance to Persian cats, but with shorter coats. These cats can come in a variety of colors, including orange, and they are known for their friendly and affectionate personalities. Exotic Shorthairs are great indoor pets and are known for being very loyal to their owners.
What factors determine the population of orange cats globally?
There are several factors that determine the population of orange cats globally:
Genetics
Orange cats are not a specific breed, but rather a coat color that can be found in various breeds.
According to CatWiki, all orange cats are some version of a tabby. The orange coloration in cats is primarily determined by a gene known as the “ginger gene” or the “O gene.” This gene is responsible for producing orange pigment, called pheomelanin, in the fur.
Gender
The inheritance of the orange color gene is what makes girl orange cats so rare. Female cats have two X chromosomes, while male cats have one X and one Y chromosome. To inherit an orange coat, a female cat must have two copies of the orange gene – one on each X chromosome. In contrast, male cats only need one copy of the orange gene because they only have one X chromosome.
As a result, male orange cats are more common than female orange cats. According to CatBandit, the frequency of female orange cats born varies from one in 3000 to one in 5000, meaning that only 20% of orange cats are female.
Population
Cats are one of the most beloved and widespread pets globally, with their population exceeding 1 billion. However, the exact number of orange cats is difficult to determine.
According to World Population Review, the cat population by country in 2024 exceeds 480 million stray cats, while over 350 million cats live comfortably with their owners. It is not clear how many of these cats are orange.
Are orange cats among the rarer color variations in felines?
Orange cats are not among the rarest color variations in felines. In fact, they are quite common. However, the exact number of orange cats in the world is difficult to determine as there is no central registry of cat breeds and colors.
It’s worth noting that while orange cats are not rare, some specific breeds of orange cats may be harder to find than others.
Now that you’re done learning about how many orange cats are in the world, you might also find it interesting to check out our orange cat vs black cat article.