Cats are possibly the most popular pets in the world, despite the fact that they can be standoffish, cranky, and sometimes downright mean! Most fur parents, at some stage, find themselves struggling with how to deal with their cat’s behavior. But, while our whiskered companions can be aloof and independent, on the whole they still bring us a whole lot of joy!
Orange – particularly ginger tabby – tends to be quite a common coat color in cats. And, if you are planning to adopt one, you might find yourself asking – are orange cats mean?
At first glance, orange cats might seem fierce and unfriendly due to their attention-grabbing, “hot” color. Think about lions or tigers, which are the same orange color – if you see one, your first impression of these animals would probably be aggression.
But orange cats are actually no different from any other cat you might have encountered! So, let us dive in and discover the sweet demeanor of ginger kitties and why they make the perfect furry friend for anyone.
Orange cat personality traits
Many cat parents describe their orange cats as playful, adventurous, and energetic. They are also intelligent and can often be quite independent. Like most other cats, ginger kitties have a strong sense of curiosity and will always explore their surroundings.
Ginger cats can get along with other cats and dogs in the household, too! But remember that every cat is an individual, so not all orange cats might tolerate other pets in your family. Some cats are also more prone to being cold and distant, especially when meeting strangers in the house.
Overall, a kitten’s upbringing plays a far more important role than coat color when it comes to shaping their personality. Nevertheless, we have summarized below some of the best traits commonly observed in orange kitties:
1. Orange cats are intelligent
“Orange cats are dumb” – this is a common myth that circulates on the internet these days! But, contrary to what some people might think, orange cats are as intelligent as their multi-colored peers. In fact, the cat’s color does not influence its intelligence or temperament.
Hence, it is possible for some orange tabbies to be highly intelligent, depending on their breed. For example, orange Abyssinian cats are likely smarter and more trainable than orange cats of other breeds.
2. Orange cats are friendly and outgoing
While some orange cats can be aloof, it does not necessarily make them less friendly or more mean. In fact, a lot of cat owners find orange kitties the most loving companions. They can be great pets if you are looking to adopt a calmer feline who enjoys hanging out with you.
Orange cats are also thought by some to be more vocal than other cat colors, usually not hesitating to meow when they want something. Since they can be more outgoing than some other solid-colored or tabby cats, it is not uncommon for them to come right up to you and introduce themselves.
3. Orange cats are affectionate
Ginger kitties are also known for their affectionate nature!
Cats are naturally pretty independent animals. They are clean, quiet, and self-sufficient – but that does not mean they do not want to be loved! Some cats might not be the best pets for families with toddlers, but they are perfect for an older couple or someone living on their own. And some people believe that orange cats become attached to their owners more quickly than cats of other colors.
In general, orange cats love to cuddle, while most are also playful and active. They have a warm and friendly temperament, so if you are looking for a cat who will never want to leave your side, then you should definitely consider getting an orange kitty.
4. Orange cats are adventurous
Orange cats are known to be outgoing and adventurous! They love meeting new people, exploring new places, and sleeping in the sun. These curious felines love being around other cats, too. They can be people-oriented, depending on how they were raised, but like any other cat, orange kitties also need some alone time to recharge.
If you love kittens that are inquisitive and enjoy exploring their surroundings, then an orange cat might be your ideal furry companion.
Are orange cats mean?
Orange cats are typically sweet and gentle felines. They are not inherently aggressive unless they are defending themselves or their territory. They may not be for everyone, but many people find them to be the perfect companions.
One possible reason why orange cats are considered mean is that this coat color is to be more common in male cats. Orange is linked to the X chromosome, so it is rare to find a female orange cat, unless she is multi-colored. Males are generally larger in size than their female counterparts, and this can make them appear more aggressive and dominant.
Are orange tabby cats aggressive?
Despite being really popular pets in the US, orange tabby cats are often misjudged. Ginger tabbies are no more aggressive than any other cat. Some people believe that the stripes are a sign of aggression, and that domestic cats with solid colors are more docile.
However, there is no scientific evidence to support this speculation. Orange tabbies can have varying personalities, depending on their upbringing and genetics. Those that are not spayed or neutered are also more prone to behavioral issues, such as territorial aggression, excessive vocalization, and frequent roaming during the mating season.
Do orange cats have an attitude?
Cats are typically portrayed as independent animals that like to be left alone, and orange cats are no exception! They can also be aloof and naughty, just like any cat of another color.
So, yes – it is possible for most orange cats to have “cattitude.” But it is also for exactly these traits that so many pet owners are charmed by these ginger beauties!
Do orange cats bite?
The answer to this question is not just a simple yes or no! Cats have a wide range of personalities and some are more likely to bite a human than others, depending on their past and their level of socialization. Some cats can also be pretty protective of their territory, making them prone to engaging in cat fights, especially if they live in a multiple-cat household. Cats might also attack an unfamiliar animal, such as a dog, if it invades their place of residence.
But, as mentioned already, orange cats are not inherently aggressive unless they have a strong reason to be so. They are only likely to bite you when they feel scared or defensive, which could stem from their past or from a present situation. Depending on the breed, ginger cats are generally loving and gentle!
How to deal with temperament issues
If your orange tabby seems a bit grumpier than most cats you know, here is what you need to do. First, try to determine the cause. Sometimes, cats can become mean if there is not enough enrichment in their environment. Remember that a bored cat is a crabby cat!
Illness can also make a cat irritable, especially when petted or touched on painful areas. If your kitty seems to be avoiding your touch and displays other drastic behavioral changes such as irritability, frequent sleeping, becoming less playful than usual, and reduced appetite, then do not delay a visit to the vet!
Lastly, if everything seems fine with your ginger friend and he is just feisty, naughty, and unfriendly most of the time, then some positive reinforcement might work. Tasty treats and attention are some of the best motivators for cats, so you can use these to reward your feline friend for the right behavior.
Just avoid using punishment if your pet misbehaves. Remember that yelling and hitting a cat will only cause fear and owner avoidance! Simply stop giving the cat any attention if he starts acting up, and reward only the behaviors that you want.
Conclusion
There are several factors that influence a cat’s personality. If your orange cat is acting mean and unfriendly, he probably has his reasons. It could be due to discomfort, pain, past trauma, boredom, or even genetics. If you can figure out why your orange kitty is being mean, it will be a lot easier to address the underlying issue.
The bottom line is that the link between a cat’s personality and its coat color is purely speculation! As such, these rumors should not stop you from adopting a beautiful ginger kitty. Just be ready to address any challenges your feline friend might face, and you will have a purrfect relationship to cherish for years!
Image: istockphoto.com / Yuliya