Are All Ginger Cats Male: Yes or No?

Are all ginger cats male? We’ve decided to unpack this popular myth and get down to some fun chromosome data. What better time to dispel this widespread misconception than now? In this article, we’ll also debunk another misconception about tabby cats being a cat breed.

Without further ado, let’s get into the how and why of these gorgeous little tigers…

What you need to know about ginger cats

Despite not technically being a breed, ginger cats are known for their distinctive coloration, which ranges from orange to golden. Recognised for their tiger-like appearance and friendly personalities, ginger cats are some of the most popular cats in town.

Did you know that Ginger Cat Appreciation Day happens on the 1st of September every year? To mark this special occasion, cat lovers around the world celebrate red, orange, auburn, yellow and strawberry-coated cats. Of course, every day is a good one to celebrate your cat, and every coat colour is a-meowsing in its own right!

Speaking of amazing, find out more about black cats and how Siamese kittens change colour. That’s dinner party trivia right there.

And while we’re talking appreciating the ginge, here are some clever ways to make your ginger cat feel as pawsome as possible:

• Love your pet these 10 ways
• Cat beds and other great gifts for cats
• Pamper your cat with these top tips
• Know what do cats like to eat for breakfast

Check out this hilarious video of ginger cat antics:

So, are all ginger cats male?

Many people believe that all ginger cats are male. However, you do get female ginger cats too. This popular misconception is not entirely fabricated, but it’s a very broad generalisation to say the least.

For every ginger female cat, you’ll find there are about three ginger males. Let’s take a quick look at why…

Ginger cats and genetics

Let’s talk science. The reason ginger cats are usually ginger is genetics.

Genetic information maps the way we look and it can be exclusive to a specific chromosome. For example, the ginger gene in cats is only in the X chromosome.

Male cats have one X chromosome, whereas females have two. What does this mean? Put simply, females need two copies of this gene to become ginger. In other words, it’s less likely to get this match in a female than in a male.

Ginger cat dads can father tortoiseshell kittens and the occasional ginger. When a ginger dad pairs up with a ginger mum, you get a whole batch of ginger kittens! Meow.

Here’s what Dr Cath has to share in the PD Pet Care vlog about how whether all ginger cats are male:

Ginger cats are always tabbies

Ginger cats share one key characteristic aside from their orange coloration, which is that they’re tabbies. “Tabby” describes a coat pattern consisting of stripes, swirls, and spots of colour. It’s common to find this pattern in both wild and domestic cats.

Ginger cats are always tabbies, but not all tabbies are ginger! Tabby is actually a coat type (and not a breed, which is another common misconception). Lots of breeds sport tabby coats. A tabby coat signature is an ‘M’ shaped pattern in the fur on the forehead. According to Egyptian lore, legend is that “M” stands for the Egyptian word mau, which means cat, as well as the sound the cat makes.

Cool fact: Tabbies have stripes long before they’re born!

Researchers observed embryonic skin cells in feline foetal cells under a microscope, which resembled fur markings they’d have later in life.

Psst … Is reading about this type of cat making you wonder which cat (or dog) YOU may be at heart? Find out what breed you are and share it with your friends – click below:

5 types of tabby cat colours and patterns

1. Spotted Tabby – The spotted tabby is covered with spots of varying sizes and shapes.
2. Ticked Tabby – Compared to stereotypical tabby cats, these cats look the least like them. Despite their forehead markings and possible stripes on their faces, their coat appears solid at a distance. When viewed up close, their agouti hair has the standard light and dark banding that tabbies have. A prime example of the ticked tabby coloration is the Abyssinian cat breed.
3. Patched Tabby – Also known as torbie, these cats have random patches of red or cream and a darker colour (black, blue, or brown).
4. Classic Tabby – One of the most recognizable ginger cats is the classic tabby, which has a swirling pattern of varying orange shades.
5. Mackerel Tabby – Often referred to as tiger cats, Mackerel Tabbies have one solid dark stripe along their spine, along with numerous branching stripes. As the name implies, this pattern resembles a fish’s skeleton.

First-time cat owners, families, and other cat lovers will love tabby cats. Research the breed and ask about the cat’s early life experiences before you adopt or purchase a cat. For first-time cat owners and for those who want to prepare for their furkid before bringing them home, check out the articles below:

• First Time Pet Owner: Preparing Mentally
• Your How-To Guide for Comparing Pet Insurance Plans
• Should I Get a Pet if I Work Full Time: Yay or Nay?

What kind of fur do tabby cats have?

Another cool tabby signature is their fur. As mentioned above, tabbies have agouti fur, which has patterned pigmentation. Each strand of fur has light and dark segments that catch the light differently. One of the most famous ginger tabbies of all time is the lasagne scoffing Garfield. Read about him and other famous cats here.

Now that you know that not all but most ginger cats are male, watch this cute kitten make friends with a hatchling:

Did you know that ugly cat breeds is a trending search term? But is there really such a thing? Read this 3 “Ugly Cat Breeds” That Make Cute Pets article to find out.

Cat insurance for cats of all stripes

Cat insurance will help your cat stay healthy and safe regardless of it being ginger, calico, girl or boy. Cats are independent creatures and, unlike dogs, won’t usually tell you when they’re hurt. That means your cat might need emergency medical assistance by the time you discover something’s wrong.

But whether it’s a case of the unexpected or the known, pet insurance helps pay those bills and reduce your costs. For example, PD Insurance plans help cover vet costs for testing and treatment of accidents and illnesses, including hospitalisation, prescription meds and so much more!

With pet health cover, you can keep your focus where you need it most – on your pet and not your pocket.