Why is orange cat personality perceived as being different? The study authors suggest that it may be down to how they’re portrayed in the media, with certain orange cat cartoon characters shaping people’s perceptions. “We hope that this study will be a starting point for further research in what qualities affect adoption and retention of pet cats, and whether there is a genetic or physical basis (such as coat color) for personality differences in cats.”

“To date there is little evidence that these perceived differences between differently colored cats actually exist,” lead study author Mikel Delgado explained in a statement at the time. “Additionally, many personality/appearance-based studies look at other types of personality such as ‘stubborn’, which most credible behaviorists would not be looking at, or describing as, due to the fact it is an incredibly subjective term that comes from a very anthropocentric and anthropomorphic view of interactions between humans and cats.”

“Many studies into behavior and appearance are surveys or questionnaires given to the owner/care-giver and we must understand that individuals' understand of labels such as ‘friendly’ will vary drastically,” Warren-Cummings explained. However, this all comes down to people’s subjective observations of cats. White cats were seen as more aloof, shy, calm, and low in activity, friendliness and boldness black cats didn’t have any traits that were rated particularly differently from other colors bi-colored cats were perceived as friendly and low in aloofness and tri-colored cats seen as aloof, intolerant, and low in friendliness. They found that orange cats were rated “relatively high in friendliness and low in aloofness and shyness” compared to other colors of kitty. The researchers focused on human perceptions of cat personality, surveying 189 cat owners on the personalities of their feline companions. “However, studies of domestic cats have shown mixed results regarding a potential relation between coat color and personality.” Some associations between coat color and behavior have been found in some mammal species, explain the authors of a 2015 study. “Some studies suggest that there may be a link between behavior and coat color, however, there’s no significant or conclusive evidence and the consideration of coat color is not something that shapes our decision-making process when considering differentials in why the cat may be behaving a certain way,” Warren-Cummings told IFLScience. But is this in any way linked to the hue of their fur? The 'orange cat behavior' meme portrays orange cats as lovable agents of chaos that are a touch more foolish than their feline brethren. “There is a prevalent myth that male cats are more ‘friendly’ than female cats, which if true would likely be a reason why more people find ginger cats ‘more friendly’ but the reality is that that is still an unknown.” What does the research say?Ĭats are certainly expressive little creatures, with a recent study identifying 276 unique feline facial expressions and a 2021 study identifying seven distinct kitty personality traits. “Coat color can be linked to other aspects such as sex (more ginger male cats than female) or breed these areas are under represented in terms of study,” Central Behavior Officer of UK charity Cats Protection, Daniel Warren-Cummings, told IFLScience.

They are referred to as caliby and torbie, respectively.So how rare is a female orange cat? There are around three males for every one female ginger cat thanks to this genetic quirk.

Patched: These patterns are recognized when patches of tabby markings appear on a calico or tortoiseshell cat.

Cats with an all-ticked pattern almost shimmer in the sunlight because of the color variation. If you look closely, you'll see different bands of color down the length of the cat's hair.

Ticked: Most tabby cats will have agouti hairs as part of their pattern.

Spotted: The Ocicat and the American bobtail are good examples of spotted tabby patterns, although some moggies will also demonstrate this color pattern.

They will have a darker color in spots running in two lines across their tummies (called 'vest buttons').

Mackerel tabbies have striped rings around their tail and legs, a 'necklace' of stripes on the front of their chests, and bands of solid or broken stripes running down the sides of their bodies. Mackerel (striped): This is by far the most common pattern, so much so that some people think it should have received the title 'classic' designation.Many American shorthair cats demonstrate this pattern. Classic: This pattern usually has whorls ending in a 'target' on the side of the cat.

Tabby cat personality orange