Kalfa / Shutterstock.com
When I think about red tabby cats, I remember my first family pet, Dominic—a stray red tabby that adopted us. He simply appeared on our front porch one day, meowing insistently for food. Despite not being “cat people,” we couldn’t resist his charm. Before long, Dominic made himself at home and was soon a beloved member of the family. With him, my love for cats was born.
Red tabby cats, also known as orange tabbies or ginger tabbies, are among some of the most popular and adored cats around. Their beautiful color and playful personalities make them favorites amongst cat lovers, but there’s more to these felines that make them so fascinating. Here are 10 things you might not know about red tabby cats.
1. It’s All in the Genes
Red tabby cats owe their vibrant coloration to a specific gene known as the “orange” or “O” gene, which is found on the X chromosome. This gene determines the production of an orange pigment called pheomelanin. This is the same pigment responsible for red hair in humans. The intensity of the red color in the fur can vary greatly between individual cats, ranging from a pale orange to a deep, rich red.
The distinctive striped pattern that tabbies are known for comes from the agouti gene, which controls the distribution of pigment in their coat. This results in a pattern known as agouti patterning, and affects whether a cat will display a solid color or have a classic tabby coat pattern.
2. It’s (Mostly) a Boy’s Club
Because the gene for orange color is carried on the X chromosome, most red tabbies are male cats. Female cats need two copies of the gene (one on each X chromosome) to display the striking orange color, whereas males only need one.
This does not mean that female red tabbies don’t exist. In my childhood, my family adopted a female red tabby kitten at one point, but at the time, we didn’t realize how rare she was; only one in five red tabby cats (or about 20%) are female.
3. Tabby Patterns Come in Different Styles
Red tabby cats aren’t all identical. Five types of tabby patterns can appear on a red tabby: classic (swirls), mackerel (stripes), spotted (dots or rosettes), patched (colorful patches of fur with tabby markings), ticked (flecks or specks).
While the mackerel tabby pattern is the most common among red tabbies, making them look like mini tigers, you can find all five variations, making each cat unique. These patterns are determined by other genes interacting with the orange gene. Red tabbies can have short hair or long hair.
Making for an even more unique appearance, a red tabby kitten might not look exactly like the adult cat they will grow into. Red tabbies tend to darken in color as they age, meaning a bright orange kitten might develop into a richer, deeper shade of red as it matures.
Some cats may even develop black freckles on their nose and lips. Each red tabby cat also possesses a distinctive M-mark on their forehead, no matter which tabby pattern they display.
4. A Unique Type, but Not a Breed
Many people assume that the red tabby is a specific breed. However, red tabby refers to a coat color and pattern, not a breed. Cats of various breeds, including domestic shorthairs, Maine Coons, and Persians, can display red tabby coloring. Their defining characteristic is their bright coat, but their body size, shape, and length of hair can vary depending on their breed.
5. Marmalade Cats: A UK Tradition
Red tabby cats can have fur colors that range from pale orange to deep, vibrant red. Kamyshnikova Viktoria /Shutterstock.com
In the United Kingdom, red or orange cats are often affectionately referred to as “marmalade cats” due to their vibrant, orange color resembling the sweet fruit preserve. This nickname is particularly common in British culture, and it’s a term used to describe any cat possessing that bright, fiery coat.
In fact, the infamous British Prime Minister Winston Churchill was particularly fond of marmalade cats. His most famous cat, a red tabby named Jock, was given to him as a gift during the later years of his life. Churchill adored Jock so much that he insisted a marmalade cat with a white bib and paws always reside at his family home, Chartwell, even after his death. Churchill got his wish, and to this day, the tradition continues, and a marmalade cat named Jock still resides at Chartwell.
6. Sweet Temperaments and Big Personalities
Red tabby cats are often described as affectionate, outgoing, and sociable. They tend to form strong bonds with their owners and are known for their friendly and sometimes mischievous personalities. This definitely describes my Dominic’s personality.
He liked to jump up on our screen door and hang there by his claws, his silhouette suddenly visible in the frosted glass pane of the door. He startled us more than a few times, and when we went outside to say hello, he was always purring and ready to be adored by us.
7. It’s Always Sunny With Red Tabbies
The vibrant orange and red color of red tabby cats, along with their pink noses, is often associated with warmth and positivity. Along with their outgoing and lovable personalities, it’s not surprising that they have earned endearing nicknames like “sunshine cats.” If you want a cat that brings warmth and joy into your home, a red tabby might just be the perfect match.
8. They Are Bundles of Energy
Red tabbies have a tendency to be friendly and social, and they are also known to be highly energetic. These cats love to play, climb, and explore. They tend to get along well with children and other pets, making them great for families. They typically enjoy interactive play and are quick to chase after toys. They sometimes even display dog-like behaviors, such as playing fetch!
9. They Have a Place in Pop Culture
Red tabby cats have held a special place in the hearts of humanity for a long time. This is evident in their popularity in literature, movies, and cartoons. Famous fictional orange cats include the lazy lasagna-loving Garfield, the mischievous alley-cat Heathcliff of comic and cartoon fame, the charming, swashbuckling Puss in Boots from the Shrek movies, and the adorable streetwise kitten Oliver from Disney’s Oliver and Company, to name a few.
10. They Can Be Prone to Obesity
The signature “M” marking on the tabby forehead adds to their unique aesthetic and charm. Glasshouse Images / Shutterstock.com
Red tabby cats, with their high energy levels, might seem like they would stay slim and agile. However, they can be prone to obesity, especially as they age. Just like one of pop culture’s most beloved red tabby cats, Garfield, their love for food (which sometimes includes human food) can lead them to overeat if their portions aren’t closely monitored. Red tabby owners should ensure they’re providing a balanced diet and plenty of opportunities for exercise to keep their tabbies in top shape.
Red tabby cats are more than just their gorgeous coats. With their playful, friendly nature and rich history in both culture and genetics, these cats are a favorite among cat lovers for a reason. Whether it’s their fun and friendly personalities or unique coat patterns, red tabby cats have a special way of winning over hearts.
