Basic Information
Orange Cats: Also known as domestic cats, orange cats are quite common in rural areas. Nowadays, an increasing number of families are keeping orange cats as pets. On the internet, there is a popular phrase “orange seat” and the use of expressions like “prioritize the big orange,” highlighting the widespread affection for these feline companions.
As one of the most common cat types in China, orange cats have become sought-after pets overseas. It’s important to note that “orange cat” is not a specific breed; rather, it is a term based on coat color. In other words, any cat with an orange coat can be referred to as an orange cat. However, when we mention an orange cat, we generally mean a domestic cat with an orange coat.
Physical Characteristics
Fur Color: The fur of orange cats usually comes in two patterns – solid orange and orange-and-white mix.
1. Solid Orange: Cats with this coloration typically have light white stripes on their bodies, with only a few displaying white on their bellies.
2. Orange-and-White Mix: These cats have large orange patches alternating with a white base coat.
3. Patterns: Orange cats can exhibit up to four patterns, with the most classic being tabby patterns (classic tabby) and mackerel tabby patterns (fishbone pattern).
4. Tiger Stripes: Orange cats boast the highest occurrence of tabby patterns worldwide. A distinctive feature of tabby patterns is the “M” shape on their foreheads.
Color Features:
1. White with Yellow Spots: Known as “embroidered tiger” (bicolor).
2. Yellow Body, White Belly: Named “gold-covered silver bed” (van pattern).
3. Yellow patches on a White or Black Cat: Referred to as “general’s seal.”
4. White Body, Yellow Tail: Called “gold hairpin in a silver vase” or “gold thread hanging silver vase.”
Personality Traits
Temperament: Amongst the rural cat breeds, orange cats exhibit the gentlest disposition. They are naturally friendly towards humans and enjoy being in their company. Anytime you feel like petting a cat, you can easily stroke the orange cat basking in the sun. Most orange cats are affectionate and allow strangers to pet them.
Apart from their gentleness, orange cats are also quite brave. They are skilled hunters, particularly adept at catching mice. Unlike other imported foreign pet cats, orange cats inherently feel a sense of duty to catch mice. Faced with a mouse, they are fierce and swift. With an orange cat at home, you won’t see any signs of mice or cockroaches.
Independence is another notable characteristic of orange cats. Although they are friendly, they are not overly clingy. Orange cats don’t rely on their owners to entertain them; they are content to amuse themselves. Even if they aren’t fed on time, orange cats will venture out to find food on their own. Many caretakers of orange cats know that it’s common for them to occasionally go out to play for a few days and then return home, so there’s no need to worry about them.
Care Guidelines
Feeding: Taking care of an orange cat is straightforward. As a domestic cat, they are not at all finicky. They have strong adaptability and robust health, rarely falling ill. Orange cats eat a variety of foods, unlike other pet cats that may be more delicate. However, this also means they can easily gain weight due to their willingness to eat anything.
If you choose to keep an orange cat, it will be much easier to manage. Moreover, mature orange cats tend to be quite lazy. They may lounge in the sun for an entire afternoon, and you won’t need to spend much time entertaining them. There’s no need to worry about them getting upset or depressed. In summary, compared to other pet cats, orange cats are very low-maintenance when it comes to food, care, and overall health.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
1. Affordable: The biggest advantage of orange cats is their affordability. Unlike other pet cats, where certain breeds can cost thousands, orange cats are much more budget-friendly, often available for just a few dozen dollars. You might even stumble upon a stray orange cat on the roadside or find them easily in rural areas, making them even more accessible.
2. Low-Maintenance: Orange cats have an independent nature, requiring less prolonged companionship from their owners. They are generally healthy, resilient, and rarely get sick, minimizing the owner’s concerns and efforts related to their health.
3. Friendly: Despite their independence, orange cats are also gentle and not prone to scratching. They willingly approach their owners and have a good temperament. When you want to pet them, they will voluntarily lie down, making it a hassle-free experience without any temper tantrums.
4. Non-Picky Eaters: Orange cats don’t have the finicky eating habits that can be a concern for cat owners. They are not selective about their food, happily consuming whatever their owners provide. This makes feeding them easy and stress-free, contributing to a positive owner experience.
It’s essential for cat owners to avoid regularly feeding leftover food to orange cats. Instead, a healthy cat food diet, preferably low in salt and oil, is recommended. There’s no need for treats or canned food, although occasional indulgence is acceptable.
Cons:
1. Potential for Obesity: Orange cats are particularly prone to gaining weight due to their indiscriminate eating habits and lazy demeanor. Overfeeding can lead to excessive weight gain, impacting the cat’s health. Owners should be mindful of the portion sizes to prevent overeating.
2. Tendency to Wander: Because of their independent and playful nature, orange cats may wander away from home. Although they usually return after a few days of exploration, their unpredictable tendency to leave without notice can make it unclear who is the master and who is the pet.
3. Laziness: Mature orange cats can be extremely lazy, preferring to lie down rather than sit or stand. They may spend an entire day lazily basking in the sun, indifferent to calls. This laziness contributes to their potential for obesity, making it one of the reasons they tend to put on weight.