Whether you call them ginger, orange, marmalade, or even Garfield, there’s something undeniably charming about ginger cats. With their striking coats and big personalities, they tend to be the extroverts of the feline world.
But are ginger cats actually a breed? Nope. Much like tabby cats, ginger is a coat colour, not a breed, and it appears across multiple different breeds. However, some breeds are far more likely to rock that fiery orange look.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
✔ What makes a ginger cat ginger?
✔ Which breeds commonly have ginger coats?
✔ Common health concerns in ginger cats by breed
✔ Why most UK ginger cats are moggies
✔ How to tell what breed your ginger cat might be
Let’s settle the mystery once and for all.
Ginger cats aren’t a breed, but their colour comes from genetics. The orange fur is caused by a dominant gene linked to the X chromosome. Since males only have one X chromosome, they need just one copy of the ginger gene to be orange—which is why around 80% of ginger cats are male!
Female ginger cats, on the other hand, need two copies of the gene to show up as fully ginger, making them far less common. This is the same reason calico and tortoiseshell cats are nearly always female—their coat colour depends on multiple X chromosomes.
Ginger cats come in different patterns, often overlapping with tabby markings:
🐾 Classic ginger tabby: Large swirling patterns on their coat
🐾 Mackerel ginger tabby: Thin, tiger-like stripes
🐾 Spotted ginger tabby: Leopard-like spots instead of stripes
🐾 Ticked ginger tabby: Speckled fur with no obvious stripes or spots
Regardless of the pattern, all ginger cats are technically tabbies, even if their stripes are faint.
While any mixed-breed cat can be ginger, some pedigree breeds are more likely to carry the orange gene. Here are the most common ginger-friendly breeds, along with their key health concerns:
British Shorthairs come in many colours, but ginger is particularly striking against their stocky build and plush coat.
🔍 Health concerns:
✔ Obesity: These easygoing cats love lounging, so portion control is key.
✔ Dental Disease: Prone to tartar buildup, making dental care essential.
Maine Coons are one of the largest domestic cat breeds, and many come in stunning ginger coats. Their thick fur and long tails make them particularly eye-catching.
🔍 Health concerns:
✔ Hip Dysplasia: Due to their large size, joint issues are common.
✔ Heart Disease (HCM): Like many big breeds, they are at risk of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
With their long, flowing coats and flat faces, Persian cats look particularly dramatic in ginger. However, their luxurious fur comes with extra grooming needs.
🔍 Health concerns:
✔ Brachycephalic Issues: Their short noses can cause breathing difficulties.
✔ Eye & Tear Staining: Their flat faces often lead to tear duct problems.
Most ginger cats in the UK are Domestic Shorthairs, also known as moggies. These are mixed-breed cats with no set pedigree, meaning they come in all sizes and personalities.
Unlike pedigree breeds, moggies don’t have a defined genetic background, which means they come in a huge variety of traits. This mixed genetic pool makes them generally healthier than purebred cats, but they can still face common health challenges.
🔍 Health concerns:
✔ Obesity: Many indoor moggies gain weight if they’re not kept active.
✔ Dental Disease: Common in mixed-breed cats, especially as they age.
✔ Hyperthyroidism & Kidney Disease: More prevalent in older moggies.
✅ Positives:
✔ Generally healthier than purebred cats due to genetic diversity
✔ Wide variety of personalities and coat patterns
✔ Less expensive than pedigree breeds
❌ Negatives:
✔ Can be unpredictable in temperament
✔ Harder to identify potential breed-specific health risks
Since most ginger cats are moggies, it can be tricky to determine their breed background. However, you can look for certain key characteristics to get an idea:
🔍 Size & Build:
✔ Stocky & round? Likely some British Shorthair influence
✔ Large & long-haired? Possibly part Maine Coon
✔ Slim & delicate? Could have Abyssinian ancestry
🔍 Coat & Fur Length:
✔ Short, dense fur? Likely a Domestic Shorthair or British Shorthair
✔ Long, fluffy fur? Maine Coon or Persian influence
✔ Silky & fine fur? May have Burmese or Somali heritage
🔍 Personality & Behaviour:
✔ Laid-back & lazy? British Shorthair or Persian traits
✔ Highly vocal & social? Siamese or Oriental influence
✔ Extremely playful & active? Likely Bengal, Abyssinian, or a mixed working breed
A vet or pet DNA test can help give you a clearer idea of your ginger cat’s genetic background!
Ginger cats are full of charm, confidence, and curiosity, but they come in many different breeds and personalities. Whether you’ve got a laid-back British Shorthair, a fluffy Maine Coon, or a mystery moggie, one thing is for sure—ginger cats tend to steal the spotlight!
📅 Want to check up on your ginger cat’s health? Book a Vetsy consultation today—all online, all easy.
