Depending on the breed of cat and its individual genetics, the tabby pattern can be localized to patches on certain body parts, or it could cover the entire body of the cat. Orange Tabby cats are known for their colorful coats and unique patterns which can include:

• Mackerel Tabby - the iconic “tiger cat”
• Classic Tabby - bold, swirling patterns
• Spotted Tabby - bright spots of varying size
• Ticked Tabby - stripes or spots are very subtle
• Patched Tabby - Tabby markings mixed patched of solid colors

Ten Facts About Orange Tabbies

1. All orange cats are tabbies (though not all tabbies are orange).
2. All orange cats have an “M” on their forehead. Though various legends attribute the “M” to everyone from the Virgin Mary to Mohammed, the real, science-backed explanation is in their DNA. The trademark “M” marking is caused by the same gene that gives orange cats their tabby pattern.
3. Four out of five orange tabby cats are born male (80 percent of orange kittens will be boys). Why? The marmalade color comes from a sex-linked gene, with the X chromosome being responsible for the orange-colored fur.
4. Orange cats are known to be talkers. According to Gary Weitzman, head veterinarian at the San Diego Humane Society, cat personalities are tied to coat color—and orange cats are far and away the most talkative of the bunch!
5. Many orange cats have dark freckles around their nose and/or gums. This is caused by a genetic condition caused lentigo, which is common in calico and tortoiseshell cats. Lentigo increases in the number of pigment-producing cells, causing the freckles. Lentigo is not cause for worry, though if you notice any changes, talk with your vet.
6. Orange cats have something in common with our red-headed friends. A specific pigment called pheomelanin causes the orange coat color. This is the same pigment that causes red hair in humans.
7. While there’s no scientific studies to back this, orange cats are thought to be friendlier and more affectionate than other cats. This could be because 80% of orange cats are male, and male cats tend to be more social and affectionate with both humans and other cats.
8. There are no cats with solid-colored orange coats. All tabby cats, including those that are orange, have a patterned coat caused by the agouti gene. This gene results in one of five possible tabby patterns: mackerel (tiger stripes), ticked (fur with alternating light and dark stripes), spotted, patched (combination of patches that are darker in color than the rest of the body), and classic (a swirled pattern).
9. Orange Tabby cats tend to be slightly larger and taller than other cats. This is likely because most orange cats are males.
10. Though all Orange Tabby cats have individual personalities, consensus says these cats like to relax. Easy-going and laid-back, orange tabby cats are perfect snuggle buddies.