Do you love Persian cats and are dying to adopt one? No one can blame you. After all, they are the most popular pedigreed feline breed in many countries, including the United States. These furry little guys have been faithful companions to humans for hundreds of years and have earned a very special place in the hearts of their families thanks to the incredible personality that characterizes the breed.
If we talk about looks, the Persian cat dazzles everyone with its long coat and distinctive physical characteristics, which make it a very recognizable cat, even those who claim not to be cat lovers can probably tell a Persian apart. These felines’ long, silky fur can come in various colors, from the famous white to gray, brown, and ginger.
Meet the Ginger Persian Cat
If you’re wondering about the ginger Persian cat, “Where have I seen it before?“, Well, of course, in the most famous cartoon cat, Garfield! If you want to know more about orange Persian cats, you’ve come to the right place since I have a list of interesting facts here.
Origin of Persian Cats
As its name suggests, this cat is native to the vast desert of Persia, present-day Iran, and its appearance is believed to date back to the 1500s, although it could also be earlier, as there is evidence of long-haired cats in the region from ancient times. Still, they could well be an ancestor of the modern Persian cat.
How does a cat from the harsh desert become a breed associated with the upper classes? Well, with the help of the right person. After attending the first cat show held in London in 1871, Queen Victoria was amazed by the exotic Persian cat. She introduced it to Europe, as she adopted several of them, which popularized the breed quickly among the elites of the United Kingdom and, consequently, the rest of the continent and the United States. What a way to make your debut in society.
Ginger Persian: Overview
The Persian is a medium-sized cat with short but muscular legs, a broad chest, and a short torso. As if this wasn’t already very distinctive, they have a characteristic flat face and a very short muzzle, adorned with a tiny button nose and large round eyes that sometimes make them look a bit grumpy.
Although Persian cats usually weigh between 7 and 12 pounds, they can look chubbier because they have an extensive and long coat (do Persian cats shed?), their silky fur can be of different colors and patterns, and ginger tabbies are a very special one.
One of the reasons why they are trendy is their tender temperament. The Persian cat is considered a very docile, calm, gentle feline and usually very affectionate with their human family. They have a relaxed nature, so you won’t see them running or jumping all over the house; they enjoy simple things, such as lying on a comfortable couch and contemplating the view. They make excellent companions for families with children and other pets, as they love to be petted and kept company.
Ginger Persian Cats: the science behind the Color
Genes are crucial for a cat to have that beautiful red color everyone loves. A feline must have the “O” gene, which is the one that produces red pigmentation, and it gets even more interesting when you consider that this gene has two distinct variations, “O” and “o,” which make a cat pigmentation and pattern so varied.
The gene is present on the X chromosome, as the male has only one X chromosome; its possible variations can be if it has the “O” variant, it will be a ginger, and if it has “o,” it will not be a ginger. Now, the female cat has two X chromosomes, therefore more “O” genes. If the cat has two “O” genes, she will be a redhead. If she has “o” and “o,” she will not be a redhead. If she has “O” and “o,” she will have red colorations in certain parts of her coat, but not in all, resulting in a kitten with a calico or tortoiseshell pattern, very sought-after patterns among cat lovers.
Ginger Persian cats: Fun facts
- All ginger cats are tabby. None of them have a plain reddish color. Although you may not notice it at first glance, if you get closer, you will notice that each hair has a pattern of lines.
- A female cat is less likely to be a ginger, as she would need ginger parents to inherit the gene, whereas a male cat only needs his mother to carry the gene.
- The original Persian cat didn’t have such a flat face. This was due to a genetic mutation. In the 1950s, a breeder got a litter with this feature and decided to continue breeding these cats with flat faces.
- They are the perfect sweet lap cat!
Ginger Persian Cat: The bottom line
Now you know a bit more about these wonderful cats, and if you are looking for a special companion to share your home with, the Ginger Persian cat is an option. Its relaxed nature and tender temperament make it easy to adjust to any home. Plus, their beautiful coat and particular coloration will make them stand out from the rest. What more could you ask for?
Do you have a Ginger Persian cat? Please share your stories with us in the comments! We’d love to hear them.