A Persian is one of the oldest and most interesting cat breeds. Once taken care of in the lap of royalty, these cats have continued to thrive and become popular throughout the years. Orange is one of the many colors that a Persian cat can have.
In this article, we intend to explore more about the Persian breed itself, since orange is only one color of the breed.
Race Overview
Colors:
Orange, and almost any other color
Suitable for:
Any home that loves cats
attitude:
Loving, open, calm, curious
Furry and elegant, the Persian is a stunning cat. Along with their good looks, they are also very easy-going and relaxed cats with a reputation for having excellent temperaments. Persians are used to almost any lifestyle.
So, if you are a Persian orange lover, chances are, they will suit you and your family.
The Earliest Notes of Orange Persian in History
The Persian cat has a long history with humans, but some of their history is unknown. We know that these cats originated in Iran (formerly Persia) and are believed to have arrived in Europe via spice caravans during the spice trade in the 1800s, where they became popular. Since orange has always been one of the possible Persian breed colors, it’s safe to say that this color combo has probably been around for hundreds of years.
How Orange Persians Gained Popularity
Persian cats began to gain popularity because they were favored by Queen Victoria, who owned several of them. These regal, poised cats gained popularity for the same reasons they are still popular today. They have exceptionally beautiful, long, thick coats and sharp eyes. Their coats look incredible in different colors.
Many of the oldest Persians are described as red in color, and are probably the orange Persians we know today. Modern Persians seem to have a phylogeographical signature. They were bred with influences from British Shorthair, Chartreux, and American Shorthair cats.
Persians have become widely sought after for their beauty and general temperament. Angora cats were almost equally popular during this period. Because of their similar appearance and personality, the two races are often confused.
Formal Recognition of the Persians
The Cat Fanciers’ Association was one of the first cat organizations to recognize the Persian cat, making it a foundation breed in 1906. Today, all major cat organizations, including the CFA and The International Cat Association (TICA) accept the orange Persian cat as just one of many recognized coat colors.
Top 5 Unique Facts About Persians
1. Orange Cats Are Mostly Male
What’s really interesting is that orange cats as a whole share a common theme, despite their breed. Up to 80% of all orange cats are actually male. That leaves a whopping 20% women.
It all comes down to chromosomes. For an orange female cat to come into the world, the parents need to have a matching pair of chromosomes responsible for the color orange. Otherwise, they will be male by default. So, not only are Persians more expensive due to being purebred, but you are also likely to pay more for a female due to their rarity.
2. Orange Persians Can Come in Different Patterns
Orange cats are generally considered tabby cats, although there are distinct patterns under the tabby category. First, you have your classic tabby. These cats have a slightly wavy coat. Next, you have the mackerel tabby, which resembles a wild tiger.
Spotted tabbies are exactly what they sound like, tabbies with spots! Next, is the ticked tabby which gives the illusion that they are a solid color until you take a closer look at their legs and face. Then, you’ll notice the tabby’s dark line of undertones in their coat.
Your orange Persian can be any of these.
3. Garfield is an Orange Persian Tabby Cat
At one time, Garfield was everyone’s favorite cat! It’s pretty obvious that he’s an orange cat, but what you might not know is that he’s modeled after a Persian. That’s right! Garfield is an orange-striped Persian cat.
4. Persian Cats are Brachycephalic
One of the most interesting things about a Persian’s appearance is their cute little pug-like nose. This is a structural anomaly that they share with many common dog breeds, including a Boxer, Pug, Bulldog, and more!
This structure gives them a rounded, shortened skull, which creates a slumped appearance and large, round eyes. However, this is not an original breed trait. The ancestors of the modern Persian actually resembled the Angora with a remarkably normal nose bridge.
6. Persians Can Be Almost Any Color
Persians are extremely versatile and can be any color in the cat lineup. So, if you see a different color of kitten in the litter when you’re looking for an orange Persian, you might find that you like it better.
Do Persians Make Good Pets?
Persians can make great pets! They can fit almost any lifestyle or situation, from apartment living to mansions! They get along well with children, other pets, and strangers. These docile cats love to play and cuddle.
Regardless of the mood, they are generally easy going and kind. While every cat has a different personality, the Persian tends to be very affectionate with its owners. They can be very trainable, the basic concepts are often easy to grasp.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve gotten to know the Persian breed a bit, with a focus on orange, how do you feel? Is the race a match for you? As we mentioned, Persians are incredibly versatile cats that adapt to a number of situations.
So, if an orange Persian sounds like a solid pet and you want to learn more, we encourage you to find licensed, reputable Persian breeders in your area.
Featured Image Credit: Marcelino Pozo Ruiz, Shutterstock
