Most Orange Cats Are Male-Here's the Surprising Reason Why

If you've never met an orange female cat, you're not alone. Roughly 80% of orange cats are males, which makes female orange cats a rare commodity. But why is this?

The reason most orange cats are male comes down to genetics, and scientists in both Japan and the US have finally confirmed which chromosome is responsible for the fascinating phenomenon. Their study was published in 2025 in Current Biology, but their findings have changed the way people view orange cats forever.

Why Most Orange Cats Are Male

The gene responsible for giving orange cats their ginger color, Arhgap36, is located on the X chromosome, an essential sex chromosome shared by both males and females. A genetic mutation (a deletion in the DNA sequence) must occur for the gene to be activated, leading to increased activity in the body's pigment cells. The result is orange fur.

Related: Unbothered Orange Cat Steals an Entire Brisket Straight From the Slow Cooker

Here's where things get interesting. Although males and females are just as likely to inherit the mutation from their parents, males are much more likely to have orange fur as a result of the mutation. This is because male cats have the XY sex chromosomes, so if they carry the Arhgap36 mutation on the X chromosome, it will be expressed in their fur color.

Why Female Orange Cats Are Rare

Female cats, on the other hand, have two X chromosomes. This means they must inherit the Arhgap36 mutation from both of their parents in order for it to result in orange fur. Statistically, this is significantly less likely to happen, making female orange cats very special.

SIGN UP to get "pawsitivity" delivered right to your inbox with inspiring & entertaining stories about our furry & feathered friends

Instead, when a female cat inherits one mutation on the X chromosome, she becomes either a calico or tortoiseshell cat. A calico cat has a coat with patches of black, white, and orange fur, while a tortoiseshell cat typically has a predominantly black and orange coat with a mottled pattern.

Next time you see an orange cat, you'll know exactly why they look the way they do. Consider it just another reason to appreciate the orange cat personality in all of its glory!

Copyright 2026 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved

This story was originally published May 8, 2026 at 5:45 PM.