Orange Persian cats are not a new sight to see, as they are all-time favorites for many. With their appealing looks, lovable personality, and unmatched companionship, it’s no wonder orange Persian cats are well-loved.
Though Persian cats come in a wide array of coat colors and patterns, we can agree that the solid orange coat is a classic. But does its orange hue affect the orange Persian cat’s temperament? What makes orange Persian cats special?
Whether you’re interested in owning an orange Persian or you’re just a curious cat lover, you’re welcome to learn all about this beautiful feline. In this article, I’ll talk about the orange Persian cat’s history, appearance, health, and more.
What Is an Orange Persian Cat?
The orange Persian cat is a color variant of the Persian cat, which is one of the most popular cats of all time. An orange Persian cat’s coat may range from gold to red. These felines are fairly common, though you are more likely to come across an orange tabby Persian than a solid-colored one.
If the orange Persian cat looks familiar to you, it’s because you’ve seen one many times before. Many of people’s favorite onscreen cats are actually orange-colored, including Garfield, which is an orange Persian cat.
Besides this feline’s TV exposure, you can spot orange Persian cats in households, pet stores, pet parks — everywhere! That is because this breed is the fourth most popular cat breed in the United States.
As soon as Persian cats arrived in the United States in the 19th century, these felines were the choice for companions of many families. But did you know that orange Persian cats used to be non-existent?
The early Persian cats were known to have gray fur. But thanks to years and years of selectively breeding Persian cats with other longhaired cats, we can now see them in various colors, including orange.
Are Orange Persian Cats Rare?
Generally speaking, orange is quite a common coat color that we see in cats. In fact, the infamous feline fictional character, Garfield, is based on an orange Persian cat.
With the abundant presence of felines with orange coats on television, cat fanciers have developed an extraordinary love for them. Still, it goes without saying that orange Persian kittens are not rare.
Ironically, though, what you’ll never catch a sight of is an orange Persian cat with a solid-colored coat. This is all thanks to its complicated genetic makeup! It’s a whole complex topic that we will touch on later on in this article.
The strips are never a downside to orange Persian kittens as they help enhance the cats’ appearance.
If you wish to know more about cat patterns, feel free to read our guide on the four different coat patterns — torbie, tabby, tortie, and calico.
Orange Persian Cat Appearance: What Does an Orange Persian Cat Look Like?
Their looks are only some of the many reasons why cat lovers fancy orange Persian cats. With their captivating and charming physical qualities, it would be hard not to swoon over these ginger Persians.
Orange Persian cats are medium-sized felines that can weigh anywhere between 7 and 12 pounds. The average orange Persian cat has a height of 10 to 15 inches.
For reference, orange Persian cats typically grow as tall as the Siamese cat, Norwegian Forest Cat, and British Shorthair.
Orange Persian cats are famous for their innocent-looking faces, which are composed of their round eyes, full cheeks, snub nose, and tiny, round-tipped ears. They have big, round heads sitting on their short and ruffed neck.
Moreover, orange Persian cats have muscular bodies supported by their chunky legs. You will notice that their round paws have toe tufts. These things help them minimize noise while stalking their prey.
In terms of coat, the orange Persian cat has a long, thick, shiny, and fine coat covered in an orange hue. Their cloud-like orange coat makes them look fluffy and huggable.
It’s important to note that there are other variations of the orange Persian cat breed. The physical attributes we mentioned above correspond to the orange Doll Face Persian cats. This variety is the closest to the traditional orange Persians.
Meanwhile, orange Peke-face or show Persians have similar features to the Doll Face Persian, except for its face shape. There are also orange teacup Persian cats, which are basically tiny versions of the orange Persian cat.
Orange Persian Cat Color Genetics: What Makes a Persian Cat Orange?
Orange Persian cats inherit their coat color from their parents. Orange locus, a sex-linked gene, determines whether an offspring will produce an orange or non-orange coat.
The O allele brings pheomelanin or red pigment, while the o allele brings eumelanin, which is black or brown.
Now, let’s have a quick recall on genetics – female kittens have two X chromosomes, while male kittens have only one X chromosome.
To produce an orange kitten, there has to be a pheomelanin or O allele found in the X chromosome of the male parent. The pheomelanin will completely displace eumelanin, which results in an orange hue in the offspring’s fur.
The way this works is that the “oo” genotype results in a non-orange Persian cat, while the “Oo” genotype results in a tortoiseshell Persian cat. For a Persian kitten to have a solid orange coat, it has to have the OO genotype.
However, studies suggest that all orange cats are actually tabbies. This is because the orange gene is epistatic to non-agouti. Thus, all orange kittens come with visible markings, some only fainter than the others.
Orange Persian Cat Temperament: Do Orange Persian Cats Make Good Family Cats?
Persian cats, regardless of coat color, are known for specific characteristics. They are said to be quiet, relaxed but social, clingy, and affectionate.
National Geographic says that a cat’s coat color is linked to behavior up to some degree. However, that is still up for debate.
Regardless, the orange Persian is a cat that enjoys attention, cuddles, and playtime. That said, they are not the type to demand it. You can definitely leave your orange Persian cat alone if you need to.
Orange Persian kittens also tend to be aloof and reserved around new people and pets. But, wait until they get to know them, and you’ll see why they are dubbed as the epitome of an affable companion!
In terms of training and intelligence, most Persian owners would agree that these felines are not enthusiastic about learning and moving around in general. Their physical structure and royal history are to blame for that.
This does not make them less of a wonderful pet, though.
Many cat fanciers adore Persian cats for their noble-like appearance and laid-back personality. But if you really want to teach your Persian feline some tricks, be prepared with a lot of patience and dedication.
Ultimately, orange Persians make great family cats. They are easy to have around as they don’t require much attention. But if you give them some, they’ll gladly return the affection back to you.
Watch this video to see how what it looks like to have an orange Persian cat at home:
My Beautiful Cat's Insane Routine<a href="https://youtu.be/kNQS_EEaveQ" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FkNQS_EEaveQ%2F0.jpg" alt="My Beautiful Cat&#039;s Insane Routine" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Orange Persian Cat Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Orange Persian Cats Healthy Cats?
Orange Persian cats are generally healthy cats. If raised in a sound environment, their lifespan can range from 15 to 20 years.
However, these cats are still at risk of numerous health problems. Among the common health issues, orange Persian cats are prone to include dental disease, haircoat disorders, and eye problems.
These are believed to be associated with the breed’s flat-shaped face and long coat. Furthermore, orange Persian cats are also susceptible to more severe health concerns.
These are mostly genetics, so you have to take these into consideration before getting yourself an orange Persian kitten.
Here are some of the hereditary diseases your orange Persian kitty is at risk of:
Polycystic Kidney Disease: Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder in cats characterized by the formation of multiple cysts in the kidney. It’s important that you have these cysts detected and treated as early as possible because they grow larger over time, eventually disrupting your cat’s kidney function.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) refers to a set of degenerative diseases that damage the retina. This hereditary illness can cause your orange Persian cat to go blind. Persians carrying PRA are automatically removed from breeder programs, so you’re unlikely to bring home one. However, it is still something to keep an eye out for.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a disorder that causes the heart of your orange Persian cat to thicken. When this happens, the heart’s efficiency is impaired, and other organs often show symptoms, too. Many cats with HCM look like healthy cats, so have your orange Persian kitten diagnosed as early as possible to avoid severe consequences.
Cystitis: Cystitis is an indication that your cat’s bladder is inflamed. It’s not as severe as other genetic disorders, but it can cause severe discomfort to your orange Persian kitten. Stress is said to be the culprit of cystitis, so make sure to reduce stress in your feline’s environment to avoid encountering this problem.
The list above only captures a handful of diseases your orange Persian cat may get. There are surely more that are not on this list.
The bottom line is that with all these threats surrounding orange Persian kittens, it’s your responsibility as the owner to protect them and make sure that their health is in pristine condition at all times.
How Much Does an Orange Persian Cat Cost? Kitten Prices & Expenses
Owing to their reputation as being the most desired cat breed, Persian cats, in general, are considered among the most expensive cat breeds.
So if you’re planning to get an orange Persian kitten, be ready to shell out huge loads of cash!
On average, an orange Persian cat costs around $1,200 to $1,800 if bought from a trusted breeder. With this amount, you are guaranteed to bring home a healthy orange Persian kitten with a pleasant personality.
If you’re tight on the budget, your best bet would be adoption. Adoption is certainly cheaper, with fees only ranging from $75 to $500. However, it can be difficult to find Persian cats in rescues.
Apart from the actual cost of the kitten, there are other expenses that you need to prepare for, like grooming essentials and food.
Here is the breakdown of initial costs that comes with owning an orange Persian cat:
As you can see from the table, you’ll need $555 to $1,465 for your orange Persian cat’s initial expenses. In addition, you’ll also need around $106 to $217 monthly to cover the recurring expenses.
The amounts you see here can be overwhelming! But always remember, the hefty price that comes with owning an orange Persian kitty is no match to the joy that they will bring into your life.
For more information, consider reading our in-depth guide on how much it costs to own a Persian cat.
Places to Find Orange Persian Kittens for Sale and Adoption
Because orange Persian cats are quite popular furry friends, looking for places to find them won’t be much of a challenge. The hard part here is finding a reputable orange Persian cat breeder or rescue.
Some backyard breeders or rescues, for instance, may sell medically compromised and untested orange Persian cats. Thus, it’s important to look for the best and well-reviewed breeders and rescues within your area.
With that being said, here are some of the reputable cat breeders where you can find orange Persian cats:
Pelaqita Persians – Pelaqita Persians is an Ohio-based cattery awarded the Cattery of Excellence by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) for 17 consecutive years. The owners of Pelaqita Persians have 40 years of experience in husbandry and 20 years in breeding, showing, and raising Persian cats. All cats from this breeder are tested for health and genetics.
Dollface Persian Kittens – Doll Face Persian Kittens is a cattery that specializes in emotional support cats. They offer Doll Face and teacup Persian kittens of various colors, including orange. Doll Face Persian Kittens has been breeding Persian cats for 30 years, and they are also CFA’s Cattery of Excellence awardee. Their kittens sell quickly, so make sure you get in touch with them to reserve your orange Persian kitten!
Ethereal Persians – Ethereal Persians is a family-owned cattery located in Florida. This cattery specializes in breeding healthy and thick-coated silver, blue, grey, white, and golden to orange Persian cats. However, they do not breed Peke-face Persian cats. Ethereal Persians ships worldwide, so head over to their page to inquire now.
Here are some reputable cat rescues where you can find orange Persian cats to adopt:
Seattle Persian and Himalayan Rescue (SPHR) – SPHR is a non-profit rescue run by volunteers since 2004. They are dedicated to treating, sheltering, and placing abandoned Persian cats. SPHR has volunteer groomers and vets who help take care of the rescued Persian cats. Feel free to contact them to see if they have orange Persian cats.
Persian and Himalayan Cat Rescue (PHCR) – PHCR is a non-profit organization dedicated to rehoming unwanted and abused Persian cats. It was founded in 1990 and is located in Northern California. You can head to their website to browse their available orange Persian cats for adoption.
Persian Plus, Inc. – Persian Plus, Inc. is a charitable rescue that saves longhaired cats, including Persians. They pull cats out of shelters and take care of them until they are rehomed to new families. They received great reviews from cat owners, so you can ensure that you’re adopting from a reputable rescue with Persian Plus, Inc.
These are only some of the breeders and rescues where you can find orange Persian cats. If these recommendations don’t work for you, feel free to join online communities like Facebook and Reddit.
There, you can connect with other cat lovers, who can show you where to get orange Persian kittens. Or better yet, check out our guide on how to get free kittens for adoption in your area. Our tips and tricks will surely come in handy!
Frequently Asked Questions
What Colors Do Persian Cats Come In?
Persian cats are considered one of the most diverse cat breeds because they come in a wide range of colors. In fact, the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) made seven color divisions to equalize competition among this breed.
The seven color groups of the Persian cat breed recognized by the CFA are solid color, silver and golden, shaded and smoke, tabby, parti-color, calico and bicolor, and Himalayan.
What Is the Rarest Persian Color?
The rarest Persian colors are chocolate and lilac, which fall under the solid color division. These colors are considered the rarest because they are difficult to breed.
Are Orange Female Persian Cats Rare?
Yes. Statistics show that in every five orange Persian cats, there is only one female. And genetics is to blame here.
If you remember from science class, females possess two Xs while males have XY.
Since the orange gene is carried by the X chromosome, female Persians need to inherit the orange gene from both their parents, whereas for male Persians, the orange gene needs to come only from their mothers.
Final Thoughts: Is an Orange Persian Cat the Right Pet for You?
It’s not hard to see why cat lovers are deeply in love with orange Persian cats! Between their irresistible features and charming personality, there’s almost nothing to dislike about these felines except their potential health issues.
The orange Persian cat is friendly, calm, affectionate, and quiet. Plus, these felines are independent and undemanding, so they are the perfect home companions for busy people.
What’s your favorite coat color for a Persian cat? Do you think orange Persian cats might be the perfect companions for you? Let’s chat in the comments below!
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