14 Orange Cat Breeds – An Overview With Pictures!

A cat with an orange coat of fur is often striking, and there is a reason this is one of the most coveted cat colorings out there. It’s hard not to fall in love with these beautiful tabby cats! However, while all orange cats are tabby cats, not all tabby cats will have orange coloring.

Many types of cats can have orange fur, and the breeds are all very different between their size, personality, and level of shedding.

If you are looking to take home an orange cat, it’s worth doing some more specific research into the temperaments and maintenance of the different breeds to make sure you pick the right type of cat for your lifestyle. 

1. Abyssinian

These orange-colored beauties have a short-haired coat which makes them a slightly lower maintenance cat breed.

Their fur initially looks a lot darker when they are born and gradually lightens up over the first few months of their life, so don’t be alarmed if your Abyssinian kitten doesn’t come home with bright orange fur.

Abyssinians are very long and lean compared to other cat breeds and typically are very curious and want to play.

They typically weigh between eight to twelve pounds once they are fully grown, and a purebred Abyssinian kitten costs anywhere from $900-$1.500. 

2. American Bobtail

This breed of cat is rarer and has only been around since the 1960s, making it a relatively new cat breed. They are known for their stubby bobbed tails and their thick furry bodies.

These cats have beautiful fur and typically live well with families with children. You can expect your American Bobtail to be with your family for up to 15 years. Due to the rarity of this breed, it can easily cost over $1,000 to adopt one and take it home. 

3. British Shorthair

British Shorthair cats have adorable round faces and thick coats. This is the perfect cat breed for someone who wants an orange tabby cat with an excellent fur cut.

However, the thickness of that fur means these are a high-maintenance cat compared to some of the other orange cats out there. If you get a British Shorthair, you should anticipate having to groom your cat daily. These cats have normal body proportions and are a healthy breed overall. 

The British Shorthair isn’t known to be the most affectionate cat out there and probably will not want to spend a lot of time getting cozy on your lap. While they love their owners, they also require more alone time and like having their own space.

This makes for a very low-maintenance cat, as they are happy to do their own thing and come around for attention every once in a while. 

This breed has also been around for a long time, dating back to England in 43 CE. They’ve been around for centuries and have a longer average life span for a cat of 14-20 years. Purchasing one of these cats will cost $800 on average.  

4. Maine Coon 

The Main Coon cats are some of the biggest and fluffiest cats out there! As the name implies, they are the state cat of Maine and have evolved to survive the harsh Maine winter weather.

They are a very independent cat breed that is sometimes known as the “Gentle Giant.” 

If you get a Maine Coon, be aware that they take a few years to reach their full size and can be up to 25 pounds when fully grown. These are very vocal cats, and they make a lot of singing and chirping noises in addition to meowing frequently.

The Maine Coon breed usually lives to be about 13 or 14 years old, and if you purchase one from a breeder, it will cost over a thousand dollars. 

5. Persian Cat

Persian Cats are one of the most easily recognizable cat breeds, thanks to their round flat faces and shiny fur coats. This breed is one of the most popular cat breeds in the United States.

There is good reason for the popularity of the Persian cat. While they may look like a fancy cat, they are pretty low-maintenance animals.

They are an easy-going breed that does not demand too much attention from their owners. They aren’t necessarily the most intelligent cats either, but they make up for that in lovability! 

While the breed is common, it is also highly desirable, so it can be expensive to purchase a purebred Persian, with the price ranging somewhere between $1,000 and $2,000. 

6. Manx 

The most distinguishing feature of a Manx is that they don’t always have a tail! This breed is considered a show cat breed, and the purebred Manx cat will have short back legs and a very rounded body. 

Sadly Manx cats often have a lot of health problems caused by their pedigreed breeding. If they inherit the no-tail gene from both parents, it is unlikely they will live to be very old.

They also are prone to various problems with the development of their spine and spinal cord. These cats have one of the shortest average lifespans, with the low end being about nine years. The cost of a Manx varies a lot depending on whether they have any tail or not. 

While these cats are very friendly and sweet towards people and make excellent pets, make sure you conduct extensive research when adopting a Manx to get your cat from a healthy lineage.  

7. Turkish Angora 

The Turkish Angora is an ancient cat breed that first originated in Turkey. Much like many of its feline friends, this breed is a descendant of the African wildcat.

These cats make for very sweet and quiet pets who usually do well around strangers and children. Their weight ranges anywhere between 6-12 pounds, depending on their gender.

They are medium-sized cats and are much more muscular than some of the orange cat’s breeds. The average price for a Turkish Angora is $900. 

8. Oriental Shorthair 

These small cats have fine, glossy, short-haired coats. They are one of the most exotic-looking cat breeds, with large pointy ears and a triangular-shaped face. These cats also love to talk! They are very chatty and are known to meow very frequently. 

Oriental shorthairs are also very curious animals that love to explore their home surroundings, and they are on the higher-energy side of the orange cat spectrum. 

They typically live to be 12-14 years old, but the breed is known to have many health issues, especially as Oriental shorthair cats get older. If you purchase your Oriental Shorthair from a breeder, it will typically cost $1,000.  

9. Egyptian Mau 

The Egyptian Mau cat is naturally spotted and short-haired. They almost resemble a small cheetah thanks to their orange fur with black spots.

These cats are smaller in size and are often compared to the Siamese in terms of the graceful way they move. You can expect your Egyptian Mau to have green or amber-colored eyes. 

Unlike the typical tabby cat, the Egyptian Mau can move very quickly and is the fastest breed of all the domestic cats. They can run up to 30 miles an hour!

These cats are descended from Egypt are quite hard to find. They are extra desirable because they have the natural spotting that so few cats have. They live on average for 9-13 years and are considered one of the more athletic and high-energy cat breeds. 

10. Munchkin 

The name of this breed tells you all you need to know! These are very petite kitties with incredibly short legs that keep them very low to the ground. They have sweet faces with big innocent-looking eyes and a very fluffy coat of fur. 

The Munchkin cat is also a relatively new breed, first being accidentally bred in 1983. Even though these sweet cats have such short legs, they are a relatively healthy breed and live an average cat life expectancy.

However, unlike most other cats, they may struggle to jump up on high surfaces or maneuver around as easily on their own. 

These cats are very friendly and love to climb into people’s laps. You can expect your Munchkin to cost you a few thousand dollars depending on where you live, as this is a rare type of cat.  

11. Devon Rex 

The Devon Rex cat breed is very rare and has a unique appearance. They have minimal fur, and their coat is thin and wavy. These cats have very long pointed ears that stick straight up and are sometimes referred to as the “alien cat” thanks to the shape of their face.

They are best suited for an indoor life due to their lack of a fur coat. They are one of the more high-energy orange cat breeds, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t still affectionate as well.

While they aren’t officially hypoallergenic, this is one of the best cat breeds for those with allergies or who want a cat that sheds as little as possible. 

These cats are also known for having a silly or goofy personality and loving to play or show off. They are fun to have around the house and are sure to keep your whole family laughing.

This isn’t a breed you typically will find at an animal shelter, so you should expect to pay between $600-$1,000 to buy a Devon Rex from a reputable breeder.  

12. Chartreux 

The Chartreux is a short-haired cat that can have orange coloring but also can be several other colors. The easiest way to spot one is by looking at their eyes, which are typically bright gold or orange.

The Chartreux is a larger and stockier cat, and they are known for being amazing hunters. They were initially bred for getting rid of rodents and have water-repellent fur. All of this makes them a very sturdy cat breed.

The Chartreux is also the perfect breed to bring home if you are looking for a very quiet cat. These cats do not meow and might make soft chirping noises instead. 

They usually live to be about 12 years old and often have a proclivity for being overweight due to their stocky build and amazing mouse hunting skills! 

13. Toyger 

Toyger cats are a domestic cat breed with orange fur with darker stripes resembling that pattern of a tiger’s fur. This breed was first bred to get the public more interested in the conservation of wild tigers.

These are very rare cats, with only about 35 Toyger cat breeders around the globe. Due to the limited accessibility to the breed, adopting one can cost around $6,000. 

Toyger cats have shorter fur, making them a good option for those with strong pet dander allergies. They are relatively low-maintenance cats compared to some of the fluffier cat breeds and do not require much grooming. These cats are energetic and friendly with other people and pets. 

14. Scottish Fold 

Scottish Fold cats get their name from their cute folded-over ears and heritage as Scottish farm cats.

They also are known for having big eyes and round faces. Scottish Folds are often said to look like owls with their little tucked-in ears. They also have found additional popularity in recent years after pop star Taylor Swift adopted two Scottish Fold cats. 

They are typically sweet and affectionate cats that form a strong bond with the one person they consider their primary owner. They live between 11 and 15 years, which is relatively standard for cats. 

The price of a Scottish Fold greatly depends on whether you buy your cat from a breeder vs. adopting from a shelter.

Expect to pay anywhere between $75 up to several hundred dollars depending on where you live and the type of place you get your Scottish Fold cat. 

How Many Orange Cat Breeds Are There

There is not an official number of orange cat breeds, but around 14 breeds of orange cats are the most popular and accessible orange cats out there. Many cat breeds can be orange in color and may have kittens with various other fur colors. 

Are Orange Cats Rare 

Orange cats are considered one of the more rare colors of cats. A fun fact about orange cats is that 80% of orange tabby cats are male.

There is a specific science that explains this as well. It’s much more likely for a male cat to get the orange fur gene due to how the chromosomes align. While it may not be rare to have an orange tabby cat, it would be rare to find a female orange tabby cat. 

Do Orange Cats Have More Health Problems

It is not true that orange tabby cats are prone to having more health problems than any other color of tabby cats. However, there are various health problems typical for tabby cats, with some of them being more innocuous than others.

Tabby cats, in general, are prone to becoming overweight, as they love to eat, and many of the orange hair tabby varieties are already quite thick with fluffy fur. Tabbies are often prone to developing diabetes and urinary tract infections as well.  

Do Orange Cats Live Longer

The orange color of your cat’s fur does not result in them living a longer life. The most significant factor that impacts how long your cat will live is its breed, not the color of its fur.

If your cat does not have any severe health problems, maintains a healthy weight, and stays in the safety of your home, you can expect them to live between 10-15 years. Some cats live to be closer to twenty, but ten years is usually the minimum life span of most tabby cats.  

Do Orange Cats Get Along With Other Cats

Orange cats do get along well with other cats. The orange tabby is known for being a very affectionate and docile breed, and they are not going to be the most high-energy cat out there.

They are typically not aggressive animals and play well with other cats and even other pets you may have in your home. Typically you do not need to worry about orange tabby cats being a violent breed, but there are always individual exceptions. 

Things To Consider 

One of the reasons orange cats are so beloved is that they are typically very cuddly cats! There is nothing better than getting cozy with a big fluffy orange kitty in your lap.

These are some of the sweetest cats out there and are perfect if you aren’t looking to get a very active or overly excitable pet. The cartoon cat Garfield is a reasonably accurate representation of an orange tabby: he loved to eat, loves his owner, and loved to take naps.

If you want to ensure you get an affectionate cat, the most significant factor that impacts their personality is how they are treated while they were still a kitten. It is so essential to establish healthy relationships with other animals and humans.

At the same time, a cat is still young, so that they are accustomed to interacting with outsiders later on in their life. Also, consider that every cat breed is very different when it comes to the attention and affection they want, and it’s vital to get a cat that fits your lifestyle. 

Make sure to spend a lot of time holding and cuddling your kitten, as this tends to lead to them loving that affection as an adult cat as well. These sweet furry friends are so lovable it’s easy to find time to be affectionate towards them throughout the day!