Ginger Cat Appreciation Day
Though they have a reputation for being total doofuses, ginger cats are actually—wait no, that’s right. Give your ginger doofus a big hug and some cat treats.
Most of us rather like our cats to have a streak of wickedness. I should not feel quite easy in the company of any cat that walked about the house with a saintly expression.
Beverly Nichols
There’s nothing quite like having a furry footed feline friend bombing around the house and being the best buddy a person can ask for.
Dogs may be man’s best friend for some, but cats are our bosom companions, even if they can be aloof and contrary. For many people, that just makes them that much more interesting!
And the best of all cats? While admittedly biased, many people would say that the best cats are the orange furred balls of love that are Ginger Cats.
Ginger Cat Appreciation Day is here!
How to Celebrate Ginger Cat Appreciation Day
Spend Time with a Ginger Cat
Ginger Cat Appreciation Day is best celebrated by spending time with that favorite four footed feline friend!
Has it been a while since you’ve had quality time to spend alone with them? Of course some, more aloof cats, will be happy to have that appreciation from afar and will leave the room as soon as a human enters!
Learn Interesting Facts About Ginger Cats
Ginger Cats are a unique version of cats that come with some unique and interesting tidbits. Share these on Ginger Cat Appreciation Day to impress friends and entertain cat lovers all around:
- Ginger cats’ coats come in five different varieties. These include the classic swirl pattern, the striped ‘mackerel’ pattern, the spotted pattern, the patched pattern or the ticked pattern.
- All ginger cats are actually “tabby” cats, meaning that they have the agouti gene. However, not all tabby cats are orange or ginger in color. Ginger cats are also often referred to as “tiger” cats which is, of course, because they have a similar looking coat and color to their larger cousin, the tiger.
- Most ginger cats are male. Apparently, the ‘ginger gene’ which produces that orange color, exists on the X chromosome. In order for females to be ginger, they would need two of these ‘ginger’ X chromosomes. Males only need one. Ginger cat male to female ratios are approximately 3:1.
- Two ginger parent cats will produce all ginger kittens. Ginger tom cats tend to father female kittens who are either ginger or ‘tortoise shell’.
Bring a Ginger Cat Home
Looking for someone to be demanding and act like they have the run of the household, even if they don’t? Then it’s probably time to get a cat!
For those who don’t have a cat already, maybe it’s time to get one. Don’t go to a breeder or pet store though, instead pick one up from a shelter.
Shelters are the best ways to rescue a pet from an otherwise miserable and sad existence. Bring some joy to an animal’s life today by rescuing a pet on Ginger Cat Appreciation Day!
Give a Nod to Famous Ginger Cats
People who have ginger cats know that there’s just something special and unique about them. And many comic strip and cartoon artists seem to agree, because many different ginger cats have been featured in their work, including:
- Garfield. This lazy but loveable character was created by Jim Davis back in the late 1970s. He continued on in fame through comic strips, all the way to the big screen when he starred in his own feature film, Garfield: The Movie.
- Orangey. While admittedly less memorable than his co-star, Audrey Hepburn, Orangey was the cat who played Holly Golightly’s cat who was, creatively, called “Cat” and was described as a “poor slob without a name”.
- Puss in Boots. This fun, swashbuckling, pirate-y cat is an important character in the Shrek franchise. Voiced by Antonio Banderas, this lovable character made appearances in three Shrek films and then starred in his own film Puss in Boots.
Get a Gift for a Ginger Cat
Bring that ginger cat something special like a new catnip mouse or a brand new cat-tree! Of course, no matter what type of gift is bought for them, they’re going to love… the box. Was it already mentioned that cats are fairly contrary?
Whatever is done, remember that this furry ginger friend relies on you for everything, even if they often act like they’re above it all.
History of Ginger Cat Appreciation Day
Cats have been part of the human experience nearly as long as dogs, and have served as important a role in people’s lives as have those canine companions.
Historically speaking, before becoming house pets, it is likely that cats started living alongside humans as a matter of mutual convenience, particularly as agricultural pursuits created a perfect environment for vermin, such as mice, to gather.
These vermin also happened to comprise one of the primary food sources of the soon to be domesticated feline, and so it was convenient for them to hang around.
Having become accustomed to the presence of people, they soon moved into their homes while continuing their jobs as vermin hunters and helping to prevent the spread of disease and insect pests there.
Today, many cats still seem to function in these roles, but they are also the closest and most loving companions many of us can have, even if they do get a bit cantankerous from time to time!
When they aren’t lying about being the most adorable cuddle puffs that can be imagined, they are often busy sneaking about the house and engaging in their strange but wondrous feline behavior.
Ginger Cat Appreciation Day celebrates the most glorious of the feline companions, the ginger cat!
Ginger Cat Appreciation Day FAQs
Why are ginger cats more likely to be male?
About 80% of ginger cats are male because the gene responsible for their orange fur is on the X chromosome.
Males only need one copy of this gene, while females need two, making male gingers far more common. This same genetic principle applies to calico cats, which are almost always female.
Did any historical figures own ginger cats?
Winston Churchill adored his ginger cat, Jock, and insisted the cat dine with him at mealtimes.
Jock’s legacy lives on, as every subsequent resident of Churchill’s home, Chartwell, has owned a ginger cat named Jock in his honor.
Is there a connection between ginger cats and pop culture?
Ginger cats frequently appear as mischievous or lovable rogues in media.
Examples include Garfield, the lazy comic-strip cat, and Crookshanks, Hermione Granger’s clever pet in Harry Potter. These characters often reflect the playful, bold nature people associate with orange cats.
Why are ginger cats often called “marmalade cats”?
The nickname “marmalade cat” comes from the resemblance of their fur to the golden-orange color of marmalade jam.
This term is especially popular in the UK, where marmalade has long been a breakfast staple. It adds a charming and cozy image to their already lovable persona.
Do ginger cats have unique genetic traits?
Ginger cats owe their color to the “O” gene, which produces pheomelanin, the pigment responsible for red hues in both cats and humans. This gene’s expression leads to their distinctive coats.
Why do ginger cats often have distinctive stripes?
Most ginger cats are tabbies, meaning their fur naturally features stripes, spots, or swirls.
The patterns come from the agouti gene, which determines how pigment is distributed on each hair shaft. This tabby gene ensures every ginger cat has some unique markings.
Are ginger cats more prone to freckles?
Ginger cats are more likely to develop black “freckles” on their noses, lips, and gums as they age.
This harmless condition, called lentigo, is a genetic trait found in orange and calico cats. It’s a fun and distinctive feature that makes each cat unique.
Do ginger cats appear in ancient art or literature?
Yes! Roman mosaics from Pompeii depict ginger-colored cats lounging in domestic settings.
Their recognizable color suggests that humans valued these cats for their beauty and personality even in ancient times.
What are some fun ways people celebrate their ginger cats?
In Australia, some cat lovers host “marmalade cat parties” where guests dress in orange and share cat-themed treats.
Ginger cat enthusiasts also design custom collars or accessories in orange tones to match their pet’s unique hue.
Are ginger cats really more laid-back than others?
Many owners claim ginger cats are more relaxed and friendly, but studies suggest this perception might stem from their male dominance.
Male cats are often more outgoing, and since most ginger cats are male, they’ve earned this reputation.
Need some inspiration?
Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!
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