GINGER CAT

Many references to "ginger cats" appear in books and films, leading people to believe the ginger cat is a distinct feline breed, like the manx or Egyptian mau. On the contrary, "ginger" simply refers to the coat colour of a cat. For the most part, ginger cats are domestic short-hair or long-hair felines with an orange coat, although cats representing other breeds may be referred to as ginger if orange is their primary colour.

An interesting fact about ginger cats is that, in most cases, they are males. As a result of genetics, the ratio of male to female gingers is 80-20. Morris, the famous Nine Lives cat food mascot, was a typical male ginger cat and most, though not all, gingers encountered in homes, on the street, in shops and in pet shelters will turn out to be male.

Many people seeking to adopt kittens and cats have certain biases when it comes to feline colour. Ginger cats are often considered "friendly and approachable," while black cats are seen as "mysterious and untrustworthy" and white cats are believed to be "lazy and aloof". All of these beliefs, of course, are without foundation. Sweet, wonderful cats come in all colours, shapes and sizes!

This post is part of the Orange you Glad It's Friday meme,

and also part of the Saturday Critters meme,

and also part of the Camera Critters meme.