Companionship is something that we all crave in these unprecedented times. For most of us, that void in companionship is filled by our furry friends.
You certainly couldn’t go wrong with making a Ginger Cat one of your furry friends and newest companion.
Here are 7 ginger cat breeds and everything you need to know about them to find your next furry friend.
1. Maine Coon Cat
Origin
The potential origins of Maine Coon cats are varied and sometimes outlandish.
Some believe they are a crossbreed between a cat and a raccoon, which is scientifically impossible. Others believe Maine Coon cats have a royal origin, descendants of Marie Antionette’s cats.
The most likely origin comes from the Vikings, and genetic testing can trace the Maine Coon’s roots back to the Norwegian Forest Cat.
Appearance
Maine Coons are known for their larger size; they can reach 18 pounds. Their bushy coats are also a defining factor; it helps them keep warm in cold temperatures. Their paw pads also have large tufts of fur that help insulate them from snow.
Temperament/ Personality
Despite their size, Maine Coons are a gentle and loving species. They’re known as gentle cats, a trait that makes them a great companion to other cats, dogs, and even children.
Maine Coons are even one of the few cat species that love water!
Lifespan
While any cat’s lifespan depends on its diet and environment, Maine Coons have been known to live upwards of 15 years and tend to average between 9 and 15 years.
History
Maine Coons are very popular now, but that wasn’t always the case.
In 1895, a Maine Coon won one of the first cats shows in American history.
Following that, they were prevalent until Persian Cats took the top spot. Maine Coons became so rare that in the 1950s, they were thought to be extinct.
Health and Grooming
Due to Maine Coon’s long fur and heavy coat, regular grooming is necessary.
Brushing their coat out 2-3 times a week will help you two get closer and ensure the fur doesn’t get matted or tangled.
One of the most common conditions a Maine Coon can have is polydactylism, where they grow an extra toe on their paws. Polydactylism poses no threat to the cat’s health.
Interesting Facts
Maine Coons are record-holding cats. The Guinness World record for the longest cat was held by a Maine Coon.
When fully stretched out, he measured 48.5 inches. In 2016, the oldest living cat was a half-Maine Coon breed named Corduroy; he was 26 years old!
2. Persian Cat
Origins
Persian Cats are one of the oldest breeds; they can be traced back to the 1600s. Their name hints at their origin; they are from Persia, now known as Iran.
Appearance
The most recognizable feature of Persian cats is their flat, seemingly pushed-in faces, and Persian Cats also have small, rounded ears.
Temperament/ Personality
Persian Cats are known to be sweet and quiet, tending to lounge around.
They sometimes don’t trust new people, being a bit more reserved until they get to know them.
Lifespan
Persian cats are known to live between 12-17 years, and 14 years tend to be their average lifespan.
History
Persian Cats were first documented in 1620 by Pietro Della Valle, an Italian national who imported them from Khorasan, Persia.
Health and Grooming
Due to the flat faces of Persian Cats, they are prone to cherry eyes and a condition where their eyelashes grow inwards towards their eyes.
Grooming is necessary for any long hair cat to ensure their fur doesn’t get tangled.
Interesting Facts
Persian Cats have historically been the favorites of royalty, especially Queen Victoria. They’ve also movie stars, being the feline companion to James Bond’s enemy, Blofeld, and a mainstay of the Harry Potter cast!
3. Munchkin(Sausage Cat)
Origins
Munchkins are a relatively newer species of cats, first documented around the 1940s.
They seemingly disappeared during World War 2, only to crop back up in the United States in the ’70s and ’80s.
Appearance
Munchkin cat’s name gives away their most defining physical feature. Due to a genetic mutation, they have shorter than normal legs.
Munchkins tend to weigh between 4 – 9 pounds. Despite their shortened legs, their running and jumping ability isn’t usually impacted.
Temperament/ Personality
Munchkin Cats are traditionally friendly to other animals and even children. They’re known to explore and sometimes sit on their back legs to better view their surroundings.
Lifespan
When it comes to lifespan, Munchkin cats aren’t an outlier compared to other cats. They average a long life of 12-15 years.
History
Munchkin Cats weren’t officially recognized as a cat breed by The International Cat Association until 1994, making them one of the newest cat breeds.
Health and Grooming
Full effects of the mutation that causes their shortened legs are not fully known yet because of their young age.
But there tend to be two conditions that occur more often in Munchkin cats: lordosis, an excessive curvature of the spine, and pectus excavatum, a hollowed chest.
Interesting Facts
Munchkin Cats get their name from the characters in The Wizard of Oz. It is also believed that all living munchkin cats can trace their origins back to two pregnant cats hiding under a car in the 80s.
4. American Bobtail Cat
Origins
Due to their shortened tail, urban legend claims that American Bobtails are the product of crossbreeding between a domesticated cat and a wild bobcat.
That urban legend isn’t true; American Bobtails originated in the ’60s after a bobtailed cat bred with a domesticated female.
Appearance
As with most cats, their name alludes to their most prominent feature. In this case, it’s their bobtail. They’re also known for their muscular, sturdy appearance and shaggy coat.
Temperament/ Personality
They are usually described as affectionate and sweet. American bobtails are also a docile species, which means they mesh well with children and older cats.
Lifespan
The average life span of the American Bobtail ranges anywhere between 13 to 15 years.
History
The International Cat Association has officially recognized American Bobtails since 1989
Health and Grooming
As with most cats, American Bobtails need to be brushed regularly. This requirement is to prevent knotting in their fur. Brushing will also help reduce the amount of hair that your feline friend will shed.
Interesting Facts
American Bobtails are one of the most intelligent species of cats. They’ve been known to escape from locked rooms or crates, earning themselves the nickname “Harry Houdini.”
5. British Shorthair Cat
Origins
British Shorthairs can be traced back to Roman roots; they were brought to England when Rome invaded.
Following that, they colonized the area and called England home for centuries.
Appearance
The rounded faces of British Shorthair are their most defining feature, and they are also smaller cats with thick, strong legs.
Temperament/ Personality
They’re traditionally an independent cat species. British Shorthairs usually find ways to entertain themselves, making them the perfect companion for someone who works most days.
Lifespan
As with any cat, their lifespan is affected by their diet, living situation, care, and many other factors. But, on average, British Shorthair’s life expectancy can range between 12 and 17 years.
History
British Shorthairs were showcased in the very first cat show in London’s history; it was held in the Crystal Palace in 1871.
Health and Grooming
Some British Shorthairs experience seasonal shedding, requiring more brushing during the spring and fall.
A common health issue is an obesity because they love food and are very lazy, so they don’t work that food off. Diabetes can also be an issue because of this.
Interesting Facts
British Shorthairs are one of the oldest breeds of cats in the world. What also sets them apart is that they can be found in nearly any color!
6. Bengal Cats
Origins
Bengal’s roots can be traced back to the 1960s and a woman named Jean Sudgen Mill. She bred hybrids with domestic cats to create a domesticated cat with an exotic look.
Appearance
Bengal cats were bred to resemble their wild cousins and have a spotted ginger pattern to prove it.
Temperament/ Personality
Despite their wild, jungle-like looks, Bengal Cats are extremely friendly. They’re known to be very loving and sweet and for forming attachments to their humans.
Lifespan
As long as they’re kept indoors and well taken care of, Bengal Cats can live up to 15 years. Their average lifespan is between 9-15 years.
History
Jean Mill created Bengal Cats by breeding a domesticated shorthair with an Asian Leopard to save the Asian Leopard.
Health and Grooming
Bengals are a very active species, meaning they need to be well-fed to prevent them from being underweight. Being a shorthair breed of cats, Bengals don’t require much grooming, but they must clip their nails every few weeks.
Interesting Facts
Bengals are one of the few cat breeds that love water; if you’re not careful, they may even follow you into the shower!
7. Abyssinian Cat
Origins
As the name may imply, Abyssinian cats may have been imported from the county Abyssinian, now known as Ethiopia, following the Abyssinian war.
Appearance
Their large ears and ticked pattern, which means that each hair has alternating colors, sometimes confuse them for small, wild cats.
Temperament/ Personality
Abyssinians are very social cats, doing well with other animals. They’re also very curious and will likely explore every inch of your home.
Lifespan
They can live to be 15 years or older. But Abyssinians should be kept indoors to ensure their safety.
History
Despite being one of the oldest known breeds, the exact origins of Abyssinians are unknown. It was believed that they came from Egypt because of how similar they are to cats depicted in ancient Egyptian art, sculptures, and statues.
Health and Grooming
Abyssinians have a short, dense coat that should only require brushing once a week. They should also be kept indoors; their exotic appearance could make them targets for theft or worse since they’re often mistaken for wild cats.
Interesting Facts
Abyssinians have been known to leap upwards of six feet into the air; if you’re not careful, they may get on top of counters or shelves.
Final Thoughts
If you’re after companionship, you can’t go wrong with any of the seven ginger cat breeds previously mentioned.
Whether you’re looking for an adventurous pal or a more relaxed one, a cat is a perfect choice. Head down to your local shelter today and find yourself that new friend.
