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Orange Cat Breeds

By the OrangeCatNames.com team · Updated November 6, 2026

Orange is a coat color, not a breed. Here are the breeds that come in orange, the breeds known for orange and white, and the big orange cats people search for.

One of the most common questions about orange cats is "What breed is it?" The short answer: orange is not a breed. It is a coat color, and breeders officially call it red. Most orange cats in homes and shelters are mixed-breed domestic cats, usually described as domestic shorthairs or domestic longhairs. Many pedigreed breeds also come in orange, though.

Below we list breeds that come in orange or cream, explain the orange and white breeds people ask about, and cover big orange cats. We finish with name ideas matched to each breed.

Is orange a cat breed?

No. Orange describes color, and tabby describes pattern. Neither is a breed. A breed is a group of cats with recognized ancestry and a written standard for body type, coat and other traits, kept by cat registries such as the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA) and The International Cat Association (TICA).

If your orange cat came from a shelter or a friend's litter, the most accurate description is usually domestic shorthair or domestic longhair: a mixed-breed cat with short or long fur. That is not a lesser label. Mixed-breed cats are the most common cats in the world.

A few facts apply to orange cats of every breed:

FactWhat it means for your cat
The orange gene sits on the X chromosomeA male (XY) needs one copy to be orange. A female (XX) needs a copy on both X chromosomes.
Most orange cats are maleBecause males need only one copy, ginger toms are far more common. Roughly 80 percent is the figure most often quoted.
Every orange cat shows tabby markingsLook closely and you will find stripes, swirls or spots, plus the classic "M" on the forehead, even on very pale cats.
Orange is a color, not a breedMaine Coons, Persians, British Shorthairs, American Shorthairs and many other breeds, plus plenty of mixed-breed cats, can be orange.
Cat registries call orange "red"Breeders describe deep orange as red and the pale, diluted version as cream.

Cat breeds that come in orange

These well-known breeds commonly come in red (orange) or cream. Exact color rules vary between registries, so check with a breed club if you are buying a pedigreed kitten.

BreedCoatWhat stands out
Maine CoonLong, shaggyOne of the largest domestic breeds, with tufted ears and a bushy tail. The official state cat of Maine.
PersianLong, thickA flat face and a luxurious coat that needs daily grooming.
Exotic ShorthairShort, plushPersian looks with a short, easier-care coat.
British ShorthairShort, denseA round face, stocky body and famously plush coat.
American ShorthairShortA sturdy, easygoing breed with a long working-cat history.
Scottish FoldShort or longKnown for ears that fold forward.
Devon Rex and Cornish RexShort, curlyWavy coats and large ears.
ManxShort or longOften born without a tail, or with a very short one.
Norwegian Forest CatLong, water-resistantA large, sturdy cat built for cold climates.
SiberianLong, triple-layeredAnother big, cold-climate breed with a heavy coat.
Turkish VanSemi-longMostly white with color on the head and tail. Red and white is the classic look.
Turkish AngoraLong, silkyAn elegant, fine-boned breed.

Colorpoint breeds, such as some Siamese-family cats, Himalayans and Ragdolls, can be flame point (or red point): a cream body with orange on the ears, face, paws and tail.

What is the orange and white cat breed called?

There is no single orange and white breed. Orange and white is a color combination that appears in many breeds and in mixed-breed cats. The breed most associated with it is the Turkish Van. The "van pattern" is named after it: a mostly white cat with color only on the head and tail, and red and white is the breed's traditional look.

Many other breeds, including the Maine Coon, British Shorthair, Persian and American Shorthair, can also be orange and white (called "red and white" or "red bicolor" by breeders). Most orange and white cats you meet will be domestic shorthairs. Our orange and white cat names page has name ideas for all of them.

Big orange cats

Big orange cats are a beloved internet subject, and there are a few real reasons you may see so many.

There is one less fun reason too: plenty of "big" cats are simply overweight. Extra weight raises the risk of problems such as diabetes and joint pain. Your vet can tell you whether your cat is big-boned or needs a diet. You should be able to feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat, and see a waist from above.

Names for big orange cats

Names for orange Maine Coons, forest cats and any oversized ginger.

Names for orange Persian cats

Names with Persian roots, for an orange Persian or Exotic Shorthair.

Names for orange British Shorthairs

Very British names for a round-faced orange Brit.

Names for orange Norwegian Forest Cats and Siberians

Nordic and cold-weather names for big, fluffy cats.

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    Frequently asked questions

    What is the name of the orange cat breed?

    There is no orange cat breed. Orange, which breeders call red, is a color found in many breeds, including the Maine Coon, Persian and British Shorthair, and in mixed-breed cats.

    What breed is an orange and white cat?

    Orange and white appears in many breeds and in mixed-breed cats. The Turkish Van is the breed most associated with it, thanks to its white body with red head and tail markings.

    Why are orange cats so big?

    Most orange cats are male, and males are usually larger. Big breeds like the Maine Coon also come in orange. Some big orange cats are simply overweight, so check with your vet.

    What is a domestic shorthair?

    A domestic shorthair is a mixed-breed cat with short fur. It is the most common type of cat, and many orange cats are domestic shorthairs. A long-haired mixed-breed cat is called a domestic longhair.

    What is the biggest orange cat breed?

    The Maine Coon is one of the largest domestic cat breeds and commonly comes in orange. Norwegian Forest Cats and Siberians are also large.

    More orange cat name lists