There’s something about orange felines that really catches the eye—especially when you spot a rare orange female. These cats are commonly referred to as “ginger” or “red” cats, and their warm, sunshiny coats will attract attention no matter the setting.
The issue is that if you see an orange cat, it is almost always a male. You see, orange is a coat color, not a breed, and the genetics underlying the color make orange females a rarity.
Let’s explore why these cats are so few, the breeds of orange cats, and what you might want to consider spending if you find yourself enamored with an orange cat.
Why Are Orange Female Cats So Rare?
If you’ve ever tried to figure out why female orange cats are so rare, you’re not the only one! I used to think there wasn’t much to it, but science has a different answer.
It’s all about genetics. The orange color in cats is caused by a mutation on the X chromosome. The difference is, that males have one X and one Y chromosome; therefore, if their only X is the orange color, then they are orange.
Females have two X chromosomes, however. For a female cat to be orange, both X chromosomes must have the dominant orange gene, which is much less common!
If a female cat possesses only one orange X, she will not be solid orange but have a patchwork coat (a.k.a. tortoiseshell or calico). This has to do with an event called “random X inactivation“, where each cell in her body randomly selects one X for use.
The outcome? Some cells will grow orange fur and some will grow black or white.
Typically, orange will fall in the following patterns:
- Tabby: classic stripes, swirls, either solid or spots (most common)
- Calico: orange mixed with black and white
- Tortoiseshell: orange mixed with black, not always with white.
Therefore, if you see an all-orange female, you are mostly looking at a genetic anomaly.
Popular Breeds That Feature Orange Females
Orange is not a breed: it is a color that occurs in many cat breeds. Because of genetics, orange females will be rare in every breed.
Here are some breeds where you might find orange females:
- Domestic Shorthair (mixed breed): Most orange cats in the USA happen to be these adorable “mutts”.
- Maine Coon: An orange Maine Coon is impressive visually, and orange-themed coloration is especially rare when considering females.
- Persian Breed: This breed of long-haired cats sometimes shows up in the orange tabby.
- British Shorthair: This breed is plush, calm, and sometimes orange.
- Scottish Fold, Cornish Rex, Turkish Angora, Abyssinian: All these breeds can be orange females, yet none will be common.
Regardless of the breed, the chance of finding a female orange cat is low. Only about 1 in 5 orange cats is female.
How Much Are Orange Female Cats Worth?
Now to answer the money question: Typically, the value of a female orange cat depends on a few things: mix, rarity, and adopting vs breeder.
1. Domestic Shorthair (Mix)
Adoption Fees: $50-$200 at some shelters.
Orange Premium: Some shelters may have a burst of excitement and try to charge a premium for an orange female, but that usually is the same price as any color.
2. Purebred Orange Female Cats
This is where it gets interesting. Some breeders may charge a little more because orange females are rare, especially if they are show-category kittens.
| Breed | Typical Price Range | Notes on Orange Females |
| Maine Coon | $800–$2,000+ | The price depends on lineage and rarity |
| Persian | $500–$5,000 | Orange is possible, but uncommon |
| British Shorthair | $1,000–$2,000+ | Orange females are especially rare |
| Scottish Fold | $1,500–$2,500 | Orange possible, but uncommon |
| Abyssinian | $800–$2,500 | Orange/ruddy possible, rare in females |
Most breeders set the price based on pedigree, health, and depending on color, rarity. However, for most people, the price difference for orange female cats is not that notable unless you’re looking for a show-quality, purebred kitten.
Factors That Affect the Price of Orange Female Cats
Female orange cats are about 20% of the orange cat population, which makes them something of a collector’s item for cat lovers.
This rarity can make them more desirable, especially in purebred lines. Unless you are going for show quality, the price escalation is usually marginal.
Ultimately, just keep in mind that personality and health matter more than color – orange cats aren’t inherently friendlier or healthier than others.
Should you Adopt or Buy an Orange Cat?
When it comes to welcoming an orange female cat into your home, one of the first big decisions you’ll face is whether to adopt from a shelter or buy from a breeder.
You can probably find your orange female from a shelter when you are open to a mixed breed. Adoption fees are typically lower, and you will be giving a cat a second chance at life.
Buying from a breeder might be your only option if you want a specific breed or pedigree. Also, It is important that you fully do your research pre-purchase: responsible breeding practices, health guarantees, living conditions, etc.
Wherever you find your cat, remember to focus on temperament, health, lifestyle fit, etc, and not color alone.
An orange coat may be beautiful, but ultimately it is the personality of the cat that will lead to the adoption of this cat into your family!
Wrapping Up: Are Orange Female Cats Worth?
Having an orange female cat is similar to hitting the genetic lottery. They are rare, eye-catching, and always provoke conversations.
Whether you adopt one from a shelter or purchase one from a breeder, realize that their worth is due to being unique as a cat and unique with the love they add to your life.
If you see any orange female cat, you will be looking at a true rarity in cats that science is still investigating.
References
- https://www.sci.news/genetics/orange-cat-gene-13913.html
- https://med.stanford.edu/news/all-news/2025/05/orange-cats.html
- https://www.cnn.com/2025/05/23/science/orange-cats-genetic-mutation
- https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/can-orange-cats-be-female/
