Ginger, ginger... striped!

      There is something mystical and magical about ginger cats, just as there is about black ones. But while black cats are (quite undeservedly!) rumored to be "helpers of dark forces" and "companions of witches," and to bring misfortune and various troubles, in some cultures ginger cats are considered a symbol of luck and prosperity. In ancient Egypt ginger cats were regarded as sacred and were especially revered. "Gingers" were regarded as gifts from the goddess of fertility and as an endless source of good fortune.

      If ginger, then definitely striped and genetically special

      All ginger cats are striped. There isn’t a single uniformly colored ginger cat in nature. Ginger cats have patterned fur caused by the agouti gene. This gene produces one of several possible tabby patterns: mackerel, spotted, or marbled.

      Big boys

      Ginger cats are almost always male. Far fewer ginger females are born than males. Of five ginger tabby kittens, four will be male and only one female. Overall, the population of "orange cats" is made up of 80% males and only 20% females. Feline researchers explain this by a sex-linked gene: the X chromosome determines orange fur color. Because females have two X chromosomes, the orange-fur gene must be present on both of their X chromosomes. Males, on the other hand, have XY chromosomes, so they need only one X-linked gene to show the orange marker. That is, for a ginger male to be born, at least one parent — mother or father — must be ginger, whereas a ginger female can only be born to two "orange" parents. It is also known that the orange coat color is caused by a special pigment, pheomelanin. This is the same pigment that produces red hair in humans.

      In addition, ginger cats are somewhat (and sometimes noticeably) larger than their differently colored counterparts. This may be related to the fact that most ginger cats are males.

      Special not only in color

      According to owners of ginger cats, kitties of this color have a temperament distinct from that of cats of other colors. Owners of "orange" cats say that gingers are affectionate and sociable, love attention, and are very attached to people. Ginger cats are playful and mischievous, but very kind. "Orange cats" are also noted for particular intelligence and for easily adapting to a home. And the brazenness often attributed to "ginger cat faces" is nothing more than an invention and stereotype. Many owners note that when a ginger cat appears in the home, the atmosphere changes: it becomes warmer, brighter, and cozier, and this furry Sun gives household members a feeling of calm and happiness, becoming the true "soul of the family."

      The story of rescuing the "fur Sun"

      Cat Aks (full name — Bobby Axelrod) is a ginger cat with an unusual temperament, never using "BITE" against people. The cat was born in February, at the start of the spring "catfall." He and two brothers and sisters were found in a garbage dump. Among the trio he was the weakest and frailest, but it was he who was taken home. The name Axelrod was given to him in honor of a character from the popular series Billions.

      Aks’s childhood was difficult: intestinal problems, living in a basin wrapped in an old down jacket. The only joy was the constant care from people. However, the cat turned out to be even-tempered — he did not demand extra attention, but simply grew calmly and regained his strength. Living alongside other animals, he picked up the habits of other cats and became a real paper menace: napkins and any paper items are still shredded to pieces thanks to his hobby. It is said this skill was taught to him by the senior mentor in the household of dogs and cats where he lived for a month and a half after being rescued from the dump.

      When Aks grew stronger and met the family's other cats, he was accepted without resistance. The ginger quickly grew: from a kitten weighing less than 100 grams he turned into a five-kilogram ginger wonder.

      Aks’s distinctive trait is a lack of aggression. He never bites or scratches people, which is why he was nicknamed "the even one." Today he is a household favorite who loves to sleep, eat, play with his companions, and remains fond of paper.

      Aks lives with his companions — a tom named Plutos-Osiris and a black cat named Buba. They were all found thrown out in a dump at different times, but — saved.

      Ginger cats bring wealth and luck

      In many cultures it is believed that the presence of a ginger cat in the home will lead to increased prosperity.

      In Europe and Asia, people of means kept ginger cats as pets to ensure their prosperity.

      Ginger cats can become a living talisman of good luck for those who live with them under one roof.

      In the East the ginger cat is considered a guardian of love and passion. It helps its owners become more decisive and cheerful, and the ginger color is believed to bring success in love and family matters.