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I'm looking for an orange male cat to join my household of two black female cats. The reason? My 90-year-old aunt insists that this type of cat has the most pleasant disposition and will get along well with my existing kitties. I've researched the subject of cat colouring but I can't find any mention of this theory. I'm assuming it's just an old wives' tale but she could be right. What do you think?

Kathy

Hi Kathy,

I've also heard that orange, red or ginger males are often the most even-tempered members of the cat world and your question reminds me of "Bernie," an orange male that shared my life when I was a kid.

He was indeed one of the sweetest cats I've ever known. Many people share your aunt's enthusiasm for red-headed felines although no scientific studies are available to back up the theory.

Cats are truly furry enigmas who tend to confound the brightest human minds so anything is possible.

In the early '90s, author and cat lover Vivienne Angus, published a book titled Know Yourself Through Your Cat and included a fascinating take on the laws of physical attraction as it applies to humans and our chosen feline companions.

The orange, red or ginger cat, according to Angus, is most often male. Many cat lovers believe that male cats of any colour are more laid-back than females, especially when neutered.

If that's true, I suppose it would stand to reason that a male cat would be the best choice for your existing females.

My own experience with cat combinations varies.

I've known laid-back females and feisty males. I've lived with a mix of genders and colours that created diverse dynamics but none established a pattern that could be repeated based solely on those factors.

Just like humans, all animals come equipped with their own personalities and temperaments. However, based on my own experiences as well as those of others who maintain multi-cat households, if I were to add a third cat to an all-female crew, I would be looking for a male in the hope of creating harmony although I would never assume that harmony is assured through a mix of genders. And since the choice of colour is yours, why not test your aunt's theory and look for an orange, red or ginger cat?

Angus believes that, although people don't realize it, we choose our cat colours, patterns and breeds based on our collective unconscious, our emotional state, hopes and dreams, and how we view ourselves. If you're attracted to a black cat, for instance, you're interested in the mystery of the unconscious mind while a black and white cat is yin and yang, which symbolizes harmony and balance.

People who view themselves as sophisticated tend to search for rare colours such as platinum (also known as lilac) while outdoorsy types are apt to opt for unusual patterns such as spots and stripes. When we understand our unconscious reason for choosing a particular colour and markings, Angus said it's a short leap to grasp why a human would then choose a cat's body shape or facial expression that resembles their own.

A grumpy person, for example, would be attracted to a grumpy-faced cat. An inquisitive extrovert would be drawn to one with a wide-eyed and open facial expression.

While researching your question, I thought about all the cats I've lived with and if their appearance had any bearing on my relationship with them.

After much deliberation, I realized that my preference has changed over the years.

When I was younger, although I loved all my animals, the cats who stole my heart were prone to grumpiness and hissy-fits but their body shapes, facial expressions, colours and markings were different from one another.

Now that I've become older and my own hissy-fits have subsided, I find that I'm particularly drawn to my family's laid-back, sweet-tempered tabby who prefers a belly rub over a brawl.

I can't say for certain that his colour or markings are an indication of his personality but I was intrigued to find that, according to legend, a tabby cat was present in the manger when Jesus was born. The legend states that when baby Jesus cried and couldn't be consoled by his mother, the tabby's purr provided the soothing remedy.

To this day, believers maintain that the "M" marking on a tabby's forehead represents the Madonna. To think of my sweet little tabby as a religious icon is a stretch for my imagination but, on the other paw, many an old wives' tale is based on some type of historical knowledge or experience. With that in mind, if you're leaning toward an orange, ginger or red male cat based solely on your aunt's recommendation, I say go for it.

E-mail jacque-newman@rogers.com with a question, comment or suggestion.