Recently updated on October 15th, 2023
Calico cats are among the most popular types of cats. They are well known for their beautiful patterns and colors. This article will look at the nine fascinating facts about Calico cats and tell the story behind their unique patterns.
Table of Contents
1. Calico Is Not a Cat Breed
Calico is a term used to refer to a tricolor pattern of a cat’s coat that can occur in almost all domestic cats. Since calico is a color rather than a breed, these kittens can have short or long hair ranging from small to large.
Three distinct colors must be present for a cat to be considered a calico. Calicos are mainly white with patches of orange (at times reddish-brown or red) and black (at times blue or gray).
There are very few “show cats” whose breed standards allow calico coloration. These include the British shorthair, American short hair, Exotic short hair, Manx, Japanese Bobtail, Siberia, Persian, Turkish Angora, Norwegian Forest Cat, and Turkish Van.
2. Calico Is The Japanese Beckoning Cat
You may have seen an adorable cat statue waving at the entrance to your favorite Japanese restaurant or business. Usually golden in color, these beckoning cats are based on Calico and are said to bring wealth and good fortune.
Maneki Neko is a famous Japanese cat statue that is said to bring good fortune and good luck. This adorable ceramic cat is thought to be a calico.
Many cultures believe that these tricolored cats bring good luck. And because they are rare, the male calicos are considered extra lucky.
If you still want to know more about this ancient feline, read the subsequent paragraphs to learn more exciting Calico cat facts.
3. Calico Is Maryland’s State Cat
Maryland designated calico as the official state cat in October 2001. The calico cat was chosen because its orange, white, and black colors are shared with the Baltimore state bird (Oriole) and the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly (the state insect).
4. Calico Cats Are Mostly Females
According to research, only one in 3000 kittens born is male. They are mainly females because their coloration is related to the X chromosome.
The reason for this is entirely genetic: the color of the orange/ non-orange coat is carried on the X chromosome. Both parents contribute one chromosome to a kitten. Female cats have XX, and males XY. This means that the male cat decides the gender.
But, to get the calico coat color, the kittens must have an orange and a non-orange X chromosome, meaning that all calicos are females.
In rare cases, faulty cell division may lead to an additional X chromosome. This additional X would be replicated in all cells, and if one of the Xs is an orange DNA and the other is non-orange, the kitten may be a male calico.
5. Calico Kittens Are Unique
We have seen that Calico patterns vary widely. Each calico cat comes with its markings. This uniqueness also extends to their personality.
The cat’s temperament and behavior can be as distinct and different as any individual cat. Since calico is a color pattern, they’re nothing like any common calico cat traits.
Though, one exciting study has shown that people assign characters to different cats based on their colors. As a result, some folks have seen calicos more isolated and intolerant than other breeds of cats. Still, there is no evidence to support this.
6. Some People Believe That Calico’s Tail Can Cure Warts
According to Irish myths, you can get rid of warts by rubbing them on the tail of a calico cat – although only in May. This might be one of the urban folklore the internet is known for.
But if you have a calico and a wart, you can always try it out and let us know if it works. Make sure you wait till May to try this experiment.
7. Male Calico Cats Are Very Rare
It is estimated that only one out of every 3,000 calico cats is male. In addition, only one in 10,000 male calico cats is fertile.
So, if you are lucky to get a male calico cat, you must take good care of him. Male calico cats are susceptible to health problems. They are kittens with parental genetic abnormalities that represent many possible cat breeds.
While calico female cats are widespread, male calico cats are rare and of particular interest for the mixture of their unique coloration and gender. Although it is a myth that they are very costly, if you have one, you can cherish him because of its rare condition and other exciting characteristics.
8. They Are Sometimes Confused With Tortoiseshell Cats
Calico cats are sometimes confused with tortoiseshell cats. The two terms refer to the coat and pattern colors instead of the breed, although there are several differences.
They both have orange and black coloration, but the calicos also have prominent white patches. The calico coat also has unique color patches. In contrast, the tortie’s colors are usually swirled together, primarily black and orange, with almost no white.
At first glance, they both look similar, but they are not. The main difference is that tortoiseshell cats have little or no white fur. Some people confuse the two because some tortoiseshells have more white fur than usual, primarily mixed with other colors.
9. Calico Cats Have Many Names
We already know that calico cats come in several colors like black, white, orange/ginger, or white and chocolate/ brown and orange.
They can be tabby or dilute calicos. The tabbies are known as “caliby” cats, while the diluted ones can be called calico calamanco cats or occasionally “cloudy tiger, which is neat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are calico cats so special?
Calico cats are considered special because of their unique and striking multicolored fur coats. Calico cats are primarily female and have a genetic coloring pattern that results in black, white, and orange patches. Their colors are often symmetrical and can create a beautiful contrast. In addition to their stunning appearance, Calico cats are also known for their playful and affectionate personalities, making them a popular choice for cat lovers.
Are all calico cats female only?
Yes, almost all Calico cats are female. The coloring pattern is caused by a genetic trait linked to the X chromosome, found in females only. Males have only one X chromosome, that’s why they cannot express the Calico coloring. However, male Calico cats are scarce and can occur due to genetic abnormalities like Klinefelter’s syndrome. Calico cats are almost exclusively female, which is why they are often considered unique.
Why are 99% of calico cats female?
The coloring is due to the expression of different genes in different parts of the cat’s body, with one gene responsible for black fur, another for white fur, and another for orange fur.
Females have two X chromosomes, so they can express black and orange genes and white if there is a dominant white gene. On the other hand, males have only one X chromosome and a Y chromosome, so they can only express one of the three colors, typically orange or black.
Is a calico cat rare?
Yes, Calico cats are considered rare. The combination of three distinct colors in their fur – black, white, and orange – results from different genes expressed in different parts of the cat’s body. Because Calico cats are mostly female, their scarcity adds to their rarity. Additionally, the specific combination of colors can vary from cat to cat, making each Calico cat unique and special. In conclusion, due to their unique coloring, gender specificity, and individual differences, cat lovers consider Calico cats rare and often highly sought after.
Are calico cats talkative?
Like all cats, Calico cats have unique personalities, so some may be talkative while others may not. It is not a coat pattern-specific trait. Some felines are naturally more vocal than others, and their level of talkativeness can be influenced by factors such as their environment, socialization, and health.
Are calico cats lucky?
Cats, in general, can bring joy and companionship to their guardians, and this can be seen as a form of “good luck.” But here’s an interesting thing the Maneki Neko, also known as the Beckoning Cat or the Lucky Cat, is a traditional Japanese figurine that is believed to bring fortune and good luck to its owner. These figurines depict a cat with one or both paws raised, beckoning for good luck and wealth. In Japan, the calico cat is commonly associated with the Maneki Neko and is considered a lucky symbol due to its distinctive coloring. Ultimately, the idea of a cat being lucky or unlucky depends on the individual beliefs and values of the person experiencing them.
Are calico cats always moody?
No, calico cats are not always moody. Like all cats, calico cats have unique personalities and temperaments. Some cats can be more aloof or independent, while others may be more affectionate and social. The cat’s environment, socialization, and health can also influence its mood and behavior. It is essential to remember that every cat is an individual and may display a range of emotions and behaviors, just like people do.
Are calico females aggressive?
No, calico females are not inherently aggressive. Aggression is not a breed or coat pattern-specific trait in cats. It can be influenced by many factors, including the cat’s environment, socialization, and personality. Some cats may be more prone to aggressive behavior, while others may be more laid-back and friendly. As with all cats, providing a safe, stable environment and proper socialization is essential, as seeking veterinary care if you are concerned about your cat’s behavior.
Are calico cats sassy?
Like all cats, Calico cats have unique personalities and temperaments. Some calico cats may have a sassy or feisty personality, while others may be more laid-back and relaxed. Whether a cat is sassy or not is not determined by their breed or color pattern but rather by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, such as upbringing, socialization, and individual experiences. Every cat is an individual, and it is essential to respect and understand their unique personalities and behaviors.
Can a male cat have 3 colors?
Yes, a male cat can have three colors. The gene that determines fur color in cats is on the X chromosome, and male cats (XY) only inherit one X chromosome from their mother. However, calico and tortoiseshell coloring, which typically features a mix of black, orange, and white, is associated with being female because two X chromosomes cause it. Male cats with two X chromosomes are rare and often have health problems.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading! You have learned the 9 Fascinating things about Calico cats! Now you know a lot about this adorable creature. And also, you now know which breeds can be calico. Do you live with a calico cat? Let us know about their personality in the comments.
I'm an enthusiast with a deep understanding of feline genetics and a passion for the unique world of calico cats. Let's delve into the concepts covered in the article to shed light on the fascinating aspects of calico cats:
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Calico Is Not a Cat Breed:
- Calico refers to a tricolor pattern in a cat's coat.
- It is a color pattern, not a specific breed.
- Various breeds can exhibit calico coloring, including British Shorthair, American Shorthair, Exotic Shorthair, Manx, Japanese Bobtail, Siberian, Persian, Turkish Angora, Norwegian Forest Cat, and Turkish Van.
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Calico Is The Japanese Beckoning Cat:
- Maneki Neko, the Japanese Beckoning Cat, is often based on the calico coloration.
- Maneki Neko is believed to bring good fortune and wealth.
- Calico cats, being rare, are considered particularly lucky, especially male calicos.
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Calico Is Maryland’s State Cat:
- Maryland designated calico as the official state cat in 2001.
- The choice is linked to the colors shared with the Baltimore state bird (Oriole) and the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly (state insect).
-
Calico Cats Are Mostly Females:
- Calico cats are almost exclusively female (1 in 3000 are male).
- The coloration is linked to the X chromosome; females have XX chromosomes, allowing for the expression of the tricolor pattern.
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Calico Kittens Are Unique:
- Calico patterns vary widely, and each cat has unique markings.
- The uniqueness extends to their personality; however, assigning specific traits based on color lacks scientific evidence.
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Some People Believe That Calico’s Tail Can Cure Warts:
- An Irish myth suggests rubbing warts on a calico's tail in May can cure them.
- This is likely urban folklore, lacking scientific basis.
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Male Calico Cats Are Very Rare:
- Only 1 in 3000 calico cats is male, and only 1 in 10,000 male calicos is fertile.
- Male calicos may have health problems due to genetic abnormalities.
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They Are Sometimes Confused With Tortoiseshell Cats:
- Calico cats have distinct white patches in addition to black and orange, while tortoiseshells lack prominent white.
- The patterns of colors also differ between calicos and tortoiseshells.
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Calico Cats Have Many Names:
- Calico cats can have various colors, including black, white, orange, ginger, chocolate, brown, and tabby patterns.
- Terms like "caliby" and "calico calamanco" are used to describe specific variations.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Why are calico cats special? Due to their unique tricolor fur coats and often symmetrical patterns.
- Are all calico cats female only? Yes, almost all, due to the genetic basis of the coloration on the X chromosome.
- Why are 99% of calico cats female? Linked to the genetics of fur color expression on X chromosomes.
- Is a calico cat rare? Yes, the combination of colors and female predominance makes them relatively rare.
- Are calico cats talkative? Talkativeness varies among individuals, not specific to calico patterns.
- Are calico cats lucky? In Japanese culture, the calico cat is associated with good luck, and many consider them fortunate.
- Are calico cats always moody? No, like all cats, their temperament varies, and mood is influenced by individual factors.
- Are calico females aggressive? Aggression is not linked to color patterns; it depends on individual factors.
- Are calico cats sassy? Personality traits vary among calico cats, and sassiness is not inherent to their coloration.
- Can a male cat have 3 colors? Yes, but it's rare; male cats with calico coloring often have health issues due to genetic abnormalities.
