Introduction
Adopt a calico cat and learn about their unique three-colored coats, charming personalities, and special care needs.
Calico cats have unique, three-colored coats that many people love. It’s not just their appearance that makes them special. their personality is also charming and mysterious. If you’re thinking about adopting a calico kitten or want to learn more about them, knowing their special temperament will help you appreciate them. Here is everything about calico cat.
Breed Overview
| Breed Overview | Result |
|---|---|
Personality | sassy, spunky, bold, affectionate, independent, and loyal |
Weight | Up to 12 pounds |
Length | About 18 inches |
Coat Length | Short hair and long hair |
Coat Colors | Orange, Black, Blue, Lilac, and Cream |
Coat Patterns | Tri-color (calico) |
Eye Color | Yellow, Green, or Blue |
Lifespan | Up to 15 years |
Hypoallergenic | No |
Origin | Possibly Egypt and the Mediterranean coast |
Characteristics of the Calico Cat
The calico is a medium-sized cat with a lively and confident personality. A calico cat is usually independent and doesn’t need constant attention. However, it is also sweet, loving, and loyal. It can bond with one owner or enjoy being with a whole family.
Calicoes are different from tortoiseshell cats. Tortoiseshell cats have a mix of red and black colors in their coat, while calicoes have distinct patches of solid color.
| About | Result |
|---|---|
Affection Level | High |
Friendliness | High |
Kid-Friendly | High |
Pet-Friendly | High |
Exercise Needs | Medium |
Playfulness | High |
Energy Level | Medium |
Intelligence | High |
Tendency to Vocalize | Medium |
Amount of Shedding | Medium |
History of the Calico Cat
No one knows exactly where calico cats came from, but they likely originated in Egypt and spread through trade along the Mediterranean.
In many cultures, calico cats are seen as lucky.In Japan, Maneki Neko, or “waving cat” figures, often depict calico cats and are thought to bring good fortune. Calico cats are sometimes called “money cats in the United States.
Researchers started studying calico cats in the late 1940s. Murray Barr and his student, E.G. Bertram, discovered dark spots in the nerve cells of female cats that were not present in males. These spots were later called Barr bodies and are inactive X chromosomes. In 1961, Mary Lyon suggested that one of the two X chromosomes in female mammals turns off, a process known as X-inactivation.She saw this in mouse coat color patterns, similar to calico cats.
How do calico cats get their colors?
This part gets a bit scientific, so bear with us. A common question is: Are all calico cats female? Actually, they’re not. While most calico cats are female, there are rare male calico cats, about one in every 3,000.
Cats inherit a set of chromosomes from each parent—males have XY, and females have XX. The calico coloring occurs in cats with two X chromosomes, making them female. Occasionally, a male cat has an extra X chromosome (XXY), giving it a tricolor coat. Many male cats with the XXY chromosome have Klinefelter’s syndrome, which can make them sterile.
Breeds of calico cats
Many different cat breeds can have the calico coloration, so there are many types of calico cats.
American Bobtail, American Curl, American Shorthair, American Wirehair, British Shorthair, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Exotic Shorthair, La Perm, Maine Coon, Manx, Norwegian Forest Cat, Oriental, Persian, Scottish Fold, Selkirk Rex, Siberian Sphynx, Turkish Angora
Personality and Behavior of the Calico Cat
Calico cats are not of a specific breed, so we can’t assign breed-specific personality traits to them. Like many cats, calicoes develop unique personalities based on factors like socialization and life experiences.
Since calico cats are so different from each other, getting one can be exciting. You might find a relaxed, friendly cat that loves to be with you and is a loyal companion. On the other hand, you might get a more aloof, high-maintenance cat with a strong personality. Many calico cat owners say their cats are like tortoiseshell cats, known for their “tortitude.” Torties are often described as spunky, sassy, and independent.calico cats might have some of these traits, but their behavior can be unpredictable. Since calico cats cannot be bred for their color, they are even less likely to share common traits.
Fun Facts About Calico Cats
Females dominate: Due to their unique genetics, 99.9% of calico cats are female. This is because their coat color is linked to female sex chromosomes (XX).
Nearly all male calicoes are sterile: Male calico cats often have Klinefelter’s syndrome (XXY chromosome), a genetic condition that can cause sterility and other health issues.
They represent a state: In 2001, calico cats were named the official state cat of Maryland.Their fur colors (white, black, and orange) match the feather colors of the Baltimore Oriole, Maryland’s state bird. Only two other states have official state cats!
Beckoning Cat: The famous Beckoning Cat character is based on a calico cat.
Different names: Calico cats are called different names in different cultures. In the Netherlands, they are called “lapjeskat,” meaning “patched cat,” and in Japan, they are called “mi-ke,” which means “triple fur.”
Lucky charm: Calico cats are considered lucky charms around the world due to their rarity. Many believe they bring good fortune to families who adopt them. In the U.S., they are sometimes referred to as “money cats.” In the 1870s, calico cats were declared a symbol of fortune in Japan (Maneki-Neko).
Calicoes are brave:A calico cat helped save Japan’s Kinokawa train station from closure in 2007. The town appointed her as station master, and her presence increased station traffic by 17%.
Calicoes are everywhere:Despite their rarity, calico cats have spread around the world. They can be traced along migration routes in Europe and Northern Africa, originating in Egypt and found in Mediterranean cities like France, Italy, and Spain.
You cannot breed them: Calico cats occur by chance, so they cannot be bred, which is why they are so rare and considered lucky.
They cure warts: There’s a rumor that rubbing warts against a calico cat’s tail in May can cure them. While we can’t confirm this, it’s likely that the cats don’t enjoy it!
Calico cat care
Caring for a calico cat depends on its breed. For example,
- Short-haired calico cats need less brushing than long-haired ones.
- All cats, no matter the breed, need exercise and fun activities.
- They should visit the vet regularly and get their vaccines.
- Remember to brush your cat’s teeth often.
Diet and nutrition of calico cats
A complete and balanced cat food, either dried or canned, is usually good for calicoes of any breed. However, check if your specific breed has special dietary needs. Ask your vet for feeding advice as well.
Common health problems of the calico cat
Male calico cats can have a genetic health condition called Klinefelter syndrome. They are sterile and may have cognitive and developmental issues, behavioral problems, lower bone mineral content, and obesity.
Female calico cats don’t have health problems related to their color patterns but may have issues specific to their breeds. Regular vet visits are important for all calico cats.
How do I adopt a calico kitten?
Choosing to adopt or buy a calico kitten from a breeder is a personal decision that needs research. Many resources can help you find a rescue or breeder offering healthy, ethically sourced calico kittens. Be careful of online scams and breeders selling unhealthy kittens. Kittens without proper care from birth or taken away from their mother too soon can become sick and need urgent vet care.
Knowing what to expect when getting a calico kitten is important for being a responsible pet owner. Whether you choose to adopt or buy from a breeder, be prepared for an energetic and friendly new member of your household.
Adopting Calico Kittens:
Adopting a calico kitten is possible. Many rescue cats come from owners who can no longer keep them, often due to lifestyle changes or the breed not being a good fit. Many kittens are also born in rescues. This means there are many cats and kittens looking for new homes.
Rescues may not always have young kittens available, but they typically microchip and neuter their cats. This means you might adopt a cat that’s already housebroken and has had necessary medical procedures.
Finding a Breeder:
Since calico is not a breed, contacting breeders specifically for calico patterns might not be effective. Look for breeds like Persian, Manx, or Scottish Fold, which are more likely to have calico coloring. Reputable breeders prioritize temperament and health over color. Breeders focusing on color might produce inbred cats.
Ask questions, meet the breeder and cat parents, and trust your instincts. If something feels off or a kitten seems too good to be true, it’s likely not a good situation.
Calico cat resources
Calico cats are common, but finding one at a local shelter can be hard. Check with breeders who often have calico-colored cats to see if any specialize in calico patterns. You can also search online adoption sites to find a calico kitten or cat in your area.
