
The calico cat is not a specific breed but is distinguished by its tricolour coat, which is often a combination of orange, black and white. While the calico pattern may pop up in many cat breeds, the American Shorthair, British Shorthair, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Exotic Shorthair, Japanese Bobtail, Maine Coon, Norwegian Forest Cat, Persian, Scottish Fold, Turkish Angora and Turkish Van are the most likely to display it. Calico cats are considered symbols of good luck in many cultures and are the official cat of the U.S. state of Maryland.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
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 | 15 years, depending on breed |
Origin | Possibly Egypt and the Mediterranean coast |
What You'll Learn
History and origin
The calico cat is not a specific breed but a colour pattern that can be found in many different breeds. The pattern is characterised by a tri-colour coat, with the most common combination being vibrant orange, black and white. However, calico cats can also feature cream, blue, lilac, brown and gold colours. The colours appear in distinct patches rather than swirls or mixes.
Calico cats are almost always female, with male calicoes being extremely rare—occurring only once in every 3,000 calicoes. This is because the gene for the orange/non-orange colouring is on the X chromosome. Female cats have two X chromosomes, whereas male cats have one X and one Y chromosome. Therefore, it is very difficult for a male cat to have both orange and non-orange genes together, which is what results in calico colouring.
The exact origin of the calico cat is unclear, but it is widely thought that they date back to Egypt and were traded along the Mediterranean to countries such as Spain, Greece, France and Italy. In ancient times, they were used on board ships to guard food stocks from mice and other vermin.
In the late 1940s, researchers began seriously studying calico cats and their appearance. In 1961, Mary Lyon proposed the concept of X-inactivation, which occurs when one of the two X chromosomes inside a female mammal shuts off. This was observed in the coat colour patterns of mice, which are similar to the patterns of calico cats.
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Physical characteristics
Calico cats are not a specific breed but are identifiable by their tricolour coats. Typically, calico cats are 25% to 75% white, with the remaining coat featuring large orange and black patches. However, calico cats can also feature cream, blue, lilac, brown, red, or grey (known as 'blue') colouring. The colours of the fur appear in bold patches, rather than being mixed or swirled together, making calico cats easy to identify.
Calico cats are almost exclusively female, with male calico cats occurring only under rare genetic conditions. Male calico cats are calculated to be one in every 3,000 calico cats and are always sterile. This is because calico colouring is present when a cat has two X chromosomes and is therefore female. Occasionally, a male cat will have an extra X chromosome, resulting in the tricolour coat. These male calico cats often have Klinefelter's Syndrome, which, in addition to sterility, can cause cognitive and developmental issues, behavioural problems, reduced bone mineral content, and obesity.
Calico cats are often confused with tortoiseshell cats, which have a black undercoat and a mostly mottled coat of black and red or black and cream, with very few to no white markings. However, outside of North America, the calico pattern is more commonly called tortoiseshell and white. Dilute calicoes, which feature muted colours, are sometimes referred to as calimanco or clouded tiger.
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Male calicoes
Male calico cats are extremely rare—only about 1 in 3,000 calico cats are male. They are so rare, in fact, that they are often referred to as the unicorns of the cat world.
Male calico cats are the result of a genetic anomaly that gives them an extra X chromosome, resulting in Klinefelter syndrome (XXY chromosome). This condition makes male calico cats sterile and prone to various health issues, including increased body fat, which can lead to diabetes, joint pain, and heart disease.
The genetic basis for calico patterns involves random inactivation of X chromosomes, which is why almost all calico cats are female. Female cats, like all female placental mammals, normally have two X chromosomes, while male placental mammals, including chromosomally stable male cats, have one X and one Y chromosome. The locus of the gene for orange/non-orange coloring is on the X chromosome, which is why male cats usually only have one colour.
Male calico cats are coveted by buyers but unpopular among breeders due to their rarity and the health issues associated with their condition.
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Health and care
The care of a calico cat will depend on its breed. For example, shorthaired calico cats will require less brushing than longhaired breeds. However, all cats need exercise and enrichment, and it's important to ensure your cat sees the vet regularly and is up-to-date on its vaccines. You should also regularly brush its teeth.
The lifespan of a calico cat can be influenced by its breed. Male calicos tend to have more health issues than females. Regardless of breed, male calicos are prone to a genetic health condition called Klinefelter Syndrome, which causes sterility, cognitive and developmental issues, behavioural problems, reduced bone mineral content, and obesity.
Female calico cats do not have health problems that correlate with their colour patterns, but they may have issues specific to their breed. This is why it's important to schedule regular visits with your vet.
A complete and balanced cat food, whether dried or canned, is generally a great option for calicos of any breed. However, it's worth researching your specific breed of cat to find out if they have any unique dietary requirements. Ask your veterinarian for feeding advice.
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Superstitions and folklore
Calico cats are considered symbols of good luck and prosperity in many cultures. In Germany, the word for a calico cat is "Glückskatze", which translates to "lucky cat". Similarly, in the United States, they are sometimes referred to as "money cats".
In maritime folklore, calico cats are believed to bring good fortune to sailors and protect ships from evil spirits and storms. Japanese sailors, in particular, considered calico cats lucky omens and often kept them as ship's cats to ward off misfortune at sea. This belief is reflected in the Japanese Maneki Neko, or "waving cat", good luck figures that sometimes depict calico cats.
In some cultures, it is thought that a calico cat in your home will ward off evil spirits. They are also seen as harbingers of love, with dreams of calico cats supposedly signifying an upcoming romance or a deepening connection.
In Japanese folklore, calico cats are believed to possess magical powers and bring wealth. They are also sometimes depicted as magical beings or companions of samurais.
The Ancient Egyptians revered calico cats as symbols of good luck and protection. This belief may be related to the fact that calico cats are almost exclusively female, with male calico cats being a rare occurrence due to their unique genetics.
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Frequently asked questions
A calico cat is a domestic cat with a tri-color coat. The coat is usually 25% to 75% white with large orange and black patches, but other colours may be present.
No, calico cats are not a specific breed. They are members of domestic cat breeds that can have tri-color coats.
Almost all calico cats are female. Male calico cats are extremely rare, with only about 1 in every 3,000 calico cats being male.
The origin of calico cats is not entirely clear, but they are believed to have emerged from Egypt and were traded along the Mediterranean.
Calico cats are known for their sass and spunk, but they can also be loving and loyal companions for people of all ages. They are generally independent but enjoy the company of their human families and other pets.