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Cats

Calico Cats – Facts, Genetics, Temperament & Types

Calico Cats
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Rare calico cats with traditional characteristics and attractable eye-catching colors make the coolest pretty cat. Mostly, calico cats are female but not all. Males are rare and lucky cats in England with a particular color pattern. A significant portion of the coat remains white in color with orange or black patches to make them unique.

Let’s learn more facts and detailed information about calico cats.

Calico Cats Infographics

Calico Cats Infographics

Calico Cat Genetics

The calico cats are not a breed. The name “calico” refers to a tricolor pattern of coats. In calicos, the cats having the orange color mutant gene are seen. Usually, this pattern is called tortoiseshell-and-white outside North America. These tortoiseshell cats have white color patches on the chest, paws, and face.

 

Calico Cat Facts

  • Native – Egypt
  • Size – Small to medium-sized
  • Weight – 7 – 9 pounds
  • Coat – Brown, black, white, or red patched coat
  • Color – Orange, black and white

Calico Cat Life Span

The average lifespan of calico cats is between 15 – 16 years.

Calico Cat Pictures

Calico breed Calico cat facts
Calico Cats Interesting facts Calico cats symbolism

Calico Cat Personality

Where a calico cat is not a specific breed, its temperament varies. It has an endearing and sweet personality as intelligent, affectionate, warm-hearted, and friendly with children. Some calico cats are credited for their bravery.

They saved their animals and human families from burning buildings.

Why Are Male Calico Cats Rare?

Mostly, calico cats are female and males are rare. Male cats have XY chromosomes but females have XX chromosomes. Where the X chromosome is responsible for black and orange fur so, females may have both colors due to the XX chromosome.

Calico Cat Male

However, male cats have only one X chromosome, so they may have either black or orange. Only 1 out of 3000 calico cats are born male. Male cats, they should have three sex chromosomes, one Y chromosome, and two X chromosomes.

This is Klinefelter Syndrome in humans.

Calico Cats Symbolism

The rare calico cats are believed as lucky charms and they bring a bright future to their owners. Also, it is mentioned as money cats in the US due to the rarity of male calico cats. It is acknowledged as a little ball of luck.

In Japan, it is declared as a symbol of fortune and in Maryland, it is an official state cat.

Calico Cat Grooming

Usually, it is better to brush your cats at least 3 times a week during summer and spring and weekly once in winter and autumn. Main grooming areas in cats include ear cleaning, nail clipping, brushing, eye cleaning, and bathing.

Calico Cat Shedding

These cats shed high in summer. Consider sphynx, if your concern is shedding. Try to keep your cats indoors and brush them regularly. If the cats are inside all the time then the shedding level will be minimal.

Calico Cat Breeds

  • Persian
  • Devon Rex
  • Cornish Rex
  • Siberian
  • Leperm
  • Exotic Shorthair
  • American Shorthair
  • Oriental Shorthair
  • British Shorthair
  • American Curl
  • Japanese Bobtail
  • Munchkin
  • Sphynx
  • Turkish Van
  • Manx
  • Scottish Fold

Calico Cat Types

There are three types of calico cats,

  • Standard calico – Usually, white coats with orange and black large spots.
  • Dilute Calico – White coats with strawberry-blonde and smoky grey color large spots.
  • Cabby – Is a mix of tabby and calico cat, which has the black and orange calico, patches and spotted markings or tabby striped.

Calico Cat Care

Calico Cat Interesting Facts

  • In October 2001, the calico cat became an official cat of Maryland.
  • A calico cat named pudge is one of the celebrity kitties with 670.8k followers.
  • In the 19th century, children’s poems were titled ‘The Gingham Dog and the Calico Cat’.
  • Maneki Neko, a popular Japanese statue is a Calico Bobtail.
  • Calico cats originated from Egypt.
  • In the early period, calico cats are used in boats by Japanese fishermen to protect them during harsh storms.
  • In Ancient Egyptian culture, calico cats were worshipped.
  • Usually, rare male calico cats are born sterile.

Cat Names For A Calico

 
Orange Calico Cat Names Black Color Calico Cat Names White Color Calico Cat Names
Pumpkin Luna Carina
Coral Licorice Angel
Papaya Raven Sunbeam
Persimmon Midnight Lacey
Peach Jett Zima
Butternut Moonbeam Snowflake
Ginger Indigo Sishya
Apricot Elvira Blanche
Jupiter Eclipse Chalkie
Goldie Ebony Blanca

Calico Cat Price / Adoption Centers

The average price of the calico cat range from $1000 to $2000.

  • Blue Cross
    Address: Shilton Road,
    Burford, OXON. OX18 4PF
  • Wood Green, The Animals Charity
    Address: King’s Bush Farm,
    London Road,
    Godmanchester,
    Cambridgeshire,
    PE29 2NH
  • Hounslow Animal Welfare Society
    Address: Boundary House,
    Boston Rd,
    London
    W7 2QE

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