A Calico Cat Is A Domestic Cat Of Any Breed With A Tri-Color Coat. The Calico Cat Is Most Commonly Thought Of As Being Typically 25% To 75% White With Large Orange And Black Patches (Or Sometimes Cream And Grey Patches); However, The Calico Cat Can Have Any Three Colors In Its Pattern. They Are Almost Exclusively Female Except Under Rare Genetic Conditions.
The Calico cat should not be confused with a Tortoiseshell, which has a mostly mottled coat of black/orange or grey/cream with little to no white markings. However, outside North America, the calico pattern is often referred to as "tortoiseshell and white." In Quebec, Canada, calico cats are sometimes called chatte d’Espagne (French for “female cat of Spain”).
Other names for calico cats include brindle, tricolor cat, mike neko (Japanese for “triple fur”), and lapjeskat (Dutch for “patches cat”). Calicoes with diluted coloration are sometimes called calimanco or clouded tiger. Additionally, when a calico pattern is mixed with tabby markings, it is referred to as a caliby.
The term "Calico" describes a fur color pattern rather than a specific breed. Many breeds allow for calico coloration, including the Manx, American Shorthair, Maine Coon, British Shorthair, Persian, Arabian Mau, Japanese Bobtail, Exotic Shorthair, Siberian, Turkish Van, Turkish Angora, and Norwegian Forest Cat.
Due to genetic factors, calico cats are almost always female. The gene responsible for coat color is linked to the X chromosome, meaning that female calicos inherit different color traits from each parent. Male calicos are rare and typically occur due to genetic conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome (XXY chromosomes), chimerism, or spontaneous genetic mutations.
Some calico cats may have a diluted color pattern, featuring shades of grey (blue), cream, and gold instead of the traditional black, red, and brown patches.
Calico cats are known for their unique personality, often described as "tortitude." They are sassy, independent, and energetic. At the same time, they can be affectionate, loyal, and loving. If you seek unconditional love, a calico cat will eagerly provide companionship and warmth.
