Thanks to their beautiful array of colors, calico cats are easy to spot. No other type of cat is quite as colorful as a calico. But what makes a calico cat so special, and are they different from cats with other coat colors? Here’s a closer look with five facts about calico cats.
Yes, Almost All Calico Cats Are Female
One of the most well-known facts about calico cats is that they are almost all female. This is because the genetic anomaly responsible for the calico’s coat relies on two X chromosomes. With a few rare exceptions, only female cats can have two X chromosomes. Although male calicos are not unheard of, they are the result of abnormal genetics, and almost all of them are sterile.
Calico Cats Are Not a Separate Breed of Cat
Although it is a common misconception, calico is simply a color pattern and not a separate breed. That said, there are several breeds wherein calico is a common color variant, including the Turkish Van, British shorthair, and American shorthair just to name a few. Of course, calico is also a common color in mixed breed cats as well.
Calico and Tortoiseshell Are Different But Related Color Patterns
Most cat lovers probably already know the difference between calico and tortoiseshell. But if you’re new to the world of cats, you may not be so sure. The primary difference is that the coats of calico cats consist of orange, black, and white, while tortoiseshells are just orange and black. In addition, tortoiseshell cats usually have a more mottled appearance, while the color patches on a calico cat are more distinct.
Calico Cats Are Considered Good Luck in Many Cultures
All around the world, calico-colored cats are considered lucky. In Japan, a cat figurine called maneki-neko, which is said to bring fortune and good luck to its owner, is commonly shown as a calico. It is said that the white stands for good luck, the black stands for good health, and the gold or orange stands for good fortune. Calicos aren’t just special in Japan — they are also the state cat of Maryland.
The Calico Pattern Cannot Be Passed On Via Cloning or Breeding
The activation of the calico pattern in a cat is random. This means that even if you clone a calico cat, you may not get a calico cat. Similarly, breeding a calico cat doesn’t necessarily produce calico kittens. It’s all based on luck and science.
If you have a calico cat in your life, you’ve got a special companion who is truly lucky, in more ways than one. And even if you don’t have a calico cat in your life, maybe now you’ll have a better appreciation for these beautiful multicolored felines.
