Calico cat is named due to its trio-color combinations. It is a beautiful trio-color cat which has white as a major color that is almost 25% to 75% with large black- and orange-colored patches. It is not recognized as a separate breed but belongs to a domestic cat breed. Calico cats are mostly females but if any genetic modification occurs, male calico cats could be produced.
History of Calico Cat
It is unknown that where the calico cat was first produced. But it was emerged from Egypt. It can also be found in Mediterranean, France, Italy, Greece, and Spain.
Since 2001, calico cat was also considered as state cat because of its resemblance with state bird and state insect due to similar trio-color combinations.
Types of Calico Cats
Different domestic cat breeds show the calico patterns and are known as calico cats. Some of them are:
- Exotic Shorthair Calicoes
- British Shorthair Calicoes
- American Shorthair Calicoes
- Persian Calicoes
- Turkish Angora Calicoes
- Cornish Rex Calicoes
- Japanese Bobtail Calicoes
Characteristics and Traits of Calico Cat
As calico cats do not belong to a specific breed, they don’t show similar behaviors and traits. They can exhibit different behaviors at the same time. Their characteristics and actions are developed during their lifetime according to exposure and experiences.
Calico cat needs less attention and can live independently but it can also be very friendly and adorable. Some calico cats like to play with pet owners, children, and other fellow cats. But some can be aggressive and moody at some point along a day.
They are also very intelligent and friendly. However, they have moderate energy levels and don’t require more exercises per day. But moderate exercise is required for their well-being and happiness.
Calico cat has a little resemblance with tortoiseshell cat but they both belong to different breeds. Tortoiseshell has black base along with different color patches like red, blue, cream, but it has no white color like calico cat. It also has different eye colors including green, copper, blue, and odd-colored eyes. It can also have 2 different eye colors like blue and copper in the same cat.
Calico cat shows different patterns of their colors. It might be a caliby or calico tabby cat, if it shows tabby patterns of trio-color combination. It can also be a dilute calico cat if it exhibits diluted colors that are lighter and may include grey, cream, or golden colors along with white base.
Lifespan of Calico Cat
As calico cats are not breed-specific, they have no similar lifespan. Their breed determines their lifespan. However, they can live a life of 15 years and some can live even more if provided with extra care and nutrition.
Diet and Nutrition of Calico Cat
Calico cats should be given proper nutrition. Their nutrient and caloric requirement depends on their breed. However, they need moderate protein and calories as they are not more physical active.
A cat food that is complete and balanced should be given to calico cats for their growth and well-being.
Health Issues of Calico Cat
As majority of the calico cats are female, they don’t have any genetic diseases. However, they can show any health issues related to their breeds like some can feel digestive issues or other eye health diseases.
While the rare male calico cats are more prone to health issues that can be congenital. Like they are suffered from Klinefelter syndrome that is genetic and transferred to them via genes. The male calicoes are also sterile and can’t produce off-springs.
Are Calico Cats Exclusively Female?
Almost all the calico cats are females because they have two X chromosomes. As the X chromosome represents female development so calico cats must be females. During their formation in the mother womb, one X chromosome becomes inactive otherwise it can be toxic and is harmful for their survival.
Calico cat can be male only in rare genetic modifications where one chromosome will be X and other will be Y because Y chromosome represents male development and characteristics.
The X chromosome carries different genes that code for color patterns of their coats. So, calico cats exhibit unique and different color patterns from one another of trio-color combination.
Are Male Calico Cats Rare?
Yes, male calico cats are rare and all the calico cats are females. Male calico cats can be produced only in case of genetic modification which can happen only in one calico cat among 3000 calicoes. Other 99.9% calico cats are females.
How to Buy a Calico Cat?
Calico cats are expensive due to their unique trio-color patterns. However, they are not rare and can be bought from some local pet stores. You can also adopt it from cat shelters or rescue centers in less amount.
Conclusion
Calico cats are not breed-specific and different domestic cat breeds can exhibit calico pattern that is trio-color pattern of coat. They exhibit different traits and characteristics, mostly are friendly, loyal, and independent. Their lifespan also depends on their breed. However, they can live a life of 15 years or may be longer. All the calico cats are females due to their two X chromosomes makeup. In rare genetic modifications, 1 in 3000 calico cats, male calico can be produced. They need proper nutrition and care for survival and well-being.
