Photo via Ashley Bayles |
The definition of a calico cat is a feline that has a predominately white coat with patches of two other colors - usually orange tabby and black. Calico isn't a breed of cat, but instead a type of color variation for a cat's coat. Calico cats are very interesting and you'll never find two exactly alike.
Calico Cats Pack a Punch
Some say that calico cats have an "attitude". I have met a lot of cats over the years and will agree that many of them can be feisty, but still believe that this is a myth. There are just as many sweet natured calicos as there are truculent ones. One thing is for sure, they certainly do have a lot of personality!
A Lesson in Genetics
Calico cats are almost always female. This has to do with genetics. Females carry to X chromosomes, while males are built up of a set of XY chromosomes. In cats, the X chromosome carries the gene for black and orange fur. Since females have two X chromosomes, it is possible for them to be both black and orange. Since males only have one X chromosome, it is not possible for them to be calico. A calico male usually has some genetic abnormalities and will most likely be sterile. They may also have a number of other health problems.
Show Me the Money
Did you know that calico cats are said to be good luck in some cultures? In the US, they are referred to as "money cats" sometimes. In Japan, the Maneki Neko cat figurine is usually a calico.
Photo via Jules Antonio |
Not So Common in Purebred Cats
The calico coloration is not found in all purebred cats. Manx, American Shorthair, British Shorthair, Persian, Japanese Bobtail, Exotic Shorthair, and Turkish Van purebred cats can be calico and still meet the standards of their breed.
I was quite intrigued to learn that calico cats can be hard to produce for breeders. Most calico cats are domestic shorthairs, your typical everyday non-purebred cat. Breeders can try putting a black and orange cat together, but even then it is just luck as to what the outcome will be.
Official State Cat
The calico cat was announced the official state cat of Maryland in 2001. This is because its colors are also shared with the state bird - the oriole, as well as the state butterfly - the Baltimore Checkerspot butterfly. I'm going to have to look up the state cat for Texas now because I've never heard of one before I found this.
Oh we would definitely agree with the "calico cat attitude" statement!! Domeek has had two calicos and man, oh man, do they have some serious 'tudes!! ;-) But they were also incredibly loving and awesome too!
ReplyDeleteHehe yea I've met a lot of calicos with "tudes".
DeleteMy Mom is allergic to cats so we can't have one, but she thinks the calicos are really beautiful.
ReplyDeleteLoveys Sasha
I love calicos :) When I was younger my mum and her friend rescued a stray mother/son pair of cats from behind someone's shed (we got the son, the friend got the mother). The mother was an absolutely gorgeous calico.
ReplyDeleteI've had a few calicos as well. One was named "Banshee" because she was completely feral and ended up being our barn cat when I was a kid.
DeleteMy calico cat, Patches, is waiting for me at the rainbow bridge. I do like to think she's brought me a lot of luck over the years :-)
ReplyDeleteAww how sweet :)
DeleteThat calicos are such fun looking cats. Have a marvelous Monday.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly
Calicos seems great. We don't have that kind of cat but it's nice to learn about them.
ReplyDeleteOink oink,
Katie and Coccolino the mini pig
Our calico was awesome. Sweet as pie but took no "shtuff" from anyone.
ReplyDeleteHehe perfect way to describe them!
DeleteGreat post. I've read about the calicos and their history - that's so interesting ;o) and they are beautiful ;o)
ReplyDeleteI've always thought calico cats were beautiful. Thanks for all the great info. Too bad Kelly won't share her home with a cat!
ReplyDeleteMy dog is also not very cat friendly. She did share her home with a cat for a long time, but KKMM has been gone for a few months now.
DeleteThis is fascinating! My human always wanted a calico cat but I found her before! But I think she doesn't mind ;-)
ReplyDeletePurrs
I am glad that your human found you Texas. Orange tabbies are also brilliant!
DeleteInteresting calico facts! Thanks for sharing! They are so pretty. I've had several tortoiseshell kitties over the years, but never a calico. I've known quite a few calico cats that belonged to others and never met one that was unusually feisty.
ReplyDeleteSusan and Wrigs
Tortoiseshells are pretty as well. Which reminds that I want to look up some stuff about them and their differences with calico kitties.
Deletewow thats a lot of great info!
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful kitty! very interesting to get the info! :)
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful :) Never knew about them, Thanks :) Have a wonderful Monday xx00xx
ReplyDeleteMollie and Alfie
Good for Maryland. I think every state should have a State Cat...and State Dog...and....
ReplyDeleteI know that Texas and a lot of other states have a state dog. I've never heard of a state cat before though.
DeleteCalico cats are really nice cats. They can come from a Tortie Mom, which mine did, so they must be somewhat related to Tortie cats. Our Calico, does have a slight attitude but then she has sister and a mom that are Tortie cats.
ReplyDeleteI know they are very similar to torties I just don't know the exact differences besides they look a little bit different. On my research list!
Deletethis post is ever so true...my glorious coat might not be 100% calico but there's not a girl in trout towne who's more concerned with money than me...show me it...you betcha !!!
ReplyDeletehugs from dai$y =^..*=
Lol - now I know why you use the $ in your name Miss Daisy!
DeleteI have always heard the all "calico's are female's", and wondered if it was an old wives tale. Now I know.
ReplyDeleteYep - it's pretty much true!
DeleteWe didn't know that about the calico being the state cat of Maryland! COOL!
ReplyDeleteThere were 2 Calicos here over the years, and both were completely different. Both were beautiful, I've seen the pics!
ReplyDeleteMagnificent site. A lot of useful information here.
ReplyDeleteI am sending it to some buddies ans additionally sharing in delicious.
And obviously, thank you to your effort!
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AIIEEE!!! Mom has already wanted a calico cat...this is such a great post! thank you! Paw pats, Savannah
ReplyDeleteThey're gorgious. I had no idea there were other cats with an attitude, I thought I was the only one :D
ReplyDeleteMom's first kitty was a calico named Kibble; she could be both truck-u-lint and sweet :)
ReplyDeleteI have a 4 year old calico male and he is starting to cost a lot of money on vet bills. Not sure what to do with him. Such a good cat too!
ReplyDeleteI have a calico named pixie she is the best feiend i ever had she is 10 years 7 months and im worried she is very sick yeaterday she had blood in her stool vet said she doesnt have parasites she is on antibiotoc and probiotoc i pray she is going to be ok i donyt know whaylt i would do without her
ReplyDelete