What Is a Calico Cat? Colours, Genetics, Personality & Surprising Facts Explained

First thing’s first: there is no breed of cat called a Calico. When you hear the term “calico cat”, it is a description of the coat colour pattern, not the breed. The three defining colours in a calico’s coat are white, black and orange (or diluted equivalents).

There are a few interesting things about calico cats. First, all of them are female. Second, each of them has a completely unique pattern. In this guide, we explain the appearance, genetics, personality and key facts about calico cats to increase your understanding.

What Is a Calico Cat?

A calico cat is a cat with a tri-colour coat that has distinct patches of colour. It is important to understand that it isn’t a breed - calico cats appear in multiple cat breeds. The term is all about describing the coat colour pattern.

The typical colour breakdown is like this:

• A white base coat: This usually covers around 25-75% of the body.

• Black and orange patches: These are layered on top of the white in various shades and patterns.

You should expect to see large, clearly separated patches of colour on a calico - this differentiates them from tortoiseshell cats. In the UK, this coat colouring is sometimes referred to as “tortoiseshell-and-white”.

What Do Calico Cats Look Like?

As mentioned, the core visual trait of calico cats is that their coats contain white, black and orange. However, every coat is unique, and there are some variations of the pattern’s appearance:

• Classic calico: These cats have bold, high-contrast patches over their bodies.

• Dilute calico: Expect to see softer tones, such as grey instead of black and cream instead of orange.

In terms of coat length, calico cats can be short-haired or long-haired. No two calico cats have identical markings, and it is impossible to pin down physical traits - they vary by breed. Size, face shape and fur all depend on the individual cat’s lineage.

Are Calico Cats a Breed?

The simple answer to whether calico cats are a breed is a definitive no. The term “calico” is used here to describe the colouration; not the genetics of the cat’s breed lineage. There are many common breeds that can be calico, including:

• The domestic shorthair (the most common breed in the UK)

• British shorthair

• Persian

• Maine Coon

• American Shorthair

• Japanese Bobtail

If you want to know about the behaviour and size of a calico cat, you need to look at the specific breed and environment of the animal in question. The coat colouring being calico has no bearing on this.

Why Are Most Calico Cats Female?

This is all about the genetics that result in this coat colour. Calico colouring is linked to the X chromosome only. If you don’t know about chromosomes and biological sex, the simple explanation is as follows:

• Female cats: XX chromosomes, so they can express both colours.

• Male cats: XY chromosomes, meaning usually only one colour is expressed.

Of course, actual genetics are more complex than this simple breakdown, but the basic difference between male and female genetics comes down to X and Y chromosomes.

The patchwork patterns of a calico cat comes down to genetic mosaicism, so it is usually only possible for female cats.

Can Male Calico Cats Exist?

It is extremely rare to find a male calico cat. In fact, as few as 1 in 3,000 calico cats are male, and technically these cats are intersex. They will always have a genetic abnormality that allows them to have the calico colouring: an extra chromosome, resulting in an XXY condition.

There are a couple of important facts about male calico cats and others with an extra chromosome:

• They are nearly always sterile.

• They may experience health complications.

Male calicos are often considered exceptionally “lucky” since there is such a remote chance of them existing. Most people will never see a male calico cat.

Calico Cat Personality: Myth vs Reality

Anecdotal evidence sometimes leads to several reported traits of calico cats. They have been described as independent, strong-willed or “feisty” and affectionate on their own terms. However, there is no scientific evidence linking personality to coat colour.

Existing research tells us that the real factors that have an affect on a cat’s personality include:

• Breed genetics

• Early socialisation

• Environment and upbringing

It tends to be true that Domestic Shorthair calicos are likely to show more varied personalities, since the breed is a mix of other breeds. Otherwise, you might be able to get some idea of personality based on the cat’s actual breed.

How Are Calico Cats Bred?

There is no way to selectively breed calico cats in any predictable fashion. The colour outcome depends on random X chromosome distribution. Essentially, the calico coat coloring occurs naturally when a cat inherits both orange and black genes.

What this means is that breeders can never guarantee a calico kitten. X-inactivation creates patch patterns during development, and no breeder can control how any of this happens. This is another reason why the calico coat colouring is special.

Are Calico Cats Rare?

Though there is no way to selectively breed them, female calicos are fairly common worldwide. Male calicos, on the other hand, are extremely rare. Only around 0.03% of all calico cats are male, so it is difficult to find one.

Every calico cat has unique markings on its coat. Dilute calicos are less common than the standard colouration, so it may feel like more of a novelty if you find one. Calico cats are common in UK rescue centres, usually as Domestic Shorthairs.

Health and Lifespan of Calico Cats

Like most cats, you can expect a calico cat to live somewhere between 12 and 16 years. There are no known coat-colour-specific issues with female calicos. Males, however, may have some problems that relate to their XXY condition. These problems include:

• A possible reduced lifespan

• Increased risk of health issues

Care tips to keep a calico cat healthy are roughly the same as any cat. Aim to feed them a balanced diet, take them for regular vet check-ups and provide plenty of mental stimulation to keep them active and happy.

Key Facts About Calico Cats

Here is a list of the most important facts about calico cats:

• Almost all calico cats are female

• Calico cats are not a breed - the term describes their coat colour pattern

• No two calico cats look the same

• Male malicious are extremely rare and almost always sterile

• Calico cats are found across many cat breeds

• Calico cats are considered lucky in multiple cultures

Cultural Meaning and Symbolism

Let’s look at some of the ways different cultures perceive calico cats:

• Japan: They are seen as symbols of good fortune here. Calicos are linked to Maneki-neko (beckoning cat).

• UK & Ireland: Here, calico cats are associated with luck and prosperity.

• Maritime folklore: It is believed by some that calico cats protect shops from storms.

• USA: Calicos are sometimes known as “money cats” in America.

If you are interested in calico cats, some of these cultural beliefs may make them even more meaningful to you.

Final Thoughts

Calico cats are defined by their unique tri-colour coats, and all of them have a unique pattern and color distribution. They are not a breed - their name refers to the coat pattern and colouring.

The genetics of calico cats are quite fascinating, making it impossible for breeders to selectively breed this colouring. They are highly individual and quite rare, existing purely by a chance genetic occurrence, so these are very special cats.

Frequently Asked Questions About What Is a Calico Cat

What is the difference between a calico and a tortoiseshell cat?

A calico cat is white with distinct black and orange patches over its body. A tortoiseshell, meanwhile, is covered with blended black and orange patterns, often with minimal or no white.

Are calico cats always female?

While it is true that calico cats are almost always female due to their genetics, there are exceptionally rare instances of males but they have an extra chromosome.

Do calico cats have a specific temperament?

No, they don’t. Personality depends on the breed of the cat and the way it is raised, not on the colour of its coat.