Note: While the breeds in this collection tend to be calico, individual pets will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.
Are you wondering, “What is a calico cat?” or, “What do calico cats look like?” Calico refers to the striking blend of orange, black and white coloring of a cat’s coat (although variations of these colors also occur).
Are you wondering what calico cats like and if a calico cat will make a good addition to your household? Whether you’re looking for adult felines or calico kittens, here’s what you should know about their lifespan and other traits. Learn all about calico cats and what they are.
Please note that while the breeds in this collection tend to be calico, individual pets will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.
What is a Calico Cat?
What are calico cats known for? The term “calico” describes a triple-colored domestic cat with white, orange and black fur. Calico cats come in all sizes, with weight ranging from 4 to 25 pounds. It doesn’t refer to a specific breed.
What really defines a calico cat is their chromosomes. Their coloration is the result of a genetic phenomenon called X-chromosome inactivation. In short, if a cat’s X chromosome—which determines their fur color—is inactivated, their color may change from, say, black to orange (or vice versa). The inactive chromosomes are random, so each calico’s coloration is unique.
The calico cat’s origin can be traced to Egypt, and port cities along the Mediterranean Sea. Over time, calico cats acquired a reputation as a source of luck. In Japan, they accompanied sailors on their ships because they were thought to provide protection from the sea, as well as apparitions of ancient ancestors.
Calico cats are considered lucky because they cannot be bred. Calico kittens are rare and happen to be created by chance!
Are All Calico Cats Female?
Almost all calico cats are female. Their unique tricolor blend is a result of a special combination of chromosomes. Calicos need two X chromosomes—one carrying the genetics for black coloring and one for orange.
With rare exceptions, only females can have XX chromosomes. Calico cats are predominantly female due to their unique genetics.
Additionally, you can’t breed calicos to get calico-colored offspring. As mentioned above, this coloring happens only by chance.
How Rare Are Male Calico Cats?
While calico cats are typically female, male calicos do exist, though they are exceptionally rare. The estimated occurrence of a male calico cat is only about 1 in 3,000. This unusual phenomenon is attributed to a specific and uncommon chromosomal anomaly.
Male felines typically have an X and Y chromosome. Occasionally, though, they may have an XXY sequence, resulting in calico-colored fur.
Unfortunately, the extra X chromosome causes a health condition known as Klinefelter’s Syndrome, associated with developmental, cognitive and behavioral problems. A male calico cat is also sterile.
What Are the Colors of a Calico Cat?
A calico cat’s fur is orange, black and white. These calico cat colors appear in independent patterns rather than swirling together. And what does a calico kitten look like? They may typically have the same markings but with less white coloring.
Calico patterning is different for every cat. For example, one may have an all-white muzzle while another’s face has black and orange spots with only a little white.
A calico feline with less intense coloring is known as a “muted calico” or “dilute calico.” The colors may appear faded or, in some cases, will vary from more common colors. A dilute calico can have cream or light red patterns on their coat.
Additionally, a gray calico may have a more subdued (but similarly eye-catching) appearance.
Because calico coloring isn’t breed-specific, other characteristics of your pet’s appearance depend on their breed. For example, there are longhair calico cats and those with short hair.
Types of Calico Cats
Many types of cats can have calico coloring. That said, here are some more common calico cat breeds:
Tortoiseshell vs. Calico Cats
Calico cats are sometimes confused with tortoiseshell felines (a.k.a. “torties”). They have similar coloring and are usually female. There is one key difference, however.
While calicos and torties can have orange and black patterns on their coat, torties don’t have white fur. Also, calicos’ colors are often more defined and independent from each other.
These felines can seem more alike than different (at least superficially), which is why the “calico cat vs. tortie” question is understandable.
What is a Calico Cat’s Personality?
Calico cat temperament has more to do with breed and an individual’s personality than its coloring. However, some pet owners believe calicos to be energetic, confident and sweet. While they can be independent and resist frequent attention, forming strong bonds with their owners is standard calico cat behavior.
How Long Do Calico Cats Live?
A calico cat’s lifespan matches that of most cats—between 13 to 17 years. This may vary depending on breed, whether your feline is an indoor or outdoor cat and specific health conditions.
Do Calico Cats Have Health Problems?
There are no known health issues associated with female calico cats. Rather, their health depends on factors such as breed, diet and lifestyle. As with any cat, ensure a veterinarian regularly sees your calico to keep them healthy.
What Do Calico Cats Eat?
Calico cats have the same dietary needs as other healthy felines. Barring any health conditions, they should be fed complete and balanced cat food formulated for their age and lifestyle.
As calico cats come from many different breeds of cats, you should ask your veterinarian about any of your cat’s unique feeding requirements per their breed.
Where to Adopt a Calico Cat
Maybe you’re drawn to their noteworthy coloring, or perhaps their quirky personality interests you. Regardless, calicos can make great feline companions.
To start, search online to adopt a calico cat by completing Petfinder’s pet adopter profile. This connects you to an extensive database of animal shelters and rescue organizations.
Names for Calico Cats
The unique coloring of calicos may motivate you to give your pet an inspired name. Whether it’s food-related, celebrates their color and personality, or honors their Egyptian heritage, here are some potential calico cat names:
- Butterscotch
- Toffee
- Honey
- Patches
- Copper
- Rebel
- Moxie
- Blaze
- Cleopatra
- Nefertiti
Whether you’re interested in calico kittens for adoption or an adult tricolored cat, you can find your future pet through Petfinder. To learn all about different cats and more, explore our cat and kitten articles.
