Calico cats are domestic cats with a spotted or particolored coat that is predominantly white, with patches of two other colors (often, the two other colors are orange tabby and black)
Outside North America, the pattern is more usually called tortoiseshell-and-white
A cat must have three distinct colors present in order to be a "calico"
A cat must have three distinct colors present in order to be a "calico"
Those colors are:
1-White
2-Black,grey or blue
3-Red orange or peach or brown
Sometimes the gradiance of the colors makes it seem like these cats have maybe 5 or 6 colors all together! But at least 3 is a must!
Calico Cats Come in a Number of Variations:
Calico cats comprise a garden of cat colors, either vibrant orange (technically known as "red"), white and black, or more subdued flaxen, blue-gray, and white. In feline genetics, the latter is known as "dilute calico." The various patterns of the calico patches are almost as ubiquitous as snowflakes. You'll never see two exactly alike.
Calicos are almost all female, and the rare male is always sterile.
Owners of calicos believe that there is more than just the color of their cat that is special.
Calico owners often say the colorful coat is just the icing on the cake of a very sweet and endearing personality.
Sometimes described as "old souls". Calico cats are notoriously warm-hearted, affectionate and wise.
A Calico Cat's Behavior
A calico cat's behavior is rumored to be similar to the behavior of the tortie in that these animals have more "attitude". Some pet owners affectionately refer to these behavior characteristics as "cattitude". All puns aside, many people who are thinking of purchasing a kitten will keep these rumors in mind when selecting between calicos and other colors.
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Calico cats are quite independent in nature, a bit stubborn and pretty temperamental - a cat person won't be surprised by these personality traits of calico cats as these are common to all cats!
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Calico cats may take some time to adjust to its new surrounding initially but once they get comfortable in their new home, they are extremely loving and fun being around.
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Calicos like being pampered and treated with utmost regard - they like to be cared for like newborns. Indeed, it's not for nothing that they are considered the heads among domestic felines!
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Calicos are often quite fussy but once they find out that they are being loved and cared for, they are the most harmless and beautifully vocal pets you can have around yourself!
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Like all other cats, Calico cats follow their own moods but that does not mean that they don't love their owners! They may display a lot of affection by rubbing against your feet and jumping upon your lap purring softly, as if approving of your conduct towards them!
What to Expect
If the rumors regarding the disposition of calico cats are true, purchasing a calico cat will make life more interesting. Laidback, mellow-type pets can be loyal and comforting, but a cat with an attitude will spice up your existence. Finicky cats may possess an array of quirks and idiosyncrasies that are both fun to discover and observe. The calico cat is rumored to be of the more quirky and neurotic nature which can mean that bath times will be the equivalent of nuclear warfare, and you'll likely spend the next ten years unveiling your cat's strange play habits. Regardless, this does not mean you will have an inadequate pet!
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Cats with an attitude can be all the more lovable because their peculiar behaviors give you endless stories to discuss with your fellow pet owners. Pet forums are simply teeming with tortie tales and calico catastrophes. Coworkers likely won't care about the average cat's nap schedule, but if your calico will only nap upon the remote control for your ceiling fan, that will provide you with at least two minutes of dialogue during your next lunch break.
Calico Cats are the Most Colorful Cats:
Calicoes are rivaled only by tortoiseshell cats, who are genetically very similar. Indeed, it is often difficult to tell if an individual cat is a calico or a "tortie with white," The most common difference is that tortoiseshell colors (red and black) are interwoven throughout the coat, where calico cats have distinctive patches of solid color.
Playing a big part in the ancient folklore and history of many cultures, Calico cats are always seen as peaceful, hopeful and lucky kitties.
They are considered to be very good luck
They are highly revered in Japan
The famous "Beckoning Cat" is usually always a calico color, except when it has been made out of gold or jade
It is clear that calico cats have captivated hearts of cat fanciers around the world
On October 1, 2001 the state of Maryland was so enamored with this delightful cat that they declared the calico cat as their official state cat.
