What is a calico cat?

A calico cat – also called a tricolor cat – is not a breed, but a coat pattern. Cats of many different breeds can be calico, as long as their fur shows three distinct colors. Calicos are often associated with luck, wealth, and superstition, especially in Japanese and Irish culture.

In Irish folklore, the tail of a calico cat was even believed to cure warts – though this is not recommended as medical treatment!

What colors does a calico have?

To be classified as calico, a cat’s coat must have three different colors. The most common combination is white, black, and orange, but variations with cream, red, brown, and chocolate also occur. White is almost always the dominant background color.

Why are almost all calico cats female?

The answer lies in genetics, specifically in sex chromosomes. Author Laura Gould explains this in her book “Cats Are Not Peas”:

The gene that determines orange coat color is carried on the X chromosome. Female cats have two X chromosomes (XX), while males have one X and one Y (XY). This means only females can carry both the orange and black gene simultaneously, creating the calico “mosaic” effect.

Male calicos are extremely rare, usually caused by a genetic anomaly such as XXY chromosomes. These males are often sterile.

Calico cats in different cultures

In Japan, calicos are considered good luck, and the famous Maneki-neko – the “beckoning cat” figurine – is almost always calico-colored. A male calico is seen as extremely lucky and valuable, since it occurs in fewer than 1 in 3,000 births.

Calico vs. tortoiseshell

Both calico and tortoiseshell refer to coat patterns, not breeds. The difference comes down to the amount of white in the coat:

• Calico: Distinct patches of white, black, and orange – usually with a lot of white.
• Tortoiseshell: Primarily black and orange blended together, often with little or no white.

Which breeds can be calico?

Some of the most common breeds that can have tricolor coats include:

• European Shorthair
• American Shorthair
• Persian
• Maine Coon
• Japanese Bobtail
• Norwegian Forest Cat

Do calico cats have a special personality?

There is no scientific evidence that calico cats share a distinct personality type. However, many owners report that calicos are especially independent, strong-willed, and affectionate.

Did you know you can GPS-track your cat?

No matter the breed or coat color, it’s a good idea to use a Lilcat 2 GPS tracker for cats. With Lilcat by Lildog, you can monitor your cat’s location, review history, receive alerts, and increase safety if your feline friend suddenly disappears.

Quiz – Test your knowledge

Check your knowledge about calico cats with these quick questions: