Facts About Calico Cats



Calico 1 Tortoiseshell Calico 2

What Are Calico Cats?

Calico cats are famous for their distinct tricolored looks, but you may notice these felines don’t always look alike. That’s because calicos are not a cat breed! Despite popular belief, calico simply refers to their unique coat pattern. While there isn’t a definitive origin story behind calico cats, it’s said they were first spotted in countries along the Mediterranean region. Calicos quickly gained a positive reputation worldwide; some cultures even believe they bring good fortune to their pet parents. In fact, calico cats are nicknamed “glückskatze” in Germany, which translates to “lucky cat”! Calico cats are almost always female.The famous calico pattern and colour of orange white and black are the result of a genetic mutation linked to two X chromosomes however, a rare abnormality like Klinefelter’s Syndrome causes a male cat to inherit an extra X chromosome, which could potentially give them the calico trait.


Temperment and Purrrsonality

Playful, curious, and affectionate are the words typically used to describe the traits and behaviors of calico cat breeds. Calicos overall tend to be independent and enjoy their alone time. Don't be surprised if you notice how often they use their voice to capture your attention!

Coded by Analyse Niyibizi