Because the deactivated chromosomes are chosen randomly, the combination of fur colors in calico cats is also random and unique for every calico cat. Thus, if the X chromosome carrying the gene for white fur in one particular spot of the body is inactivated, the orange gene might become active in that spot instead (and vice versa). To compensate for this double dose, one of the X chromosomes is randomly inactivated when the calico kitten is just a tiny ball of cells in the mother’s womb. With females having two X chromosomes, this double dose of ‘survival’ genes could be toxic. In addition to determining a cat’s coat color, X chromosomes have numerous genes that code for proteins that are necessary for survival. The rare male calico cats have one X and one Y chromosome. Nearly all calico cats are female, so they have two X chromosomes. In cats, the gene that dictates fur color is located on the X chromosome. The black and orange patches of fur that characterize these cats are a result of the genetic phenomenon called “ X-chromosome inactivation”. So, we’ll keep this as short and simple as possible. We could really get into the weeds about these genetics, but your eyes might glaze over. The genetics of calico cats are quite fascinating and have long been the topic of scientific research. Plus, calico cats can’t be bred, so they’re even less likely to share common characteristics. Calico cats may share these characteristics but, like we mentioned, you never quite know what you’re going to get. Torties are known for being spunky, sassy, and independent by nature.

That being said, many calico owners report that their cats share a similar personality with tortoiseshell cats – they called it “tortitude.” You could also get the opposite: an aloof, high-maintenance cat with an attitude. You could get a laid-back, mellow cat that enjoys being around you and wants to be your loyal companion. Like many cats, calicoes will develop their unique personalities according to many factors, such as socialization and life experiences.īecause calico cats are so different from one another, it’s particularly exciting to get one. Personality and BehaviorĬalico cats aren’t a breed unto themselves, so we can’t assign breed-specific personality or behavioral traits to them. Some of the breeds you can find in calico appearance include Maine Coon, Manx, Persian, American Shorthair, Japanese Bobtail, Siberian, and more. The best way to tell is to examine the calico patches.Ī tortoiseshell cat usually has the primary colors (red and black) woven throughout the coat while a calico will have distinctive solid-colored patches (like black patches or white patches). Because calico cats occur across so many different cat breeds, it’s sometimes hard to tell whether the cat is a calico or actually a tortoiseshell. You can find calico cats across many distinct breeds with the exception of solid-color and pointed breeds like the Bombay, Russian Blue, British Shorthair, Siamese, and Himalayan. They are primarily white in color with patches of light color ranging from blue-gray to cream to strawberry blonde.

It is possible, however, to have a calico pattern with shades of cream, red, blue-black, and even chocolate brown.Ĭalicoes with less intense coloration are known as dilute calico cats. The most common calico is a tri-color pattern of orange, black, and white.

The calico is not a breed of cat but a domestic cat with a variety of genetic color variations. After all, they are one of the only cats to exhibit such a wide range of color variations in its coat. Because calico cats are not a breed unto themselves, calicoes will have unique and varied personalities influenced by a wide range of factors.Ĭalicoes are often described as the world’s most colorful cats.

Cat type tortoiseshell calico