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White, orange, and black. That’s the Calico cat. They are not a distinctive cat breed, but rather those with a tri-colored coat with that combination.
Besides their gorgeous looks, Calico cats are some of the most alluring house cats you can keep as furry companions.
They have an interesting genetic makeup and a collection of mysteries that connect them with good luck in a few civilizations.
If you’re still on the fence about getting these tri-colored felines, here are 15 compelling reasons to own a calico cat.
15 Reasons to Own a Calico Cat
1. Calico cats are a unique work of art
A calico cat’s coat is nothing short of a masterpiece. The tri-color combination of white, orange, and black creates a stunning visual effect.
No two calicos are exactly alike, which means when you bring one home, you’re getting a one-of-a-kind work of art that no one else has.
2. You get ‘three cats in one’
Calico cats often seem like three cats in one. The orange, black, and white patches can give the impression of different cats combined into one fascinating creature.
This mix of colors can make your calico feel like a multi-faceted pet, with each ‘section’ of their coat almost representing a different mood.
3. Calicos are almost exclusively females
If you’ve ever met a calico cat, chances are, you’ve met a female. Nearly all calicos are female due to how their coat colors are linked to the X chromosome.
Female cats have two X chromosomes, allowing the expression of orange and black coat colors.
Male cats have only one X chromosome, and so they cannot typically display this beautiful tricolor pattern.
4. You cannot breed calico cats
Unlike many other types of cats, calicos cannot be intentionally bred to produce their signature coat patterns.
It’s not as simple as pairing two calico cats and expecting calico kittens. Their colors are a happy accident, a genetic anomaly that can’t be replicated by design.
The tri-colored pattern emerges through a process called ‘X-chromosome inactivation’ or ‘lyonization,’ where each cell randomly decides which color gene to express.
5. Male Calicos are a rare gem
While female calicos are common, male calicos are extraordinarily rare occurring in approximately 1 in 3,000 births.
These male calicos are almost always sterile due to their unusual chromosomal makeup, a trait that adds to their uniqueness.
6. They are known to have sweet personalities
The temperament of cats is not tied to their coat color, but Calico cats are often loved for their affectionate and gentle personalities.
Every cat is an individual, but calicos are frequently known for being loving, playful, and loyal. Many owners find them to be sociable and ready to develop strong bonds with their families.
7. Calicos are thought to come from Egypt
If you desire to have an Egyptian princess in your home, adopting a calico cat might seem like a rational decision.
Thought to have originated in Egypt, Calicos gradually spread throughout Europe, Asia, and other regions, while becoming treasured companions.
Merchants and sailors often kept calicos on their ships, believing they brought good luck and ward off bad fortune.
8. European painters liked them too
European painters were drawn to Calicos’ striking patterns, featuring them in works that celebrated the complexity and elegance of nature.
French painter Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin had a talent for depicting calico cats getting into mischief with seafood hanging from hooks.
These cats became symbols of artistry and creativity, their tri-colored coats adding visual interest to countless pieces.
9. Calicos are the official state cat of Maryland
With a Calico cat in your household, you’ll be owning a pet that’s a state symbol of Maryland. How cute is that?
In 2001, Maryland named the calico its official state cat, recognizing their coat’s resemblance to the black, orange, and white plumage of the state bird, the Baltimore Oriole.
Besides Maryland, only two other American States have designated official state cats. Maine Coons are Maine’s official state cats, and the Tabby cat is a symbol of Massachusetts.
10. Calicos may help with research on obesity
Calico cats, with their unique patchwork coats of orange and black, may hold the key to unlocking important insights into human genetics, including obesity.
Scientists at the University of California, San Francisco are studying these felines to better understand ‘gene silencing,’ a process that allows cells to deactivate certain genes.
The random activation of X chromosomes in calico cats, which creates their distinct fur patterns, mirrors mechanisms that could explain how specific traits in humans are turned on or off.
11. Calico cats are considered symbols of good luck
Calico cats have a long history of being seen as symbols of luck in many cultures. They’re frequently called ‘lucky cats’ and linked to prosperity and positive energy in places like the US and UK.
Irish folklore even suggests they have magical powers. One old tale says that rubbing a calico’s tail on a wart will make it vanish.
The Calicos’ association with fortune is also strong in Japan. The well-known Maneki-neko, or ‘beckoning cat,’ originated in Japan in the late 19th century and is based on the calico.
These Calico statues were often placed at the entrances of shops and were believed to draw in wealth and success.
Japanese sailors also held calicos in high regard, often bringing them on ships to protect against bad luck and ensure safe voyages.
12. They come in diverse breeds
Calico cats are loved for their vibrant coats, but they aren’t a breed of their own. The calico pattern can occur in several different breeds, like the Persian, Maine Coon, and the American Shorthair.
This means you can find the distinctive beauty of a calico coat combined with the personality and traits of a breed you prefer.
13. They have diverse personalities
Calico cats have many personalities. They’re known for being spirited and independent, with a mix of traits, like playfulness, mischievousness, affectionate, or cuddly.
Some owners even say their calicos have a bit of ‘cattitude,’ with a sassy personality. It’s important to remember that a cat’s personality can be shaped by upbringing among other factors.
14. The splash of color will brighten your day
Few pets are as visually striking as a calico cat. Their bold combination of orange, black, and white fur adds a splash of color to brighten any room.
Every time your new calico walks by or settles into a sunny spot, their striking coat is a welcome sight that can bring beauty to your day.
15. They are adaptable to any home
Calico cats adapt remarkably well to different living situations. Whether you live in a small apartment, a large house, or a busy family home, calicos have a knack for adjusting to their environment.
They are just as happy relaxing on a sunny windowsill in a quiet home as they are playing with children or other pets in a more active household.
Conclusion
From their unique genetics and striking coats to their rich history and captivating cultural symbolism, there are many reasons to admire and even consider welcoming a calico cat into your life.
They are more than just pets. Calicos are living works of art, bringing joy, color, and a touch of magic to their caregivers’ lives.
If you’re looking for a truly special feline companion, a calico cat might be the perfect addition to your family.
Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.
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