The calico cat: everything you need to know

If you’re looking for a feline friend with a punchy paw-sonality, independent nature, yet fiercely loyal companion, look no further than the calico cat. Recognized for their beautiful tri-colored coats and striking eye color, calico cats are the glamor pusses of the cat world.

Curious yet cautious, the calico kitty always knows best but keeps their pet parents close to their furry hearts. So, let’s dive in, paws first, to learn more about the colorful, clever, and courageous calico cat.

Calico cat characteristic

Origin: This is a highly debated topic amongst feline fanatics, however there is sufficient evidence to suggest they originated from Egypt about 4,000 years ago. 

Size: This will vary depending on the breed (that’s right, calico cats are a coat coloring, not a breed). However, a calico cat shorthair can be as little as 6 pounds and 8 inches, or up to 25 pounds and 16 inches if they are a long-haired Maine Coon. What a difference!

Character: Calico cats have a reputation for having cat-itude. However, as any calico kitty carer will tell you, this is plain wrong. Although independent, they are incredibly loyal and affectionate with their humans. Smart and easy going, they mix well with other pets and children.

Grooming: Again, this will totally depend on the calico cat’s breed. If your calico kitten is a shorthair breed they will need significantly less brushing than calico cat breeds with long hair.

Health needs: The calico coloring is not known to have any diseases correlated with the calico coat pattern in females. Sadly, male calico cats (of which only 1 in 3,000 calico cats are born male) are prone to cognitive and development issues, behavioral problems, obesity, and are sterile.

Intelligence: Smart. These colorful kitties know what's what and are particularly in tune with their human’s emotions.

Lifespan: Female calico cats can live over the age 15, some have even been recorded to top 20! Sadly, male calicos do not fit into this lifespan due to their genetic issues.

Calico cat looks & appearance

Often confused with a tortoiseshell cat (aka the naughty tortie), the calico cat has a distinctive tri-color pattern made up of white, black, and orange splodges. The calico coloring will be totally unique to each kitty. Because of the range of shades of the calico pattern, some are even referred to as dilute calicos if their white is a softer cream and their black a light gray.

Remember, calico cats are not a breed. However, the genetics of their coat color do have a strong correlation with the pur-sonality. Many cat breeds can be born with the calico coloring as it is a mutation. As mutations go, this is probably the most adorable. Calico cats can appear in several cat breeds, including:

• Manx
• British Shorthair
• Arabian Mau
• Norwegian Forest Cat
• Maine Coon
• Japanese Bobtail
• Turkish Angora
• Siberian
• American Shorthair
• Turkish Van
• Exotic Shorthair
• Persian

However, calico cats can be any domestic cat breed - provided they have that signature tri-color coat! 

What’s the ideal home for a calico cat?

Calico cats hate chaos, so a quiet family home without small children would be ideal. As domestic cats go, they’re pretty chilled out, however they will make their own routine and expect the household to follow it, otherwise expect some cat back chat. Saying this, they can co-habitat with new pets and family members if introduced to them slowly at their own pace.

What’s the ideal human for a calico cat?

If you’re looking for a lap cat who you can cuddle and hold whenever you like, a calico kitten may not be for you. They are affectionate creatures, however they need their space and independence, so a human who can go with the flow is ideal for the calico pattern pur-baby.

Grooming a calico cat

British and American shorthair calico cats will require minimal grooming. A brush every now and again, particularly during shedding seasons in Spring and Fall, is more than enough.

However, for the owners of longhaired calico kittens, at least a weekly brushing will be required to maintain their lion locks. If your calico kitty is prone to outdoor adventures, you may even need to consider professional grooming once or twice a year.

Calico cat history

For argument's sake, we’re going to say we think they originated from Egypt around 2000 BCE. This means they rubbed furry shoulders with the Phareos! However, there are sources detecting the clever calico cat in other Mediterranean countries at a similar time. But why? Are they secretly amazing swimmers? No.

Considered to be lucky in several cultures, calico kittens were often used as sea cats on merchant boats. The furry sailors would be taken around along the trade routes of the Mediterranean, such as Turkey, Greece, Italy, Spain, even Israel! As expert mousers, they could choose to swap their pirate lives for one of privacy on the coast to rest their paws.

Where to find your own calico cat or calico kitten

As the calico pattern is a genetic mutation, they can pop up almost anywhere! Always start in with your local animal shelter or pet rescue sanctuary to check on their calico kitty supply. Most places will simply ask for a small donation in exchange for offering a new, fulfilling life to a calico cat or kitten.

For those looking for a specific breed, they can cost anywhere from $25 for an American shorthair or up to $500 if you’re seeking a longhair breed.

Calico cat quick fire facts

1. 99.9% of calico cats are female: This genetic mutation correlates with the calico cats gender.
   
2. All male calico cats are born sterile: As male calicos are a mutation of the calico coloring, they are very rare. If found, they are born sterile and sadly have a shorter life expectancy than female calicos.
   
3. The calico cat is the national cat of Maryland, USA: In October 2001, Maryland declared the calico cat as its official state cat! Why? Well, have you seen them?!
   
4. Irish folk law believes they can cure warts: Seriously. The Irish also consider calico cats to be lucky. Legend has it, if you’re inflicted with a wart, rubbing against the nearest calico kitten will cure it….
   
5. Japanese Beckoning cats are calico cats: Like the Irish and Americans, the Japanese also see the calico cat breeds as being lucky. If you’ve ever seen those waving cat figurines outside of Japanese houses or cafes, these are considered to bring good fortune to everyone inside.

If you’re the proud pet parent of a calico cat, you can connect with fellow calico carers on our Community Forum. For those keen to find your furry friend a new pet pal, check out the latest cat sitters near you.