The calico cat, with its distinctive tri-color blend gracing its coat, mesmerizes us with its unique beauty. Their fur resembles a canvas painted with a rainbow of colors, ranging from shades of brown, orange, white or cream, black, to even bluish gray. However, these enchanting felines have depths beyond their striking appearance. Let’s explore the captivating world of calico cats and uncover ten surprising facts about them.
1. Calico is Not a Breed:
Despite their striking appearance, calico cats do not constitute a distinct breed. While several breeds, such as the American Shorthair, Japanese Bobtail, American Curl, Bengal, and Persian, may exhibit similar coat patterns, none are exclusively calico.
2. Origins of the Name:
The term “calico” finds its roots in the world of textiles, originally referring to a type of cloth from Calicut, India. Over time, it transitioned to describe the distinctive coat pattern seen in horses and eventually in cats.
3. Calico vs. Tortoiseshell:
Often confused, the calico cat and tortoiseshell cat differ in their coat patterns. While the tortoiseshell cat features mottled patches of orange, cream, and brown on a predominantly black base, the calico cat boasts a predominantly white base with larger, distinct patches of color.
4. Predominantly Female:
Due to their complex genetic makeup, the majority of calico cats are female. This stems from the requirement of two X chromosomes to develop the calico pattern, a genetic trait predominantly found in female cats.
5. Sterility in Male Calicos:
Male calico cats are a rare occurrence, with less than a 0.1 percent chance of being born. Those that do exist are typically sterile due to possessing an extra X chromosome, leading to health issues and infertility.
6. Diverse Color Names:
Calico cats come in a variety of patterns, each with its own moniker. From muted hues referred to as calimanco or clouded tigers to multicolored tabbies known as “caliby,” the spectrum of calico colors is as diverse as it is enchanting.
7. Calico cats bring good luck:
In Japanese culture, calico cats symbolize good luck and prosperity. Depicted in lucky cat figurines known as maneki neko, they are revered for bringing good fortune and safeguarding against misfortune.
8. From Feline to Deity:
The legendary calico cat Tama gained fame as the unofficial stationmaster of a train station in Japan. Following her passing, she was revered as a Shinto deity and laid to rest at a shrine dedicated to feline guardians.
9. Guardians of the Sea:
In ancient Japanese folklore, calico cats were believed to protect fishermen from the wrath of the sea and the spirits of envious ancestors, earning them a place of reverence aboard seafaring vessels.
10. Unraveling Cattitude:
Owner of a calico cat often attests to their feline companion’s spirited and quirky personality. Studies suggest that cats with tortoiseshell and calico coloration exhibit more assertive behaviors, adding to their mystique.
In conclusion, calico cats stand as living testaments to the wonders of nature, blending beauty, mystery, and resilience in their colorful coats and captivating personalities. Whether as beloved companions or revered symbols, these enigmatic felines continue to intrigue and inspire us with their presence.