Discover the joy of giving a calico cat their forever home. These genetically unique tri-color beauties (99.9% female!) are ready to bring distinctive charm to your family.
Calico refers to a tri-color coat pattern featuring white, black, and orange (or their diluted versions: cream and gray). This pattern appears in many breeds including American Shorthairs, Maine Coons, Persians, and most commonly in mixed breed cats.
The Amazing Genetics: 99.9% of calicos are female due to X-linked color genetics. The extremely rare male calicos (1 in 3,000) have XXY chromosomes, making them genetic anomalies and usually sterile. Every calico is scientifically special!
Experience the joy of adopting nature's most genetically unique cats
When you welcome a calico cat into your home, you're adopting a genetic marvel! These tri-color beauties are living proof of nature's artistry, with each calico displaying a completely unique pattern - no two are ever the same. The fact that 99.9% are female adds to their mystique, and many cultures consider calicos lucky. Whether you believe in luck or not, you're guaranteed a one-of-a-kind companion with a personality as unique as their coat pattern!
The 99.9% female ratio makes calicos genetically fascinating. Each pattern is unique, making your calico truly one-of-a-kind in the entire world!
In many cultures, calicos are considered lucky! Japanese Maneki Neko (beckoning cats) are often calico, and sailors historically kept them for good fortune.
Since calico is just a color pattern, their personalities vary widely. Some say they have "cattitude" - a spirited personality - making each calico an adventure!
Your calico's unique genetics and pattern make them natural conversation pieces. Everyone loves learning about the fascinating science behind their coloring!
Affordable adoption fees for genetically special companions
Prime age for adoption - past kitten phase but still young
Typically Includes:
Mature cats with established personalities
Typically Includes:
Loving seniors needing comfortable retirement homes
Typically Includes:
Extremely rare males (1 in 3,000) - genetic anomaly XXY
Typically Includes:
Male calicos are extremely rare (1 in 3,000) due to their XXY chromosome configuration. If you find a male calico for adoption, you're looking at a genetic marvel! These special boys are usually sterile but make wonderful, unique companions. Their rarity may result in higher adoption fees, but you'll have one of the rarest cats in the world!
Discover unique tri-color beauties waiting for their forever homes
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Browse through verified pets looking for their forever homes in your area
Message owners directly to learn about the pet's personality and needs
Arrange a safe meeting to see if you and the pet are a perfect match
Complete the adoption process and give a loving pet their forever home
Browse through verified pets looking for their forever homes in your area
Message owners directly to learn about the pet's personality and needs
Arrange a safe meeting to see if you and the pet are a perfect match
Complete the adoption process and give a loving pet their forever home
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Everything you need to create the perfect home for your calico cat
Understanding the fascinating genetics of your unique companion
The genes for orange and black fur are located on the X chromosome. Female cats (XX) can have one X with orange and one with black, creating the calico pattern when combined with white spotting genes.
Male cats (XY) typically can only be orange OR black, not both, since they have just one X chromosome.
Male calicos have XXY chromosomes (Klinefelter syndrome), occurring in only 1 in 3,000 calicos. This genetic anomaly allows them to express both orange and black colors.
These special males are usually sterile but are otherwise healthy, loving companions with normal lifespans.
Calicos have distinct patches of white along with orange and black. Tortoiseshells (torties) have little to no white, with orange and black colors blended together.
Both patterns follow the same genetic rules - torties are also 99.9% female!
Some calicos have "dilute" colors - cream instead of orange, and gray (blue) instead of black, creating a softer, pastel appearance.
This is caused by a separate dilution gene that lightens the coat colors.
Calico cats are the official state cat of Maryland! They're considered lucky in many cultures: Japanese sailors kept them for safe voyages, they're featured in Irish and Scottish folklore as good omens, and in the United States, they're sometimes called "money cats" for bringing good fortune to their owners.
Generally healthy cats with standard care needs
Find loving cats of various breeds waiting for their forever homes
Start your love story today. A genetically unique calico cat is ready to bring their one-of-a-kind personality and distinctive beauty to your home.
