Discover calico cats with their distinctive orange, black, and white patches. Each one is unique, and nearly all are female companions.
Understanding why calicos are almost always female
Only XXY males can be calico - a rare genetic anomaly
Each calico has a unique pattern like a fingerprint
True calicos must have significant white
Male calicos are incredibly rare (1 in 3,000) and only occur with XXY chromosomes (Klinefelter syndrome). These males are typically sterile and may have health issues. While their rarity makes them expensive ($1,000-$2,000), they don't make better pets than female calicos. Choose based on personality, not rarity.
From common shelter adoptions to rare male calicos
Most affordable option - save a calico's life
Key Factors:
Extremely rare males with XXY chromosomes
Key Factors:
Registered breeds displaying calico coloring
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Muted color variation with dilute gene
Key Factors:
Since calico is just a color pattern, not a breed, many calicos need homes in shelters. They're already spayed (being female), vaccinated, and health-checked. You'll save money and a life while finding a wonderful companion with a known personality.
Browse calico cats from shelters, rescues, and ethical sources
Calico
Calico
Calico
Calico
Calico mix
Calico
Calico
Calico mix
Each calico has a unique pattern combination
Bold patches of orange, black, and white
Classic tri-color appearance
Soft blue, cream, and white coloring
Subtle, elegant appearance
Calico colors with tabby striping
Extra pattern complexity
Minimal white with orange/black mix
Subtle tri-color pattern
Often described as having "cattitude" - but each is unique
Known for strong-willed personalities
Often described as sassy or feisty
Bonds strongly with chosen people
Loyal to their families
Active and engaging companions
Maintains kitten-like playfulness
Each calico has distinct personality
No two are exactly alike
While many claim calicos have distinct "tortitude" or sass, there's no scientific evidence linking coat color to personality. Each cat is an individual - meet several calicos to find one whose personality matches your lifestyle. Don't assume all calicos will be feisty or independent.
Same care needs as any cat, regardless of color
Real stories from cat owners who found perfect homes on Petmeetly
We found a loving home for Valentino, but I’d like to keep the ad active so people can see what our kittens look like.
Jacqueline Wolf
Texas, US
My pet was successfully adopted. I’m very happy with his new home; they already love him so much. I’m very grateful to this website for that.
Em Scott
New York, US
We found a lovely female cat through Petmeetly, and she mated with our male cat. We’re now expecting kittens soon! We also discovered another perfect candidate—our male cat has already mated with one, and will mate with the other once she reaches maturity. We’re so glad to have this platform—it truly helped us find the right matches
Pelin
Florida, US
Multiple sources for finding your tri-color companion
Animal Shelters
Common pattern in mixed breeds
Rescue Organizations
Often have calicos available
Foster Networks
Cats with known temperaments
Online Adoption Sites
Search by color pattern
Breed-Specific Catteries
Purebreds with calico coloring
Japanese Bobtail Breeders
Traditional calico breed
Maine Coon Breeders
Large calico cats available
Persian Breeders
Long-haired calicos
Don't seek rare male calicos - female calicos make wonderful pets and are healthier. Female cats are often more affectionate, less likely to spray, and have fewer territorial issues. The genetic rarity of males doesn't make them better companions. Focus on finding a female calico whose personality matches your lifestyle.
Get answers to common questions about adopting Calicos responsibly
Calico cat prices vary: Shelter adoptions $50-$200, purebred calicos $500-$2,000, dilute calicos $200-$600, and rare male calicos $1,000-$2,000. Since calico is just a color pattern found in many breeds, shelter adoption is recommended. The rare male calicos (1 in 3,000) are usually sterile and command higher prices due to their genetic rarity.
Calico cats are 99.9% female because the orange and black color genes are on the X chromosome. Females (XX) can have both colors, while males (XY) can only have one. Male calicos are extremely rare, occurring only with XXY chromosomes (Klinefelter syndrome), happening in about 1 in 3,000 calicos. These males are typically sterile.
No, calico is not a breed - it's a color pattern featuring orange, black, and white patches. This pattern can appear in many breeds including American Shorthair, Persian, Maine Coon, and mixed breeds. The pattern requires two X chromosomes, which is why calicos are almost always female. Each calico has a unique pattern.
The main difference is white coloring. Calicos have significant white patches (25-75% white) along with orange and black, creating a tri-color pattern. Tortoiseshells have little to no white, showing a mottled mix of orange and black. Both patterns are 99.9% female due to the same genetic requirements. Some cats are called 'tortoiseshell and white' when they have minimal white.
Discover kittens and cats for sale from various breeds and find your perfect feline companion
Connect with shelters, rescues, and ethical sources to find tri-color calico cats
