Why Calico Cats Are Unique: The Color, Personality, and Myths Behind Their Fascinating Coats

What makes Calico cats so special? Are they really all that different or is it just the color pattern of their coats?

Believe it or now, the Calico is NOT an actual cat breed. Rather, it refers to the color pattern (based on a fabric that was introduced in the 1780s) of the fur. These multi-colored coats are often arranged into never-ending combinations of beautiful patterns. Let’s look at some of the things that make calico cats special and interesting.

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Personality characteristics of calico cats

Calico cats have varying personalities. It is a stereotype that different patterns contribute to different behaviors in these beautiful felines. However, there is no scientific proof to support these claims.

It is often said that Calicos have a fiery, strong-willed personality. the temperament is generally more so than with other felines, or so it is said. However, these personality traits cannot be directly attributed to the fact that most calicos are female, because all cats have different personalities.

It is believed that they share the personality trait of tortoiseshell cats, commonly described as “tortitude.” They are sassy, spunky, and very independent. In complete contrast to that, calicos can be extremely sweet, caring, and loving, or so their owners say, but still there is no scientific evidence to support that.

There are many owners who speak affectionately of “Calico Cattitude” but this may be just love for these beautiful felines, simply because, they are not a breed. They are named after their fur patterns.

Calico cats’ chromosomes

The patchy distribution of colors in calico cats is a result of random inactivation of one X chromosome in females. Females carry twice as many X-linked genes as males. Hence, female cats have XX chromosomes whereas male cats have XY chromosomes. If one of the X chromosomes of female cats is not activated, it can lead to the patterns calico cats have.

This inactivation occurs in the early stages of birth, in the female embryo. It happens when there is an equal chance of inactivation in maternal and paternal X chromosomes. This “inactivation” happens individually in each cell.