How Do I Care For A Calico Cat
If you have a healthy female cat without Klinefelters Syndrome, you can care for her like you would any cat. For instance, brush her regularly to keep her colorful coat in great shape and take her to the veterinarian for yearly check-ups and routine preventive care, like vaccinations.
You might also want to consider a cat insurance plan for your Calico friend. Cat insurance can help you cover the expense of the wellness treatments your kitty will need over her life. It can also help you manage the costs of care in case of an accident or illness. Keep in mind that even cats who are kept inside can get hurt or sick.
Fun Facts About Calico Cats
Here are some fun facts about Calico cats.
- Calicos are one of the subjects of The Duel, a popular childrens poem by Eugene Fields. The poem describes a fight between a calico cat and gingham dog.
- Because of their rarity, Calico cats are considered lucky by many around the world. The Calico cat is thought to bring good luck and fortune to the homes and families that adopt them. They are also considered to be a little magical because of their three colors.
- In the 1870s, Calico cats were named the official symbol of fortune in Japan. Theyre sometimes called money cats here and elsewhere.
- The Calico cat became the official cat of the state of Maryland in 2001. The Calico cat was chosen because the colors of its fur are similar to that of the Baltimore Oriole, which is the official state bird.
- According to Irish folklore, if you have a wart that you want to get rid of, just rub it against a Calico catâs tail.
Want to adopt a Calico cat? Find a shelter or cat and dog rescue organization near you.
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Final Thoughts: Should You Get A Dilute Calico Cat
Dilute calico cats are well-loved by many cat fanciers, but only a limited number of people currently own them. They are rarer than standard calicos so expect that they also cost more.
Before going on a dilute calico hunt, it would be better to assess whether you are really fit for cat-owning. If you just want them because they are famous money cats, you should reconsider.
Owning these muted cats isnt exactly a breeze to own, so intensive preparation both emotionally and financially is required.
John Carter
My name is John Carter and I absolutely love pets, especially cats and dogs. I’ve got a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Behaviour and Welfare and have several years experience working in animal shelters and rescues. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property.
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What Is The Difference Between A Calico And A Dilute Calico
Technically speaking, a dilute calico is just a sub-type of the calico cat. Hence, categorizing them as a separate coat color or pattern is incorrect.
A calico cat or a standard calico has a tri-colored coat. The shades that make up their fur are usually white, orange/red, and black.
However, it is also possible for them to sport red, cream, bluish-black, or chocolate fur color combinations, which are carefully intermingled with each other.
Here is a picture of a calico cat for your reference:
As mentioned earlier, dilute calico cats have a lighter coat than standard calicos. Instead of the white, orange, and black coat, dilutes have cream, gray, and strawberry blonde coloring due to the dilution gene.
Below is a picture of a dilute calico cat:
It is rumored that dilute calico cats are prone to various health issues due to their lighter coat. There is no truth in this assumption, as any scientific research does not prove this.
Dilute Calico Cat: What Makes Their Coat Aesthetically Muted
Lets be honest for a second not all of us are fans of the calico cats vivid coloring. Sure, the tri-colored coat is a sight to behold, but the saturation of each color may throw off some cat fanciers.
If you happen to feel the same way, you might be interested to learn about the dilute calico cat.
This adorable furball does not exhibit distinct shades, making them perfect for those after a cat with a muted calico pattern. Read on to find out more about them!
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Appearance Personality History Care & Helpful Information For Pet Owners
Calico cats comprise many breeds of domestic cats that boast a bounty of beautiful colorsalmost like patchwork quilts. One calico may be a bold combination of vibrant red and black, while another is a more subdued shade of cream mixed with blue. In feline genetics, the latter is known as a “dilute calico.”
The various patterns of the calico patches are almost as unique as snowflakes, so you’ll never see two exactly alike. Their personalities are equally interesting calico cats are known for their sass and spunk, but they are also loving and loyal companions for owners of all ages.
Interestingly, calicoes are almost all female, and the rare male is always sterile.
The 10 Best Types Of Cat
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The curation of this content is at the discretion of the author, and not necessarily reflective of the views of Encyclopaedia Britannica or its editorial staff. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, consult individual encyclopedia entries about the topics.
Its long been a running joke in the Britannica offices that we should compile a list of “best catsthis is the internet, after all. Two intrepid and cat-crazy editors have finally taken on this task for your enjoyment. After much considered debate, we present you a definitive list of best cats, according to us.
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Calico Kittens For Sale
If you are searching for a cute Calico kitten to buy in India then you come to the right place! We provide healthy, cute, de-wormed Calico cats in India for sale at an affordable cost near you.
We connect India’s best cat breeders and provide healthy and purebred Calico kittens online in India with complete health check-ups and vaccinations.
Mr n Mrs Pet is India’s most ethical place to buy and sell Calico cats and kittens near you. Most popular free pet advertising and the number one source of information for cat lovers in India.
Wave dull days goodbye when you get a Calico cat home that has a quirky personality. They are known for their sassy temperament and enjoy active play as much as sitting on your lap and purring. Calicos can be found in different cat breeds thus, their personalities vary from breed to breed. Generally, they are highly warm-hearted cats with an intelligent nature. Your Calico cat will bring a sweet and endearing aura into your home that will lighten up the entire vibe of your everyday life. They will likely get along with your family and children, making them loving household pets.
Names For Calico Cats
If you have a new Calico cat at home, you need a name. There are lots of directions you go in when youre thinking about names for Calico cats. For instance, you can give them a name that reflects their fall colors or fur patterns, like Autumn, Speckles, or Patches.
You could also go with something related to their history, such as Cleopatra or Lucky. Or you could hint at their personality with something along the lines of Sweetie or Sassy. This list of names for Calico cats can help you get started:
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Where Did Calico Cats Originate
While nobody knows for sure where Calico cats originated, its thought that they were initially found in Egypt. From there, they may have been brought down along the Mediterranean to port cities in Italy, Spain, and France. Today, you can find Calico cats all around the worldincluding the one typically napping in a sunny windowsill at my house.
Breeds Of Calico Cats
Common breeds of Calico cat include:
- American Shorthair
- Exotic Shorthair
In fact, it would probably be easier to list breeds that never wear the Calico cats adorable mix of colors. These include pointed cat breeds like the Siamese or solid color cats like the Russian Blue. Dilute calico cats have a similar color pattern to traditional, black and orange calicos, but their coats typically come in much less intense colors.
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Dilute Calico Cats For Sale Near Me
Kittens for sale. I have 3 calico kittens for sale. All are girls. 2 are 4 weeks old and one is 4 months old. The two 4 week old ones are black and orange calico/tabby mix and the 4 month old is a grey, white, and orange calico. Asking for $150 for the 4 month old because of her coloring and pattern and $100 for the 2 younger girls.
Grey orange calico. Here is a sweet beautiful girl looking for her forever home she also has a twin sister xxxxxxxxxx
Russian Blue / Dilute Tortie. Less than 1 year. Mild mannered and shy. Loves to be picked up and stroked. Free to a good home!
Mature spayed and neutered Cat to good home. Moving and cannot take with me. Her name is Sassy. She is inside cat,loving and sneaky. She loves to snuggle and is always looking for fun and exploration. She is approximately 3 years old.Comes with food and toys.
Kitten for rehome. Toffee- is a male, very loving and sweet, loves to play and a big cuddle bug at night. 8 weeks old, dewormed, litter trained, very well behaved. Great with other cats, not sure about dogs
Kittens for sale. 4 girls and 1 boy. Will be potty trained and eating regular food
Beautiful Kittens. Kittens are super cuddly and playfull are just about 2 months
SELLING CATS. Cute and expensive cats for sale. Nails made of gold and they have pierced ears with diamonds. Please buy for this much money or they will be eaten.
Dilute Calico Van Exotic Shorthair For Sale
- Kitten Breed: Exotic Shorthair Kitten / ESH Kitten
- Color: Dilute Calico Van Kitten
- Sex: Female Kitten
- Ready: When fully weaned
SOLD! Mon Cheri Ava, our stunning dilute calico van Exotic Shorthair for sale is an absolute sweet heart! Rare CH Vita Nova De Ja Blu daughter! She will have his beauty and his always kind disposition. Blu babies are always our treasures. CFA registration and Florida health certificate is included. Safe shipping is available or local pickup. $2800 pet
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More Information On Calicos
The origin of the Calico cat is unknown, but most think that they originated in Egypt. From there they may have been brought down the Mediterranean to Italy, Spain and France. Today, Calico cats can be found all around the globe.
Hereâs another interesting fact about Calico cats female Calicos vastly outnumber male ones. In fact, nearly all Calico cats are female. Hereâs why. Males have one X and one Y chromosome while females have two X chromosomes. In cats, the gene that determines fur color is located on the X sex chromosome. While both male and female cats can get the orange gene from just one chromosome, it requires two X chromosomes for a cat to be Calico or Tortoiseshell cat. That almost always means that Calico cats are female.
How rare are male Calico cats? Just 1 in every 3,000 Calico cats is male. These male Calico cats have an extra X chromosome , which differs from the usual XY chromosomes of the normal male and the XX chromosome pair found in a female cat.
Most of those male Calico cats is born sterile. You canât breed Calicos. The Calico hair color happens by chance they are not a genetically engineered breed.
What Is A Dilute Calico Cat
A dilute calico cat is not a separate breed of cat but a variety of calico coloration. They also manifest a tri-colored coat, but the tones are relatively muted. Instead of white, orange, and black, dilute calico cats have cream, blonde, and gray coat colors.
According to studies, the presence of calicos with a lighter coat can be attributed to the dilution gene. Non-dilute parents may carry this gene, so you shouldnt be surprised if a standard calico bears a dull coated offspring.
Despite the variation in color, dilute calicos showcase the same behavior specific to the breed where they occur. This will be discussed in detail later, as well as the detailed genetic makeup of this type of calico cat.
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So What Exactly Is A Calico Cat
The first thing you should know is that Calico is not a breed of cat. You can check the Cat Fanciers Association list of breeds, but you wont find it listed there.* A number of breeds, including American Shorthair, Japanese Bobtail, and Persian to name a few can have a calico coat color.
What sets Calico cats apart is their tri-color coat. Calico cats have at least three colors in their fur, which at their most basic are white, orange, and black. However, variations on these colors, such as cream, blue-black, reddish, brown might also be noted in the coat of a Calico cat.
Calico cats are sometimes mistaken for Tortoiseshell cats or Torties and vice versa. Torties are similar to Calicos in that they have black and orange coloring. However, Calicos are usually mostly white with patches of color, while Torties typically have a mainly brownish coat with streaks of colors and almost no white.
What Is Included With My Calico Exotic Shorthair Kitten Or Calico Persian Kitten
Your Mon Chéri calico Exotic Shorthair kitten or calico Persian kitten will include the following:
- Current Health Certificate from a licensed Veterinarian
- CFA* Registration
- One free month of health insurance
- Sales Agreement
- Healthy Cat Food
*CFA is currently the worlds largest registry of pedigreed cats and known as the most prestigious pedigreed cat registering association in North America. We are proudly registered with CFA and a 2022 Cattery of Excellence.
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Dilute Calico Cat Appearance: What Does A Dilute Calico Cat Look Like
As established in the former sections, a dilute calico cat has a lighter coat than standard calicos. They have tri-color fur, which is mostly 25% to 75% cream, with large patches of blonde/gold and gray/blue fur.
The cream coat usually serves as the base, while the gray and blonde can develop into various unique patterns.
In terms of their other physical features, these are ultimately breed-specific. Of course, a dilute calico Maine Coon is distinct from a dilute calico Turkish Angora.
It would be best to review breed standards if you want a detailed description of your dilute calicos eyes, nose, paw pads, etc.
Dilute calicos are often mistaken as dilute Torties because of the gold and gray fur. Thus, the best identifier of a dilute calico is the presence of cream fur alongside gold and gray.
This is widely accepted in the United States, but in Canada, dilute calico cats are referred to as dilute tortoiseshell and white.
Places To Find Dilute Calico Kittens For Sale And Adoption
Have you decided if dilute calico cats are the right pet for you? Great!
Here is a list of trusted breeders and catteries where you can find these rare kitties for sale:
- CatsNow This is a website where breeders can post their available kittens, including dilute calico cats. There are helpful filters such as location, distance, breed, and color pattern, which can help you find a dilute calico kitty in no time.
- Petfinder Petfinder offers a directory of available calico cats all over the United States. To find a calico kitty near you, all you have to do is input your city, state, or zip, and voila! Theyll show you all the available kitties that can possibly be your next pet.
- Dollface Persian Kittens This breeder has been producing dilute calico Persian kittens since 1989. You can review their website for the list of available cats and the details for reservation and payment.
Meanwhile, here are some adoption websites and rescues where you can look for a rescued dilute calico:
Do enough research and show these rescues that you are really interested in owning a dilute calico to ace the adoption process.
At the same time, prepare yourself physically and emotionally since looking after a cat is no easy job.
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Dilute Calico Cat Grooming Needs: How To Groom A Dilute Calico Cat
Depending on the breed of your dilute calico, you would need to brush it every other day. But most professional groomers suggest once a week to remove possible tangles and mats, especially for long-haired varieties.
Aside from brushing, you also need to carefully check their skin for possible issues such as fleas or rashes since their tri-colored coat may hide all these.
The good thing is since their colors are muted, it is relatively easier to spot their skin issues than standard calicos.
In terms of bathing, your dilute calico can very well take care of itself. However, if they played in the mud or got very dirty, thats where you come in.
You must wash them using a high-quality cat shampoo to preserve the texture and color of their fur.
Here are some other basic grooming routines you shouldnt skip:
- Clean their ears once a week and check for any infection or debris.
- Examine their paws from time to time to ensure that they dont have any wounds. Their feet need to be in good shape to scratch and land properly whenever they are doing some weird acrobatics while playing.
- Trim their nails, brush their teeth, and clean their eyes for any tearing or crust.
If all these tips seem challenging to you, you can always bring them to a groomer.
These professionals are experts in maintaining pets and are aware when certain changes in your dilute calicos fur need medical attention.