Calico Cat Personality: What To Expect

Calico cats are unique and beautiful, each with their own blend or patchwork of colors. But did you know that because of genetics, the vast majority of calicos are female?

Although you may know what calicos look like, it’s important to understand a calico cat’s personality and unique needs before you decide to bring one home. Keep reading to find out what makes calicos so unique—and how to care for one so that your pet lives a long, happy life.

Calico is a coat, not a breed

Calico (also called piebald) isn’t actually a breed. The name refers to a specific coat pattern found on domestic house cats.

Each calico has a unique coat and coloring—some calicos will have bright, vibrant red and black patches, while others may have more subdued white, beige, and cream colors. The calico coat pattern can show up in most breeds, but here are a few breeds where calicos are common:

• American Shorthair
• Maine Coon
• British Shorthair
• Norwegian Forest cat
• Scottish Fold

These are only the most common breeds – many others can also get the calico pattern.

While several breeds of cats can be calicos, these cats are almost always female. They also shouldn’t be confused with tortoiseshell cats. Both patterns appear mostly in females, but tortoiseshell cats never combine white in their two colors.

On the other hand, calicos have white fur along with their bicolored patches.

Why are calico cats special?

Cats, like humans, are born with sets of chromosomes. We have 23, while our feline best friends have 19. And, just like us, nearly all female cats have two X chromosomes, while nearly all male cats have one X and one Y chromosome. Because several of the genes that control a cat’s hair color are located in the X chromosomes, only one chromosome gets to influence a male cat’s color.

This means that if a male cat gets an X chromosome with the orange gene, it will become orange. If he has an X chromosome with a black gene, he will become black. When a female cat develops as an embryo, lyonization occurs—one of its two X chromosomes becomes inactive.

But here’s where it gets tricky—not all cells in the cat’s body will deactivate the same chromosome. Some cells will cancel the black-colored chromosome, while others will cancel the orange-colored chromosome. That’s why calico cats (as well as tortoiseshell cats) have a blend of two colors that show up on their bodies. While lyonization accounts for two colors, the white fur is a result of hair with no pigmentation at all.

Like their coat, each calico has a unique personality

Because the calico pattern isn’t related to breed, not all calicos will have the same personality or temperament. That’s largely dependent on their environment and life experiences, as well as breed. When considering a calico kitten or cat, try to learn about their breed and history. Another good way to get to know a cat is to simply spend time around them!

Caring for a calico cat

Caring for a calico isn’t typically more expensive than caring for any other cat. And, their needs are largely dependent on their breed, or the breeds that make up their genetics. Here are some basics to keep in mind with your calico, regardless of breed.

• Enrichment and stimulation. Make sure to play with your cat every day. Not all calico breeds will need the same amount of playtime, but all of them will need at least some daily attention. If you have a calico breed that requires more attention than you can provide, consider adopting a second cat to keep them company. Provide your calico with high-quality toys, scratching posts, and other enrichment to keep them entertained. If your calico gets bored, it can start engaging in undesirable behavior like scratching the furniture or knocking items to the floor.
• Litter boxes. Have at least one litter box in your home for each cat. For example, you’ll need at least three litter boxes if you have three cats — calico or otherwise. If you only have room for one box, you’ll need to be diligent about cleaning it every day, sometimes more than once.
• Clean water. Keep clean water available at all times. Because cats have evolved to prefer running water, your calico may not enjoy drinking from a bowl. If this happens, consider getting a water fountain designed for cats.
• Grooming. You’ll need to brush your calico to keep its coat clean and healthy. The frequency of brushing will depend on the breed. If your calico has a short coat, brush it at least once a week. On the other hand, if your calico has a long coat — like a Persian or a Maine coon — it can get tangled or even matted when not cared for properly. Brush twice a week or more as needed.
• Dental care. Brush your calico’s teeth twice a week. You can also add other dental care items to your calico’s routine, such as special treats and chews.

Should you adopt a calico cat? Calicos aren’t a breed, but their distinctive look makes them a popular choice for many pet owners. However, if you want to adopt a calico, you should know that you’re very unlikely to find a male. That’s why calicos are the ideal choice for someone who prefers female cats.

Are you looking to adopt a calico cat or another furry friend? Browse our cat-related content to learn more about cat breeds, care, and everything else you want to know about cats!

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