Calicos are domestic cats that consist of a unique three-color coat in orange, black, and white. These cats are known for their sassy personalities and can be loyal companions for people of all generations.
Understanding their personality and needs is necessary if you are looking to adopt them. This article explores various types of Calico cat species to make it easier for you to adopt.
1. Maine Coon
Maine Coons are gentle giants that are sweet, affectionate, and get along with other pets. They are known for their dense, long fur that is safe from water and ideal for chilly situations.
They are gentle and cheerful animals that are relaxed and enjoy interactive toys or games, which makes them fun partners. These cats should be fed with a healthy eating plan rich in growth factors to maintain their muscle size and energy.
The breed is known for its tufted ears and expressive eyes, which can come in various colors. Their calico coloration adds to their beauty with their patchwork of orange, black, and white fur creating an attractive look.
2. American Shorthair
This is an adaptable and good-natured cat that is ideal as a family pet because they love attention from their loved ones. These cats are not athletic but they do have muscular and powerful bodies that have been passed on from all those years of hunting rodents.
American Shorthairs have a round face that gives them a sweet look which goes well with their calm nature. They are also playful and curious felines who like to explore and play around with crinkle balls or catnip mice.
They are easy to care for as they are not high-maintenance when it comes to exercise and grooming requirements. Involving them in interactive toys will help ensure enough exercise for them. These felines also need your time and attention as they seek love from their masters.
3. Persian
This is a friendly cat that requires gentle handling as they should be messed around or grabbed by young kids. They are sweet and calm but get along with kind, respectful kids who understand their boundaries and do not mishandle them.
Persian cats love to be stroked and admired rather than engage in strenuous activities as they are homebodies that love to spend time indoors comfortably in their favorite sport. They love their human families but can be left alone for short periods if they are left in their comfortable and safe areas. They are easy to care for in terms of exercise but require extensive care for their fur.
4. Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese Bobtail is an iconic breed that stands out for its signature feature which is its tail. These cats are known for their boundless stamina and love for interaction, making them the best family cat.
Japanese Bobtails are incredibly intelligent and curious cats that often seek out new things to explore. They enjoy interactive play and can even be trained to fetch or perform simple tricks. They are known for their love of water and some Japanese Bobtails even enjoy playing with faucets or swimming in shallow water.
5. British Shorthair
The British Shorthair is a classic and majestic breed that shows calm and collected charm. With their round faces and large, expressive eyes, they have a timeless elegance that makes them popular with cat lovers all around.
They are known for being independent but affectionate and enjoy their own space but are also content to spend time with their masters when they are in a good mood. They are very easygoing and are an excellent choice for individuals who want a relaxed and low-maintenance animal.
These are medium to large-sized cats that have muscular bodies and their short thick fur adds a playful touch to their appearance. They are not overly active but do enjoy playtime when it involves interactive toys.
6. Bengal
The Bengal is a strikingly beautiful breed that has a wild appearance due to its spotted or marbled covering. They have high energy levels and are incredibly active cats that enjoy climbing, jumping, and exploring their environment.
These cats have bright eyes and elegant walks, which gives them a grand aspect. Bengals are playful and require a lot of mental activities, like interactive gadgets and challenging sports to satisfy them. They show a friendly and affectionate temperament but can be a little demanding in terms of attention and exercise.
7. Scottish Fold
The Scottish Fold cats are recognized by their unique folded lobes and are known for their sweet and gentle traits which makes them excellent companions for families. They are playful but not overly difficult and also show high intelligence and curiosity by always exploring their surroundings.
These cats have round faces, large eyes, and a heavy build which gives them a soft and lovable persona. Scottish Folds enjoy their playtime and can be active when they are in the mood. Their sweet and loving nature makes them a wonderful choice for those who love playful felines.
8. Abyssinian
The Abyssinian is a sleek and elegant breed known for its ticked coat, where each hair is colored with multiple shades. These cats are incredibly active, curious, and playful and are described as “cat athletes” because of their love for climbing and jumping.
They are intelligent and love to explore, which makes them a perfect choice for owners who enjoy an energetic and engaging cat. They are also very affectionate cats that often seek attention and affection from their families.
These cats enjoy interactive play and are known to be skilled at fetching or solving puzzles. They are also independent cats that can entertain themselves but always appreciate the company of their owners.
9. Ragdoll
Ragdolls are known for their relaxed and affectionate behavior and are described as "puppy-like" as they tend to follow their owners, enjoying being held or carried. They are large cats that have long and silky fur that requires regular grooming to prevent tangles or mats.
These cats have blue eyes and soft coats that are relatively low-shedding compared to other long-haired cats. Ragdolls are very interested in humans and will follow them around the house, cuddle in their lap, and hop into the bed at night. They also get along well with children and other animals.
10. Manx
Max cats are unique breeds that are known for their no-tail or short-tail feature which gives them a distinct appearance. Some of these cats have a tail of normal length whereas others have numbs or stumps. The tail-less Max is called rumpies and a grumpy with a rise in bone at the end of the spine is called a riser.
They are highly adaptable animals that enjoy meeting new people if they are exposed to new activities and socialization from an early age. These cats are smart enough to learn tricks like fetch, enjoy riding in cars, and like to play with water.
Max cats have dense coats that require regular grooming to maintain their softness and they have beautiful fur that creates contrast against their round and heavy body. They can be an excellent addition to any family due to their friendly and social nature.
11. Siberian
They are an active and playful breed that enjoy games like fetch and learning tricks that help to stimulate them mentally. Siberian cats are athletic cats that love to climb and perch themselves from the highest heights.
They have wedge-shaped heads with soft contours that are topped by medium to large tufted ears. Siberian cats have round eyes that range from shades of green to gold to copper and white Siberians have blue eyes. They have round, strong tufted paws that support their muscular body and long, thick tails.
Siberian cats are highly intelligent and curious animals that seek out new things to explore, enjoy interactive play, and are excellent climbers. Their affectionate nature and playful spirit make them a great addition to any family.
12. Turkish Van
Turkish Vans are playful and social cats that enjoy spending time with pets and children if they are socialized from a young age. They love spending time in water and may be seen splashing their water dish or trying to join you in the shower or bathtub.
These cats are athletic and may be seen around playing, scratching, and climbing around. Turkish Van cats have wedge-shaped heads that are topped by large ears and their ears are far apart and high up on the skull. Their independent and intelligent behavior with a strong sense of curiosity drives them to explore their surroundings.
They are easygoing cats that can be trained to perform tricks or retrieve objects and love to play games that involve water.
Calico Cats Personality
Calico cats are sweet, loving, and loyal animals that are independent and do not require constant attention. These cats know what they want and will most probably do things according to their interest. They are friendly and docile animals that get along with their owners and other pets in their household.
These cats are incredibly loving and affectionate with their families and can be quite loyal as they follow their owners around the hour. Calico cats also have a playful side that allows them to enjoy interactive toys or games that challenge their intelligence and keep them active.
Why Are Calico Cats Mean?
Calico cats are usually considered mean due to their strong-willed and spirited personalities but it does not really mean they are naturally aggressive. These cats have a bold and independent nature that can sometimes be misinterpreted as unfriendly behavior but they can be loving and affectionate when their needs are respected.
This perceived meanness also comes from how they communicate their boundaries and how they are not they are not afraid to let their liking be known. They may react with hissing or walking away behaviors when their boundaries are ignored which can be misunderstood as mean.
Contrary to their mean nature, these cats can be playful, affectionate, and fun once they feel secure in their surroundings. They can form strong bonds with their family with proper socialization, boundaries, and patience.
How Rare Are Calico Cats?
Calico cats are rare due to the unique genetic mechanism that is required to produce their striking tricolor coats. The color of their coat is determined by the genes present on their chromosomes that act as instructions for the production of pigments that give color to their fur.
Male calico cats are extremely rare as XX chromosomes are needed in order for a kitten to be a calico, which is only present in female cats. It is almost impossible for male cats to be born with calico coloring as they have XY chromosomes.
For male cats to have a calico coat, they need to have an extra X chromosome and be XXY. This is not entirely impossible but it is a very rare case in which the males express abnormal testicular changes that make them sterile, which is known as Klinefelter Syndrome.
Amanda Tong
