Rare Cat Color

I have a beautiful baby doll Persian female that was given to me when her owner could no longer take care of her. I know nothing about Persians, but she is a wonderful cat.

My question is about her coat color. People have told me that she is a rare color, and I wanted to know if this is true? She is registered, but I am awaiting her papers from her former owner. She is what the vet calls a dilute calico? I would appreciate any info.

Thanks so much~~ Dodie B.

Expert Reply

Hi Dodie,

Your cat sounds beautiful. Although we've all seen Calico cats, the color pattern is difficult to breed for because the pattern depends on a series of X chromosomes shutting off at varying intervals during an embryo's development. The gene for the dilute coloring is just one more variable thrown into the mix.

For the benefit of our other readers, dilute calico coloring is blue/gray and tan patches on a white/cream fur background, rather than the standard calico of black and red patches on a white fur background.

Although I wouldn't go as far as saying dilute calico is extremely rare, it is harder to come by, and kittens in this color range often fetch a higher price. Consider yourself lucky to be the care giver of such a great cat, and best of luck to you both.

Thanks for your question~~ Kelly

Male Calico Cats are a Possibility

Hi!

I'm glad there's someone of knowledge that I can ask this question. I was told that there's no such thing as a calico male cat and that it is genetically impossible. Well, we had one born right here in Wisconsin. He has three colors in patches. The main color is white, then there are patches of plain grey and light tan. Three different colors. Is he a male calico?

~~Kathryn

Expert Reply

Hi, Kathryn,

This is a question that comes up quite often. Calico is a coloring pattern in cats and not an actual breed and you are correct in thinking that the color comes in patches. Calico cats are tri-colored in white, black and red (usually looks orange), although they sometimes come in a dilute pattern like you're describing. In a calico, the colors never blend together but are in separate patches. It is a common misconception that only female cats can have the calico coloring, because it is quite rare for a male cat to have this coloring due to genetics. Let me explain…

Females have the chromosomes XX and males have the chromosomes XY.

The colors for calico are tied into that second X (female) chromosome. The only way a male cat can be calico is to have an extra chromosome. This is called Klinefelter's Syndrome in humans. The cat would have XXY chromosomes and would develop as a male. The male cat will typically be sterile with this defect, but again, there are a few exceptions to even that rule.

There is a picture of a male calico kitten at A Pet's Blog and a description of this rare kitty.

So, yes, you can have a male calico, but unless your kitty has orange coloring on him, he is likely a Tortoiseshell. It is probably healthier for him to not be a calico, so this would be good news.

I hope that answers your question and helps in your debate.

~~Lori

Could Cat Be Male Calico

I recently adopted a beautiful 18-month-old male from our local shelter. He is mostly white with black patches on either side and up his hind legs. While he was on his back (he loves his tummy rubbed) I noticed buff coloring on his back feet and a patch of buff and black where a "belly button" would be. Is he a male calico?

~~Helena

Expert Reply

Hi, Helena,

What an interesting color pattern this cat has. He sounds beautiful! Calico is not actually a breed but just a description of the color more than anything. Male calico cats are very rare because of the genetic coding required to create the color patterns. Calico cats are tri-colored in white, black and red (can look orange). In a calico, the colors never blend together but are in separate patches. His pattern actually sounds more like a tabby cat, as they often have "boots" on their feet. However, without seeing a picture it is hard to say definitively.

Your veterinarian should be able to tell you what the color pattern is on your cat after examining him. He sounds like a real sweetheart too. Enjoy his nature and that he likes his belly rubbed. Not all cats like that! Thanks for your question.

~~Lori