Is My Cat a Calico? A Guide to Calico Cat Traits

With their beautiful, tricolored coats, calico cats always seem to stand out. But is the calico cat a breed? 

Although calico cats are not a breed, they do share similar coat patterns. Because this pattern appears in many different breeds — as well as mixed-breed cats — there are many kinds of calico cats, including short-haired calicos, fluffy calico cats, and even hairless calico cats (where the color pattern appears on the skin).

What makes a calico cat?

Calico is a tricolored pattern that consists of patches of three distinct colors. The most common calico pattern is red-orange, black, and white. But if cats have genes that modify the basic red and black colors, calico cats can come in alternative versions of these colors — cream, blue-gray, chocolate, cinnamon, lilac, or fawn — with white patches.

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Calico genetics

Coat genetics are complex, but in a nutshell, calico cats have certain genes that create their distinctive, tricolored color pattern. First, calico cats carry one copy of the allele (alternative form of a gene) that codes for orange (red) color and one copy of the allele that codes for black. When female cats carry both of these alleles, both colors can appear in the coat due to something called lyonization (one X chromosome in each cell is inactivated, or “turned off”). This process is random, so the result is random patches of two different colors.

Calico cats also have the white-spotting gene, which causes white patches in the coat, creating a tricolored pattern (consisting of three different colors). When cats carry one copy of each gene for red and black, but don’t have the white spotting gene, they are tortoiseshell — a mottled pattern of black and red.

An interesting fact about calico cats is that they are almost always female. This is because a cat needs two X chromosomes to express both red and black colors: One chromosome carries the gene for red pigment (XO), and one carries the gene for black pigment (Xo). Female cats have two X chromosomes (XX), but male cats have one X and one Y chromosome (XY). Therefore, male cats can’t usually have the genes for both red and black. 

In very rare cases, a male calico kitten is born. This happens if the male kitten has an extra X chromosome in addition to their X and Y chromosomes (XXY). Such cats have a genetic condition called Klinefelter syndrome, which typically renders them sterile. 

Related article

What’s a Dilute, Muted Calico Cat?

This rare type of calico cat is characterized by soft, muted colors. Learn more about what makes them so unique.

Common calico coat variations

Several calico colors can appear in cats. To be calico, a cat must have three colors: a red-based color, a black-based color, and white. Some cats carry certain genes and alleles (alternative forms of genes) that transform the basic pigment colors of red and black to other versions of these colors. Sometimes, calico cats have tabby patterning mixed into the coat. Here are the most common calico cat colors and patterns.

• Standard calico: The classic or traditional calico colors are red (orange), black, and white. 

• Dilute calico: Dilute calico cats have cream-colored patches rather than the darker red-orange. Instead of black patches, they might have patches in blue-gray, chocolate, cinnamon, lilac, or fawn.

• Caliby: This color pattern appears as tabby stripes within the orange coloring. Tabby stripes might also appear within the black patches of the coat, though these can be hard to see (try looking when the cat is lying in the sun). 

Common calico cat breeds

The calico color pattern is found in many different cat breeds, though some are more common.

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Persian

If you’re looking for a fluffy calico cat breed, a calico Persian fits the bill — though this breed also comes in many other colors and patterns. The Persian is one of the oldest cat breeds, known in the Middle East since at least the 1600s. They’re prized for their plush, long coat and round, pansy-shaped face.

Traits

• Height: 10 to 15 inches

• Weight: 8 to 12 pounds

• Best traits: Calm, affectionate

• Coat length: Long

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Maine Coon

The longhaired, bushy-tailed Maine Coon originated in Maine, where they were once rumored to be part raccoon, though that theory has long been disproven. These friendly, gentle giants come in many colors and patterns, including calico.

Traits

• Height: 10 to 16 inches

• Weight: 9 to 22 pounds

• Best traits: Friendly, social

• Coat length: Long

American Shorthair

The American Shorthair is beloved for their easygoing, affectionate personality. The breed was developed in the United States in the 1800s, at which time they were indispensable vermin catchers. American Shorthairs come in many different colors and patterns, including calico.

Traits

• Height: 8 to 10 inches

• Weight: 6 to 15 pounds

• Best traits: Easygoing, adaptable

• Coat length: Short

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Manx

This tailless breed developed naturally on the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea. Manx can have long hair or short hair, and can be any color or pattern (other than the pointed pattern seen in Siamese cats).

Traits

• Height: 8 to 12 inches

• Weight: 8 to 12 pounds

• Best traits: Loyal, intelligent

• Coat length: Short or long

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Japanese Bobtail

This ancient breed with a natural bobtail has been known in Japan for centuries, and trace their roots all the way back to the Middle Ages. Although the Japanese Bobtail can be any color or pattern, bicolor (two colors) and calico cats (called mi-ke) are especially popular.

Traits

• Height: 8 to 10 inches

• Weight: 6 to 10 pounds

• Best traits: Outgoing, curious

• Coat length: Short or long

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Domestic Shorthair

A cat need not be purebred to be calico. Lots of domestic shorthairs (mixed-breed cats with short coats) come in the calico color pattern. With sleek coats and big personalities, they tend to be adaptable, curious, and great at fitting into all kinds of homes.

Traits

• Height: 8 to 12 inches

• Weight: 6 to 16 pounds

• Best traits: Adaptable, resilient

• Coat length: Short

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Domestic Longhair

Domestic longhairs (mixed-breed cats with long coats) are a cozy mix of genetics, which is why they come in just about every color and pattern you can imagine, including calico. You’ll most often meet domestic longhairs in shelters and rescues, where each one is a total one-of-a-kind find.

Traits

• Height: 8 to 12 inches

• Weight: 6 to 16 pounds

• Best traits: Adaptable, unique

• Coat length: Long

Calico personality traits

Although color and pattern have never been scientifically tied to personality, some studies have suggested a possible association of certain temperamental traits with color or pattern. 

But anecdotally, cat lovers say their calico cats have big, spicy personalities that may include these traits:

• Outgoing

• Friendly

• Talkative

• Sassy

• Playful

• Energetic

• Demanding attention

Ready to adopt?

Many mixed-breed cats and kittens, including those up for adoption in animal shelters and with rescue groups, sport the calico color pattern. Additionally, you might find purebred calico cats there looking for new homes. Adopt a Pet allows you to factor color criteria into your search as you look for your next best friend.

Commonly asked questions

What is special about calico cats?

Calico cats are special because the tricolor calico color pattern is beautiful and unique: No two calicos look exactly the same. Calicos are usually female, but sometimes a rare male calico kitten is born.

What are common problems with calico cats?

Calico cats, like other cats, are prone to several health conditions, including chronic kidney disease, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, gingivitis, and obesity. Some cat lovers say calico cats are feistier than other cats, but this has never been scientifically proven. 

Are all calico cats female only?

Almost all calico cats are female because a cat needs two X chromosomes to carry the genes that create the calico color pattern. Females have two (XX), while males only have one (XY). 

References

Kaelin, Christopher B., et al. “Molecular and Genetic Characterization of Sex-Linked Orange Coat Color in the Domestic Cat.” Current Biology, Elsevier BV, May 2025, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2025.04.055.

“Table: Calico and Black and Orange Tortoiseshell Cats.” Merck Veterinary Manual, www.merckvetmanual.com/multimedia/table/calico-and-black-and-orange-tortoiseshell-cats.