It's a common misconception that calico cats are female, even though the term actually describes a color pattern rather than a specific breed of cat. In this article, we will examine the characteristics of calico cats, breeds that can have calico colors, and the reasons why there aren't fewer male calico cats.
What does the term "calico cat" mean?
What does the term "calico cat" mean?
Because of their exquisite coats, calico cats are a popular option among feline enthusiasts. However, calico isn't a breed of cat like Persian or Siamese cats are. A calico may be of various breeds, such as a Manx, Persian, or Maine coon. A cat's coat needs to have three colors in order for it to be classified as calico: orange, white, and black. The coat is patchy in these three colors, with white appearing most frequently. Cats with coat colors similar to the calico color, which was first brought to Europe from India, are called calico cats.
The phrases "tortoiseshell" and "calico" are sometimes used interchangeably, leading to common misconceptions between the two breeds. In contrast to calicos, which feature distinct areas with a lot of white, tortoises have colors that are mixed and blended with little or no white. In addition to the classic vivid white, orange, or black coats, calicos can have diluted coats with patches of fawn, cream, cacao, and gray.
What Makes Female Calico Cats Predominate?
It is a known fact that, due to their distinct chromosomal appearance, which creates the color variations in their coats, practically all calico cats are female.
A cat's X and Y chromosomes determine whether or not it is going to be male or female. Every cat possesses a set of sex chromosomes, which can be combined to form either XX (female) or XY (male). The coding gene that produces the black and orange hues found in a calico's coat is likewise located on the X chromosome.
Because there are two X chromosomes, female calico cats have two color-coded chromosomes. The cat will only be calico, displaying mixed black and orange coloration, if she receives one orange-coded X along with a black-coded X.
An X chromosome of the mother codes for black fur, while an X chromosome of the father codes for orange fur, for instance, in a cat. Females are unique because they have two X chromosomes, even though it only requires one X chromosome to generate a certain color in the fur. One X chromosome may supersede the other during development, causing either orange or black to predominate in a region. Each individual cell experiences this specific color development, which involves turning off one X chromosome while maintaining the other one active. A cat's color will vary depending on its dominant X chromosome, giving calico cats their orange and black hues.
However, where are the white areas coming from? Calico cats also have to inherit a gene that codes for white fur, which is unconnected to both chromosomes, adding to the complexity of the situation.
Technically speaking, male cats cannot be calico since they possess one X chromosome that codes for black or oranges along with a Y chromosome that codes for no color genes. They won't express both; they will only express black or orange.
Why do male calico cats have XXY?
Why do male calico cats have XXY?
The "calicos only for females" rule has two exceptions: Chimerism and Klinefelter's syndrome are genetic anomalies. When a male receives an additional X chromosome from his mother or father, his genetic composition becomes XXY, which causes Klinefelter's syndrome. Chimerism is the consequence of the extremely early fusion of two embryos, producing two distinct sets of DNA.
These two mutations are not common. It is not possible to breed additional calico patterns from these unicorn cats because they are nearly always sterile.
Regrettably, male calico cats are sometimes far less healthy than their female counterparts due to a genetic abnormality that occurs at birth. Male calicos have the potential to live long, healthy lives, but they need committed carers.
It's likely that a female calico cat will join your home if that's your goal. But if you're lucky, you might come across a male calico unicorn cat. Regardless of the color of your cat, you will love spending time with your new companion
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