Calico Cats for Adoption in New Rochelle, NY

Calico cats have three colors: white plus black and orange, which can range from deep red to pale ginger. Dilute calicos show the same pattern in muted tones, with blue-gray in place of black and cream instead of orange. In a few pedigreed breeds, chocolate, lilac or cinnamon can stand in for black, though these are uncommon.

Calico cats grow to the size of their underlying breed or mix, since calico is a coat pattern. Most shelter calicos are domestic shorthair females weighing about 6 to 12 pounds and standing around 8 to 10 inches at the shoulder. A calico Maine Coon or other large-breed mix can be considerably bigger, so ask about an adult cat's actual weight.

Female calico cats can reproduce normally, and their kittens may be any mix of colors depending on the father. Male calicos, which almost always have XXY chromosomes, are typically sterile, although a few rare fertile males have been reported. Calicos adopted from shelters and rescues are usually spayed already, which prevents unplanned litters and certain health risks.

Calico cats are best known for their striking three-color coats and for being almost always female. Many cultures link them with good fortune: Americans sometimes call them money cats, Japanese lucky cat figurines are often calico, and Maryland named the calico its state cat. They also have a folk reputation for spirited personalities, which research hasn't confirmed.

Calico cats can have almost any eye color their genetics allow, since calico describes the coat, not the eyes. Most have green, yellow, gold or copper eyes. Calicos with a lot of white occasionally have blue eyes or two different-colored eyes. All calico kittens start with blue eyes that change to their adult color over the first few months.

Calico cats are not mean as a group; the idea that they are is mostly folklore. An owner survey found slightly more reports of feisty behavior in calico and tortoiseshell cats, but the effect was small and based on perception. A cat that hisses or swats is usually scared, in pain or poorly socialized, regardless of her coat color.

Many calico cats are very nice, affectionate companions, because personality depends on each cat's genes, upbringing and experiences rather than her coat. Some are cuddly lap cats, others are independent or a little shy.

Calico cats are as smart as other domestic cats, since coat color has no known link to intelligence. Like any cat, a calico can learn her name, routines, and tricks taught with treats and clicker training. Food puzzles, wand toys and new things to explore keep her mind busy, and curious calicos often figure out cabinets and doors quickly.

Your cat is a calico if her coat shows three colors: white plus separate patches of black and orange, or blue-gray and cream for a dilute calico. A cat with black and orange mixed together but little or no white is a tortoiseshell instead. If you're unsure, a veterinarian can confirm the pattern for you.

Calico cats don't have one shared personality; each cat's temperament comes from her genetics, socialization and life experiences. Owners often describe calicos as spirited, independent or chatty, and some as sweet and cuddly, but research has not found that coat color reliably predicts behavior. Meeting the cat gives a far better picture.

Calico cats can be either long haired or short haired, because calico is a color pattern that appears with any coat length. Most calicos in shelters are domestic shorthairs, simply because shorthaired cats are more common overall. Longhaired calicos include domestic longhairs and pedigreed breeds such as Maine Coons and Persians, which need more regular brushing.

Calico cats are often taught as an example of codominance, but geneticists usually describe them as X-linked mosaicism. In each cell only one X chromosome is active, so each patch expresses either orange or black, not both blended together. True codominance shows both versions in the same cell. The patchwork coat is a visible map of random X inactivation.

Yes, calico cats can make excellent pets, since most are ordinary domestic cats with an eye-catching coat. Their care needs, from feeding and play to veterinary visits, match those of any house cat. Personality varies widely, so choose based on how the individual cat behaves rather than her colors, and ask about her comfort with children and other pets.

Calico cats are not reliably more affectionate than other cats. Some are devoted lap cats and others prefer sitting nearby, and those differences come from genetics, early handling and experiences rather than coat color. If affection is important to you, spend time with the cat before adopting and notice whether she seeks out petting and company.

Calico cats are not tabbies by definition, but some calicos are. Tabby is a striped, swirled or spotted pattern, while calico describes three colors with white. When a calico's colored patches also show tabby stripes, she is often called a calico tabby or caliby. A plain calico has solid patches without stripes, though faint orange striping is common.

No, calico cats are not hypoallergenic. Coat color has no effect on allergens, which come mainly from a protein called Fel d 1 in cat saliva and skin. Shorthaired calicos may leave less visible hair than longhaired ones, but they still produce allergens. Anyone with allergies should spend time with the particular cat before committing to adoption.

Some calico cats are calm and others are lively, because energy level depends on age, background and individual temperament rather than coat color. Adult and senior calicos are often more relaxed than young cats. If you want a quiet companion, consider an adult whose personality is already known.

Many calico cats are cuddly, but not all of them, since affection depends on the individual cat rather than her coat. Some love laps and being held, while others prefer to sit nearby and accept brief petting. Cats handled gently as kittens tend to be more comfortable with touch. Spend a little time with a particular calico to see how much contact she enjoys.

Calico cats are not more difficult than other cats as a rule. The idea of calico attitude is popular folklore, and an owner survey found only small differences in reported feistiness. A cat that seems difficult may be frightened, bored, unspayed or in pain. Patience, play, routine and a veterinary check usually reveal what she needs.

Calico cats are only fluffy if they have long hair, since calico is a color pattern that can appear on any coat length. Most calicos are domestic shorthairs with sleek coats, while longhaired calicos, such as domestic longhairs, Maine Coons or Persians, have fluffy coats that need regular brushing to prevent mats. Shelter listings usually note coat length.