In other mammals, white fur color alone has been linked to at least six genes ( MITF, EDN3, EDNRB, PAX3, SOX10, and SNAI2). There are many different genes that create the spectrum of coat colors and patterns found in domestic cats. The genetics of cat fur color (like the genetics of human hair color) are rather complex. While researching the post, I found myself in another internet rabbit hole and I wanted to share some of the things I learned about cat genetics because, it turns out, calico cats are an excellent lesson in genetics. Nettie Stevens is known for her discovery of the X and Y chromosomes as the basis for sex determination. Whether selecting a pedigreed show cat or making friends with a stray in an alley, you’ll usually find that Calicos are among the most pleasant of cats.In an earlier post, I detailed the life and work of Nettie Maria Stevens, the namesake of our new calico cat. Calicos have a reputation for being sweet and friendly. Calicos generally have gentle, loving temperaments, but calico Maine Coons are even more affectionate and friendly than others.ĭespite the diversity in their patterns and breeds, one thing all Calico cats have in common is a warm personality. They’re known for their fluffy coats, squirrel-like tails, and sweet personalities. This is simply because Maine Coons, or American Forest Cats, are the most popular longhaired cats. Most longhaired Calicos you’ll see are Maine Coons. Longhaired Calicos Image Credit By: Pxhere Despite their uncertain lineage, Calico Domestic Shorthairs can be entered into cat shows with “Household Pet” divisions. These cats of mixed or unknown ancestry account for at least 90% of the cats in America. Domestic Shorthair is the official name for the average house cat. The most common type of Calico and shorthaired cat is the Domestic Shorthair. Shorthaired Calicos Image Credit By: Pxhere This causes males to be sterile, and they may carry other genetic abnormalities that can shorten their lives. All male Calicos cat breeds have XXY chromosomes, a genetic rarity called Klinefelter Syndrome. Sex and color are both determined by the X chromosome, so Calicos are typically female. Male Calicos are exceedingly rare types of Calico cats. Male Calicos Image Credit By: SayaPhotos, Pixabay Patched Tabbies often have white paws and can be either longhaired or shorthaired. A calico may also have stripes in brown and black patches on their backs, sides, legs, and tails. Usually, this presents as an M-shaped marking on their foreheads. Patched Tabby Calicos Image Credit By: TheLazyPineapple, ShutterstockĬalico cats may also display Tabby characteristics. Since it’s a recessive gene, however, one or both parents may not be Dilute Calico themselves. These faded colors are due to a recessive gene both parents must possess the gene to produce a Dilute Calico. In some countries, Dilute Calicos are referred to as Clouded Tigers. Instead of orange spots, they have tan or cream-colored ones. Rather than the black patches of a regular calico, theirs can vary from smoke to blue. Dilute Calico Image Credit By: Mariamichelle, Pixabayĭilute Calicos are much like other Calicos but with diluted colors. Their spots may be more one color than the other, but they must have some combination of the two. Their legs may be either white or colored. Calicos usually have black or orange foreheads, ears, and backs. They typically have white faces, chests, and legs. They are also called Tortie-and-White cats, since they look similar to a Tortoiseshell, except white. The Traditional Calico cat breeds are tri-color cats, with white, black, and orange patches. Traditional Image Credit By: Seattle Cat Photo, Shutterstock
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