Because male cats have one X chromosome with code for black or orange and one Y chromosome with no color genes, they cannot technically be calico. They'll only express either black or orange, but not both. These unicorn cats are almost always sterile, so they cannot be used to breed more calico patterns.
Unfortunately, since male calico cats are born because of a genetic anomaly, they are often much less healthy than their female counterparts. Male calicos often have reduced bone mineral content, increasing the risk for broken bones; cognitive and mental developmental issues, which can lead to behavioral problems; and increased body fat, which can cause joint pain, heart disease, and diabetes.
But, you may get lucky and find a unicorn cat—a male calico. Actively scan device characteristics for identification. Use precise geolocation data.
Select personalised content. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. The required black variation can also be blue blue-gray , brown or chocolate, lilac a pale, rosy beige , reddish brown cinnamon or a pale, buff color fawn. Black and blue are the most common variations of the black gene.
Male Calico Cat Genetics How then can a male be a true calico? Neutering Male Calico Cats Although most male calicos are sterile, it is a good idea to neuter them to deter spraying and other unwelcome male behaviors. Which Breed Is a Male Calico? The Rare Male Calico Cat Male calico cats are the offspring with a genetic anomaly of parents representing many possible cat breeds.
By Kristin McCarthy. By Kate Miller-Wilson. By Mychelle Blake. Fascinating Genetics of Calico Cats. By Michele Meleen. Selkirk Rex History, Facts, and Temperament. Questions About Kitten Health. New Kitten Troubles. These uncommon felines are coveted by buyers, but unpopular among breeders. Find about more about calico cats and why male calicos are so rare.
This coveted color scheme can show up in a number of cat breeds: American shorthair, British shorthair, Manx, Japanese bobtail, Maine coon, Persian, and more. Being calico doesn't affect the cat's lifespan or personality. Genetics are the reason calico tomcats are so rare. Coat color in cats is typically a sex-linked trait — in other words, color is coded into certain chromosomes. Both male and female cats can be orange a mutant gene or black because the gene that controls those colors is on the X chromosome.
And while females can have both colors, because they have two X chromosomes, males, who have one X and one Y chromosome, can only have one or the other unless they have a genetic abnormality in which three chromosomes — including two Xs — are present. This is why the vast majority of calico, tortoiseshell, and tabby cats are female. The difference between these three is that calico cats have large, distinctive markings on white fur, while tortoiseshell cats have mottled tricolor coats, and tabby cats are streaked, with M-shaped markings on their foreheads.
For a male cat to have a calico pattern, the feline has to have three sex chromosomes: two Xs and a Y. This phenomenon can happen in both humans and animals and is, in either case, known as Klinefelter syndrome. Full disclosure first: I am a Calico cat parent, and I love my sweet whiskered girl, Callie! I had fun compiling these Calico cat facts and even learned a thing or two myself. I hope you enjoy them too!
What sets Calico cats apart is their tri-color coat. Calico cats have at least three colors in their fur, which at their most basic are white, orange, and black. However, variations on these colors, such as cream, blue-black, reddish, brown might also be noted in the coat of a Calico cat.
Calico cats are sometimes mistaken for Tortoiseshell cats or Torties and vice versa. Torties are similar to Calicos in that they have black and orange coloring. However, Calicos are usually mostly white with patches of color, while Torties typically have a mainly brownish coat with streaks of colors and almost no white.
However, there is an exception. In rare cases, cats can have an extra X chromosome making them XXY. These cats present as male, but can be Calico because they have two X chromosomes.
On a side note, please keep in mind that even sterile male cats should be neutered.
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