CALICO MAINE COON

Introduction

Have you ever heard of a calico Maine coon cat? Or you have and have never noticed how unique it is. Prepare to learn much about this beautiful cat’s coat pattern, variations, restrictions, and general attractiveness. Cats with this unique pattern are supposed to inspire good luck and wealth in many cultures worldwide, not just in Japan. 

Don’t confuse a tortoiseshell coat (another standard cat color) with a calico – the colors of tortoiseshells are frequently mingled or blended, and there’s little to no white fur. As you can see, this is not your typical calico coat. 

What exactly is a Calico Maine Coon?

Although it may sound like a unique breed, the term “calico” only refers to the colors of your cat. So, a calico cat may be a Persian, a Manx, or several different cat breeds. Maine Coons are simply one of them. A cat must match the following requirements to be classified as a calico: Its coat must have white, black, and orange colors. Colors are frequently applied in patches, similar to the multi-colored calico cloth previously brought from England to India. The primary color is generally white, and orange and black hair distribution patterns differ from cat to cat. 

What Kinds of Calico Maine Coon Patterns Exist?

Yes, there are several types of calico patterns: eight, to be exact. Here are some examples:

1. Calico Dense

The most typical kind the hue of calico in Maine Coons ranges from 25%-75% white to 25%-75% orange and black.

2. Calico diluted

The colors are more subdued than dense calico, so the black seems bluer or grey. 

3. Shell Calico Dense

The compact shell calico Maine Coon has a white base with orange and black spots. The hair tips on their sides, back, face, and legs are black or orange. 

4. Shell Calico, diluted

Identical to the thick shell calico, only the contrasting colors are paler. Black seems blue, while orange appears cream.

5. Calico Dense Shaded

These calicoes feature a white foundation with black and unrestrained Patches of orange. They also feature orange and black coloration on the flanks, tail, and face. They have a darker appearance than conventional calicoes. 

6. Shaded Calico, diluted

In this calico color variant, the black and orange are softened to blue and cream. Nonetheless, a dilute shaded calico seems darker than a dilute standard calico. 

7. Calico Dense Smoke

At first glance, these calico Maine Coons may appear to be the same as a thick calico. But if you look closely, you’ll notice that the wild spots of orange and black have a white undercoat.

8. Smoke Calico diluted

Except for the diluted tint, the colour is the same as the thick smoke calico. Colors include grey and ivory.

 

Why are the majority of Calico Maine Coons female?

Calico Maine Coons are virtually usually females. The rationale is straightforward genetics. Human and cat embryos in the womb are all fundamentally feminine since they each have a single X chromosome. The sperm arrives and installs another X or a Y chromosome, determining whether the tiny furball will be male or female. A female has two X chromosomes, whereas a male has an XY chromosomal combination. 

The beautiful orange coloration that distinguishes a calico is carried on the X chromosome – one X chromosome will generate orange fur, and the other will result in black hair. Because the male Y chromosome lacks the orange coloration, male kittens born from the litter are unlikely to be typical calicoes. Instead, they’ll most likely be a mix of white and black, as they can contain black pigment, and either parent can pass on their white coloring. 

There are always outliers, and one in every 3,000 male kittens has a genetic anomaly that causes them to develop orange fur. However, breeders’ clubs will not accept them since they are generally fragile and scarce. Even though these rare males are extremely unlikely to occur, many British and American pet owners consider them particularly lucky. 

Is Calico Maine Coon Breeding Difficult?

Getting calico Maine Coon kittens can be difficult. This isn’t only because they nearly always have to be female; there’s no telling how many females will be in a litter. 

To ensure a calico pattern, the perfect genetic storm must come together. So real calico kittens are, more often than not, a random gift from nature rather than the outcome of deliberate breeding. Even if the parents are calico, there is no assurance that all three colors will be present in the tiny furballs they create. As a result, calico cats, in general, particularly calico Maine Coons, are scarce. 

Temperament of the Calico Maine Coon

There’s a myth going around among calico Maine Coon owners that This color variant of Maine Coon has a more aggressive and lively disposition. They even call it “fortitude.” They may be fierier and more willful than non-calico peers, although this is more likely due to nurture than nature. 

Aside from that, calico Maine Coons have the traits of a standard Maine Coon. Maine Coons are sociable, clever, and lively companions who can withstand being poked and prodded, making them ideal for households with children and other pets. This will be encouraged even more by early socializing.

Unless, of course, you have pet rodents: Maine Coons have a solid prey drive. Therefore, their natural impulse will be to seek out and eliminate any mice and their larger relatives. If you have these adorable creatures, consider investing in suitable cages and safety precautions.  

Calico Maine Coon Grooming

You might wonder if Maine Coons shed. Choosing a pet is a natural concern since you’ll want to know if you’ll have to figure out grooming and removing undesired hair from clothes and furnishings. Maine Coons, with their magnificent silky coat that stays smooth and sheds gently, will require some attention, but not excessively so. A good brushing once a week is plenty for them.  

How Can I Find a Calico Maine Coon?

While calico Maine Coons do occasionally wind up in shelters, they tend to. Because of the popularity of their jackets, they were snatched up with lightning speed. You may also purchase one from a recognized breeder, but if you do this instead of going via shelters, make sure the breeder is reliable. From 10-14 weeks of age, good breeders will have vaccinated and genetically tested kittens with health certificates. 

Before you freak out, genetic testing is only used to discover possibly troublesome genes that may emerge in congenital illness later in life. However, good breeders breed with healthy stock to create less risk of becoming ill kittens. Bad breeders will breed almost any cat to attempt to obtain a calico pattern, even with kittens. Please don’t hesitate to inquire about the parents and insist on meeting them in person. 

Last Words on Calico Maine Coons

Calico cats are ordinary in mythology and pop culture but more challenging in real life. After all, it’s not just a popular Maine Coon color combination: it’s one of the rarest and most sought-after patterns available. Even reputable breeders may struggle to guarantee a calico kitten which makes Calico Maine coon exceptionally rare. Consider yourself lucky if you own one of these “lucky cats”!