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Now that a calico cat has been defined as a cat with three colors, the question is: why are they nearly always female? The answer is in genetics. Coat color in cats is a sex-linked trait, a physical characteristic (coat color) related to gender. Female animals have two X chromosomes (XX), males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome (XY). The genetic coding for displaying black or orange color is found on the X chromosome. The coding for white is a completely separate gene.
Since females have two X chromosomes, they are able to "display" two colors (orange and black, or variations thereof) and white; creating the 3-color calico mix. Since males have only one X chromosome, they can only be orange OR black. It is more complicated than simply having the color genes -- it is a complex process of dominant and non-dominate genes interacting on the X chromosomes, but that is the basis for coat color in calico cats. For those of you interested in the detailed coat color genetics, please see the "Related Reading" articles at the bottom of this FAQ.
Can a calico cat ever be male? Yes, in rare instances. In this situation, the cat has two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome (XXY). Cats with this chromosomal configuration are usually sterile (not able to breed). This is similar to a condition in humans called Klinefelter's syndrome, or XXY Syndrome.
What else can I help you with?
Are male cats attractive to female cats?
only if there straight
How rare is a female orange cat?
Female orange cats are relatively rare, as the orange color is more commonly seen in male cats. Only about 20 of orange cats are female.
How rare are female orange tabby cats?
Female orange tabby cats are relatively rare, as the orange coat color is more commonly found in male cats. Only about 20 of orange tabby cats are female.
Are all brindle cats female?
Not all brindle, or tortoise, color cats are female. However, there is only a small percentage of brindle color cats that are male.
Is it true that yellow cats can only be male?
No. Female cats can be yellow also. I have 5 of them.
Will male cats mate with females who are not in heat?
No, male cats typically only mate with female cats who are in heat.
Do all cats give birth?
No. Only female cats that have not been spayed can give birth.
Is it true that one color cats are only male?
NO! one color cats are also female!
How rare are female orange tabbies?
Female orange tabby cats are relatively rare, as the orange coat color is primarily associated with male cats due to genetics. Only about 20 of orange tabby cats are female.
Are all female cats capable of having kittens?
Female cats are capable of having kittens unless they have been spayed. Only the owner will know this.
Are pregnant cats interested in tom cats?
No; Only when in heat is a female cat interested in a Tom cat.
Can cats sense when a women is pregnant?
They can get morning sickness, yes.
