Are there tricolor cats: how often can you find them, what breeds, genetics

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Many people are surprised to learn that the vast majority of calico cats are female. Why is that? Are there calico cats or only cats have this color? Can a calico cat be male? Learn about the genetics of coat color in this article.

The first question that needs to be answered is what types of calico cats there are. Calico cats come in spotted or colored coats in which white is predominant, with spots of two other colors (red and black). Often this color in the world is called Calico, tortoiseshell, tricolor, spotted.

The Calico calico cat is not a breed, but a coat color. A cat is called tricolor if its coat contains three colors :

black
white
orange

Variations of these colors are also possible: gray, cream and ginger.

A calico cat has large blocks of the three colors, while a tortoiseshell cat has a mixture of the three colors (more mixed together than the individual color blocks). In the world, cats with tri-colored fur are called differently :

Europeans and Americans - Calico,
Canadians - Chatte d'Espagne,
Japanese - tobi mi-ke (literally translated as “triple fur”)
Dutch - lapjeskat (literally translated as “cat in patches”)

If the color of a tricolor cat is not too bright, as if diluted, it is called calimanco or “cloud tiger”. Sometimes the tri-color coloring is combined with a tabby (striped) pattern. A kitten covered with such spots is called a caliby.

The name Calico refers only to the color and fur, not to the breed or the two-colored eyes the cat has. Breeds whose standards allow tricolor are Manx, American Shorthair, British Shorthair, Persian, Japanese Bobtail, Exotic Shorthair, Siberian, Turkish Van, Turkish Angora, Hemingway cats, Sphynxes, Devon Rex, Maine Coon, Scottish Fold, Munchkins , Norwegian forest.

Are there calico cats or only cats?

The female X chromosome of cats contains genes responsible for red or black color. Another chromosome is responsible for the white coat color. Each of the cat's X chromosomes has 2 options: the presence of pigment or its absence. White color also has 2 options, in which it can appear or be absent.

Therefore, females have 4 color options:

0 0—no color, white;
0 1 - red;
1 0 - black;
1 1 - black and red.

The white color of a non-sex-linked chromosome can also have two variants.

When white color appears, the following colors appear:

0 0 + - white;
0 1 + - white-red;
1 0 + — black and white;
1 1 + - tricolor, tortoiseshell.

If different versions coincide by chance, the probability of tortoiseshell coloration in females is estimated at 1:8. For this same reason, cats cannot be not only tortoiseshell, but also black and red.

We bring good luck to the house

Perhaps most of the signs, popular beliefs and superstitions are associated precisely with tricolor cats - even ominous tales about black cats are much inferior here. And all owners of tricolor cats are sure of one thing: this wonderful animal has brought good luck and prosperity to their home. Perhaps this is how it really is?

The tricolor cat brings good luck to the house

Choosing a kitten

You need to choose a tricolor kitten in the same way as any other - you should like the baby, and even better if this feeling is mutual. It is very important that both the kitten and its parents are healthy animals with a strong nervous system and decent upbringing - this will immediately insure you against many problems in the future. Therefore, it is, of course, better to purchase a baby not from random sellers at the poultry market, but from reliable and responsible breeders.

Choose an active and healthy baby - he will be beautiful in any case

But if a small three-color miracle comes to your door on its own or hits your feet on the street, do not drive it away under any circumstances, this is a good sign. But you need to take such a gift of fate to the veterinarian as soon as possible - conduct a routine examination, determine the age and physical condition of the animal, the timing of vaccination, and, if necessary, prescribe treatment.

Even experienced specialists will not be able to accurately predict the likelihood of a calico cat giving birth to kittens of the same color. The chances of getting such offspring will be greater if the parents are black and white and red cats.

Girls, who is your dad?

Content Features

We’ll leave it to geneticists to figure out why this happens, but owners of calico cats of different breeds note similar traits in the character and behavior of their pets:

friendly and flexible disposition;
activity and playfulness;
increased interest in learning;
exceptional cleanliness.

These cats are inquisitive and are ready to follow their owner everywhere.

Each breed has its own nuances in grooming and other aspects of animal care. We can only recommend choosing high-quality hair care products that will make the tricolor color even brighter, more contrasting and beautiful. A good option is to use shampoo for white fur: it will add expressiveness not only to the white, but also to all other components of your cat’s tricolor.

Good cosmetics will make the tri-color color even more beautiful.

This is interesting

Since ancient times in Rus', cats have been considered the brownie’s assistants, and specifically the tricolor cat is his favorite. Why is that? It turns out that the brownie tries to select a cat according to the color of the owner’s hair: for a brunette - black, for a blond - white... And the tricolor had to please as much as possible any member of the large owner’s family - her fur matches any human color.

Read more unusual facts about cats in our article - Interesting things about cats

The tricolor cat is the brownie's main assistant

Although beliefs and legends about this cat vary in different countries, they are always positive. This is how the white-black-red purr is perceived in the world:

in England - as a talisman of home comfort from external shocks;
in Japan - to attract wealth and success in business;
in the USA - they give tricolor kittens as a symbol of financial well-being;
in Scandinavian countries - sailors take it with them to avoid shipwreck;
in the countries of the Muslim East - to protect the house from fires.

By the way, maneki-neko talismans—small figurines of tricolor cats—are widely popular in Japan. According to rumors, such magical figurines are very helpful in business negotiations. And the phrase “tricolored cat” itself is translated into Japanese as “mike-neko”.

Maneki-neko figurines boost sales growth

Signs to note

Jokes aside, but pay attention to the folk signs associated with the tricolor cat - in case something comes in handy:

a cat suddenly came to the house - a sign of an imminent wedding;
on the street a cat rubbed against your leg - there will be good news (be sure to pay: throw a small coin over your left shoulder);
a cat sneezed next to the bride - to a new addition to the young family;
a cat purrs next to a sleeping child - wards off the evil eye and damage from him;
being the first to enter a new house, the cat brings good luck to it;
The tip of a calico cat's tail can be used to remove warts.

The black son of a calico cat has fabulous powers

You will be especially lucky if your tri-color cat gives birth to black and red kittens. The red cat should be given to good people, and the black cat should be kept for yourself. The black son of a tricolor cat is considered the strongest amulet against all troubles, illnesses and misfortunes.

Video: tricolor cat

Calico cat: genetics

So, it turned out that cats can be neither tricolor nor black and red. However, these, although very rare, do occur. How is such a miracle explained?

It turned out that it was all about mutation. Tortoiseshell and black-red cats have an extra X chromosome. This pathology is called Klinefelter syndrome. In men and cats, this disease causes infertility. Three-color cats do not differ in behavioral characteristics.

Be sure to read:

What is the breed of cat with blue eyes and white color, what name or nickname should I give to the cat?

Animals that bring happiness

In the culture of any nation there are animals that symbolize happiness, success and prosperity. Maneki-Nek cat sculptures are associated with happiness and good fortune in Japanese tradition. The history of this Japanese symbol dates back to 1870, and figurines of this cat are still placed at the entrances of Japanese houses and shops (for good luck). The image of this animal always accompanies the sale of Japanese cash lotteries. One cat's paw symbolizes wealth and success, while the other is raised in greeting.

In Germany, there is a New Year's tradition of giving marzipan pig to friends and relatives. The pig is an expression of best wishes for the New Year. Among English-speaking peoples, the rabbit's foot is a talisman of good luck; to be lucky in any matter, you need to carry it in your pocket.

In Slavic culture, a tricolor cat brings prosperity, money and happiness to the house, and its black relative crosses the path of people to failure in business. There are a lot of jokes and songs about this. Let's take a closer look at such a lucky and happiness-bringing tri-colored cat, maybe it's not a cat at all, but a tri-colored cat? As it turned out, contrary to popular belief, calico cats exist, but they are extremely rare to see. Scientists of genetics were able to explain this phenomenon, and this will be discussed below.

Did you know? The first representatives of the cat family in North America were huge saber-tooth tigers (Sabertooth). Paleontologists believe that these majestic animals lived on the American continent 42 million years ago!

Source

Tricolor cats: how do they get this color? Are there three-haired cats? Which breeds can have three colors at the same time? What signs are associated with motley cats?

What breeds of cats are characterized by a tricolor color?

The calculations above show that the probability of a tricolor color occurring, regardless of breed, is 1:8. However, a hereditary predisposition still exists.

Tortoiseshell is characteristic of the following breeds:

Maine Coon;
Persian;
Siberian;
Japanese Bobtail;
Aegean;
Norwegian forest;
mongrel.

Among pets that are not susceptible to tortoiseshell coloration, the most famous are Britons.

Maine Coons are large cats, they are friendly, very smart, and well trained. Turtle pets look attractive and delight guests.

Luxurious Persian cats are often tri-colored. Evil tongues attribute particular evil to tortoiseshell Persian cats.

However, all representatives of the ancient breed are distinguished by their unique character. Cat lovers must study the characteristics of the breed before choosing a pet.

Siberian cats are particularly fluffy and good-natured. Undemanding to living conditions and food. They rival Maine Coons in size, weighing up to 10 kilograms or more. They are excellent hunters, do not get sick, but are not popular outside of Russia.

The Japanese Bobtail stands out for its gracefulness and funny short tail. An avid fisherman and tireless swimmer. Loves to learn various tricks.

Aegean Smooth-haired cats are not easy to acquire. Fans are ready to visit Greece to purchase a pet. An amazingly beautiful cat is in excellent health and is not predisposed to congenital diseases. She becomes attached to her owners, is an excellent hunter, loves fresh fish.

Norwegian forest cats walk on their own. They are inquisitive, love to look out the window, are interested in flying birds, respect the owner and do not accept guests. Stress-resistant, easily adapts to changing conditions of keeping and feeding.

Signs and beliefs

The motley cat itself is a magical creature.

It is believed that certain colors of an animal have their own meaning:

white brings calm;
black helps to avoid the evil eye and the influence of evil forces;
redhead promises luck, prosperity, healing.

The tricolor cat has all these colors, which is why people value her:

Since ancient times, “turtles” have been called “rich people,” not only because of their financial well-being. They believed that she warded off the threat of fire and flood from the home, and was the patron of the hearth.
They took tricolor cats with them on voyages. A ship with such a talisman on board was considered invulnerable, and the captain was considered “lucky.” Therefore, sailors bought a tricolor for any money.
It is believed that a colored cat should be the first to be allowed into a new apartment; it will bring big money and prosperity to the new owners.
People say that you cannot take a three-haired kitten for free, you must pay. Then there will be prosperity and prosperity in the house. And its tail can remove warts, heal wounds and burns.
If a calico cat in the house shows restlessness in one or another part of it, then you cannot place a bed, chair or dining table there. These animals sense dark energy well.
Old people taught that if a tortoiseshell cat wandered into your home, you should definitely take it. Then Fortune will turn its face. But you have to pay for it: hide three coins at a crossroads.
Tricolor cats are present in folklore. According to one version, the famous Cat-Bayun from Russian legends was three-colored.
Maneki-neko is a fabulous tricolor cat from Japanese fairy tales that has a powerful influence on the Japanese people and their culture. In the land of the rising sun they believe that it can give what a person urgently needs: either prosperity and luck, or health or happiness. Therefore, the symbol of this country is a porcelain figurine of a tricolor cat with a waving paw. The paw attached to the body by a spring moves like a pendulum. People are sure that in this way Maneki-neko attracts good luck, health, prosperity, and happiness. The figurines stand at the doors of houses, restaurants, banks, and hospitals.

There is no point in getting a cat because of superstitions. These animals themselves already bring warmth and happiness to their owner. After all, “turtles” are valued for their easy-going nature, tenderness, devotion and kindness.

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Probability of having a tricolor kitten

The calculations above showed that the probability of having a tortoiseshell kitten is 1:8. Statistics say that out of the number of cubs born, every three hundredth is a cat. In total, the probability of having a tortoiseshell cat is 1/300*1/8=1/2400. Not so little.

Be sure to read:

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Genetics has posed another mystery: among tortoiseshell cats there are those that are capable of giving birth. It is unlikely that breeders will be interested in the birth of cubs from a problematic sire. But, from a scientific point of view, the phenomenon is of interest.

Wedding omens and superstitions

Signs associated with animals and a solemn wedding help not only to find out what the life of the newlyweds will be like. Certain superstitions can predict changes in the lives of guests who come to congratulate the newlyweds. Basic wedding signs:

the sudden appearance of a tricolor cat on the threshold of the house in which an unmarried girl lives - foretells an imminent engagement;
an animal sneezes in the room where the bride is dressing up - life will be comfortable, family happiness is guaranteed;
if a cat sneaks under the table during a celebration, the person who sees it will face his own wedding;
A tricolor crossing the path of a festive cortege means a successful marriage is guaranteed.

Reviews related to animals confirm that the tricolor always brings happiness

The main thing is to love your pet and provide all its needs, surround it with care and attention. A bad prediction related to a wedding can be obtained by offending a pet by turning it out the door

Esotericists claim that tricolor cats and cats are energetically strong, they can concentrate their anger and direct it at the owner or others.

Content Rules

Tricolor cats, like all other representatives of different breeds and different colors, require proper care and competent handling. Only if this condition is met can we talk about the health and beauty of the animal.

Each breed has its own specific characteristics and nuances for caring for your pet's fur. Other aspects of keeping whiskered bulls can also vary greatly. In any case, it is recommended to use high-quality animal hair care products. They should make the tricolor brighter and more saturated.

Of course, such an animal should always be kept clean, otherwise unsightly spots, for example yellowish ones, may appear on the light coat.

It is also very important to feed the animal properly and provide it with the most comfortable living conditions.

The publication uses images from open sources