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July 26, 2026Sources cited
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Calico cat

A calico cat is a domestic cat with a tri-colour coat pattern, usually white with patches of black and orange or red.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

A calico cat is a domestic cat with a tri-colour coat pattern, typically white with black and orange or red patches. The term refers to coat colour rather than a breed. In Canadian English, the term calico is common, while other English varieties may use tricolour or tortoiseshell and white.

Definition

Calico cats are domestic cats with a distinctive multi-coloured coat pattern. The name is used for the colouration only and does not identify a separate breed.

Genetics

The pattern is associated with X-linked coat-colour genes and white spotting. This genetic arrangement is why calico cats are usually female, with male calicos being uncommon.

Terminology and regional use

In North American English, the term calico is common, while other English varieties often use tricolour or tortoiseshell and white. The term describes the coat pattern rather than eye colour or other traits.

Breeds and appearance

A calico coat can appear in many breeds and mixed-breed domestic cats. The pattern may range from sharply patched black, orange, and white to diluted versions with cream, grey, and white.

Key facts

  • Calico refers to a coat pattern, not a breed.
  • The classic calico pattern combines white with black and orange or red patches.
  • Outside North American English, the pattern is often called tricolour or tortoiseshell and white.
  • Calicos are most commonly female because of the genetics of coat-colour expression.
  • The pattern can occur in many different cat breeds.
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Canadian context

Canadian English commonly uses the term calico, while other English varieties may prefer tricolour or tortoiseshell and white.

Frequently asked questions

Is a calico cat a breed?
No. Calico describes a coat pattern, not a breed.
What colours does a calico cat usually have?
The classic pattern is white with black and orange or red patches.
Are calico cats usually female?
Yes. Most calico cats are female because of the genetics of X-linked coat colour.
What is the difference between a calico and a tortoiseshell cat?
Calico cats have significant white spotting along with the coloured patches, while tortoiseshell cats usually have little or no white.
Can any breed be calico?
Many domestic cat breeds can display calico colouring, because it is a coat pattern rather than a breed.
What is a dilute calico?
A dilute calico has softer versions of the usual colours, such as cream, grey, and white.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calico_cat
    Supports: Calico is a domestic cat coat pattern, not a breed; common colours; regional terminology; genetics.
  2. Litter-Robot — https://www.litter-robot.com/blog/7-calico-cat-facts/
    Supports: Calico colour pattern, common colours, and X-chromosome basis.
  3. Petfinder — https://www.petfinder.com/cats-and-kittens/breeds/calico/
    Supports: Calico as a colour pattern and general description of the coat.
  4. ASPCA Pet Insurance — https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/calico-cat-facts/
    Supports: Calico not a breed; breeds that can have calico colouring; colour variations.
  5. Cat Care Society — https://www.catcaresociety.org/tri-color-cats-tortoiseshell-calico-and-everything-in-between/
    Supports: Calico as a coat pattern; white spotting; dilute calico.