Calicos: Money Cats & Marvels of Nature

Calico cats — like our beautiful cat of the week, Laney — are more than eye-catching companions. Their unique coats and fascinating history have earned them a place in both science and legend.

Tri-Color Magic

A calico’s striking pattern of orange, black, and white isn’t a breed at all, but a genetic masterpiece. The colors are determined by genes on the X chromosome. Since females have two X chromosomes, the mix allows for that patchwork look when one X is “switched off” in some cells. This is why nearly all calicos are female — their fur is living proof of nature’s mosaic art.

Unicorn Cats: The Rare Males

Male calicos are the stuff of legends — and for good reason. They occur in only about 1 in 3,000 calicos and are almost always sterile due to carrying an extra X chromosome (XXY). Finding one is a rarity often compared to spotting a unicorn.

“Money Cats” of Japan

Across cultures, calicos are considered good luck. In Japan, they’re so beloved that the famous maneki-neko (“beckoning cat”) figurine is most often painted as a calico. These little statues, found at the entrances of shops and restaurants, are said to welcome prosperity and success. Calicos are affectionately nicknamed “money cats” for this reason — furry symbols of fortune.

Sailors’ Good Luck Charms

Japanese sailors once carried calicos aboard their ships, believing the cats would ward off storms and misfortune at sea. With their watchful eyes and mysterious presence, calicos were seen as guardians for journeys across uncertain waters.

So the next time you see a calico, remember: their beauty is more than skin deep. In their tri-colored coats lies a mix of genetics, folklore, and a reputation for bringing luck wherever they go.

📖 Want to learn more fun facts about calicos, from their genetics to their folklore? Check out this article: Calico Cats: Profile and Facts