Can Cats Be Calico: The Surprising Truth

07.02.2023 14:19

Tricolor cats have always been considered a symbol of good luck and fortune.

According to folk beliefs, if a tricolor kitten comes to your home, you should never drive it away.

For some reason, many people believe that only cats can have a tortoiseshell color.

However, it is time to destroy this misconception - cats can also be tricolor, although this is a fairly rare phenomenon.

As a rule, representatives of the "stronger sex" among cats that have a tortoiseshell color are sterile.

Cats
Photo: © Belnovosti

The extra X chromosome (chromosomal set – XXY) is to blame for this.

It is worth noting the contribution of "turtle" cats to science - such animals were in great demand around the middle of the last century for scientific research on the Down syndrome program. As is known, this syndrome is directly related to an additional chromosome.

However, an extra chromosome is not the only reason for the birth of cats with this color, so we will not deny the fact that there are also male animals with a tortoiseshell color that are capable of reproducing offspring.

Author: Elena Shimanovskaya Editor of Internet resources