At the same time, even many modern people, knowing about the signs about tricolor cats, ask the question - are there tricolor cats that are boys?
It is believed that this “lucky” color is worn exclusively by females, but in reality this is not the case.
What breeds can be tricolor?
Not all cat breeds can boast of tricolor coloring. For example, the Siamese cat is always two-colored, and the name of the Thai khao mani speaks for itself (translated it means “white pearl”) - such animals are only white. So what breed can a motley cat be?
Maine Coon
The largest representatives of domestic cats - Maine Coons - have a large number of colors. Tortoiseshell and white in Maine Coons is a tri-color coat, usually combining white, gray and red. There is also a variant of spotted tabby with white. In this case, the color has an interesting pattern of black and red spots with white markings.
Tricolor cat
For your information! In the USA, the tricolor of this breed is considered a monetary color, that is, bringing profit and prosperity to the house. In this regard, the price for a tricolor kitten will be higher than for a kitten with a different color. And if a tricolor cat is born, then its cost can be truly exorbitant, because for genetic reasons this color is almost always inherent in females.
Japanese Bobtail
Representatives of this breed can have any coat color. The most common is kot mi-ke, or simply tricolor. On the main white color there are large spots of red and black.
Japanese bobtail tricolor
Note! The eyes of such a multi-colored cat must be in harmony with the color. In monochromatic representatives of the breed, one can often observe heterochromia - the phenomenon of multi-colored eyes, but tricolors, as a rule, have brown eyes.
British shorthair cat
Many people are used to seeing British Shorthairs with blue or gray colors and do not even know what variety of colors this breed can boast of. Some types of colors have been bred by breeders for a long time. The British calico cat is not often seen, but it does exist.
For your information! The official tricolors of British cats are the bicolor tortoiseshell harlequin and the black and red harlequin tortoiseshell.
Turkish van
The color of the Turkish Van is a distinctive feature of the breed. The fact is that its representatives have a characteristic arrangement of colored spots: they must be on the tail and head. At the same time, from half to 5/6 of the body remains white. The character of these colored animals is flexible.
The Turkish Van's spots can be one-color or two-color. In the latter case, two colors of spots in combination with the main white form a tricolor. The tricolor fluffy Turkish Van cat will delight not only the eyes of the owners, but also the experts at the exhibition.
Kurilian Bobtail
A distinctive feature of the Kurilian Bobtail is their short tail. According to the standard, its length can range from 3 to 8 cm. As for colors, any colors and their variations are acceptable. The combination of red, gray or black with white is quite rare, but still exists.
Note! At the moment, the breed is not recognized by the CFA federation, therefore it does not have strict standards, and the tricolor Kuril Bobtail cat is not uncommon.
American shorthair cat
A very common breed, a representative of which can be seen in Whiskas advertisements. The CFA Federation, which regulates all issues, recognizes more than 60 color options for this breed. These are plain, spotted, smoky, tabby.
The most common color is silver marble. Tricolored representatives of the breed are not so common, and often their coats are not spotted, but smoky. The boundaries between colors are blurred and look more like a gradient.
Siberian cat
Among representatives of the Siberian cat breed, tricolors are very common. As a rule, this is a standard combination of black and red or brown spots on a basic white background. The breed standard allows this color option. You can often see tortoiseshell and white.
Important! The main expert requirement for tricolors is harmony and balance between colors. The spots should be proportional to each other. There should be more white.
Aegean cat
The Aegean cat standard allows for any shade of color. The limitation is that two thirds of the entire body must be white. The spots can be one color (bicolor) or two colors (tricolor). In the latter case, as a rule, the color of the spots varies from red to brown and from gray to black.
Note! The four-color color of the animal is just a variation of the tricolor.
Varieties of color
Felinologists have identified three tricolor varieties:
- Scaly (may be called torti) - here the black and orange colors are layered on top of each other without forming a clear pattern. Looks like scales. One color prevails over the other.
- The color of the calico is black and red with red (orange) spots distributed throughout the body. There may also be yellow with a honey tint, red with brick, and shades of gray.
- Harlequin - the main color is white, the other colors occupy only a sixth of the surface of the fur (see photo). At the same time, the colored spots have clear outlines, they are not blurred, like those of a calico. Harlequins have a white belly and a back covered with bright, clear black and red spots, or the animal is entirely white with colored ears, a tail, and “socks” on its paws.
Are there male calico cats?
Many people notice a strange feature: if they see a three-haired cat, then it will definitely be a female. In this regard, a logical question arises: “Are there tricolor cats or are there only cats with this color? What is the chance of having a multi-colored kitten?
Are there red cats or only cats?
Are there three-haired cats?
Males are not genetically predisposed to the tricolor color. But why do they still sometimes appear? The truth is that if a three-color male cat is still born, then this occurs as a result of a malfunction in the genetic code: instead of a set of XX chromosomes, the result is a set of XXY.
Note! Genetics have proven that this happens, but kittens are born infertile.
Scientists have found that the probability of a tri-colored male cat is 1 in 400,000. Despite the fact that the breed does not affect the color, the three-haired British and Scots are the least common, this is due to the predominance of smoky shades of coat in the gene. Persian color cats are also rare.
What determines the color of fur in cats?
To understand everything, you should first remember school biology. As you know, sex is determined by the set of chromosomes: females have a pair of XX chromosomes, and males have an XY pair. This is the whole secret of why there are no tricolor cats.
The X chromosomes contain genes responsible for black or red color, and the genes for “white hair” are located on other chromosomes that are not related to sex. And since cats have two X chromosomes at once, then with a successful combination of circumstances (if one chromosome is “red” and the second is “black”), they can try on the full palette of colors.
In turn, cats have only one X chromosome, which means their fur coat can only be colored in one or two colors (and one of them will be white). Thus, there are not only tricolor cats, but also black and red cats, because for this, again, two X chromosomes are required.
Nutrition of calico cats
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The diet should be balanced, regardless of the color of the animal. Owners can feed their pet with special food or rabbit, lamb, or beef (lean).
We must not forget about the dangers of animals eating bird bones. Cats have a fairly strong jaw and will be able to chew through a bird bone to swallow it. However, the bone will have too sharp edges, which is dangerous for the pet’s stomach.
Nutrition is the key to your pet’s health
It is also not recommended to feed males fish. Regular consumption of fish can lead to kidney problems and urolithiasis. It is strictly forbidden to give fish to castrated cats. A proper and balanced diet will help maintain your pet’s vision, strong teeth and a good coat.
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.
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.
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.
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
Historical facts of tri-color cats
Tortoiseshell cat - pet character and examples of main breeds
Few people know the nature of the origin of the tricolor color. After all, cats were originally wild animals, and their color adapted to the environment where the animal lived, performing the function of camouflage. But where could cats camouflage themselves with three colors?
The famous English scientist and organic chemist N. Todd found out that tri-colored cats originally appeared in Egypt. From there, with the light hand of man, they gradually moved to the cities of France and Italy.
In 1948, scientists began seriously studying the tricolor colors of cats. At this time, B. Murray and Bertram concluded that only females possess a gene that links the sex of an animal with its color.
A little mysticism
It is curious that the attitude towards cats of other colors in different countries ranges from friendly to extremely negative. And only the tricolor in any part of the world is a positive character. Residents of Ancient Rus', in order to protect themselves from fire, should have sheltered a motley red-and-black cat. If a calico cat comes to a poor person's house, a big profit is expected soon. Residents of the United States think the same way, calling these cats money cats. In Rus' there was an analogue - the beautiful nickname “rich woman”, but by association not with financial profit, but with a divine gift. To get rich is to receive as a gift from God what you need: health, mutual respect and peace in the family, a good job, a little luck in business.
Why do you dream about a tricolor cat? If you believe our ancestors, then this is a good dream - unexpected good news, good luck. For their expressive appearance and cheerful, good-natured character, tricolor cats are adored in Japan. Maneki-neko, popular all over the world, most often flaunt colorful coats with seemingly randomly located spots. But in reality, porcelain tricolor cats bring happiness, health, wealth, luck and other benefits only if you choose the right figurine
Everything is important - the size of the spots, the turn of the head, the position of the tail, posture, facial expressions. Therefore, it is better to buy such a talisman in its homeland, Japan, where a local merchant will tell you in detail which tricolor cat in the house will be useful for your family. In the homeland of felinology, in Great Britain, tricolor cats protect the house from otherworldly phenomena, fight evil spirits, and bring peace and comfort to the family.
The British seriously believe that these cats are the most affectionate and most loyal friends, loving family and “their” person, and not just territory, which is what cats of other colors supposedly do
In the homeland of felinology, in Great Britain, tricolor cats protect the house from otherworldly phenomena, fight evil spirits, and bring peace and comfort to the family. The British seriously believe that these cats are the most affectionate and loyal friends, loving family and “their” person, and not just territory, which is what cats of other colors supposedly do.
There is another belief associated with pestles. It turns out that if a ship's captain wants to avoid a storm, he should take a red-and-black rat trap on board. Convenient: it will save you from a storm and will not allow mice passage. I wonder why sailors dream of a calico cat: if the weather is sunny and windless, it will be like this the whole way, but if a storm is raging, expect nature to relax, the storm will soon subside.
Interesting facts about calico cats
There are many interesting facts associated with the three-color coloration in cats.
- The probability of meeting a tricolor cat is 1 in 400 thousand. In other words, 99.9% of tricolor cats are female. Even their photos are highly valued.
- Thanks to its interesting color, the three-haired cat has become the official state cat of the state of Merlin, USA. This happened in early October 2001.
- Tricolor is the most expensive Maine Coon color.
- In 2007, the calico cat was appointed head of the railway station. The fluffy animal greeted passengers at the entrance, as a result of which the flow of visitors increased by 17%. This saved the railway station from bankruptcy.
- Intentional breeding of cats with this color is impossible, because it is formed randomly.
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
Folk signs about tricolor cats
Since the history of the existence of cats with such an interesting coat color stretches back to time immemorial, people have managed to associate many signs with them.
A tricolor pet is lucky
The point of contact is usually color. If black cats that crossed someone's path were awarded with negative qualities, then three-colored felines were a little luckier.
Three-colored cats in the house are fortunate
What makes a cat a real mascot is its coloring. And all because people believe in the power of color:
- white brings purity and goodness;
- black protects the house from evil forces;
- red ensures health and financial well-being.
Three-colored kitten
Note! The combination of white, red and black is a kind of key to well-being in the family.
Wedding signs involving tricolor cats:
- Not everyone remembers, but a three-colored cat that comes to the house promises a wedding. And if this animal sneezes next to the bride, a happy family life is guaranteed;
- if during a feast a three-colored or four-colored cat sat under the table next to a drunken man, he will definitely find himself a bride next year;
- If a tricolor kitten is born to a pet, this promises good luck in business and financial affairs of the family, as well as an imminent wedding.
Tricolor cats are real favorites of the people, largely due to their color. However, owners should remember that loving a pet is worth not only for the color of its fur coat or whether it is fold-eared or simply purebred. Whatever it is, we must not forget that people are responsible for those they have tamed.
Video
Character and thoroughbred
At the same time, many owners of tortoiseshell cats note that their pets stubbornly do not want to go to the litter box. They independently choose a place for the toilet and ignore the offered container with filler. In addition, tricolor beauties cannot stand the touch of strangers and love to run away from veterinarians.
Perhaps these are just stereotypes, since much depends on breeding and upbringing. By the way, purebred cats can also be tricolor. The trait appears in Manx, American and British Shorthairs, Japanese Bobtails, Persian and Turkish Vans.
