Genetics of the Dilute Calico Cats
The genetic complexity of this breed is fascinating. Unlike regular Calico Cats, the Dilute Calico Cats have coats with faded colors that appear like being painted with watercolors. The recessive gene that dilutes the intensity of their coat color is responsible for this appearance. Dilute Calicos Cats are made by combining three groups of genes that give them a tricolored coat pattern. This breed inherits from both of their parents and that makes them rare and unique.
Dilute Calico Cats have a gentle and affectionate personality. They are very affectionate and loyal cats and can make a loving pet. These cats have a very interesting cultural significance because they are associated with good luck and prosperity in many cultures. Dilute Calico Cats are adorned by cat lovers worldwide. These cats are not a distinct cat breed, but we can rather say they are any cats with a specific coat color and pattern combination
The coat color is directly connected to the X Chromosome which plays a crucial role. Female cats have two X chromosomes and a male cat has one X and one Y chromosome. The chromosome that carries many genes that control the coat color is the X chromosome. This chromosome is also responsible for the orange and black patches in Dilute Calico Cats.
What is a Dilute Gene?
The dilution or dilute gene is responsible for the pale coloration of the Dilute Calico Cat’s coat. This recessive gene causes the delusion of the black and orange patches which results in paler and more muted coloration of the cat’s coat.How rare are male Dilute Calico Cats?
It is known to cat lovers that male cats of this breed are very rare. You may also hear that there are not any male cats, which of course isn’t true. The males are very rare because they have to inherit two X chromosomes to inherit the Dilute Calico Cat coat color. As it is also known that males have one X and one Y chromosome a combination which is not appropriate to have a Dilute Calico Cat coat color.
In a few rare cases, male Calico cats can be born with an extra X chromosome, a condition known as Klinefelter syndrome. Only these mail Calicos which are sterile by birth due to the abnormal number of chromosomes are Dilute Calico Mail Cats.
As you see the genetics of these cats is very unpredictable. With these cats the dilute gene is responsible for the pale coloration of the cat, and the X chromosome is crucial in determining the coat color. So, male Dilute Calico Cats are extremely rare due to their genetic makeup and they are considered unique and fascinating in the feline world.
Dilute Calico Cats are not a Specific Breed
Although we refer to them as a breed, the Dilute Calico Cats are not a specific breed of cats but rather a coat color pattern that can be found in many different cat breeds such as Maine Coon, Persian, Norwegian Forest Cat, Siberian, Turkish Van, Arabian Mau, and many others. All these breeds are well known for their tri-color coat that almost always includes black, orange, and white.Physical Characteristics of Dilute Calico Cats
These cats are variations of the calico pattern that feature a color palette of diluted shades that give them a pastel image appearance. The coats of Dilute Calico Cats are characterized by shades of grey, silver, and gold with pale orange being the most common of all colors. These cats may have long hair, particularly if it is a Persian cat, and the tri-color coat as regular calico cats.
The presence of the gene that affects the color intensity of their coat and makes them dilute, gives an image of soft muted coloration.
From the aspect of physical appearance, these cats are not different from other breeds.
These cats are medium to large, with a muscular build and a round face. The coat of Dilute Calico Cats is thick and soft, so you will have to take good care of it. Regular grooming will prevent tangles and the coat will appear healthy.
These beautiful cats have pale muted coloration which gives them distinctive beauty that is sure to catch the eye of a cat lover.
Temperament and Personality
Dilute Calico Cats have an affectionate and social personality and they are often described to be joyful towards their owners. They are very intelligent and curious. They enjoy playing and interacting with all the family members. Dilute Calico Cats are also very vocal.
Their temperament is easygoing and adjustable. They are getting well with the other pets in the family, and are known to be very gentle with children. But just to mention, you should never forget that just like any other breed they can become stressed or anxious in case they feel uncomfortable or threatened.
Besides the characteristics that these cats share with all other cats, several characteristics make them different.
Dilute Calico Cats are self-sufficient and they enjoy time spent alone. They are also as needy as some other breeds.
On the other hand, they can be very active and agile which makes them great hunters.
So, taking care of a Dilute Calico Cat you are proud to have an intelligent, friendly, and social pet.
