Why are most calico cats female?
It is almost impossible for the calico, a tri-colored cat, to be anything but female. Male cats have XY sex chromosomes, while females have XX. Put simply, because the X chromosones carry the fur color, females can carry more color options. In extremely rare instances, a sterile calico is born, but since they cannot reproduce, it isn't a true male. This is true in all tri-colors, including tortoiseshell kittens.
More Info:
en.wickipedia.org
What are your thoughts on this subject?
60 Comments
Sean Philips
Chromosome not chromosone!
Melvin Feder
The word is chromosome, not chromosone.
Carol Sue Gesacion
My calico Bella is the sweetest thing. She thinks she’s a dog and licks me all the time!
Player
I had a female calico cat named Bootsie
John Gwalter
Had a ginger/black/white calico from birth called Tigger. She lived until over 20 years of age.
Amy Miller
I have known fertile male calicos. Inside cats, male and female. Pregnant female cat. Several lovely kittens. Then both cats got fixed.
Cujo
Litter kittens are black, white, orange, gray, or calico.
mawcawn
In mammals, having a Y chromosome makes you a biological male. Having two or more X chromosomes doesn't change that. Being sterile doesn't make anything "not a true male."
mmariano
This is too technical for me. I have some difficulty understanding the article.
Carol Sue Gesacion
Sean Philips, there are always grammar and spelling errors. It drives me nuts! Don’t they bother to proofread?
Iancompat
Most likely born of a Ginger Tom!
Donna Smith
Got the correct answer
Cheryl McMeekin
Calicos are awesome and they have great personalities.
Anne Roberts
My cat at the age of one year produced six kitten two grey two tabby and two like herself black and white this is not uncommon
lrs
John Hughes, what is wrong with you listening to something like that?
John Hughes
I once heard, or read that, in very rare circumstances, a male calico can reproduce. Don't know
Joanne Serin
Joanne Serin, Fruitcake