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Calico

Cat encyclopedia

Calico

White, dark and orange areas create a three-color coat.

At a glance

Entry type
Coat pattern
Origin / context
A pattern found in many cats
Coat
Tricolor, including white
[1][2]

Name & background

“Calico” takes its English name from patterned fabric. It describes a coat pattern rather than a breed, usually with white alongside dark and orange patches.

[1][2]

Three everyday scenes

See this cat in three scenes

Each illustrated cat appears in three scenes: exploring, playing and resting. This directory includes breeds as well as coat colors and patterns; illustrations do not predict personality, and a real cat’s preferences show up in daily life.

Calico · Looking out from the window bench
ExploringLooking out from the window bench

Recognizing the look

Large white areas often separate the colored patches. Dilute versions can show blue-gray and cream in place of black and orange.

[1][2]
Calico · The cloth mouse under the stool
PlayingThe cloth mouse under the stool

Watch how this cat plays

  • Does your cat go straight toward a new toy, or watch for a while first?
  • Which part catches their interest: chasing, touching, or peeking from a hiding spot?
  • When the game ends, do they stay nearby or choose a quiet place of their own?
Calico · Curled up in a warm corner
RestingCurled up in a warm corner

What to notice at home

After play, notice which resting place your cat chooses. It may walk over, settle nearby, or go somewhere quiet on its own.

These facts describe breeds and appearances. Each cat’s preferences are best learned through everyday observation.

Get to know the cat in front of you

See where it rests, what distance it keeps and how it likes to play. A breed or coat label cannot tell you that.

Start observing

Sources & further reading

  1. Calico cat

    Wikipedia · English source

    Contributors & history

Sources checked ·

The encyclopedia summaries are adapted and translated from the Wikipedia articles below, with contributors listed in their histories. These summaries are shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.

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