What Is A Calico Maine Coon Cat?
The term “calico” was initially used to describe a type of cloth made up of woven materials of various hues, but it later came to refer to this particular coat coloring as well. A Maine Coon cat must have three distinct fur colors: white, red, and black to be classified as a calico. While all Maine Coon calicos have the same three colors, how these colors appear differs from one calico cat to the next.
Are Calico Maine Coons Rare?
Calico Maine Coon cats, as lovely as they are, are relatively uncommon. Their scarcity stems from their inability to be selectively bred. Calico Maine Coon kittens can appear naturally in any litter if their parents have the appropriate genetic code. It is a lucky incident, not a breeding choice if a Maine Coon’s litter produces a calico kitten. Calico Maine Coon kittens can be produced if the parents have the appropriate genetic combinations.
Common Variants Of The Calico Pattern
Three colors are always present in a Calico Maine Coon. In this category, however, only a few combinations may be defined.
Calico Dense
The dense calico is one of the most common varieties. Because these colors are dominating, calicos of these sorts are the most prevalent. The “dilute” genes may be present in these cats, but they are recessive genes. Color options for thick calico include:
- Red, white, and chocolate
- Red, white, and black (“orange”)
- Red, white, and cinnamon
Calico Is Diluted
This is the second most common calico cat. The name “dilute” refers to the color intensity of the cat when compared to the dense variety. Black, for example, turns blue, red turns cream, blue turns smoky grey, and cream turns light red/yellow. Other dilute colors are fawn (cinnamon dilute) and lilac (dilute of chocolate). The following are some color combinations that can be found in the dilute variety:
- Lilac, white, and cream
- Cream, white, and blue
- White, Fawn, and Cream are the three colors available.
Genetics is one of the reasons this form of Calico Maine Coon is so unusual. This is how it goes. A “mosaic gene” allows for the creation of two fundamental hues rather than just one. The “white “spotting gene” causes some portions of the coat to become white. Then there are the coat’s two main hues’ “dilute markers.”
When all of these markers are present in a cat’s DNA, a diluted pattern can emerge. Dominant and recessive genes are the two basic types of genes. Dilute patterns are less prevalent than Dense patterns due to the weaker dilute genes.
Calico Maine Coon Price
Maine Coons are the most costly cat breed in the United States. A Calico Maine Coon Kitten will cost you between $1,500 and $4,000 in the United States. You’ll also have to pay roughly $200 per year for her food and around $320 for quarterly grooming. The total annual maintenance, including food and toys, will be roughly $980.
Calico Maine Coon Size
Calico is merely a Maine Coon pattern that has no bearing on the size of the cat. Calico cats, like all other Maine Coons, come in a variety of sizes. Maine Coons range in size from 11 to 20 pounds for smaller ones. Maine Coon sizes are frequently discussed in terms of weight, but keep in mind that they can also vary in height and length. These measurements are crucial in determining whether or not a Maine Coon is overweight. Feed a calico Maine Coon a high-quality meal and make sure it receives enough exercise and mental stimulation to keep it at a healthy weight.
Health Issues
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Hip Dysplasia In Maine Coons
Hip dysplasia is a condition in which the cat’s hip joints do not develop normally, causing ball and socket dislocation. Gradual deterioration and eventual loss of hip joint functioning are hallmarks of the condition.
Although this condition is uncommon in cats, it is common in large cat breeds such as the Maine Coon, especially if they are purebred. In addition, it is known to cause arthritis in female Coons more than males. According to studies, this health issue affects 18% of the Maine Coon population.
Even if their cats show no apparent signs of hip dysplasia, breeders should screen their breeding cats for the condition. Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition passed down through the generations when both breeding parents carry the afflicted gene to their offspring.
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Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) Is A Kind Of Cardiomyopathy That
The thickening of the muscle walls surrounding a cat’s heart causes feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), which reduces the heart’s efficiency levels. Although it is unknown what causes health problems in Maine Coons, researchers believe a hereditary component is involved. This argument is based on the fact that the sickness primarily affects specific cat breeds with specific heart gene abnormalities.
HCM is one of the most often identified heart disorders in cats, according to Cornell University. Unfortunately, the prognosis for this disease varies greatly, although it is thought that specific treatments can drastically enhance the cat’s overall quality of life.
Calico Maine Coon Temperament
Calico Maine Coons are calm, kind, and affectionate cats. They can thrive in almost any environment as long as they have adequate space to exercise. They are also a very intelligent feline that can pick up simple things like fetching.
The Personality Of Calico Maine Coons
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When Maine Coon Cats Are Excited, They Chirp
Many people desire a vocal cat, but they don’t want to be bothered by too loud and won’t stop meowing. They are fully aware of this. It’s entertaining to converse with your cat, especially when your cat responds with brief meows and other similar sounds. However, when this happens frequently enough, it might become irritating.
If you desire a talking cat, they have some very excellent news for you. A Maine Coon is the appropriate cat for you if you want a cat that isn’t irritating. Maine Coon cats don’t make a lot of noise. However, they emit strange sounds that most people refer to as chirping.
This also happens when Maze, our Maine Coon, plays outside or spots a bird or a fly inside our home. The best part is that this chirping is completely unobtrusive. It’s not too strenuous, and she doesn’t do it all day.
Aside from that, most Maine Coon cats have a very high voice, which gives the impression that your Maine Coon is a kitten, even if it is already ten years old. This is quite amusing in comparison to their enormous appearance.
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Coon Cats In Maine Do Not Meow A Lot
Although it has already been said that Maine Coon cats do not meow frequently, here believe it is necessary to explain what this implies and when you will most likely hear your Maine Coon meow. When Maine Coons miss you, they usually meow. When my partner is in the bathroom and closes the door, for example. The maze will tell her that she is missed. She meows three or four times before lying down in front of the restroom door.
Also Read: Black Maine Coon Cat: All Facts About This Wonderful Cat
How To Care For A Calico Maine Coon Cat?
Your Calico Maine Coon will need a lot of care if it doesn’t want its fur to grow matted. First, brush the lengthy fur with a gentle bristle brush once a day. It’ll also need to be bathed and have its claws clipped regularly.
Exercises
Although the Calico Maine Coon is a laid-back cat, it will require daily activity. Cat-friendly toys, such as a laser light or a catnip-filled mouse, can help it get some exercise.
Grooming
Your Calico Maine Coon requires a lot of brushing to keep her fur from matting. Brush the lengthy fur with a gentle bristle brush once a day. It’ll also need to be bathed and have its claws clipped regularly.
Training
Calico Maine Coons, as previously said, are very intelligent cats that can be taught to play games such as fetch. They’re also one of the easiest breeds to teach on a leash, which is becoming something of a “thing.” However, this breed thrives on routine, so sticking to a programmed will increase your chances of success.
Diet
There are numerous unique things to consider when it comes to your Calico Maine Coon’s diet, including:
- Your cat is a big one.
- It won’t be fully mature until it’s 3 to 5 years old.
- In addition, it has a history of hip dysplasia.
This is why it’s critical to feed your Calico Maine Coon the right food. It needs a high-protein, high-carbohydrate, high-fat, high-vitamin, and high-mineral diet. It’s also critical to provide your cat with the proper nutrition at all phases of its life.
Final Words
The Calico Maine Coon is a lively, calm, and family-friendly feline whose personality matches its size. This kitty, which comes in various hues, will be adored by everyone in the family, from the kids to the dogs to the other cats.
Due to the breed’s rarity, you can expect to pay a lot of money for a Calico Maine Coon kitten. Always get your kitten from a reputable, ethical kitten breeder who is knowledgeable about the breed. Avoid doing business with a kitten mill facility, even if the pricing is low. To keep your Maine Coon looking and feeling the best, it’ll need a high-quality diet and daily grooming appointments.
