Calico Cats are tri-color cats that can vary among different patterns and colors too. These are unique cats, and there is no surprise that everyone wants to opt for this cat. But many people are wondering how big they are? Are they too short or big? Calico Cats usually range between 6-25 pounds and 8-16 inches in height. As such, Calico can be considered as either small, bug, or medium. Here in this article, we have summed up important things you need to know. So, let’s get started.
What are Calico Cats?
Calico is a beautiful tricolor coat that looks beautiful. It is a house cat of any breed that has a coat. However, the calico cat can have three different colors in its pattern. In addition, the normal 25 percent to 75 percent white with huge black and orange patches. However, there can be grey or white patches as well. These are generally associated with the breed. With the exception of a few uncommon genetic disorders, they are virtually always female.
It is important to distinguish Calico from a tortoiseshell, which has mainly included a coat of black, grey-cream, orange, and white markings, as opposed to the tortoiseshell. In North America, the calico cat pattern is most frequently referred to as tortoiseshell rather than Calico.
The term “Calico” refers simply to a color outline on the cat’s skin (fur) that is derived from the printed and colorful Calico fabric and not to any other characteristics of the cat, such as the color of its eyes.
What is the size of Calico Cat?
Calico cats come in a variety of sizes, none of which are definite or even near to typical. This is because one cat may be made up of 12 dissimilar breeds. In addition, these twelve breeds have been selected because they have the heredities to produce coats that meet the acknowledged parameters for Calico coat colors. By keeping this thing in mind, let us take a closer look to know the estimates.
| Cat’s Breed | Cat’s Weight | Cat’s Height |
| Maine coon | 15-25 lbs | 10-16 |
| Manx | 8-12 lbs | 10-12 |
| American Shorthair | 10-15 lbs | 8-10 |
| British Shorthair | 7-17 lbs | 12-14 |
| Persian | 7-12 lbs | 8-10 |
| Arabian Mau | 9-16 lbs | 8-10 |
| Exotic Shorthair | 7-13lbs | 12-14 |
| Turkish van | 10-20 lbs | 10-14 |
| Norwegian Forest | 8-16lbs | 9-12 |
| Siberian | 10-20 lbs | 10-14 |
| Turkish Angora | 8-15 lbs | 9-14 |
So, with the given table you can see that Calico cat has various breeds and varies in weight and height. If you’re willing to buy Calico, find the breed that fits your need. However, the fact is it is very hard for one to get the conclusive expectation of Calico.
What age does a calico cat reach full maturity?
On average, the calico will mature between 8-15 months. Even though smaller Calico’s are known to mature in their full size sooner, larger Calico’s have been known to reach their full size later.
It is mostly determined by the breeds from which the Calico is derived. Maine Coons, for example, are one of the largest breeds and have been known to reach maturity at the age of 18 months. Nonetheless, there are certain general rules that we need to follow. Let us take a closer look.
| Cat’s Age | Weight |
| Newborn kitten | 3 ounces |
| 2-3 weeks | 6-8 ounces |
| 4-5 weeks | 8-16 ounces |
| 8 weeks | 1.5-2lbs |
| 12-16 weeks | 3-8 lbs |
| 18-24 months | 6-9 lbs |
So you see, at 12-16 weeks of age, calico cats have a high weight that ranges between 3-8 lbs.
What are the factors that influence the size of Calico Cats?
While researching Calico Cats, we have found that numerous factors are responsible for the size of Calico cats. However, some sections are completely out of control, while others are related to care. Now, let’s look at the factors in-depth.
1. Genetics
Undoubtedly, Genetics is the most important contributing element. Parental breed’s factor determines the estimated Calico cat’s size. It is not only those parents who are affected; it is all of the cats who have come before them. In order to have a better idea and anticipation of the eventual Calico kitten’s size, it is best to consult with calico’s breeder. Hence, you will be able to know some prospects or some insights about the parent’s cats’ personalities and habits.
2. Diet
Diet is yet another important factor that determines the size of the Calico cat. When cats are eating high-quality food with complete nutrition, they obviously become healthy and look healthier. Food should be of the highest quality and fed properly.
For kittens, the preferable food is wet food as it is easy to consume and sounds more nutritious than dry. Remember, the diet should be maintained since if calico is overweight, it will put pressure on the joints. So keep the diet healthy and good for the cat’s weight.
3. Klinefelter’s Syndrome
Calicos are primarily female because of the X chromosome, which is one chromosome of two (X and Y) that determine gender. It is connected to the genetic determination of coat colors. We’re not going to delve scientifically since it would be difficult.
However, it is important to note that male Calico cats are susceptible to a disorder called Klinefelter’s Syndrome, which requires special attention. This occurs in Calicos, who have an extra X chromosome on their genome (being XXY).
Klinefelter’s Syndrome can have a detrimental influence on a cat’s life in a variety of ways that are fairly extensive.It has been shown to have an effect on behavior. Furthermore, the following is how it affects their size:
- The reduction of minerals in bone might result in shattered bones as a result of this condition.
- This medication can cause an increase in body fat, which can lead to additional illnesses such as joint discomfort, diabetes, and heart disease.
These problems usually happen in male calico. Thus, the important thing is to check Calico with doctors when you’re taking them into your house.
Here you can learn more about Klinefelter’s syndrome.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to buying Calico cats, they must check with every factor from their eating habits to weight to their illness since it will make you and your cat happy with you and might she do not hate you.