Calico vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Calico vs Bicolor - Breed ComparisonBicolor is originated from United States but Calico is originated from Egypt. Both Bicolor and Calico are of same weight. Both Bicolor and Calico has almost same life span. Both Bicolor and Calico has same litter size. Bicolor requires Moderate Maintenance. But Calico requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

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United States
Egypt
Weight Male:
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 18 Years
12 - 16 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
Piebald, Tuxedo
None
Colors Available:
grey and black, orange and white, Different colors - black and white
White, black and orange
Coat:
Long- or short-haired
Long or short
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

bicolorThe first thing to know is that a Bicolor cat isn’t in fact a breed. Bicolor is just a term that describes a certain look that a cat has with its coat. It’s a cat with two colors such as red and white or black and white.

A popular name for bi-color cats is also Piebald or Tuxedo, and in fact many cat breeds can produce bicolor kittens, or black and white kittens such as Cornish Rex, Maine Coon, Manx, and others.

There are different coat color combinations when it comes to bicolor cats and the black and white markings may be more common but there are other color combinations too such as orange and white.

Nobody seems to know the origins of the Bicolor cats so we are going to assume they come from the USA.

calicoNobody can say with certainty where Calico cats originate from, but it is thought they they hail from Egypt, and that they later came to port cities in Spain, Italy and France.

Today these cats are found all over the world. Wherever these cats come from, they are 99.9% female and this is because of the cat’s unique chromosomal makeup. Most of the calico or tortoiseshell male cats are because of the chromosome abnormality.

The weird aspect with these amazing cats is because of their unique genetic makeup, and also because of the fact that the males are born sterile, these cats can’t be bred and they can emerge in different litters.

Since 2001 this cat has been Maryland's state cat. An interesting fact is that the Calico became the official cat of the state of Maryland because of its amazing colors of its fur which happen to be fairly similar to that of the Baltimore Oriole, the state bird.

Description

bicolor kitten - descriptionRegardless of the breed they belong to, information on these cats suggests that they can have many different looks. Look at the amazing Turkish Van cat for instance – each of these cats is recognizable for its long, luxurious fur. You’ll find a few touches of color on the cat's ears and tail, making in a Bicolor. They also have an interesting characteristic – being fond of water!

These Bicolor cats weigh in the region of 3 – 7kg, and can tend towards the smaller or larger size. Some of them can have short or long hair, larger or smaller ears and green or yellow eyes.

Temperament:

Coming from different cat breeds, the bicolor cat can have a mix of wonderful characteristics – they can be vocal or quiet or confident or shy.

They’re always wonderful though and can be curious, intelligent, playful, loving and loyal. They make great companions who just love the interaction they have with their human owners.

calico kitten - descriptionCalico cats are known for their jaunty tri-colored coats with color such as white, black and orange. In fact, to be known as a Calico cat, these 3 colors need to be present, Calico isn’t a breed of cat as such, but is actually referring to the cat’s color variations.

Some of the most distinctive breeds of cars such a the Cornish Rex and Persians have these calico coats. One odd spec with these cats is that nearly all calico cats are female and this is because of the chromosomal makeup.

Size, coat texture, shade of coat, coat length and ear shapes can all vary with the type of calico cats you get so their weight can be anything from 3 to 7kg.

Temperament:

As mentioned, Calico cats aren’t a specific breed, and that is why it is actually difficult to describe the personality of a calico cat.

You’ll find certain calico cat owners describing their cat’s behavior but you won’t find any particular scientific studies of the cat’s personality. You could have a calm cat, one that is laid-back, a very vocal cat or a very active cat. In other words, these cats can be quiet, calm, excitable, friendly, shy, or mellow – their personality is formed from the way they are brought up and socialized.

Characteristics

bicolor cat - characteristicsThe Bicolor cat is such a steady, reliable cat-friend to have. When you start looking as these cats as your companion, you're going to get a smart, funny, adoring, playful family member who will be there for you whether you go to work each day or stay at home.

They’re such easygoing cats, with no airs and graces. They’re happy, relaxed, and uncomplicated cats and when you make a Bicolor your pet and friend, your life just becomes that much more meaningful.

calico cat - characteristicsThe Calico is such an amazing type of cat and because it comes from so many cat breeds, the personality will vary, although having said that, there are a few characteristics that seem to be specifically attributed to the Calico cat.

One thing is for sure, these are intelligent, sweet, appealing, warm-hearted, loving cats that are good with children too. Perhaps in keeping with the quirky, jaunty coat, there is some quirkiness in the personality too, but that is precisely what makes these amazing cats the interesting characters they are.

To add to that, when you do research, you find that some have acted in bravey and saved their humans from harm in one way or the other.

Health Problems

bicolor kittens - health problemsBy providing your kitty cat with a loving home, you can ensure that he stays as healthy as possible. Unfortunately though, cats can get sick, regardless of how well you take care of them and then as a responsible pet owner, you will be able to take your pet to your local vet.

Some of the common cat problems you get can be kidney disease, ear infections, dental disease, parasites such as heartworm, cancer or something like feline immunodeficiency virus.

Whether your cat has a virus or an infection, remember that getting your cat to the vet can mean nipping the problem in the bud before it gets more serious.

calico kittens - health problemsThe lifespan of the Calico cat be anything really and if you provide your calico with a wonderful home it will be able to reach 15 years of age.

Sometimes Klinefelteris Syndrome is a threat with this cat as a result of the XXY chromosomes. Their health is impacted because the disease can cause problems such as increased body fat and reduced bone mineral content.

Caring The Pet

bicolor cats - caringCaring for your Bicolor cat is much the same as with any other cat. Your Bicolor will shed, so brushing him will tickle him pink, especially if you do it lovingly and gently – it’s like a bonding session. The weekly brushing will get rid of loose hairs and dust and keep the coat healthy and shiny.

Spay or neuter your pet to avoid unwanted kittens. Stay up to date on veterinary visits and vaccinations.

Provide your cat with stimulating toys as well as all the equipment he needs to be comfortable – food and water bowls, litter box, grooming equipment, bedding, climbing- and scratching equipment.

All cat owners, whether their cats eat homemade food or wet- or dry food should read cat food labels and understand the nutrients content.

Certainly, as a carnivore, cats require certain vitamins, minerals, and proteins that only meat can provide.

Understand how to work out if the cat food is balanced or not and not packed with too many grains and carbohydrates.

How much your Bicolor eats will depend on his age and his activity levels. Be careful not to overfeed your cat as overfeeding is dangerous. When cats put on too much weight, it leads to problems such as diabetes, heart- and joint disease.

calico cats - caringGently brush the Calico’s fur from time to time to ensure the jaunty colored coat is always shiny and healthy. It helps with the removal of dead hair as well and the cat enjoys the attention.

Every cat requires vaccines to prevent him from getting the deadly cat viruses there are, and to keep the cat free from parasites.

If there are any warning signs that there’s something wrong with your Calico, get him to the vet immediately.

Your Calico kitten will need to receive 3 meals a day. As your cat matures, two smaller meals a day will be good for your cat. You’ll find both canned- and dry packaged foods and your cat will let you know which one he prefers.

Your adorable Calico may beg for treats in between but as a responsible pet owner, make sure you don’t allow your Calico to overeat as obesity brings its own set of health issues.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Bicolor vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  2. Bicolor vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  3. Bicolor vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  4. Bicolor vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  5. Bicolor vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  6. Bicolor vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  7. Bicolor vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  8. Bicolor vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  9. Bicolor vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  10. Bicolor vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  11. Bicolor vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  12. Bicolor vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  13. Bicolor vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  14. Bicolor vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  15. Bicolor vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  16. Bicolor vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  17. Bicolor vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  18. Bicolor vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  19. Birman vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  20. Blue Russian vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  21. Bombay vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  22. Brazilian Shorthair vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  23. Bristol vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  24. British Longhair vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  25. British Shorthair vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  26. Calico vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. Calico vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  28. Calico vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. Calico vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  30. Calico vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  31. Calico vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  32. Calico vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  33. Calico vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  34. Calico vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  35. Calico vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  36. Calico vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  37. Calico vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  38. Calico vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  39. Calico vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  40. Calico vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  41. Calico vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  42. Calico vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  43. Calico vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  44. Calico vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  45. Calico vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  46. Calico vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  47. Calico vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  48. Calico vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  49. Calico vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  50. Calico vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison