Call Today

Cantankerous Calicos

Does Coat Color Really Influence a Cat's Behavior?


               We often joke that calico and tortoiseshell cats are a little feistier than other cats.  But it turns out that cats with certain coat colors really do exhibit different behaviors.  A recent study at the University of California, Davis, found that cats with certain coat colors may be slightly more aggressive.  Calico, tortoiseshell, and black and white or grey and white cats displayed more outgoing or aggressive behaviors than cats with solid coat colors.  The cause for this apparent link is not known.

               Study leader, Dr. Elizabeth Stetlow, found that “cats with calico and tortoiseshell coat patterns tend to challenge their human companions more often” than cats with other coat colors.  Recorded interactions included hissing, chasing, swatting, biting or scratching (1).  This should not deter anyone from choosing or owning cats with specific coat colors.  There are plenty of lovely calicos, torties and tuxedo cats out there!

               Another interesting bit of information:  calico cats are almost always female because the colors black and orange are what are known as sex-linked traits.  Two “X” or female chromosomes are needed to produce a bi-colored black and orange or a tri-colored black, orange and white coat.  Males on the other hand have one “X” chromosome and one “Y” or male chromosome and, therefore cannot inherit black and orange traits together.  In rare cases, about one in 3,000 in fact, a male cat may have a calico or tortoiseshell coat pattern.  However, these males are genetic abnormalities, inheriting two X and one Y chromosome.   They are technically male, but have two female sex chromosomes and, therefore, can display both black and orange colors in their fur.  While relatively rare, these cats are not considered to be valuable (other than as loving pets!) and most are sterile. 

               While these studies do not give us ground breaking medical news, it is interesting to think about the genetics at work in cats with multiple coat colors and other genetic traits. 

               This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding areas.

  1. Veterinary Practice News, February 2016. 

Location