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About Calico Cats in Calgary
Calico cats have three colors in their coat: orange, black, and white. Tortoiseshells (or "torties") have orange and black mixed without white. Both patterns are due to X-linked color genes : which is why almost all calicos and torties are female. The rare male calico (about 1 in 3,000) has an XXY chromosome configuration.
Calicos and torties are often described as having "tortitude" : sassy, opinionated, deeply bonded to one person. There's no scientific evidence personality follows coat, but the trope persists in cat communities and many tortie owners swear by it.
Calicos and torties are common in Calgary rescues. They tend to be normal-priced DSH adoptions ($100-200). MEOW Foundation, Calgary Humane Society, AARCS, and the smaller rescues all regularly list them.
Calico Adoption FAQ
Are all calico cats female?
Roughly 99.97%. The orange and black coat-color genes both live on the X chromosome. Females (XX) can express both colors plus white. Males (XY) need a rare XXY chromosome to be calico, which occurs in about 1 in 3,000 male cats and usually causes other health issues.
What's the difference between calico and tortoiseshell?
Calicos have three distinct colors with white patches. Tortoiseshells have orange and black mixed/blended without significant white. The genetic mechanism is the same; the difference is the white-spotting gene.
Is "tortitude" real?
No scientific evidence, but well-documented in cat communities. Many tortie owners report opinionated, sassy, vocal personalities. Probably a mix of survivorship bias (memorable cats stick in memory) and genuine pattern. Treat as folklore, not fact.
Are calicos lucky?
In Japanese culture, the maneki-neko (beckoning cat statue) is traditionally a calico, and they're considered very lucky. In US Navy tradition, calicos were carried on ships for good luck.
Are these Calico cats for sale in Calgary?
Not for sale, for adoption, which is usually the better deal. Every Calico here comes from a Calgary-area rescue or shelter, not a breeder, pet store, or classified seller. Adoption fees are typically $150 to $500 and already include spay or neuter, vaccinations, and a microchip, versus roughly $1,000 to $3,000+ to buy a Calico from a breeder. If you searched "calico for sale calgary," adopting gets you a healthy, vetted cat for a fraction of the price.
Where can I buy a Calico in Calgary, and should I?
You can buy from a registered breeder, but it is worth weighing against adoption first. A reputable Calico breeder typically charges $1,000 to $3,000+ and often has a waitlist, while a rescue Calico costs $150 to $500 fully vetted and may be available now. Be cautious of cheap "for sale" ads on classified sites and marketplaces, which are frequently backyard breeders or kitten-mill resellers with unvetted, sometimes sick animals and no health guarantee. If you do buy, insist on seeing where the kittens were raised and getting vet records. For most Calgary families, adopting a rescue Calico is cheaper, faster, and gives a cat in need a home.
Calico Adoption Guides
Free tools for Calico owners
Need to rehome your Calico?
If you are on the other side of this page and need to find your calico a new home, we have a breed-specific guide: the rescues worth contacting first, realistic timelines, and how to screen adopters. Listing on LocalPetFinder is free.
How to rehome a Calico responsibly →