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.
No Calico cats are currently in Calgary rescues.
Listings update regularly. Check back, or browse all adoptable cats below.
Browse All Cats →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.