Calico Cat Behavior

A vast majority of calico cats are female.

Cat owners sometimes perceive calico cats as being independent or as having wild or unpredictable dispositions. However, cats with calico patterning, like all cats, exhibit a wide range of personalities and characteristics.

Breeds

It is a misconception that "calico" is a breed of cat with a particular disposition. "Calico" refers only to the mottled patchwork patterning in cats, which is present in multiple breeds.

Perceptions

Calico owners have been known to claim that their cats exhibit suspicious or erratic behavior, disappearing from home for long periods of time or behaving skittishly around unfamiliar people.

Gender

Male cats tend to be friendlier than female cats, and, since the vast majority of calicos are female, this may be a factor that contributes to the belief that they display certain characteristics. Female cats also tend to be better mousers and may yowl loudly when in heat.

Scientific Consensus

No scientific studies have concluded that there is a direct correlation between calico markings and a cat's personality or behavior.

Further Theories

Though the general consensus seems to be that cats are individuals regardless of their markings, there appears to be a tendency for cats with white in their coats to display less aggressive characteristics.

References

• United Cats: Are All Calicos Insane?
• Pet-Tails: Should You Get a Male or Female Cat?
• Pictures of Cats: Calico Cat Behavior