Calico Cat Gifts

A calico cat is the inspiration for some great gifts.

Calico cats, also known as tortoiseshell or "torties," are not an actual breed; their name refers to their multicolored fur. According to The Cat Cite website, calico-colored cats sport a special gene called the white spotting factor, which allows certain X-chromosomes to stop developing, resulting in patchworks of orange, white and browns/blacks in the cat's fur. Most calico cats are female; they have become so popular that in 2001, the state of Maryland made the calico the official state cat. When brainstorming a gift for a calico cat lover, you will need to consider something as special as the cat itself.

Hair Accessories

Your calico cat-loving family member or friend may not be as furry as her beloved pet, but chances are, her hair may be a bit longer. Give a gift of tortoiseshell hair accessories, such as barrettes, clips, claws or headbands. Tortoiseshell accessories feature the familiar browns, whites and oranges found on the cats and are often made of inexpensive, plastic materials; the accessories may be found in most mass merchandise retailers, beauty product stores and online.

Glasses

Whether your gift recipient wears prescription glasses or uses regular sunglasses to block out the day's rays, consider a gift of tortoise shell frames. Glasses are being made by famous designers such as Tom Ford, Ralph Lauren, Gucci and Prada, so your friend can sport her calico eyewear in style. Of course, more budget-friendly options are also available, including non-prescription sunglasses and discounted glasses frames at chain glasses retailers in most malls. She can wear her glasses out on trips to the vet or pet supply store, subtly matching her furry friend.

Figurines

A ceramic or plastic representation of your friend or family member's calico cat may not be as loving or cuddly as the real thing, but it could be the start of a fun collection. Consider a gift of a calico cat figurine, even seeking out one that resembles the patterns in her cat's fur, in a variety of shapes, sizes and positions. Cat figurines can be collected in an armoire, arranged around a desk or scattered throughout the house for an overall theme. Figurines vary as widely as the cats they represent. Antique and finely crafted figurines can range into the thousands of dollars. More budget-priced figurines may be found on cat collectors' and breeders' web sites, at cat shows and in pet supply stores.

References

• The Cat Site

Resources

• Hair Era: Tortoise Shell Hair Accessories
• The Tortoise Shells: Tortoise Shell Sunglasses
• Cat and Caboodle: Calico Cats Figurines