What Is A Dilute Calico Cat: A Veterinarian Explains

dilute calico cat - cute cat laying on back looking at camera, grey background, on a what blanket

Welcome to the captivating world of dilute calico cats, where nature’s palette softens to hues of dreamy grays and gentle creams, intertwined with splashes of pristine white. These cats are not just visually appealing but also carry a rich history and genetics that captivate cat lovers.

Whether you’re an experienced cat owner, considering a new furry friend, or simply admire cats, this article dives into the essentials of dilute calico cats.

Explore their unique appearance, coat colors, and what makes them different from vibrant calicos. Discover the charm of dilute calico cats and maybe find your next feline companion.

dilute calico cat  - headshot of a dilute calico cat looking at camera, white background

What Is a Dilute Calico Cat?

At first glance, a dilute calico cat might simply seem like a lighter version of the vibrant calico we’re more familiar with. And in essence, that’s exactly what they are—but this softer color palette is due to an added genetic twist.

Dilute calicos have a tri-color coat made up of softer colors of gray-blue (sometimes called blue), creamy white, and patches of light orange, thanks to the presence of the dilution gene.

This specific genetic makeup alters the density of pigment granules in their fur, creating a “watered-down” or diluted appearance compared to the standard calico’s richer, darker tones.

Dilute vs. Standard Calico Cats

The key to understanding a dilute calico’s distinctive appearance lies in its genetics, specifically the presence of the dilution gene. This gene alters the concentration and distribution of pigment granules within the fur.

In non-dilute cats, pigment granules are densely packed, giving rise to deep, rich colors. The dilute gene, however, causes these granules to spread out, creating a muted effect. This gene affects both the black and orange pigments, transforming black into gray and orange into cream.

Genetically, for a cat to have a dilute calico pattern, they must carry two copies of the dilute gene—one from each parent—making the trait recessive.

Since the dilution gene affects whatever color the cat would ordinarily display, it essentially ‘softens’ the standard calico cat’s colors into the diluted variant.

dilute calico cat - side by side image showing a regular calico vs a dilute tortoiseshell cat
Dilute Calico (left) vs. Regular Calico (right)

Breeds That Can Produce Dilute Calico Cats

Calico isn’t a breed but a color pattern that can appear in many cat breeds. A fairly long list of cat breeds can produce calico kittens, both standard and dilute, including but not limited to:

Essentially, any cat breed capable of the calico coat pattern can potentially have dilute calico kittens.

Understanding Calico vs. Tortoiseshell Cats

Calico and tortoiseshell cats are often mixed up, but there’s a simple way to tell them apart.

While both have the genes for black and orange colors, calicos also have significant areas of white fur, thanks to another gene that causes expression of white color in addition to the orange and black.

Tortoiseshell cats (and their dilute tortoiseshell counterparts) feature a mix of black and orange colors without the prominent white markings.

dilute calico cat - image of a dilute tortoiseshell cat laying relaxed, isolated on a grey background
Dilute Tortoiseshell Cat

Did You Know Most Calico Cats Are Female?

Almost all calico cats are female due to their particular genetic code reliant on XX chromosomes The gene for red and black coat color is located on the X chromosome, and since females have two X chromosomes, they can display both red and black at the same time (with one X carrying the black gene and the other X carrying the orange gene).

Other genes can modify the orange and black color, such as genes that add white to the mix or dilute the red and black colors, as already discussed.

Since it takes two X chromosomes to be able to display both black and orange at the same time, this means that only female cats can be calico or tortoiseshell.

There is one exception, however. This is the situation where a male cat is born with an extra X chromosome. This means instead of being XY like normal males, they are XXY. With two X chromosomes they too can display red and black at the same time.

This phenomenon is called  Klinefelter Syndrome, and it is quite rare. While the exact odds of a cat being XXY is unknown for certain, the odds have been estimated to be somewhere between one in 1000 to one in 3000.

dilute calico cat - young dilute calico maine coon cat laying peacefully with her paws tucked under her

Are Dilute Calico Cats Rare?

Calico cats are often thought to be rare, but this is a misconception that circulates among many unofficial sources. Since black and orange cats are common, the occurrence of calico and tortoiseshell patterns— which result from the combination of these colors — is not unusual at all.

However, when it comes to dilute calico cats, the frequency of occurrence is indeed lower. This is because, for a cat to display the dilute calico pattern, it must inherit two specific genetic traits: the calico pattern and the dilution gene.

Dilute Calico Price

In general, the price of a dilute calico is not influenced by its coat color. Instead, prices are influenced by the standard factors, such as the breed of the cat, whether it is a purebred or mixed breed, and reputation of the breeder.

For example, a dilute calico Persian or Scottish Fold will cost quite a bit more than a domestic shorthair dilute calico simply because purebred cats cost more than mixed breed cats or cats of unknown parentage.

The cat’s lineage, including its parents’ pedigree and any show-quality attributes, can also increase the price. Cats from a lineage of award-winning show cats are often more expensive due to their perceived superior genetic qualities and the potential for them to succeed in cat shows as well.

dilute calico cat looking curiously at the camera, grey background

Summing Up

Dilute calico cats are not just beautiful; they’re an emblem of good luck and a testament to nature’s diversity.

If you’re thinking of adding one of these cats to your family, remember, the main thing they’ll require is plenty of love and the occasional admiring gaze at their gorgeous coat.  Whether you choose a purebred, domestic shorthair or longhair, dilute calico cats are sure to bring joy and warmth into your home.

Just be prepared for their independent nature and occasional stubbornness — after all, that’s just part of being a cat!

Image credit: All images are used under license or with permission]

Author

  • Dr. Wendy Wilkins DVM PhD.

    Dr. Wendy Wilkins is an experienced veterinarian and epidemiologist with over 20 years of expertise. She holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and a Doctorate in Epidemiology from the University of Saskatchewan. Throughout her career, Dr. Wilkins has excelled in clinical practice, academia, research, and regulatory veterinary medicine. She is a respected voice in knowledge dissemination, delivering factual information in a readable and understandable manner through articles, books, and public engagements.

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