Adorable Calico Cat Pictures

Calico cat pictures can show off this kitty's fascinating coat pattern. These cats are not an actual breed, but the result of a genetic sequence that turns off particular color genes at random times. The result is a unique pattern of red/black/white that varies from one cat to the next. Some are brighter, some are diluted and others carry additional tabby or tortoiseshell markings. Much like snowflakes, no two calicos are exactly alike, so enjoy viewing the calico cat images in this slideshow.

This male calico cat looks like he's contemplating climbing a tree. Male calico cats do exist, but they are extremely rare. Almost all are sterile and cannot be bred.

Like most cats, this calico loves exploring the great outdoors. Hope she doesn't get into any mischief. Like all cats, calicos can be quite playful with vibrant personalities.

Here's a lovely calico with her little family. A mom cat's attitude can help predict the personality of her kittens. Get to know the parents of any kitten you want to adopt to decide if she is right for you.

Calicos are attractive even if their markings aren't completely symmetrical. Notice how one of this cat's eyes has darker fur around it.

What cat doesn't love to lay down and relax? This one is no different. If you just got a new calico, finding the perfect name is easy with so many color and breed variations!

Sometimes cats are playful, other times they're not. This older calico cat looks like she has something serious on her mind. Female calico cats live an average of 15 years, but male calicos have a shorter life span.

This calico cat is surprised to find he has tortoiseshell markings as well! The main difference between a calico and tortoiseshell cat is their base coat. Calicos have a white base and torties have a black base. Calicos can have all the colors of a tortie whereas torties do not have any white on them.

This lovely long-haired calico kitten is displaying the legendary calico attitude playing in this tree stump. Calico cats, depending on the breed, can come in short, medium and long-haired varieties.

This beautiful calico looks longingly at the camera with her intelligent, deep eyes. Dilute calicos are a type of calico that has color patches of grey (blue), tan and white. Aside from the regular calico, another type is the calibby, which is a calico that has tabby patches mixed in with solid color patches.

Male calico cats are considered lucky, probably because they're so hard to come by. The calico version of the Japanese Bobtail cat is immortalized in the Maneki Neko cat statues found all over Japan. These statues are called Fortune Cats and symbolize good luck and wealth.

Some people think calico cats are rare although they can be found among many breeds. Male calicos are rare, but you can find female calicos among such popular breeds as the American Bobtail, American Curl, Maine Coon, Manx, Norwegian Forest Cats, Persians, Scottish Fold, and Siberians to name just a few.

This kitty sure seems interested in that fish. Hopefully, she just wants to be friends.

If you enjoyed this slideshow, continue on for more adorable cat photographs.