You may recognize their iconic patchy patterns from traditional orange, black, and white Japanese Maneki Neko or “Lucky Cat” figurines (Maneki Neko).
Cats with this signature pattern are said to attract good luck and prosperity, not only in Japan but in many cultures around the world.
Now don’t go confusing a tortoiseshell coat with a calico — tortoiseshells’ colors are usually mixed or blended, and there’s little to no white fur. As you’ll see, this is pretty different from a calico coat.
For a cat to be considered a calico, it must meet the following criteria: its coat must contain three colors, namely white, black, and orange.
Yes, there is more than one type of calico pattern: eight of them, to be precise. And here they are:
The most common type of calico in Maine Coons, the coloration varies from 25%–75% white and 25%–75% orange and black.
Similar to the dense calico, but the colors are more muted so that the black appears more blue or gray.
The dense shell calico Maine Coon has a white base with patches of orange and black. On their sides, back, face, and legs, the tip of each hair is either black or orange.
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