What is a three-colored cat called? - briefly
A three-colored cat is often referred to as a "calico" if it is female or a "dilute calico" if it is male. This pattern typically consists of large patches of black, orange, and white fur.
What is a three-colored cat called? - in detail
A three-colored cat, often referred to as a "calico" or "tricolor," is typically female and displays a distinctive coat pattern consisting of large patches of three different colors: black, orange, and white. This striking coloration is the result of the X-inactivation process during embryonic development, where one of the two X chromosomes in each cell is randomly inactivated. In most cases, the tricolor pattern arises when a cat has two different alleles for coat color on its X chromosomes—one allele responsible for black fur and another for orange fur. Since female cats have two X chromosomes, they can express both colors simultaneously, while male cats, with only one X chromosome, usually exhibit a bicolor pattern.
The specific distribution of the three colors can vary, but it generally follows a recognizable pattern: the largest patches are white, followed by substantial areas of black, and smaller spots or stripes of orange. This color combination is not only visually appealing but also genetically intriguing, as it requires a precise interplay of genetic factors to manifest.
It's worth noting that while calico cats are most commonly female, male calicos do exist, although they are quite rare. Male calicos typically have an extra X chromosome (XXY), a condition known as Klinefelter syndrome, which allows them to express the tricolor pattern.
In summary, a three-colored cat is aptly named a "calico" or "tricolor," and its unique coat pattern is a fascinating result of genetic expression and inactivation processes during development.