All cat breeds come in different colors and fur patterns, but there’s something special about a calico Persian cat. This feline’s luscious tri-color coat is a sight for sore eyes and I’m sure you’re going to fall in love with it.
Persian cats are uniquely beautiful. But when you combine their royal appearance with a specific color pattern such as calico, you’re going to be left in awe. These felines are friendly furry monsters you want to have in your life.
So, if you’re obsessed with them the same way we are, then you’re bound to appreciate all of the info we’ve gathered about this specific variation of a stunning Persian cat.
History of a calico Persian cat
First thing first, let’s get one thing clear. Calico cats aren’t a breed, so a calico Persian cat isn’t a mix of two different breeds. It just signifies the color of the kitty’s fur.
Calico cats have a coat that consists of three colors, usually white, black, and orange. A cat with fur that is cream and blue is called a dilute calico. It’s a more subtle version of a calico pattern.
These color combinations come from an X chromosome which is also the reason why almost all calico cats are female. On rare occasions, a calico cat can be male but the thing is that he’ll be sterile which will enable him to breed.
Now the history of calico Persian cats is unknown. There’s not an actual feline that’s considered the first cat from this breed with this specific fur pattern.
We know that Persian cats have a long history that dates back to ancient times. When it comes to calico cats, it’s believed that they emerged from Egypt a long time ago and were traded along the Mediterranean coast.
However, it’s unclear when and how these two combined and resulted in a beautiful calico Persian cat.
What do calico Persian cats look like?
As we’ve already mentioned, calico cats are specific due to their tri-color fur. Combine that with the noble appearance of a Persian cat and you get a specimen that looks like a feline version of a celebrity.
Calico Persian cats are medium to large-sized felines that are characterized by their flat face, large eyes, and long and luscious fur. These felines are fluffy creatures you’ll want to cuddle with all day long.
Besides their long fur, Persian cats also have a thick undercoat which only adds to their furriness. You can only imagine how soft these felines are.
If their fluffy body doesn’t seem attractive enough then just look at their head. Rounded like a plushy teddy bear, you could stare at them all day long and not get bored.
What’s the personality of a calico Persian cat?
We’ve already mentioned that calico cats aren’t a specific breed of cat. That being said, most of your feline’s personality will come from their original breed. In this case, we’re talking about Persian cats.
These felines have a gentle personality. They’re more affectionate than some other breeds so they will allow you to cuddle and snuggle with them and won’t run away the moment you touch their soft fur.
Persian cats are not huge fans of playing with kids, but they can tolerate children who treat them with respect. They’re real royalty and want to be treated that way.
Even though they’re affectionate with their owners and don’t mind laying in your lap, they will also be just fine if you leave them alone for a couple of hours. Just make sure they have enough food and water and you’ll be good to go.
These cats aren’t really loud and don’t vocalize much. But when you hear their voice, you’ll realize how soft and mellow it is.
All in all, Persian cats aren’t a tedious breed that will keep you on your feet all the time while not letting you cuddle with them. Instead, they’re real snuggle bugs that will enjoy your company and all the love you have to offer. At the same time, they’re independent enough and don’t suffer from separation anxiety.
So, if you’re looking for a cat with these qualities, then you’ve finally found yourself a match made in heaven. If you manage to get your hands on a calico version of a Persian cat, you’ll be even luckier.
How to groom your calico Persian cat the right way?
Many different breeds can have a calico pattern on their fur. But not many of them have long, thick coats and an undercoat such as Persian cats.
That’s why it’s highly important to take good care of your cat’s fur, and that way, avoid the possibility of forming mats or ingesting hairballs.
Grooming is a huge part of every feline’s life. Naturally, all cats have an instinct to clean and take care of their fur. But sometimes, they need additional help to stay neat and tidy.
As we’ve already mentioned, Persian cats are known for their soft, cuddly fur. But this softness is a result of many different coat layers that need to remain in great shape.
So, it’ll be necessary to brush your cat’s fur each and every day. It may sound like a lot, but trust me, these divas need your help since they have too much fur to deal with.
Besides brushing, you should also comb your feline’s fur. This will prevent mats from forming, but just make sure to do it thoroughly, without missing a spot.
Also, don’t comb only the top part of your cat’s fur. Persian cats also have an undercoat that needs to be brushed and combed since that’s where the mats can form as well.
If you notice that you’re already too late and that your cat’s fur is matted, then opt for giving your feline a haircut that fits her breed. A lion cut or underbelly cut are good options for cats that tend to suffer from matting.
Also, due to the specific head shape of a Persian cat, make sure to wash their faces, clean their eyes, and check their ears. These are all parts of their head that tend to get easily infected.
And of course, don’t forget to trim their nails regularly. You probably already know that but we wanted to make sure to mention it.
Does a calico Persian cat have some dietary preferences?
Like all other breeds, a calico Persian cat also requires a balanced protein-based diet. But what’s specific about this feline is that they’re prone to obesity so you want to make sure not to over-feed them.
With Persian cats, free-feeding is not an option since they won’t be able to control themselves. They’ll keep eating for as long as they see any signs of food.
So, to avoid that, make sure to feed your feline two times a day. Don’t give in when you catch your cat meowing and begging you for a treat. If you’re sure that you already gave her enough food, then everything besides that is unnecessary and can potentially lead to different diseases such as diabetes.
Also, make sure that your cat always has enough drinking water. We all know that our furry friends aren’t the biggest fans of water bowls so maybe consider investing in a water fountain. That could make your cat drink more liquid and that way, you’ll avoid the possibility of dehydration.
Is this a healthy breed?
A calico Persian cat can suffer from the usual diseases that Persian cats are prone to. Those are certain heart diseases such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, eye and respiratory problems, and polycystic kidney disease (PKD).
That’s why it’s important to get your cat from a reputable breeder who’s not in business only because of profit but because he’s a passionate cat lover.
Also, to make sure your feline is doing okay, don’t skip regular vet check-ups. This way, you’ll be sure that your kitty is in good shape. Even if your vet diagnoses her with a disease, you’ll have enough time to react and provide her with a proper treatment.
How to keep a calico Persian cat entertained?
If you plan on getting a calico Persian cat, then you now have all of the necessary details about this kitto. Well, almost all of the details. One question still remains and it’s related to keeping your cat entertained and mentally stimulated.
As you can already tell, this breed isn’t the biggest cathlete you’re going to meet. Persian cats love cuddling and laying around so they don’t need huge cat trees and wall shelves they can climb on. But, they still need a fair amount of exercise to keep them in good shape.
A good way to do that is to get your feline an appropriate scratcher that’s going to keep her entertained. You can opt for tall or vertical scratchers, depending on what your cat may prefer.
Finally, don’t forget to provide her with all the love you have to offer. Persian cats will appreciate your attention and affection and they will make sure to return it in the same manner.
