Calico

Loved by 82% of pet parents

Adored for their striking tri-color coats and playful, affectionate personalities, Calicos make lively companions. These charming cats bring warmth and color to any home.

Breed Characteristics

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Playfulness

Adaptability

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.

HEIGHT

23–25 cm (male)

20–23 cm (female)

WEIGHT

3.5–5.5 kg (male)

3–5 kg (female)

LIFE EXPECTANCY

12–16 years

Calico: Breed snapshot

Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Mammalia

Order

Carnivora

Family

Felidae

Genus

Felis

Species

Felis catus

Diet

Carnivore

"A Calico isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."

Temperament & personality

Understanding Calico's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.

Personality Overview

Calico cats are known for their independent yet affectionate nature, often forming strong bonds with their families while still enjoying time alone. They may display playful and curious behaviors.

Key Personality Traits

Friendliness

Usually affectionate with familiar people and pets

Intelligence

Learns routines and household patterns fairly well

Energy Level

Moderate activity, enjoys play in short bursts

Playfulness

Likes interactive games and chasing toys often

Adaptability

Adjusts reasonably to new settings or changes

Strengths

Distinctive and attractive multicolored coat
Typically affectionate with known family members
Often playful and interactive with toys
Generally low grooming needs due to short coat
Adaptable to indoor living environments

Challenges

Temperament can be unpredictable or moody
May show territorial behavior with other pets
Can be prone to selective eating habits
Some individuals may resist frequent handling
Rare males often have health complications

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Calico can develop obesity and dental disease. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.

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Intelligence & exercise needs

Calicos are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.

🧠 Intelligence & training

Trainability

Learns with consistency

Overall rating

Calico cats are generally intelligent and observant, quickly learning routines and environments. Training responsiveness varies, as their independent streak can make them less eager to follow commands consistently.

Trainable Tasks:

There is no recognized dog breed called "Calico." Calico refers to a color pattern found in cats, not dogs. Please provide the name of a recognized dog breed for an accurate response.

🏃 Exercise & energy levels

Daily Exercise

20–30 minutes interactive play

recommended per day

Most Calico cats have moderate energy levels and benefit from regular play sessions and interactive toys. They require both physical and mental stimulation to stay healthy and prevent boredom.

Recommended Activities:

Is this breed right for you?

Calicos are versatile cats that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Calico would fit well in your home.