A rare and striking cat has captured the hearts of animal lovers on social media. Not only is this feline a Calico, but it is also male—a combination so rare that it occurs in only about 1 in 3,000 cats.
Male Calico cats are an extraordinary rarity. Typically, the Calico color pattern, which features three colors—orange, black, and white—appears in female cats, as the pattern is linked to two X chromosomes. However, in rare cases, a male cat may inherit an extra chromosome, resulting in the Calico coat. This phenomenon has made male Calicos the “unicorns” of the cat world, according to TreeHugger.
This particular male Calico, featured on the Instagram account @XXYCalico, has become an internet sensation. The cat’s striking appearance, with its big “grinchy” paws and “squirrelly” tail, has prompted praise from viewers. One commenter shared, “Omg his big grinchy paws and his big squirrelly tail.” Another added, “I’ve never seen a male Calico! So handsome.” Others marveled at the cat’s beauty and uniqueness, calling it “absolutely amazing.”
In addition to his rare coloring, this cat is also polydactyl, meaning he has six or more toes on each of his front paws, which adds to his charm.
The rarity of male Calico cats can be attributed to genetics. As TreeHugger explains, Calico color patterns are a result of sex-linked traits, meaning the genes responsible for the colors are carried on the X chromosome. While females have two X chromosomes, allowing them to carry both black and orange color genes, males only have one X and one Y chromosome. For a male cat to display the Calico pattern, it must have an extra X chromosome, leading to the genetic anomaly that produces this rare coat.
With his unique appearance and charming personality, this male Calico has become a rare gem that cat lovers are eager to admire.
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