One is to carry a specific fur color and the other can be considered as a survival gene in cats.įemale cats will always carry a combination of two X-chromosomes while males will always have a combination of both an X and Y chromosome, pretty much like humans do. The X-chromosomes in cats, among many other things, carry two other important functions. It all lies in what happens with the genes in the sex chromosome, particularly the X-chromosomes. The genetics of calico cats have always been a source of wonder for genetic researchers. To understand this a bit more, you would have to get to know more about the genetics of a calico cat in general. Male calico cats have shorter life expectancies compared to female calicos owing largely to their genetic makeup. And although Barney won’t be onsite, the shelter still has over 100 cats and kittens that people can visit and possibly take home during our normal hours of Wed – Sat from Noon to 5 pm.The long life span of calico females does not, unfortunately, apply to a male calico cat. ![]() And although male calicos are almost always sterile, he still requires being neutered.Īs Bly states, “Not only is it about stopping reproduction, but neutering also stops urination, aggression and reduces the rate of cancer so they live longer and happier lives. Getting a peek at Barney in person won’t be an option though because he’ll be headed back to his foster mom while he recovers from his surgery. It puts food in bellies, keeps the lights on and hopefully, by years’ end, provide a low-cost clinic for area residents.” “But we can’t do it without community support and that’s where donations, or shopping for plants this weekend at FOCA, helps cats like Barney. That’s where having a local clinic will help communities throughout Monroe County. The shelter recently held a three-week rummage sale that garnered just over $7000 of our goal to raise $20K by the end of the year.”īly goes on to admit that although kittens are adorable, and in some cases like Barney rare, there are way too many felines in the area. ![]() One of the biggest plans is a low-cost feral spay/neuter clinic. ![]() “It’s one of our biggest yearly fundraisers that keep the shelter going while also allowing us to grow. ![]() “This news is also fun because it comes on the eve of our yearly plant sale Mother’s Day Weekend from Thursday to Saturday Noon to 5 PM,” says Bly. His foster mom has a done a great job of taking care of him, his mom and his four other siblings.”Īlthough he might look like an orange tabby to the casual observer, his distinct black marks on his belly, hips and back make him unique. There are those rare few who are rarer than others and he’s certainly the most unique one we’ve seen in our 11-year history. Rescue director Penny Bly stated, “We love all the felines who make their way to us. A visit for his neuter today at Humane Ohio in Toledo officially confirmed it. Barney the kitten is officially a calico! About one in every 3,000 calico cats is born a male, which means there’s less than a 0.1 percent chance of a calico cat being born a male. Monroe, MI - Friends of Companion Animals, Monroe’s only all-cat rescue, is pleased to announce one of their new arrivals this kitten season is literally 1 in 3000.
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