Domestic Mediumhair vs Calico - Breed Comparison | MyCatBreeds

It is unclear as to whether the Domestic Mediumhair comes from Egypt, Europe or the USA.

It is a mixed breed cat that no one can be sure how it's going to look. It is why they are often referred to as mutts and you’ll likely find them in animal shelters.

It was thought they arrived in America with the Pilgrims, who brought them aboard the ships to take care of the rodent population. Mixed breeding between many generations of cats brought about the Domestic Medium Hair.

Nobody can say with certainty where Calico cats originate from, but it is thought they they hail from Egypt, and that they later came to port cities in Spain, Italy and France.

Today these cats are found all over the world. Wherever these cats come from, they are 99.9% female and this is because of the cat’s unique chromosomal makeup. Most of the calico or tortoiseshell male cats are because of the chromosome abnormality.

The weird aspect with these amazing cats is because of their unique genetic makeup, and also because of the fact that the males are born sterile, these cats can’t be bred and they can emerge in different litters.

Since 2001 this cat has been Maryland's state cat. An interesting fact is that the Calico became the official cat of the state of Maryland because of its amazing colors of its fur which happen to be fairly similar to that of the Baltimore Oriole, the state bird.

This is a medium-sized cat that weighs in the region of 3 – 6kg. They stand at about 30cm in height but there is no set standard with these cats and their looks and temperaments can vary.

It's a medium built cat, not too thick-set or not too slight. The medium-length coat is thick and double-coated and can be in every color and pattern, including tabby and tortoiseshell.

The eyes can be different shades and the ears large or small too while the tail can also vary in length and bushiness.

Temperament

Because the Domestic Medium Hair is of mixed ancestry, their temperaments can vary. Some are quiet and docile while other can be very energetic and have a lot to say. Most of them are loving, loyal cats that get on well with childre and other pes in the house. Some are also more independent than others, but a lot can deped on the way you bring your cat up.

Calico cats are known for their jaunty tri-colored coats with color such as white, black and orange. In fact, to be known as a Calico cat, these 3 colors need to be present, Calico isn’t a breed of cat as such, but is actually referring to the cat’s color variations.

Some of the most distinctive breeds of cars such a the Cornish Rex and Persians have these calico coats. One odd spec with these cats is that nearly all calico cats are female and this is because of the chromosomal makeup.

Size, coat texture, shade of coat, coat length and ear shapes can all vary with the type of calico cats you get so their weight can be anything from 3 to 7kg.

Temperament:

As mentioned, Calico cats aren’t a specific breed, and that is why it is actually difficult to describe the personality of a calico cat.

You’ll find certain calico cat owners describing their cat’s behavior but you won’t find any particular scientific studies of the cat’s personality. You could have a calm cat, one that is laid-back, a very vocal cat or a very active cat. In other words, these cats can be quiet, calm, excitable, friendly, shy, or mellow – their personality is formed from the way they are brought up and socialized.

Domestic Medium Hairs come in so many different shapes, sizes and personalities. You’ll also find lots of colors, patterns and personalities with this cat as much depends on the cat’s ancestry.

Even when you choose a kitten, you can’t really know what you’re going to get – large or small, lively or quiet, independent or needy – its what makes owning a Domestic Mediumhair so fascinating.

One thing every one of them has in common is that they love their human family and they deserve to all receive unconditional care and companionship.

The Calico is such an amazing type of cat and because it comes from so many cat breeds, the personality will vary, although having said that, there are a few characteristics that seem to be specifically attributed to the Calico cat.

One thing is for sure, these are intelligent, sweet, appealing, warm-hearted, loving cats that are good with children too. Perhaps in keeping with the quirky, jaunty coat, there is some quirkiness in the personality too, but that is precisely what makes these amazing cats the interesting characters they are.

To add to that, when you do research, you find that some have acted in bravey and saved their humans from harm in one way or the other.

With the Domestic medium hair cat having a mixed ancestry, they are cats that don’t easily succumb to illness.

You’ll find that the health issues that are common to this cat are typically common to all cat breeds. Some of these typical illnesses are diabetes, kidney disease, obesity, dental problems and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, a heart disease.

All these illnesses can shorten your cat's life. Gut health is of critical importance so be sure to provide your cat with a top-quality diet.

The lifespan of the Calico cat be anything really and if you provide your calico with a wonderful home it will be able to reach 15 years of age.

Sometimes Klinefelteris Syndrome is a threat with this cat as a result of the XXY chromosomes. Their health is impacted because the disease can cause problems such as increased body fat and reduced bone mineral content.

Grooming:

The Domestic Medium Hair has a thick, double coat, and to avoid hairballs and matting, he will need to be brushed at least once a week. Set aside this brushing time to examine your cat’s eyes, the inside of his ears, inside his mouth for bad teeth, to check the length of his claws and to feel for unusual new lumps.

Diet:

Your cat's diet is as important as life itself. Your cat is a carnivore and should be fed meat. He won’t do well on carbs. Speak to your vet if you’re unsure about how to feed your cat.

Meanwhile, there are some excellent commercially manufactured cat foods on the market and if you choose the best ones with meat at the top of the ingredients list, you can be doing the right thing.

Make sure your kitty kat has constant access to fresh, cool drinking water.

Kittens start with 4 meals a day while the older cat will do well on 2 meals a day. It is most important to feed your kitten the very best food – the correct diet – because their bones, brain, coat and energy all depend on this for the rest of their lives.

Remember too that there are cat foods that cater to the different seasons of your cats life. A kitten, young adult, energetic breed, pregnant cat, a cat with disease, and a senior cat will all have a choice of foods made by the top brand cat food manufacturers. Each food caters specifically for the cat’s unique needs.

Keep your cat's vaccines and de-worming up to date. Parasites left unchecked can make your cat sick.

You can provide your cat with all the best food, toys, comfy bedding and medical care you like, but if you don’t provide him with love and attention, it will all be in vain.

Gently brush the Calico’s fur from time to time to ensure the jaunty colored coat is always shiny and healthy. It helps with the removal of dead hair as well and the cat enjoys the attention.

Every cat requires vaccines to prevent him from getting the deadly cat viruses there are, and to keep the cat free from parasites.

If there are any warning signs that there’s something wrong with your Calico, get him to the vet immediately.

Your Calico kitten will need to receive 3 meals a day. As your cat matures, two smaller meals a day will be good for your cat. You’ll find both canned- and dry packaged foods and your cat will let you know which one he prefers.

Your adorable Calico may beg for treats in between but as a responsible pet owner, make sure you don’t allow your Calico to overeat as obesity brings its own set of health issues.