How Much is a Male Calico Worth?

Male calico cats are, biologically speaking, impossible. However, when a combination of very uncommon factors align, a calico cat might appear to be male, both anatomically and behaviorally. Because these specimens are so exceedingly rare, there are many internet-fueled rumors suggesting that male calicos are worth very large amounts of money. Unfortunately for their owners, male calicos actually have little or no consistent market value.

In order for a cat to have a calico or tortoiseshell fur pattern, it must have a genetic structure containing two X chromosomes-- the single, most elemental trait that defines a female mammal. This is because all fur colors besides white are inscribed into the genetic coding of the X chromosome. To show more than one color in addition to white-- in order, to be calico or tortoiseshell-- a cat must, then, have XX (female) as opposed to XY (male) chromosomes.

Here's where it gets fascinating: in all mammals, some individuals appear who have unusual, or sex-based chromosomes. Some cats (as well as dogs, mice, and human beings) are born with a mutation that gives them an extra chromosome. Instead of being XX or XY, these individuals have an XXY karotype are technically neither male nor female, though they generally have male genitalia. All male calico cats have this unusual genetic structure.

Most mammals with XXY chromosomes are sterile, so the likelihood of a male calico being able to breed is negligible. Even if they are fertile, they are no more likely to sire intersexed kittens or calicos than any other cat. Kittens inherit their coloration from their mothers, not their fathers, and the XXY condition is probably not inheritable. On the rare occasion that a male calico can spawn a litter of kittens, the chances of them inheriting their fathers' condition will be slim to none.

To a cat fancier interested in breeding rare cats, then, it is a pure myth that male calicos are worth significant amounts of money. Someone who is interested in keeping a male calico for the sake of novelty may pay as many as a few hundred dollars for one, but to no one are these rare cats worth the thousands or millions promised by internet-fueled rumors.

A responsible cat owner should not seek thousands or millions of dollars for their male calicos, if they happen to come across one of these rare and special beauties. Instead, the most humane and compassionate way to care for them is by giving them a loving home based in respect, not novelty. Owners of male calicos should also consider having their pets neutered to eliminate behaviors like spraying and roaming, which may occur even in intersexed cats.