American Polydactyl is originated from United States but Calico is originated from Egypt. Both American Polydactyl and Calico are having almost same weight. Both American Polydactyl and Calico has same life span. Both American Polydactyl and Calico has same litter size. Both American Polydactyl and Calico requires Low Maintenance.
It is believed that this unusual cat came to the United States on ships – kept by sailors who thought of them as a good luck charm and to keep the mice population under control.
These unusual cats became popular in the 1800s as ship cats but the cats soon began to be seen in port cities on the Eastern coast of the United States as well as Canada, and their numbers began to increase.
It is also believed these interesting cats were brought specifically to the Boston area.
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.
The Polydactyl cat is unusual in that the cat has been born with something odd about it. It has more than the regular number of toes on just one or more of its paws.
Normal cats have a sum of 18 toes, with 5 on the front and 4 on the back but with Polydactyl cats you may find as many as 9 digits on their front and back paws.
American Polydactyl cats are medium to large in size with strong, muscular bodies. The cat can weigh up to 6kg. The head is broad, the ears wide-set and pointed and the coat can be any color, pattern and length.
These cats are easy-going, relaxed, and social. They’re hardy too and they’re able to enjoy being outdoors and indoors.
They’re affectionate with their human family and are also playful and energetic. It is prepared to be friendly with dogs and children too, but it is also able to act independently and get on with things. The Polydactyl cat is distinctive but also a very popular cat breed.
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.
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.
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 good care, these cats can live to be between 14 and 16 years of age. You need to be diligent with keeping this cat’s nails trimmed because depending on the placement of the toes, the nails could become a nuisance, growing in the wrong direction and cutting into he cat’s flesh.
Keep the nails trimmed as necessary. To avoid possible injury to your pet, your veterinarian can safely trim your cat’s claws.
Always pay attention to your cat's behavior as well as taking note of your cat when you groom him as both are good ways to discover whether anything is amiss with your polydactyl cat.
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.
Keep an eye on your cat’s paws as their extra toes can make it that they are at a higher risk of hooking on a carpet or some other material, but this can be managed with regular nail trimming.
Provide your cat with all the things he needs to make his life pleasant while in your care. He’ll need feeding and drinking bowls, a nice warm, dry bed, a litter box, stimulating toys, and things such as a scratching post and cat climbing tree.
Cats are meat-eaters, and they need protein from meat for health. Some cooked chicken and beef can be a real treat for your pet. Grains and carbohydrates should only play a very small role in your pet’s diet. Too many grains can lead to malnutrition and obesity as well as problems with your cat's organs.
Always take into account your cat’s age because different life stages mean different energy levels and therefore different nutritional needs.
Take your sick cat to the vet when you see he is not his usual self. Make sure you keep up to date with all his vaccines and anti-parasite treatments.
One of the most important health decisions you’ll make for your Polydactyl cat is to have your pet spayed or neutered. The procedure is common and performed in your vet’s office every day.
It offers lifelong health benefits. It improves your pet’s behavior and keeps them close to home too. Spaying a female cat will prevent uterine infections and breast cancer, and for males, it can prevent testicular cancer.
Best of all, it helps to prevent yet more kittens into a world overrun with stray cats and rescue centers jam-packed with unwanted kittens and cats.
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.