Introducing Frank, the adorable male calico cat that has caught the attention of Dr. Smith at Central Texas Cat Hospital. In his extensive 54-year career, Dr. Smith has only encountered one other male calico, making Frank a rare and special find. Let’s give a warm welcome to Frank!
In over five decades of working at Central Texas Cat Hospital, Dr. Smith has only come across one other male calico. The uniqueness doesn’t stop there – this particular feline is also a Scottish Fold, making him truly one of a kind. The hospital staff shared their excitement on Facebook, calling him “1 in a million.” According to research from the University of Missouri’s College of Veterinary Medicine, only one out of every 3,000 calico cats are male. The rarity of male calico cats leaves many wondering why they are so uncommon.
In addition to being a male calico, Frank is also a Scottish fold, adding to his unique and special qualities! Similar to humans, cats have genetic sex chromosomes that determine their gender. Female cats have two X chromosomes, while male cats have one X and one Y chromosome. Calico or tortoiseshell cats are almost always female because they must have two X chromosomes. Male calico cats, like Frank, have an extra X chromosome, resulting in a genetic anomaly similar to Klinefelter Syndrome in humans. Frank is not the only male calico out there, as String the cat is another male calico who was brought to Southern Pines Animal Shelter through animal control.
The sweet pup has found his forever home and is now content and cherished at Southern Pines Animal Shelter.
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