Calico kitten
resting on a chair
A calico cat is not a specific breed of cat. It is the actual color pattern of the cat's hair. The hair is tri-color in very specific areas. The color is typically white, red or orange, and black. A person considering adopting a calico kitten uses the same judgment and preparation that it takes to adopt any kind of kitten. Following a few guidelines before adopting a calico kitten may make the process easier and stress free.
Instructions
1. Search newspaper ads and local animal shelters to find a calico kitten. Visit and consider many kittens before deciding right away. Be sure the kitten is a good fit for you. A search may result in finding mostly female calico kittens, a result of a complicated genetic reason. Consider searching in early spring when kittens are most abundant. Be prepared to pay a small adoption fee that may include vaccinations and redeemable coupons towards spaying or neutering the kitten.
2. Adopt a calico kitten only when he is ready to leave his mother. Calicos are by nature very independent however, it is important that he is ready to be on his own before taking the kitten home. The eyes should be open and not closed. Kittens may eat kitten kibble moistened with warm water to make swallowing easier. A calico kitten is ready for adoption around the age of nine weeks and fully weaned from his mother.
3. Look around at the home or place the calico kitten is currently residing. Be sure the area is clean and does not smell like feces or urine. Hold the kitten and evaluate the calico's physical condition. Check for feces in the fur and make sure the kitten is not sick such as coughing, running nose or eyes.
4. Take the kitten to the veterinarian for a first time appointment. Be sure to bring along vaccination records if applicable. Discuss spaying or neutering the calico kitten and set a date if need be. If the kitten is to be kept outdoors, spaying or neutering is a good idea to prevent an over population of cats.
5. Prepare the kitten's new home. Calicos are quirky cats and it may take awhile for the kitten to get use to his new home. Be sure to include a clean litter box, safe and dry place to sleep, plenty of kitten food and water. Hide or put up electrical cords, wires or anything else that the calico kitten may be tempted to chew on.
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