Someone interested in the calico baby ... BUT ....

[kimlovescats]

I am concerned, as she is being so particular about her coat pattern. She has asked me time and againt to describe her and Freida. She keeps saying she doesn't like the "blotched" look ... like the tortie cats ... well, that is what I would say Freida is! I did some research myself on the calico patterns. Based on this, I would call Freida a "tortie with white" and therefore, baby girl kitten will probably be as well. I am feeling a strong inclination to not let this lady have my baby ... am I over-reacting here? *sigh*

Here is the calico pattern info:

Basically, a calico cat is a tri-colored cat of black, red(orange), and white. It can also be of a diluted version in blue (gray), cream, and white. Cats with these same colors, but without the white spotting gene, are called tortoiseshells, or torties, and blue-creams, respectively. The white can be in varying degrees. Cats with mostly color, and low amounts of white are sometimes referred to as "tortie and white" instead of calico. Calico cats with mostly a white background and patches of red and black are called "high white" calico cats. If the cat is all white, with only color patches on the head and tail, and no more than one patch on the body, it is a "van" calico cat.


Why do I feel like this lady is a woman who thinks she can get everything just like she wants it, and I don't want her to have my baby!!!? She also mentioned maybe adopting two, but I feel like running the other way from her!

Here is a close up of Freida, taken this morning.... she is definitely a tortie pattern with white! Agree?

[jazzcat]

I don't know about the coloring but maybe once the lady has seen them she might know if that is what she is looking for.

My roommate in college had a calico that died and she wanted to get another calico. I helped her look for months until she found a true calico that fit the bill. For her, the look was that important and nothing else mattered. My roommate was a great cat owner and I would have no qualms about her adopting another. Maybe this lady is like her, just looking for a certain look but no less a good pet owner.

It's also good to go with gut feeling sometimes.

[AlleyCat]

My thought was that Freida is a calico. My calico looks almost exactly like Freida, so if that is considered a tortie then maybe I have a tortie.

But, that's not the point - if this lady is being that picky about this color or pattern, that sounds off an alarm in my head. Listen to your gut feeling and if it's already telling you to run away from her, then you probably should.... I know you'll make the right decision!

[christa]

My question is . . . WHY is she soooooo determined to get a true calico? That's wierd to me . . . it's not like calicos are rare or anything!

And Freida looks like a calico to me!

I guess I just don't understand what she wants . . . sounds strange Kim . . . I don't know what I'd do in your situation.

Just go with your gut.

[rkidsrcats]

Follow your instincts - as a rescue person, you've got the sensitivity to know when a home is right or not.
While jazzcat has a good point about her roommate, she also knew that person really well.
You have to make a decision on someone you don't know well and is giving off mixed signals.
Whenever people sound like they are "shopping" for a cat, it makes me uncomfortable. Rescuing an animal isn't about finding perfection in the "bargain bin". Its about saving the life of an animal in need, no matter what it looks like.
There's the Tribe's two cents worth.

[PayItForward]

This rings warning bells for me too, I would need convincing that she was interested in the cat not just the looks. Does the lady realise that calicos are just a colour set like a tuxedo, not a breed ?

Good luck in dealing with this lady.

[kuhio98]

I think Frieda is a tortie with white also. Our Cammie is definitely a tortie. Calico, it was explained to me, is tortie colorings separated by white patches. Frieda's "blotches" aren't separated like that, so I'd call her a tortie. That being said, I think this person is overly concerned with such things. So, I'd listen to your gut. If she has some idealized version of what "perfect" is, she's bound to be disappointed.

WE all know that ALL cats are perfect just the way they are. I'd hate for you to hear later that this little one, was sent to the pound because she didn't match the carpet or drapes or couch or something equally ridiculous.

[kt_luvs_kitties]

I do not have much time to post, but I will say that it would make me really stop and think about her true "interest" in this cat. I would ask her why she is SO insistant on a Calico and not a Tortie. I just dont know what to say, because I love all kitties, and color doesnt matter whatsoever to me, the kitten is all that matters
I would say Freida is a Calico She does not have blotched fur, but I would describe Calico as blotchy moreso than a tortie. A tortie (any tortie) reminds me of the ocean with different colors flowing into each other. Calico looks like a cow with 3 colors. My vet described my moms kitty a calico, and she looks EXACTLY like Frieda. Let us know what you decide

Here is her picture

[QueenScoopalot]

Frieda is tortie w/white according to how I'd describe her. And I think I'd think twice (is that redundant sounding ) about letting this woman take her, unless you hear something positive about her being a cat owner. It really sounds to me as though she's trying to replace a deceased cat of hers. Hope she doesn't expect the same personality as well! But go with your gut instinct, and run the other way!

[Grace]

I don't know if Frieda is tortie or calico - I do know she is beautiful. And like the others, I'm getting bad vibes about this woman.

[carole]

As the other's have said go with your instincts on this one, if you don't feel right about adopting your baby to her, then Don't Do it.

[Laura's Babies]

My first thought of what I would call her is BEAUTIFUL!!

All my babies have been given to me BY GOD himself, sent to me in various ways of arrival. I was the "Chosen One", I did not say "Oh! What a pretty cat, may I have it?". I feel I was sent these babies and the color, patterns OR personality had nothing to do with the ones I have!

I would tell that person that she must reset her sights on a cat that WANTS her.... It has nothing to do with what SHE wants!

[Shady]

It's always better to be safe than sorry.

Trust your instincts, there's a much better home out there for that baby, you will find it.

[K & L]

Here's a good link with descriptions and pictures. http://www.messybeast.com/tricolours.htm

Go with your instincts Kim, seems those are always the best!

[catmandu]

The Animal Welfare Lady,Helen,told me,the stry,of a Lady,who came,all the way,up from Cleveland,to adopt a Cat,that would match,the Dog,and the furniture!And the Cat,was a gold color,and she wanted nothing else! i would say,that Freida,ia a Gorgeous Cat,with Tortie,and White Front,and Cats,are Cats,and the coloring,is by Our Lord.