Akira is going to be of the same size as her mother anytime now!
If Samantha is a diluted calico, what is Akira then? A faded calico?
From https://sports.yahoo.com/lifestyle/dilute-calico-cat-rare-130404646.html
Are dilute calico cats rare?
Yes. Only one in every 1,000 cats is born a standard calico and dilute calico cats are even harder to come by.
One of the reasons for this is that the dilution gene is what’s known as a recessive gene. That means that a more dominant gene can mask it and a kitten would need to inherit the dilution gene from both parents to be born a dilute calico.
Because the dilution gene is recessive and can be overridden by a dominant gene, it’s also very hard to specifically breed dilute calico cats so, consider yourself very lucky indeed if you become the pet parent to one of these beauties.
Additionally, the calico pattern itself is linked to the X chromosome, which is why most calico cats are female. Male calico cats are extremely rare and usually have a genetic anomaly, such as being XXY instead of the typical XY. This genetic combination is required to produce the calico pattern in males, which makes them not only rare but also often sterile.
Dilute calicos are not just known for their unique coloring, but also for their charming personalities. They tend to inherit the playful and affectionate traits of their calico counterparts. As with all cats, their individual personalities can vary widely, but many owners of dilute calicos report that their pets are particularly friendly and sociable.
Given their rarity and the genetic intricacies involved in their appearance, dilute calico cats often attract a lot of attention and admiration. If you are fortunate enough to have a dilute calico as a pet, you not only have a rare and beautiful companion but also a fascinating example of feline genetics.
Oh wow….I never knew this!
But it makes no difference, we love ’em all!