How about this fax we just received at The News-Herald:

"The Cleveland Animal Protective League has a rare kitten in its custody -- a male calico!

Male calicos are a genetic anomaly. The calico coloring is determined by a specific genetic code on the X chromosome. Females have two X chromosomes (XX) making the coloration possible. For calico coloring to be present in a male, the cat must inherit an extra X chromosome (XXY) rather than having the usual male XY configuration. The odds of a male calico being born are one in 3,000.

Gabe, the Cleveland APL's special little calico, has already found a wonderful home and will be adopted on June 3rd, but he's a GREAT reminder that hundreds of very, very special kittens and cats are waiting at the Cleveland APL and other area shelters. While these other special felines may not be one in 3,000, each and every one of them is one of a kind."

For more information about adopting from the Cleveland APL, call 216-771-4616 or click here.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com