When calico kittens are born, they are typically a lighter shade of their adult colors, but they can still be difficult to distinguish from other kittens.
Here's why:
* Pigmentation develops over time: The full expression of the orange and black colors takes a few weeks to several months.
* The white patches: The white patches are often visible at birth, but the orange and black areas may appear as more of a pale grayish-brown.
* Individual variation: Some kittens may have a more distinct color pattern at birth than others.
So, while you might be able to see hints of the calico pattern, the full range of colors will become more prominent as the kitten grows.