"calico cat" means: The American term for a domestic cat with a distinctive tricolour coat of white, orange, and black patches — known in the UK as a tortoisesh.... This is a fairly neutral word with no inherent risk attached. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than something dangerous. If your child uses it, context will usually make the meaning clear. A brief, curious question about where they heard it is generally enough to know whether to follow up.