From Merriam-Webster:
Main Entry: caláiáco
                        Pronunciation: 'ka-li-"kO
                        Function: noun
                        Inflected Form(s): plural -coes or -cos
                        Etymology: Calicut, India
                        Date: 1578
                        1 a : cotton cloth imported from India b British : a plain white cotton
                        fabric that is heavier than muslin c : any of various cheap cotton fabrics
                        with figured patterns
                        2 : a blotched or spotted animal; especially : one that is predominantly
                        white with red and black patches
                        - calico adjective


Word is that our attorney general is afraid of calico cats: Ashcroft on calico cats


Others say it's the other way around:    calico cats' attitude
toward Ashcroft

And, apropos cats (catboxes) in general: