Sep 8, 2022 · Tortoiseshell cats are orange-and-black cats resembling the body patterning of a tortoise, while calico cats have three colors in their coat (orange, black, and white). The terms tortoiseshell and calico are mainly used to signify the color patterns of the cat’s fur and are not considered a breed.

May 14, 2019 · Calicos, tortoiseshells, and torbies all belong to a category of cat colors called tricolor. Of the four type of cat coat colors listed, the torbie cat is most rare. The term “torbie” is short for tortoiseshell-tabby, and they were once referred to as reverse torties.

Mar 4, 2025 · Usually, it goes one of two ways. A calico can share the attitude of a tortie—bold, independent, and mischievous. Or they can be very relaxed, gentle, and loving. The calico has an exceptionally...

Aug 14, 2023 · Tortoiseshell and calico cats have a great deal in common. They both have the genes that create the distinctive tortoiseshell coat pattern with blotches of red fur mingled with black. Where calico and tortoiseshell cats differ, is that calico cats have an additional gene we call the spotting gene.

Mar 11, 2025 · When it comes to multicolored cats, there are several eye-catching felines, some of which are hard to distinguish. Both tortoiseshell and calico cats have vibrant coats and distinctive patterns, which can lead to confusion, but there are key differences between the two. Let's explore what sets a tortoiseshell cat vs. calico cat apart.

Feb 19, 2025 · Tortoiseshell and calico cats are stunning creatures, each with their own striking appearance and charm. But don’t be fooled by their similar looks—these two cats are not the same. Beneath those beautiful coats lies a world of differences that make each one unique.

Calico and tortoiseshell (tortie) are both common coat colours/patterns which appear almost exclusively in female cats. The terms calico and tortoiseshell are often used interchangeably, and it is easy to see why.

Nov 27, 2024 · Curious about tortoiseshell and calico cats? Explore the genetic differences between calico and tortoiseshell cats that create their unique coat patterns and debunk common myths about these captivating felines.

One of the most noticeable differences between calico and tortoiseshell cats is the presence of white in calicos. While calico cats have large patches of white in addition to their black and orange coloring, tortoiseshell cats do not have any white on their coat.

Jan 19, 2025 · The differences between tortoiseshell and calico cats lie in their special color patterns. In this article, I’ll explain how the tortoiseshell pattern compares to the calico pattern. To begin, while a tortie coat might not have any white at all, a calico coat always includes white.