The main difference between tortoiseshell and calico cats is the existence of white in the coat. Differences Between Tortoiseshell And Calico Cats Calico cats can also be called tortie-and-white, tricolor, torbie or piebald cats. “Diluted” calicos have gray rather than black in their coat coloring. Traditional calico cats have large piebald type white, orange and black patches. The calico cat coat can come in a wide variety of coat patterns like fingerprints, no two are alike. Mainly female, a calico cat is fairly easy to recognize because of its orange, black and white patterned coat.

The calico cat coat can come in a wide variety of coat patterns, and no two are alike.Ĭalico is not the name of the breed but a description of a color pattern that appears in many different cats. In either case, their coat may be a healthy mix of dark black or chocolate, with shades of ginger, red or orange color mixed in.Ī tortoiseshell cat has a reputation of having a distinct, strong personality and feisty attitude, a phenomenon commonly referred to as “tortitude.” What Are Calico Cats? This can occur on the face or throughout the entire body. Because torties are not a specific breed of cat, their overall coloring usually appears brindle.Ī chimera coat describes a tortoiseshell cat that is one color on one side of its body and a different color on the other side. “Dilute” tortoiseshell cats are a lighter gray and orange rather than black and orange. Traditional tortoiseshell cats are a blend of deep orange and black colors. Tortoiseshell coats show up in many different purebred domestic cats, as well as in non-purebred cats. In the rare event that a tortoiseshell cat is a male, he is usually sterile. By definition, a tortoiseshell cat is a feline with a coat that resembles the mottled or particolored shell of a tortoise. Tortoiseshell cats are almost exclusively female. Tortoiseshell is not the name of a breed, but a description of a color pattern that can appear in cants of many different breeds and mixes.

Tortoiseshell cats are almost all female.

Tortie tabby cat