The most important detail to have in mind before analyzing the cats’ characters is that both, Calico and Tortie are connected to the color of the cat and not the breed. What is recognizable are the three colors: white, red, and black. So, an ordinary street cat can be characterized as a tortoiseshell as well as any other cat breed.
Understanding the Patterns to Know the Difference
The mesmerizing beauty of these cats’ patterns will for a moment make you unable to notice the difference. Telling whether is it a Tortoiseshell pattern or a Calico will be impossible. Both of the coat patterns are unique in their patchy color combination.
I will try to give you a brief hint to recognize the difference.
Tortoiseshells or the nickname “torties” have an orange and black combination of colors. Scientifically, in genetics, this is called Lyonization. You must also know that the colors can be with a strong pigmentation or in many different shades.
Black may appear grey or even brown, the orange may look like ginger, red, or sometimes even a cinnamon color.
You may also hear about a dilute “tortie” where the black and orange color may be switched with a creamy and blue coat.
Please note that Tortoiseshell cats don’t have any white.
Calico cats are also mosaic-colored cats and the only thing that makes them different from Calicos is that they do have white in their coat palette.
Assume this difference as the “one and only” between these cat patterns.
Wondering about the size of the white area on the cat’s fur it may be just a spot, it can be mixed within two other colors, or it may cover a large area of the cat’s body. It has to do with genetics and you will never know what kind of kittens you will get. But what you should also know is that when a Tortoiseshell cat has white markings that appear due to a genetic issue it will automatically be considered a Calico cat. Calicos can also be diluted.
Understanding Cat Coat Genetics
No matter how complicated this might appear to you this is a very short and scientifically explained issue. It is all about genetics.
Almost all of these two pattern cats, Calico and Tortoiseshell are female.
According to some studies in 300 females, there is only one male born. But let’s explain the chromosome combinations and make this easy to understand.
Female cats are born with two X chromosomes where the XB chromosome stands for the black color and the XO chromosome stands for the orange color. Just one of these will be passed on.
On the other side, a male Calico or Tortoiseshell cat has an X and a Y chromosome. You never know what color is carried by the male X chromosome. That is why only a genetic estimation comes into consideration.
The table of estimations looks exactly like this:
- Male XB and Female XB carry a black color
- Male XB and Female XO carry a combination of black and orange
- Male XO and Female XO carry the orange color
- Male XB and Female XO carry a combination of orange and black
What scientists don’t doubt is that a male Tortoiseshell or Calico father cat must have an additional X chromosome in their genetic structure and that made a male kitten to be born.
This case is very rare and that is why males with these color patterns are such a “bingo” to get in a litter.
So, what can be concluded after this explanation all the color patterns are strictly genetic.
Calico Cats – Definition and variations
Calico cats are not a separate breed. It is the color pattern that appears on numerous cat breeds. One can never see two identical Calico cats. They are well-known for their three-colored coats. The colors are black, orange, and white. Black and orange can be very strong and vibrant, but specific cats may appear in shades of cream and blue which is known as a “dilute calico” cat among geneticists.
These cats have interesting personalities. They are very loyal and loving and adjustable to their owner’s needs. These cats can be both short-haired or long-haired. Their eyes are mostly green, yellow, or blue. The life span can be up to 15 years of age. Their weight as an adult cat may reach 12 pounds and the length is around 18 inches.
Talking about their place of origin it is believed that they come from the Mediterranean region or probably Egypt.
Tortoiseshell (Tortie) Cats – Definition and character
Tortoiseshell cat is not a specific breed of a cat, but simply the coat color pattern. Similar to a tortoiseshell it gets its name from there. There are a variety of registered autonomic cat breeds that have this color pattern on their coat. Among many, there are Maine Coon, Persian Cat, American Shorthair, and many more.
Most of these cats are female. One in 3000 cats is male and it is because of the genetic combination which is highly unpredictable. Only an extra X chromosome in a father parent will give a male kitten in its litter.
These cats are very strong-willed, independent, and have an energetic personality. They are also affectionate feline companions. Being vocal is also one of the characteristics.
The cutest anecdote connected to this cat is the one about a female cat named Marzipan which lived in the Astor Theater in Australia for 21 years. It used to cuddle with the guests and attracted the attention of almost everyone who visited the movie theater.
The love span of this coat pattern cat is between 15-20 years of age depending on the breed.
Tortoiseshell cats are fond of playing, so get ready to obtain enough time for your feline companion.
Male Calico and Tortoiseshell cats
Very rare and uncommon. They are assumed to be a miracle when being born. Their color pattern is linked to chromosomes and their combination or as previously said they are a result of an uncommon appearance in genetics.
The lifespan of a male cat is shorter than that one of a female. They are more exposed to health problems, as well. Male Calico or Tortie cats may experience diabetes, high body weight, joint pain, or as many other cats, a heart disease.
