Tortoiseshell Cat vs. Calico Cat: All About Mottling and White

The tortoiseshell pattern is easily recognizable across cat breeds. Caterina Trimarchi / Shutterstock

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.

Contents

What Defines a Tortoiseshell Cat?
What Makes a Calico Cat Unique?
Are Calicos and Tortoiseshells Different Breeds?
Male Cats: A Rare Occurrence

What Defines a Tortoiseshell Cat?

cat sleepind in pet bed — This tortie-tabby mix shows classic tortoiseshell coloring layered on orange tabby stripes. Beachmite Photography / Getty Images

Tortoiseshell is not a cat breed. Instead, it describes a cat's coat. Tortie cats have mottled coats, which blend shades of black, red, orange and sometimes cream. Unlike calicos, they typically lack white patches and have a more blended or brindled appearance.

Finding a male tortoiseshell is extremely rare, occurring only in cases of genetic anomalies. A male with tortoiseshell coat coloring is the result of two X chromosomes (though one is inactive) and one Y chromosome.

What Makes a Calico Cat Unique?

mom cat nursing kittens — A tortoiseshell mother nurses orange and gray tabby kittens while hugging a black kitten. Cat Hammond / Shutterstock

A calico cat shares a similar genetic background with tortoiseshells but has a distinct coat pattern that includes large white patches. The classic calico coloration consists of orange, black and white, creating a striking tri-color cat.

Like tortoiseshells, almost all calicos are female cats, with their coloring linked to having two X chromosomes.

The amount of white in a calico varies. Some have small patches of color on a predominantly white coat, while others have an even distribution of colors. Calico markings can also appear in different patterns and on different fur lengths.

Are Calicos and Tortoiseshells Different Breeds?

calico kitten — This kitten sports classic calico coloring in white, black and orange. ArtesiaID / Shutterstock

Neither torties nor calicos belong to a specific cat breed; these terms define their coat color rather than genetics tied to a breed. Both tortoiseshell and calico patterns appear in various breeds, including the Maine Coon and domestic shorthairs.

Male Cats: A Rare Occurrence

Since both tortoiseshell and calico patterns result from having two X chromosomes, male cats with these colorations are incredibly rare.

Male tortoiseshells or calicos almost always have an extra X chromosome. These rare males are usually sterile and may have health issues related to their genetic anomaly.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.