Torties, Tortoiseshells, and Calico Question

[catloverforever]

What is the difference between Tortie, Tortoiseshell, and Calico cats? I just got a new kitten, and I think she is either a Tortoiseshell or a calico. The shelter said she was calico. She is black, orange, and white. Her paws are white, but her limbs have an orange tabby stripe and a black stripe. She is adorable, and I am just wondering her color pattern. I will show pictures soon.
THANKS!

[vinjashira]

have a look at this website
http://www.messybeast.com/tricolours.htm

it is quite interesting to read and I believe you will find the answer to your question.

Congratulations for your new kitten by the way! :)

[kittycats_delight]

The term calico is only used in North America. Everywhere else they are knows as a tortoiseshell with white. Tortie is simply a shortened version of the word tortoiseshell. My cat Vixen in my signature is known in North America as a calico so is my cat Mytsi is the bottom box. My cat Lilith is known as a tortoiseshell. She is also in my signature in the middle small box.
And another thing. Tortoiseshell and calico are not breeds they are simply color patterns. Most likely she is either a DSH (domestic Shorthair) or DLH (domestic longhair). Which basically means no breed at all. What all my cats are and have been and like the majority of kitties in the world. :)

Here is Vixen
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/PTCRAZY/Vixen/PIC_0471.jpg

And here is Lilith
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/PTCRAZY/Vixen/LilithCOTD11-15-05.jpg

Here they are together. You can see the difference in their markings.
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b74/PTCRAZY/Vixen/threecats2.jpg

Hope that answers your question.


Oh so do you have any pictures of the little sweetheart?

[krazyaboutkatz]

Actually tortoiseshell and calico cats aren't a special breed. This describes the coat pattern that they have. Here's a very good link with pictures that will hopefully show you the difference:Tortoiseshell and Calico Cats (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calico_cat).

These kinds of cats are also known for their personalities. Some people say that their torties have tortitude.:)

[catloverforever]

Thanks for replying to my question about Torties, Tortoiseshells, and Calicos! Everyone's reply was really helpful, and now I know that they aren't really breeds, just coat patterns, and the real breed is just DSH. Here are some pictures of the new kitten. Do you think she is a tortoiseshell or a calico for coat pattern? I think she may be a tortoiseshell.

[krazyaboutkatz]

She sure is adorable and looks like a she might be a Torbie/Tortie to me.:)

[catloverforever]

Thanks for replying :) ! She might be a tortie/Torbie :) , but how about a black tortie with white, like in this picture?? :confused:
PS. Your kitties are cute,too!

[Freedom]

OMG, look at the widdle baby! What's her name? She is so sweet to look at!

[catloverforever]

Thanks for saying my new kitten is cute :) . Her name is Nitschke (NitschKEY). It is an interesting name, I know. She is named after the football player Ray Nitschke. One of my other cats, Reggie, was also named after a football player, Reggie White. He has white paws, so the name goes with him perfectly. And my last cat, Nellie, was just named Nellie because I liked the name.
PS. I am enclosing a picture of Reggie White, who was Cat of The Day January 29, 2007. Enjoy and thanks!
PPS. All of your cats are REALLY cute! :) :) :) And your doggie, too! :D

[krazyaboutkatz]

Thanks for replying :) ! She might be a tortie/Torbie :) , but how about a black tortie with white, like in this picture?? :confused:
PS. Your kitties are cute,too!
Yes, I think that you're right. Whatever her coloring is, she sure is a cutie pie and your other cat Reggie is very handsome too.:)

[kittycats_delight]

What a little cutie pie. I would say you are correct on the black tortie with white. My Lilith also had white feet and a white belly with a big black splotch on her chest. :)

She is gonna be one gorgeous girl when she gets big. A knockout for sure. :D

[Catlady711]

That is a cute kitten! :)

If she came into our hospital we'd mark her down as a Domestic Shorthair, Black Torti-with white.

One of my torti's has some barely visable orange stripes on one leg but not as prominant as yours, my two and my mom's cat don't have any white on them.


Here's a site with pix of torti's with white

http://www.seregiontica.org/Colors/withwhite/withwhite.htm

[lvpets2002]

;) I think your babies are so adorable.. Here are three of mine with Torbie, Tortie & Calico colors..

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b335/lvpets2002/IMG_0874.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b335/lvpets2002/IMG_0941.jpg

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b335/lvpets2002/IMG_0965.jpg

[catloverforever]

Thanks to everyone who posted something about Nitschke! Thanks for saying she's cute, and for helping us find out her coat pattern. Her new nickname is "KiKi." Now we know that she is probably a domestic shorthair, black tortie w/ white, thanks to everyone's help and support! We are looking forward to a wonderful life with her, from kittenhood to adulthood to seniorhood!
Have a great day!
~Reggie, Nellie, "KiKi" and their Owner

PS. We will nominate Kiki for COFD and hopefully everyone else who has pets will nominate theirs, too!!!! We always look forward everyday to seeing the Cat of the day ( and DOFD and POFD)! Spread the word about this great website!
Remember: Every kitty is special in their own way! They are all beautiful in the inside and out-from kittenhood to adulthood!
Save a Life-Adopt a Pet at a rescue center or shelter.

[RedHedd]

Kiki is SO cute! I love her markings! My Mitzi is what I call a calico/tortie. She has the tortitude of a tortie :D , but then she has a pretty white ruff, belly and her beautiful white mitts for which she was named.

[moosmom]

Tortishell aka "Tortie" - Mollie Rose
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c358/deploss13/mollierose.jpg?t=1178107453

Calico - Shortie Girl (show name Little Mews Faberge)
http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c358/deploss13/shortie.jpg?t=1178107703