Calico or Tortoise shell

[Sunshine]

What's the difference between a calico and a tortoise shell cat?
Thanks.

[Catboy123]

HEY I THINK I KNOW WHAT A TORTOISE SHELL IS. tHATS WHEN THEN THE CAT HAS 3 COLORS ON THEM. i DONT KNOW ABOUT THE CALICO PART THOUGH;)

[jenluckenbach]

HI
A tortiose shell has black and red. The colors are touching, often in striped patterns.

A calico is black, red and white. The red and black are made up of patches on a white backgroud.

[RedHedd]

Tortoiseshell kitties, traditionally have NO white on them, just a combo of black and gold or red. Calicoes are red or gold/brown with black and white splotches, stripes or other myriad markings. Even though my Mitzi is mostly tortie, her white bib, paws and tummy throw her into the calico category. Mitzi's getting the cutest white "feathers" around her ruff. At first I thought it was matts and brushed her down real good - it's not matts, just longer white hairs around her neck - it's SO cute!

[Sunshine]

Thanks so much. I always thought my kitty Lucky was a calico. I sent a picture to a friend in NM and my friend said she was a tortoise shell and I was so confused.

:rolleyes:

I'm trying to include a picture with Lucky & my son. Cross your fingers, let's see if it works.

[PayItForward]

She is a beautiful Calico kitty (Just like my Milly girl in my signature)

[Sunshine]

Thanks! The picture of Milly looks very similar to Lucky. Does the coloring on her face split down the center?

[RP Cathouse]

I was looking at your beautiful girl, I was wondering if she is a patched tabby with white. The way you can tell is by her eyes. And I could not see her eyes. Here is my patched tabby with white. My understanding is that a calico and Tortie are solids not tabby. Tabby always has the M on the head. And around the eye has a different color like an eye shodow. At least that what breeders have told me. But does it really matter if it is a tortie or a calico, we love them for what they are. Our masters and we are the slaves. You have a beautiful cat and she is a good size, is she a purbreed cat? She looks like it! I would love to see what color her eyes are. If I can find my tortie will post her picture. If you would like.

Stella

[Sunshine]

Catboy, Jen, Redd & Payitforward thanks for your comments! I'm so happy I found petoftheday.com

RP Cathouse, I'd love to see your tortie if you find the picture. Thanks for the kitty compliments. I'll take another picture when my camera is available next week. Eyes open this time.

Lucky was a feral kitten and her mother and sisters & brothers were all different looking. When the kittens were old enough, my neighbor trapped the mama and the kittens and she found homes for them. Lucky was really scared at first and didn't want us to touch her. But I just held her and pet her and talked to her for hours.

Juli

[RP Cathouse]

This is Angel a tortie with white. If you notice there are no stripes or the tabby M on her head. She has a very loud purr. And she loves to cuddle, but she does have a tortie-tude.

[RP Cathouse]

This is Chinni as a kitten she is a tortie also with a very big tortie-tude, I think it something to do with the red in the torties. Chinni is my baby and such a love. A tortie is the result of breeding 2 cats that carry the solid gene. The breeding that gave me Chinni the Mom was Angel a tortie and dad was a brown Classic Tabby with white and he carries the solid gene. Some times colors and patterns can be very confussing. But I just looked at your girl and I still think she is wonderful.
Stella

[Sunshine]

Here's a picture of Lucky with her eyes open (grudgingly). She had a very late night last night & I woke her up for the picture. Seems only fair since she woke me up at 3:00 a.m.

[RedHedd]

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid69/pb8b80730178433b506a4f19bfbdd6993/fbbb6ca3.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid71/p5da371860a062219da66f01eea0547d2/fb8e7d53.jpg
and one of my favorite pictures of her:
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid74/p13de4c98c9302c1183c7c7ddbefb3517/fb64aba7.jpg

[Sunshine]

Mitzi is such a pretty girl. Thanks for sharing.
Juli

[RP Cathouse]

Lucky is a tortie with white and looking at her face, with her eyes open a very pretty one at that. She is very Lucky to have a mom like you.

Stella

[jenluckenbach]

I would call Lucky a tortie and white.

Torties sometimes DO have stripes...they have been using the term torbie for that.

And calicos also can have stripes (mine does) and I have heard them refered to as tabbicos.

But these are newer terms used to futher narrow down the descriptions.

[catcrazylady]

I'm so glad somebody asked this question!! I get so confused! Will somebody tell me if I'm right about mine???
Maggie Sue is a tortie...right? She has no white on her and golden green eyes.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid83/pec90c69de7d11fbd23beb669bb0c0cd7/fad578b8.jpg

Pervy is calico but there is a name for the type of calico she is. She is not patched but kind of blended and because she has a white neck, paws, and belly. Right???
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid87/p078ce2c21d0325d1fe8eb1340ea636b3/fa9cfc30.jpg

Thanks for any help. This tortie/calico thing can get confusing!!http://petoftheday.com/talk/images/our_smilies/biggrin.gif

[PayItForward]

Originally posted by Sunshine
Thanks! The picture of Milly looks very similar to Lucky. Does the coloring on her face split down the center?
Yes, half black & half ginger.
http://www.jennykenwright.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/images/BigGirlMilly.jpg

[RP Cathouse]

Tortie is a solid cat with or with out white. Having Black or black smoke as a base color with red in the coat it can be marbled and patches of red just like Milly or Lucky. But the color around the eyes are solid.

Calico has a base coat as White with patches of red and black very distinct patches. With no, not even one stripe on them. (If you were to show them as a calico. I have seen in the show hall one with one stripe on each side and it was not a calico.

Next is Torbie or patched they are both the same, Base color can be Silver or Brown with or without white. The patches can be marbled or patches in the base color. There will be the "M" tabby marking on the forehead and a ring of color like eye shadow around the eyes. Torbie is a term used outside of the USA usually and it means Patched tabby.

Does this help any???

Stella

picture is a patched tabby with white

[Catboy123]

do you know what oreo and cocoa are. in terms of calico and tortoise?

[RP Cathouse]

The only way I have heard the term oreo is a black and white or tuxie. Cocoa the only thing I can think of is the shade of brown which would be a warm brown the color of cocoa and a cool brown is almost a gray in color.
I will ask around to see if there is a different answer.

Stella
PS I love the black and white and the other one is very sweet looking:)

[Sunshine]

Wow! Thanks for all the information & pictures

George - I love the picture of Milly. She doesn't look very happy to have her picture taken though.

Catcrazylady, RP Cathouse & Redhedd - you've got some beautiful kitties.

[RP Cathouse]

In my eye all cats are beautiful, I do think I am very lucky to have all that I have. All the pictures I have seen here are very special cats. They look healthy, happy and very content. In my next life I want to come back as a pampered cat. That special one that will light up the life of someone.

Stella

[wolfsoul]

My cat Sara is a tortoiseshell and white. :)

[RP Cathouse]

Your Sara is stunning, WOW!! And what a coat.
Stella

[trayi52]

I think Grover is a tortie, isn't she? Of course she has a bobtail, a very weird tail.:)

[wolfsoul]

Originally posted by RP Cathouse
Your Sara is stunning, WOW!! And what a coat.
Stella
Thanks! :D

Trayi52 -- Yes, Grover is a torti. :)

[RP Cathouse]

What a cutie Grover is. Such a sweet face. She sure does look like a tortie to me. Does Grover have a Tortie-Tude?
Stella

[RP Cathouse]

I forgot to ask you if Sara has a Tortie-Tude? Has something to do with the red in her coat and pursonality.
Stella

[wolfsoul]

Originally posted by RP Cathouse
I forgot to ask you if Sara has a Tortie-Tude? Has something to do with the red in her coat and pursonality.
Stella
Yup, definatly! I always say she's evil lol. Not far from the truth. ;)

Here's another pic of her.

[RP Cathouse]

This was my beloved Chinni. I am sure she has earned her wings some how, but boy did she have a tude. But she was and is my Angel. She was a kitten rejected by her mother and I took over the job and fell in love, she lived to be only 18 months, that was longer than expected but not long enough,(for me). I know she will be one of the first to greet me at the Rainbow Bridge.

Stella

[wolfsoul]

Aww, she was very pretty! :) She reminds me somewhat of Sara.

[trayi52]

Grover is very loving at times, which is most of the time. She lays down with me and licks me and purrs to me, then goes to sleep on me. She is my sweet little baby that seems to be there when I want to hold her, of course she has her times when she wants to play. LOL, like if something don't go her way, she will just sit at my desk and tear paper up with her teeth. She is hilarious to watch, she is so active. I think she takes her tortitude out on my chihuahuas, she loves to tackel them and make them yell. I guess she is about 8 months old now. I don't know her birthdate, never got to see what her mother and daddy even looked like. She was found in a trashcan at the school, so I just know she had just got her eyes open, and I have been her mommy ever since. I have loved every minute of it.:)

[RP Cathouse]

What a sad beginning, but she now has a wonderful life ahead of her, she was very lucky to get you. But I really feel that you are the lucky one. Yes, Chinni use to play hole punch when I was at the computer and the printer was printing papers, of if she saw one of my papers laying around, heck any paper was fair game. At night she would cuddle or sleep on top of me and growled if another cat came up to lay with me. Since she is gone I have had many sleepless nights because she is not there to protect and comfort me. But I do have other cats that try to fill the void and now are doing a pretty good job of it.

Here is Chinni the hole punch!

Stella

[trayi52]

Hi Stella,
Chinni was very cute, she was the hole punch huh, Grover is the shredder, she gets rid of evidence. lol.
Please tell me what happened to your Chinni. You have to miss her terribly. I had a cat to pass away last year of old age. Grover seems to have took on her personality, the licking and laying on me and purring. I missed Pyewackett(the older cat) but I don't miss her as much now that I have Grover.
:)

[trayi52]

By the way Stella, Chinni and Grover would have worked well together in an office, your Chinni could punch the holes, and Grover could shredd the paper. Great Team, huh?:D

[RP Cathouse]

I breed Maine Coons and Chinni was the only kitten I have ever had that was rejected by her Mom, I guess she was not suppose to be. I should know Mom's know Best! But my heart would not let her fade away. So I put her with another Mom, Ele`, and bottle fed her. She would come running when I came to feed her, climbing up in my lap drinking the bottle and then falling asleep. I had to put wet kitten food in her mouth and finally she realized it was good to eat. Ele' taught her well, but I guess I was the mom.
She had a tail that wagged like a dog, it was never up. So she had no balance. There were other medical things wrong with her but she was a fighter. Finally more and more became wrong and she became worse with her problems and with in 2 days her mouth and thoart and tongue became swollen and very infected. I could have sent her to a vet college to see if they could help her. But my friend, and mentor a breeder, ask me one question.
That stopped me from thinking about myself. Is she happy?? The only answer was no, she hurt, she couldn't swallow, the only time I saw her eyes shine was when she was next to me. So I had her put to sleep. I really can't tell more than that because I still need her. I am selfish that way I want to hear her purr, for her to sleep on me and protect me and comfort me.
I agree they would have made a pair!! And what a pair.
Stella
Kitten Chinni the Angel

[trayi52]

Oh Stella, she was so beautiful, your story has brought tears to my eyes, I am so sorry that she had to leave you. I am very selfish too, I just want my little baby. That baby picture sure does look a lot like Grover did when she was so babyish. I know you have to miss her. It is so hard to lose a companion like that. How long did she get to stay with you?
I got Grover in April, my daughter found her in a trash can at school, the boys in the mechanics shop had used her as a football, and actually had her sailing through the air like a football, one of the boys thought she was dead and threw her in the trash, I guess Grovers mom left her behind too, because the boys had found her in an old car parked at the shop. I too bottle fed her, and went through trying to get her to learn to eat, thought I was never going to teach her that, she thought she was supposed to suck the food out of the bowl. I worry still about everything she does. She lays next to me and breaths in my ear. I wish you still had your beautiful Chinni, she sounds like she would make a great thread on here. I would love hearing all about her, she makes me think of Grover so much. I wish you much happiness. I really do feel so sad for you and Chinni, sounds like she had a good mommy in you. :) I am the only mommy Grover has ever known, and sounds like Chinni knew you to be her only mom too. What a team they would have been together!!


Willie

[trayi52]

Stella, sorry I didn't see where you said you only had her for 18 months, sorry I overlooked that. I keep going back and looking at that baby picture.

Willie

[RP Cathouse]

Thank you very much for your kink words. It has been over 2 months since Chinni past away. I still weep for her. Some people can't understand how some one can get attached to a cat, because they think they are loners, aloof, dumb animals. But the more I learn about them the more I know that they are smarter than most of those people. They know when to give, and love and cuddle ect. When most people don't. They know when to stay out of the way, most people don't. They know when you need a kind word or a purr. Most people won't take the time. Well you get the idea. I have always found something nice to say, even if I don't like the person. Like my Mom always said. If you don't have nothing nice to say don't say anything. So, I have no idea where this is going, I just lost my train of thought. One thing I have found out that most people who rescue don't like breeders. But I do feed the kitties who are left outside and have no shelter, fresh water, or food left for them. They live under my front porch it is safe, dry, out of the elements, and I put old towels, clothing, anything I can find for them to lay on under there. Which is more than their owners do for them. And if one day they don't show up when called the owners show no grief, nor shed one tear for the kitties. Me I morn every cat I have taken care of because some one has to. Well enough of that. It warmed my heart what I read and I do thank you.
And I agree they would have been a great pair. I would have loved to watch them at work doing their thing. LOL

Stella

The picture is of Cathan who will be coming to the States to live with me in about a month or so. She is a blue patch no white.

[trayi52]

Cathan, is that how you spelled that, is so cute, just look at those beautiful blue eyes, I love her, oh I would take her in a heartbeat. My husband don't like for me to have cats, but I believe I could keep one hid for a while like that. LOL.
I know what you mean Chinni has only been gone for 2 months, and it is still fresh in your mind and heart, very fresh. I hate it when people just can't take it seriously when you lose a pet that was so dear to you. I had a friend that couldn't have children and her dogs became her children. When that dog died, she cried for such a long time, and I cried with her. Anyway my point is that some of her other friends said I don't know why she is crying over a dog, it was "just" a dog. I told her, don't you understand that was like losing her child, she loved it so much. She wanted another after awhile or anyway her husband wanted her to have another to try and help fill the void she had in her life, so he told me to go out and find her another German Shepard, and money was no object, so I found a very reputeable breeder and got her that dog, to this day he defends her and she feels safe, but she still misses the one she lost. That is love. Her husband passed away about 2 years ago, and now it is just her and her dog.
Well here I have gone and strayed from the topic too. I think we would be a good pair too. LOL. But yes I feel your pain of losing your precious Chinni, I saved her picture to my desktop so I can just look at her, both pictures.:) I hope Cathan can help fill the void left in your heart, she looks like she is just sweet enough to start on it anyway. :)

[RP Cathouse]

I think we would make a great pair!! Thanks you made my day.
I was and still am smiling over your post. Many many thanks.
Stella

[In_love_with_cats]

Tortoiseshell have three color, cream, red and black and calico have white, red and black. With a calico, they could have patches on their body or they could mix of red, white and black together. Here are pictures of my Tortoiseshell:

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid61/p685d4b4a6028781105dd8b5a2f3f17f8/fc24a90d.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid61/p16dc41c23b30752460d6e2cca03332b4/fc24a55b.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid61/p53cac77db2ccf6d4d344e7630919c2da/fc24a559.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid63/pbca60e3580ff61051a5f3853f552e2bd/fc08e683.jpg

[trayi52]

Your little tortie is so cute, I love the picture with the sweater on, and sitting in the basket. Grover Used to like to sit in the basket, but she outgrew her basket, just got to big for hers. What is your tortoise shell's name? Is it male or female? Here are a couple of pictures of mine, she doesn't have the long tail though.

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid83/pabba4ec68ec0219967ac3890ad5b7eca/fad9953e.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid83/p81c44741f96f9f69a44e437f627603d2/fad4602f.jpg

[In_love_with_cats]

I love your tortoiseshell kitty, very cute. Nice picture. Her name is Sabrina and of course she is a female. How old is your Tortie? Is she a devil and saucy like my Sabrina? Can I have your opinion, to me my tortie has abit of Siamese in her. For one she is very nervous, has big ears and very small for her age. She is alittle over 2years old. Can you tell me what you think? Thanks!!

[trayi52]

How dumb, I can't believe I ask you if she was male or female, after everybody on here has told me over and over that they are most always female. I am embarrassed, LOL, I feel like a dummy.
I have only had my Grover since april, so I guess she is about 8 months old now, my daughter got her out of a trashcan, and she had just got her eyes open, this is the first tortoise shell I have ever owned. I think Sabrina is beautiful, like I said I love the picture of her wearing a sweater, I haven't tried to get Grover to wear a sweater yet, have to try that. She is a clown, though and always doing something to make me laugh at her. She is very loving and loves licking my eyelids. Of course she has her moments of being very independent, like don't bother me right now, don't you see I'm trying to sleep here? Here is some recent pictures of her, I posted it in another thread called From trashcan kitty to just hanging around.:)

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid89/p1e5e8409e1c2fdd44d7710cb1199fb2c/fa802b2c.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid89/p452cab59b21082513162aa5e893036eb/fa802b2e.jpg

[RP Cathouse]

Now I will tell you something. There are male Torties and Patched and Calicos out there some where. But the Males are usually sterile. I have know a male calico. A handsome boy. Remember there is always an exception to the rule.

Stella

[trayi52]

I was reading that on one of the other threads about so many males out of so many females being born, I think amoore had something like that on here, and about them being sterile too, thats why I felt so stupid asking about being a boy or girl. Stella I really feel stupid. I don't know why I didn't remember that, like I said, I don't remember from one page to the next. I think I may be gettinn old. LOL, the brain is old and tired I think. LOL. Thanks Stella for the reminder. :)

[RP Cathouse]

A calico is mostly white with defined red and black patches, not mix like a Tortie or a patched tabby. I wish i had a picture of a calico. But the red patches and the black patches are very defined, and on a high with coat. Did I explain it well enough??

Stella

[trayi52]

Hi Stella, how are you doing tonight? And how are all your babies. Just wondering how you are doing.:)
Willie

[tomkatzid]

OH, this baby is SO cute.
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid83/p81c44741f96f9f69a44e437f627603d2/fad4602f.jpg

[RP Cathouse]

Hi Willie,
I had a late night at work. I am in retail and the holidays are coming up. All of my babies are doing fine. Ele` is starting to get a little tummy on her. Her kittens are due the middle of Dec. So now I am getting the kitten room ready when I have time off. I think I will start a new post on that what do you think.
How is that cutie Grover doing. Such a sweet face.

Stella
This is Ele`

[Sunshine]

I love all the pictures you all shared. I'm going to go spend some time with my Lucky right now!

Juli

[RP Cathouse]

What a beautiful girl. Very nice coloring and a sweet face.

Stella

[trayi52]

tomkatzid, Thanks for the compliment on my little bosslady.

Stella, Ele is beautiful, hope you had a great Thanksgiving.

Sunshine they are all beautiful, aren't they? I love the picture of Maya, lut. She is very beautiful!
:)

[rpcathouse]

Ele` just had kittens on Dec. 20th and guess what she had a tortie. Here is a picture of her it is not a good one, will have to take more later.

[trayi52]

Aww Stella, that baby is so cute. It looks like Grover in the face, don't it. Is that baby going to be long haired? How long does it take a kitten to open it eyes. Post a picture of her as soon as she opens her eyes, Okay?

That would help me kind of know how old Grover was when I got her, she had just got her eyes open when I got her, so I don't know her real age. She doesn't seem to have grown much to me, since the picture of her crawling up the wall.

Grover came to live with me on April 4, and it looked like she had not had her eyes open very long at all.

I love the picture of your baby tortie, she is so cute!!

Thanks for the picture Stella!

Willie

[rpcathouse]

Willie,
Today all of their eyes are open. And they are on the move, scooching around on their tummies. And rolling over on there backs. I can sit and watch them for hours. Here she is with her brother laying on top of her.

Stella

[trayi52]

Stella, Thats the way Grover looked when my daughter Lin brought her home from school, her ears down and all. So poor little Grover was about the same age!!

Thanks for the picture, I love that little baby girl. I wish I could have more cats.


Thanks Stella,
Willie:)

[rpcathouse]

Ok here is the baby Tortie, she is now over 3 weeks old and such a cutie.

[trayi52]

Stella
She looks like Grover did when she started toddling around and running her head into thing, she didn't look up. She would just sort of toddle right into walls and our rock fireplace.

Stella is she going to have long hair? She sure does look fuzzy.

Thanks Stella for the update, I really appreaciate it, its like watching Grover grow up all over again.

Willie