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


And here is Lilith


Here they are together. You can see the difference in their markings.


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.

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??
PS. Your kitties are cute,too!

[Freedom]

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

[krazyaboutkatz]

Thanks for replying ! She might be a tortie/Torbie , but how about a black tortie with white, like in this picture??
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.

[moosmom]

Tortishell aka "Tortie" - Mollie Rose


Calico - Shortie Girl (show name Little Mews Faberge)