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!