Tortie vs. Calico — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 16, 2024
A Tortie cat has a coat with a mix of black, red, and orange patches, while a Calico cat features distinct patches of white, black, and orange.
Difference Between Tortie and Calico
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Tortie cats, short for tortoiseshell, have a coat pattern that consists of a blend of black, red, and orange colors. These colors mix together in a mosaic-like pattern, giving the tortie a unique appearance. On the other hand, Calico cats have a coat with clearly defined patches of white, black, and orange.
The distribution of colors in Tortie cats is more interwoven, creating a more marbled look. Calico cats, however, exhibit more distinct and separate blocks of color. While Tortie cats lack significant amounts of white in their coats, Calico cats are characterized by large white areas along with their black and orange patches.
In terms of genetics, both Tortie and Calico patterns are usually found in female cats due to their link to the X chromosome. While both patterns are rare in male cats, the Calico pattern can sometimes be a result of genetic anomalies.
Tortie cats can have subtle variations in their color patterns, sometimes appearing more muted or diluted, whereas Calico cats typically maintain their distinct tri-color separation. Both patterns are admired for their beauty and uniqueness among cat enthusiasts.
Comparison Chart
Coat Pattern
Blended/marbled mix
Distinct patches
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Colors
Black, red, orange
White, black, orange
Presence of White
Minimal to none
Significant amount
Genetic Rarity
Common in females, rare in males
Common in females, very rare in males
Variations
Subtle, muted variations possible
Typically distinct tri-color separation
Compare with Definitions
Tortie
A cat pattern with a marbled or blended look.
The Tortie's marbled fur pattern is stunning.
Calico
A tri-colored cat with clearly separated colors.
The Calico's distinct color patches make her stand out.
Tortie
A term referring to tortoiseshell cats.
Many people admire the Tortie's unique appearance.
Calico
A term referring to cats with a specific coat pattern.
Calico cats are often seen as lucky in some cultures.
Tortie
A coat pattern mostly found in female cats.
The Tortie's genetic makeup is fascinating.
Calico
A pattern commonly found in female cats.
Calico cats are nearly always female due to their genetics.
Tortie
A cat with a mottled coat of black, red, and orange.
My Tortie cat has a beautiful mix of black and orange fur.
Calico
A coat with significant white areas.
Her Calico has more white than black or orange.
Tortie
A mix of two colors other than white.
Her Tortie has a mix of dark brown and orange.
Calico
A cat with distinct patches of white, black, and orange.
My Calico cat has large patches of black and orange.
Tortie
(informal) A tortoiseshell cat.
Calico
Calico (; in British usage since 1505) is a plain-woven textile made from unbleached, and often not fully processed, cotton. It may also contain unseparated husk parts.
Calico
A tightly woven cotton cloth having a repeating, often floral design.
Calico
Chiefly British A plain white cotton cloth, heavier than muslin.
Calico
An animal, such as a cat, having a coat of white fur with distinct patches of different colors, usually reddish-orange and black.
Calico
(textiles) A kind of rough cloth made from unbleached and not fully processed cotton, often printed with a bright pattern.
Calico
Ellipsis of calico cat
Calico
(uncountable) The plant disease caused by Tobacco mosaic virus.
Calico
Made of calico or resembling the color of calico cloth, having a pattern of red and contrasting areas; variegated.
The calico cat had distinctive red and dark markings.
The calico-patterned tablecloths were supposed to make the restaurant look rustic; instead, they made it look run down.
Calico
Plain white cloth made from cotton, but which receives distinctive names according to quality and use, as, super calicoes, shirting calicoes, unbleached calicoes, etc.
The importation of printed or stained colicoes appears to have been coeval with the establishment of the East India Company
Calico
Cotton cloth printed with a figured pattern.
Calico
Made of, or having the appearance of, calico; - often applied to an animal, as a horse or cat, on whose body are large patches of a color strikingly different from its main color.
Calico
Coarse cloth with a bright print
Calico
Made of calico or resembling calico in being patterned;
Calico dresses
A calico cat
Calico
Having sections or patches colored differently and usually brightly;
A jester dressed in motley
The painted desert
A particolored dress
A piebald horse
Pied daisies
Common Curiosities
What is a Tortie cat?
A Tortie cat has a coat with a marbled mix of black, red, and orange.
How do Tortie and Calico patterns differ?
Tortie cats have a blended mix of colors, while Calico cats have distinct color patches.
Is there a specific breed for Tortie cats?
Tortie refers to a color pattern, not a specific breed.
Do Calico cats have a genetic basis for their pattern?
Yes, the Calico pattern is linked to genetics and typically found in female cats.
Are Tortie cats always female?
Most Tortie cats are female due to the pattern's genetic link to the X chromosome.
Can male cats be Calico?
Male Calico cats are very rare and usually result from genetic anomalies.
What is a common trait of Tortie cats?
A common trait is their marbled mix of colors without significant white.
Are Tortie and Calico cats the same breed?
No, Tortie and Calico refer to coat patterns, not specific breeds.
Why do Tortie cats have minimal white?
The Tortie pattern doesn't include significant white areas, unlike Calico.
Do both Tortie and Calico patterns occur in many breeds?
Yes, both patterns can be found in various cat breeds.
What colors are in a Calico cat's coat?
A Calico cat has distinct patches of white, black, and orange.
Are Calico cats considered lucky?
In some cultures, Calico cats are seen as symbols of good luck.
Which pattern is more distinct, Tortie or Calico?
The Calico pattern is more distinct with its clear color separation.
Can Tortie cats have variations in their patterns?
Yes, Tortie cats can have subtle, muted variations in their color patterns.
What makes a Calico cat unique?
Calico cats are unique due to their tri-color patches and significant white areas.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
