#calico vs tortoiseshell cat

[roseate-felidae]

Zoe has grown so much!

Zoe now at 4 months (and 10 days)

Zoe at 7 weeks, 6 days old

It was inly January and I'm still in shock with how much she's grown!

[wc-confessions]

this is in response to this ask https://www.tumblr.com/wc-confessions/756445980081225728/can-warrior-cats-please-stop-with-this honestly I agree with this other ask in such a way, like i have never felt something so deep in my bones. so many years of "tortoise shell" and "tortoise shell and white" have driven me insane. i saw people in the comments on that original ask saying something about how "calico" is only an american term? honestly i've never heard of that being true, and even if it were true, it's crazy to me how the authors will never describe what a calico actually is when they mean to say a cat is calico. there are other ways of saying how a cat's coloration is predominantly white without specifically saying calico. "tortoise shell and white" doesn't cut it. torties can have white on their coat!!! they can have white spots or white paws and still just be tortoise shell, not calico. but after so many books, it feels very apparent that the authors ONLY say "tortoise shell and white" when they want to describe a calico cat, not actually just a tortie with a little bit of white. it's so frustrating that they so rarely clarify how much white vs tortoise shell these cats have.

i didn't realize that characters like Sorreltail and Poppyfrost were meant to be calicos for YEARS AND YEARS. they are basically never described as such!!! i remember after getting through almost all of TNP before they ever mentioned that Sorreltail had more white in her coat that anything else, and i honestly thought it was a simple mistake akin to when they get a cat's eye color wrong and i ignored it. i'm just saying, even if the authors don't use the word calico they need to do better at actually describing the cats the way they're supposed to look. it's frustrating to picture a character one way for a decade, only to find out that the author did a bad job of describing them and they actually look completely different. i propose a simple change - "tortoise shell and white" = cat who is a tortoise shell, but with white paws or ears or the tip of their tail "white with tortoise shell" = calico cat. cat with a large portion of their body being white, with tortoise shell throughout or in small patches

"tortoiseshell and white" is actually what most non-north americans call calicos!

calicos are distinctly different from tortoiseshells due to the fact that tortoiseshells have a black undercoat rather than a white one. so when the erins are describing a cat as "tortoiseshell with white x/y/z," they are describing a calico

[ID: A calico cat (US English) is a domestic cat of any breed with a tri-color coat. The calico cat is most... /end ID]

[ID: A calico cat is not to be confused with a tortoiseshell, who has a black undercoat and a mostly mottled coat of black/red or blue/cream with relatively few to no white markings. However, outside North America, the calico pattern is more commonly called tortoiseshell and white. Calicoes... /end ID]

[ID: The fabric called "calico" was originally from the city of Calicut in southwestern India.[11] Printed calico was imported into the United States from Lancashire, England, in the 1780s, and a linguistic separation occurred there. While Europe maintained the word calico for the fabric, in the US it was used to refer to the printed design or pattern. These colorful, small-patterned printed fabrics gave rise to the use of the word calico to describe a cat coat of tri-color; "calico" as an adjective being synonymous to "mottled" or "resembling printed calico". /end ID]

-mod ashensky

[gamercats-fight]

Tara from Baldur's Gate 3 vs Fat Cat from FINAL FANTASY XIV Online. Vote for your fav!!

Need help picking? Check down here!

Tara - Larian Studios - 2023 - Tortoiseshell Tressym:

Gale (one of the companions) wanted a cat when he was a child but his parents wouldn’t let him get one. So he summoned a tressym named Tara. Tara is an intelligent wizard in her own right who just happens to also be a cat, and after being summoned decided that oh you know what I’ll stay. Gale and Tara remained friends and colleagues their entire life. Tara does not like Gales beard and keeps demanding he shaves it. When you meet her in game she might cast fireball at you. Tara does not care how big the room is, she casts fireball.

he's super sassy and I absolutely adore her. She's more of a doting aunt than a pet to her friend Gale, the wizard that conjured her as a child. She nags him about his beard because she doesn't like how it looks, then in the same breath asks if he's been eating well. She can also throw fireballs at people who bother her which just makes her that much better.

Fat Cat - Square Enix - 2014 - Calico cat:

Chonky mother fucker, just look at him, he is peak perfection, I love him

[felinefractious]

Hi hi! This blog absolutely fascinates me! Would you mind expanding on the “calico” thing a bit more? I understand that the words “calico” and “tortoiseshell” are color patterns and that “tortoiseshell” appears to be the more proper terminology in regards to genetics (much as medical professionals use medical jargon amongst themselves, e.g., using the word “vaccination” among colleagues vs. the word “shot” in front of patients), but what would you say is a “calico?” Is it an “all German Shepherds are dogs, but not all dogs are German Shepherds” type situation?

I’d say the vaccination/shot analogy would be the more similar example. Calico is largely a colloquial term and the amount of white which transitions a “tortoiseshell with white” to a “calico” is subjective more than rigidly defined.

So if an anon asks me for examples of a “calico” I have a general idea of what they’re looking based on cultural awareness even though it’s not a genetic term and is largely not used by the major registries.

But at the same time what is a calico to me may deviate slightly from what is a calico to anon. Maybe I interpret the term more widely and include cats with less white spotting than what anon would consider a calico.

[amber-tortoiseshell]

Cat color tournament

Round 6

The Finals

(I excluded here the first two rounds for visibility.)

Black vs Black tortoiseshell silver blotched tabby bicolor

Despite the support of the champion color restriction gene and the tumblr-famous representative: Kepler, the black rosetted tabby point lost the semifinal - the good old trustworthy BLACK will enter the final round (represented by @mr-beistie's little Bartok). Well, black cats are certainly iconic, no wonder they made it to the finals.🖤

In the other semifinal's pairing the voters decided that a little silver lining just adds to the charms of a calico, so the opponent will be the BLACK TORTOISESHELL SILVER BLOTCHED TABBY BICOLOR (huh, that's mouthful). A beautiful, vibrant, shining multicolor cat - it will give a nice contrast to the final match.

[bonefall]

If it wouldn’t be a bother, could you use some pictures of real cats, then describe them like in the books? I have a hard time picturing what the characters would look like, as I don’t really understand the descriptors used.

Do you mean like... what a ginger cat looks like? Tortoiseshell-and-white vs Calico? I'm not sure I understand the question, anon

[lets-make-warriors]

Hi, here's a basic information post about what's happening on this blog!

With the introduction of polls on tumblr, I thought I'd do a sort of community oc-making blog, where everyone can decide on the characters, the environments, and the story. It'll be a lot to cover, but it might be fun.

We'll start with basic things, we'll decide on a clan name, the main character(s), but eventually I'll prompt some character ideas to fill out the rest of the side characters and so on, we'll figure it out as we go. It's all just for fun!

Currently running polls:

Clan -

Personality -

Skills -

Finished Polls:

Rank - Medicine Cat Apprentice

Appearance (multiple polls)

Colorpoint Tortoiseshell, mostly red and black, tall, bulky, longhaired, baby-faced, and scarred

Alignment - Chaotic neutral

Priorities - In order of highest to lowest: knowledge, their loved ones, adventure, purpose, safety, fame, power, and justice. They do not care about truth at all.

Other major information:

None

[white-persian-cat]

The Cost of Persian Cats in Hyderabad 2024

The Cost of Persian Cats in Hyderabad 2024

17 April 2024 by whitepersiancat.com

Cost of Persian Cats in Hyderabad: Persian cats, with their luxurious long coats and sweet personalities, have captured the hearts of cat lovers worldwide. Originating from Persia (modern-day Iran), these felines have a rich history and are renowned for their elegant appearance and gentle demeanor. In recent years, they have become increasingly popular as beloved pets in households across Hyderabad and beyond.

Table of Contents

Factors Affecting the Cost of Persian Cats in Hyderabad

Cost Breakdown of Persian Cats in Hyderabad

Average Cost Ranges

Finding Reputable Breeders in Hyderabad

Adoption vs. Purchase

Tips for Affording a Persian Cat

Conclusion

FAQs

Factors Affecting the Cost of Persian Cats in Hyderabad

Several factors influence the cost of purchasing a Persian cat in Hyderabad. The most significant factors include the cat’s coat color and pattern, pedigree and lineage, age, gender, and the reputation of the breeder.

Coat color and pattern play a significant role in determining a Persian cat’s price. Rare and sought-after colors such as silver, golden, and chinchilla tend to command higher prices compared to more common colors. Additionally, unique coat patterns such as tortoiseshell or calico may also increase the cat’s value.

Pedigree and lineage are crucial considerations for prospective Persian cat owners. Cats with champion bloodlines or lineage from reputable breeders often come with a higher price tag due to their desirable traits and genetic health. Cost of Persian Cats in Hyderabad.

The age and gender of the cat can also impact its cost. Kittens are generally more expensive than adult cats, reflecting the investment in their care and upbringing. Furthermore, female cats, especially those with breeding potential, may be priced higher than males.

The reputation of the breeder is paramount when purchasing a Persian cat. Reputable breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of their cats, conduct thorough health screenings, and provide proper care and socialization tend to charge higher prices for their kittens.

Cost Breakdown of Persian Cats in Hyderabad

When considering the cost of owning a Persian cat in Hyderabad, it’s essential to factor in various expenses beyond the initial purchase price. These include vaccination and medical expenses, grooming and maintenance, as well as ongoing costs such as food and accessories. Cost of Persian Cats in Hyderabad.

The initial purchase cost of a Persian cat can vary widely depending on factors such as age, pedigree, and quality. On average, Persian kittens from reputable breeders in Hyderabad can range from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 or more, with show-quality kittens commanding higher prices.

Vaccination and medical expenses are essential for maintaining the health and well-being of Persian cats. Routine vaccinations, deworming, and preventive care are necessary to protect against common feline diseases and ensure a long and healthy life. Depending on the veterinarian and the cat’s specific needs, these expenses can amount to several thousand rupees per year. Cost of Persian Cats in Hyderabad.

Grooming and maintenance are crucial aspects of caring for Persian cats due to their long, dense coats. Regular brushing and grooming sessions are necessary to prevent matting and tangles, as well as to promote healthy skin and coat. Professional grooming services may also be required periodically, adding to the overall cost of ownership.

Food and accessories constitute ongoing expenses for Persian cat owners. Providing high-quality cat food tailored to the cat’s nutritional needs is essential for maintaining optimal health. Additionally, accessories such as litter boxes, scratching posts, toys, and bedding contribute to the cat’s comfort and well-being.

Average Cost Ranges

The cost of Persian cats in Hyderabad can vary depending on several factors, including the cat’s age, quality, and rarity of color variations. Cost of Persian Cats in Hyderabad.

Kittens are typically more expensive than adult cats, with prices ranging from ₹20,000 to ₹50,000 or more for pet-quality kittens and upwards of ₹50,000 for show-quality kittens.

Show-quality Persian cats with desirable traits such as large, expressive eyes, a cobby body, and a dense, flowing coat command premium prices, often exceeding ₹1,00,000 or more.

Finding Reputable Breeders in Hyderabad

When purchasing a Persian cat in Hyderabad, it’s essential to do thorough research and find reputable breeders who prioritize the health and well-being of their cats. Cost of Persian Cats in Hyderabad.

Start by researching breeders online and reading reviews from other cat owners. Look for breeders who are transparent about their breeding practices, conduct health screenings, and provide proper care and socialization for their cats.

Visit catteries in person to meet the breeder and inspect the living conditions of the cats. Pay attention to cleanliness, organization, and the overall health and temperament of the cats.

Ask for references from the breeder and contact previous buyers to inquire about their experience and satisfaction with their Persian cats. Reputable breeders should be willing to provide references and answer any questions you may have about their breeding program.

Adoption vs. Purchase

While purchasing a Persian cat from a breeder is one option, adoption is another viable alternative that offers numerous benefits.

Adopting a Persian cat from a shelter or rescue organization gives a deserving cat a second chance at a loving home while also saving you money compared to purchasing from a breeder.

Additionally, many rescue organizations provide cats with necessary vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and microchipping, reducing the initial expenses associated with pet ownership.

However, it’s essential to consider the cat’s background and any potential health or behavioral issues when adopting from a shelter or rescue.

Tips for Affording a Persian Cat

Owning a Persian cat can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to budget for the associated expenses to ensure the cat’s health and well-being. Cost of Persian Cats in Hyderabad.

Start by estimating the costs of purchasing the cat, vaccinations, grooming, food, and accessories, and create a monthly budget to cover these expenses.

Seek financial assistance or explore alternative options if necessary. Some organizations offer low-cost veterinary services or financial aid programs for pet owners in need.

Consider alternatives such as pet insurance to help mitigate unexpected medical expenses and provide peace of mind.

Also Read: Best Cat Food for Persian Cats 2024 Also Read: How to Keep Ants Out of Cat Food 2024?

Conclusion

Cost of Persian Cats in Hyderabad: The cost of owning a Persian cat in Hyderabad involves various factors that potential pet owners should consider carefully. From the initial purchase price to ongoing expenses such as grooming, medical care, and food, owning a Persian cat requires a significant investment of both time and resources. However, the rewards of sharing your home with one of these beautiful and affectionate companions are immeasurable. Whether you choose to purchase from a reputable breeder or adopt from a shelter, responsible pet ownership is paramount. By budgeting for expenses, researching breeders, and providing proper care and attention, you can ensure a fulfilling and enriching relationship with your Persian cat for years to come.

FAQs

What factors influence the cost of Persian cats in Hyderabad?

The cost of Persian cats in Hyderabad is influenced by factors such as coat color and pattern, pedigree, age, gender, and the reputation of the breeder.

How much do Persian cats typically cost in Hyderabad?

The cost of Persian cats in Hyderabad can vary widely depending on factors such as age, quality, and rarity of color variations, with prices ranging from ₹20,000 to upwards of ₹1,00,000 or more.

What are the ongoing expenses associated with owning a Persian cat?

Ongoing expenses for Persian cat owners in Hyderabad include vaccination and medical expenses, grooming and maintenance, as well as food and accessories.

How can I find reputable breeders in Hyderabad?

To find reputable breeders in Hyderabad, it’s essential to research online, read reviews, visit catteries in person, ask for references, and ensure transparency about breeding practices and the health and well-being of the cats.

What are the benefits of adopting a Persian cat from a shelter?

Adopting a Persian cat from a shelter or rescue organization in Hyderabad offers benefits such as saving money compared to purchasing from a breeder, giving a deserving cat a second chance at a loving home, and often including vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and microchipping in the adoption fee.

[amber-tortoiseshell]

Cat color tournament

Round 1

This is a preparatory bracket! The submissions are still open!

The list, the order and the pairings can still change if there'll be more colors submitted, some of these are my own favourites i added to round up the list to 64. The bracket is organized randomly.

Don't worry if you can't find your submission here, i probably just used a different name to be consistent (for example: calico = black tortoiseshell with white).

Individual matchups under the cut (please alert me if you find any mistakes, like the same color appearing twice).

The polls' order of appearance won't necessarily be the same as the order on the bracket. Golden siberians are named sunshine the differentiate between them and other goldens. In case of tortoiseshells, silvers and wide band colors, i always indicated the base color.

Left side:

Black silver blotched tabby vs Red point

Black mackerel tabby with white vs Chocolate tortoiseshell harlequin

Blue tortoiseshell with white vs Fawn ticked tabby

Black karpati with white vs Chocolate silver mackerel tabby

Amber vs Blue

Black rosetted charcoal mink vs Blue spotted tabby bicolor

Black spotted tabby point vs Black mackerel tabby bicolor

Red mackerel tabby with white vs Black tabby van

Black blotched tabby with white vs Black tabby harlequin

Black silver shaded tabby vs Black silver spotted tabby

Black bicolor vs Black karpati

Black mackerel tabby vs Blue with white

Cinnamon bicolor vs Black point with white

White vs Chocolate

Amber blotched tabby vs Black rosetted tabby point

Black tortoiseshell silver blotched tabby bicolor vs Black sunshine silver tabby

Right side:

Black blotched tabby vs Blue tabby point

Black golden shaded tabby vs Blue mackerel tabby

Black harlequin vs Blue tortoiseshell

Blue based caramel spotted tabby vs Black sepia

Blue tortoiseshell blotched tabby with white vs Black smoke

Black tortoiseshell blotched tabby harlequin vs Blue blotched tabby with white

Black tortoiseshell point vs Phoenix

Black silver mackerel tabby vs Black tortoiseshell with white

Black point vs Black tortoiseshell spotted tabby bicolor

Albino vs Black tortoiseshell

Black with with white vs Black tortoiseshell bicolor

Red mackerel tabby harlequin vs Black with locket

Chocolate tortoiseshell blotched tabby vs Red blotched tabby

Black sunshine tabby vs Black

Red vs Black tortoiseshell blotched tabby with white

Light amber tortoiseshell silver mackerel tabby vs Black tabby van

[songleap]

Late 00s/Early 10s warriors fandom memories

-the honey scene reprint

-“the three are ashfur’s kits”

-“the erins found out we knew that ashfur was the three’s father and changed it to spite us”

-people calling squirrelflight a whore??

-fans nowadays forget how on board everyone was with ashfur’s choices. I would bet actual money the Erins put him in starclan to avoid death threats

-warrior cats spoof

-jeffpaw

-jayfeather x literally everything that did (or didn’t) move

-honeyfern discourse

-bumbleflight

-revengeshipping

-scourge collar discourse

-longtail pelt color discourse

-tortoiseshell vs calico

-literally every amv either being about scourge, ashfur, or swiftpaw. Those were your three choices.

-thunderclans got talent

-family guy audio dubbed over animation of cloudtail

-two fps run cycles being the height of animation

-hee hee hee after tonight tigerclaw this will be just another riverclan hunting ground

-Ivypool x everyone

-hollyleaf hype

-eagerly awaiting the next starkit’s prophecy update so that you could leave a comment correcting all the spelling errors

-TOP TEN WORST WARRIORS #1 FIRESTAR

-warrior cats theme songs featuring I want it that way by the Backstreet Boys for some reason

-pmvs that were just slideshows of stolen artwork over evanescence

-the fourth cat

-did tigerstar or a tree kill firestar? Most heated debate in internet history, closed after 15000 comments

-real cat screeches dubbed into fight scenes in amvs

-firestar doesn’t like waffles

[toynbeetile]

Idk how many times I have to say this

But

Tortie+white =/= calico

some of y'all have never seen a tortie before I swear

The pattern is what classifies them as a tortoiseshell/calico cat, otherwise they'd just all be torties

See, torties have these blended colors, like this

(those are all my cat)

Vs calicos who have circular ish colors on a white surface, at least, that's what it looks like

See?

Tortie+white

Calico

[deadmomjokes]

Cats: Breeds vs Color Patterns Bonus--That is NOT a Calico

If there’s something I learned from working at the animal shelter, it’s that a lot of people who know cats actually know very little about their classification. While it ultimately doesn’t matter too much in the grand scheme of things, if your cat is missing, a proper description makes all the difference in trying to get your baby home.

Plus learning about cats is fun, so let’s go over some of the most common misconceptions I ran into: What a tabby really is, what a calico really is, aka the infamous “Black White and Brown Male Calico,” and what Tortoiseshell actually means.

Color Pattern Vs Breed--Tabby

There are lots of cat breeds out there, some more distinct than others. You can probably think of a few: Persian, Sphinx, Oriental Shorthair, Siamese, Tabby--

Only “tabby” is not a breed at all! Tabby is a color pattern. Note I didn’t say a specific color, but a color pattern. It’s stripes of a darker color on a lighter version of that same color. Generally, you get orange, grey, or brown tabby. Here are examples of the three, respectively.

Tabby is the most common color pattern of cat, and can have many variations. Sometimes the stripes look more like spots, sometimes they look more like a big cinnamon roll on the side, but it’s always bands of a color over a lighter background of that same color. With brown and gray tabbies it can often appear that the stripes are black, but they are always technically a darker brown or grey. This is because of how color is stored and inherited on the chromosomes (always the X chromosome), which becomes a bigger deal when talking about calico, so for now just trust me that it’s important to know that it’s stripes of the same color, not black. Tabby can also present with white patches, and can occur in fur of any length.

While gray and brown tabby present with about equal numbers male/female, it is interesting to note that solid orange tabby (no white) most often presents in males, about 80% of the time. So should you find a solid orange tabby cat, it’s probably male, but don’t bet on it completely. Orange tabby with white, however, are about equal male/female ratio. This again is due to how color is inherited.

Tabby can be a pattern in any breed, but generally speaking most cat breeds are a solid color or have very specific patterning. Tabby, therefore, is sometimes considered ‘common’ in the sense of a sign of being a sign of lack of pedigree, but this isn’t necessarily the case. Abyssinians, Ocicats, American Bobtails, American Curls, Munchkins, and quite a few other breeds often have tabby as a breed standard color pattern. Still, it is always hard to tell if your cat is one of these breeds, so most of the time what you want to say is that your cat is a Domestic Longhair, Mediumhair, or Shorthair. These are the classifications that animal control and shelters use, unless the cat is a very obvious breed like Persian, Sphinx, Curl, etc. In any case, "Tabby” is not a breed!

Color Pattern vs. Breed--Calico; What Calico Really Means

You’ve probably already guessed that, just like tabby isn’t a breed, calico isn’t, either. You’re right! Calico is another example of color patterning, and this one is really interesting in terms of genetics. But we’ll get into that in a minute. First, what is a calico?

Calico is a patchy coloration consisting of white, orange, and some other color like brown or black. Here are a few types of calico:

(That last cat, if you’ll notice, is white, orange, and brown tabby. This is sometimes referred to as Tabbyco, tho that isn’t official.)

There can be a lot of variation in the number of patches, the dominant color, the pattern of the patches, and the third color, but calico is defined by the presence of orange, some other distinct color, and white. This is really important because of those tricky inheritance genetics I mentioned.

You recall me saying that color is stored and inherited on the X chromosome? It’s a bit more complicated than that. Non-white color is carried on the X, those non-white colors being Black and Orange. All other colors are variations of these two, hence why stripes on a brown or grey tabby sometimes appear black. A male cat gets one X from his mom, meaning his color will always take after his mom’s. A female gets a chance at either her mom’s or her dad’s, or a combination of the two. White color and patterns (like tabby) are not X linked, hence why you can have a male orange tabby with white bib or feet.

How does this apply to calicos? Well, in order to express both orange and some other color (except for white), you absolutely must have two X chromosomes--one carrying orange and one carrying the other color, most often pure black. (Incidentally this is why you rarely get female orange cats, because if there’s a black gene in there on the second X, it will present as calico instead. So both X chromosomes must be carrying orange for an orange female tabby to happen.) Because it takes two X’s to present both colors, nearly every calico is going to be female. This makes male calicos extremely rare, because they have to be XXY and still present as male, which equates to about a .03% chance overall (1 in 3000). And almost every single time you get a male calico, it’s going to be sterile due to that extra X chromosome.

Yet we were forever having people telling us they were missing a male calico. So they’d come through looking for him, and we’d tell them we had no male calicos (because we didn’t), and then they’d stop and go MY BABY! and point to a cat like this:

This, you will recognize from before, is a brown tabby cat with white markings. The people will insist to us that it’s a calico, because it has three colors: brown, black, and white. But remember that tabby markings are a darker version of the base color, meaning that while this guy looks to have black stripes, it is actually, technically, dark brown. (Rather, this whole cat is black genetically, just a different expression of the black gene which makes it brown, meaning that the stripes are also brown because the whole gene is mutated into brown from black. Yeah, it’s weird.)

In addition, it has no orange present, which is the number 1 requirement for a calico cat. So no, this is not a brown, black, and white male calico. This is a brown and white male tabby (specifically a domestic shorthair!).

Calico Part 2: So What’s a Tortoiseshell?

Another issue we’d often have with people trying to verbally describe their cat is that they’d say they were looking for a tortoiseshell cat. Again, as before, tortoiseshell is a color/coat pattern, not a breed but anyway, we ID cats mostly based on color and coat length for this very reason, so it doesn’t really matter. But what does matter is when they said they were looking for a tortoiseshell (tortie for short), and what they were actually looking for was this:

Yup, just a swirly orange tabby. What tortie really looks like is this:

Or sometimes even this (called dilute tortoiseshell):

Recognize something from before? Orange and another distinct color--these torties are calico! Kind of, but also no.

Calico involves white in the coat/pattern, and the other colors are also grouped in distinct patches (tho not always). Tortie does not have white, and the orange is most often flecked throughout the darker base color (usually black). You can get torties that have white bibs and feet tho, and they look like this:

Notice that, while there are a few clearly divided patches, there is also the flecking throughout the coat, thus making this cat a tortoiseshell with white, as opposed to a regular calico, which is mostly white and has clearly defined patches of black and orange. Yeah, I know. It’s.... Complicated.

I know that the genetics of it can be a bit confusing, and the distinction between tortie and calico is weird and hazy at best, but it all boils down to this:

Stripey, spotty, and swirly is tabby

Tabby comes in orange, grey, and brown

Tabby can have white patches along with it, usually feet, faces and tummies

The presence of orange alongside black, brown, or gray means this cat is most likely female

Orange flecks in black/brown/gray (or vice versa) is a tortoiseshell

White plus big blobs of orange and other-color means this is a calico

The patches on a calico can be tabby

Calico, tortoiseshell, and tabby are not cat breeds, but colors and patterns that can exist on any breed of cat

(More about cat color genetics/inheritance here.)

And because you’ve all been so patient with this miles-long info-dump, here is a highly photogenic dilute tabby calico-tortoiseshell American Curl to sum up the whole point of this: that any cat breed can be a precious tabby or calico!

[i-want-cheese]

What Color Is Your Cat?

Domestic cats come in four main colors.

Red / Orange (x)

Light Brown (x)

Dark Brown (x) 

and Black (x)

These four basic colors are the “deep” colors. This means the individual fur hairs have the color pigment all the way down the shaft. This creates a beautiful, “deep” color.

However, when the gene for agouti hairs is active, the pigment will instead gather in bands along the hair shaft. This creates a lovely “dilute” color that, to the naked eye, appears paler than the deep, nonagouti hairs. (x)

Instead of Red, you get Cream (x)

Instead of Light Brown, you get Fawn (x)

Instead of Dark Brown, it’s Lilac (x)

And instead of Black, it’s Gray / Blue (x)

There are also two special case colors. The first is white. White cats still contain the genetic markers for a non-white color, but the “white gene” masks that color and makes the hairs white.

The second special color is silver. A mutation that can happen to cats with any genetic color predisposition, it removes the yellowish or tannish pigment from the hairs, leaving them a beautiful silver instead. (x)

Except for black and gray, it usually takes special breeding to get a cat that is a solid color. Most cats will have a combination of colors and markings that makes them beautiful and unique.

Since they have a common ancestor in the African Wildcat, all domestic cats carry the gene for a tabby pattern. (x)

Even solid-colored cats will sometimes show a “ghost tabby” pattern under the right light, especially as a kitten. (x)

Patterns form when agouti hairs and nonagouti hairs gather in various patches, stripes, and dots on the cat. Where the nonagouti hairs gather, the cat will appear darker, and where there are more agouti hairs, the cat will appear lighter.

Is your cat a tabby?

As mentioned above, all cats carry the gene for the tabby pattern, though it is not always visible. There are four main kinds of tabby patterns.

Mackerel Tabby (x)

The original tabby pattern, it is so called because the stripes down the sides resemble the bones of a fish.

Classic Tabby (x)

Also called a “blotched tabby.”

Spotted Tabby (x)

This pattern only rarely shows up in the domestic short- and longhair breeds. It usually requires special breeding to bring about.

Ticked Tabby (x)

A cat is considered a ticked tabby if her fur is almost entirely agouti hairs and has minimal visible pattern.

All tabby cats have an M shape on their foreheads. (x)

White patches? It’s piebald!

Piebald simply means your cat has white on it, but isn’t all white. There are different terms for piebald, or particolor, cats depending on the amount and placement of the white vs. the color.

Van (x)

Mostly white with patches of color mainly on the head and tail

Bicolor (x)

One to two thirds white, bicolor cats usually have color markings on their heads and torsos as well as tails.

Mitted (x)

While mitted cats, obviously, have white on their paws, they can also have white on their chin, chest, belly, and back legs.

Lockets (x)

As you can see, the white patch looks like a locket on a necklace sitting on the chest. Small white patches can also be referred to as “buttons” and appear in other places on the body.

But wait... My cat is more colorful than that!

Tortoiseshell, or “Tortie,” patterns appear when a cat has two different color genes in her DNA and neither is dominant over the other. These colors are usually red and black, though other combinations can appear as well. Since the color gene is carried on the X chromosome, only female cats can exhibit tortie patterns. (The exception being an XXY intersex condition, but those males will be infertile.)

There are several tortie patterns...

Tortoiseshell (x)

Classic red and black. Beautiful!

Calico (x)

When a tortie has patches of white, she’s called a calico.

Torbie (x)

A tortie cat with a visible tabby pattern is called a torbie or patched tabby.

Pointed Cats

They’re not sharp and pointy--well, not more than any other cat. No, the term “pointed” refers to the fact that these cats have light-colored bodies with darker color appearing only at certain “points.” (Yeah, I would’ve come up with a better name too, but it’s stuck now.)

When thinking of a pointed cat, most people will think of the Siamese cat breed. They are pointed, but not all pointed cats are Siamese.

Colorpoint (x)

The darker patches are solid or unpatterned.

Tortie Point (x)

The darker patches have a tortie pattern.

Lynx Point (x)

Lynx point patterns have stripes on the darker patches.

Tortie Lynx Point (x)

A combination of the tortie and lynx characteristics.

So, now that you have all the information you need, tell me

What Color Is Your Cat?