Torties are almost always female (about 99.96% of tortoiseshells are female) because the recessive gene for this trait is on the X chromosome, and cats need two genes to express this trait. Their flecked or mottled pattern is often visible on their face, paws and tail. A Seal Point Cat with tortie markings is called a Tortie Point. Torties are bicolored - they are normally black and orange but also come in grey and cream (known as dilute torties).Ī tortie who has two different colors on each half of their face, is often referred to as a ' chimera' cat. Their name comes from the similarity of their coloring to a tortoise shell. The nuances make these cats and kittens quite unique.ĭilute calico cat Photo by Nihal Karkala on Unsplash Tortoiseshell (Tortie) - the Cat with Cattitude aka TortitudeĮver seen a wonderful orange and black marbled colored cat? That is probably a tortoiseshell, also known as a tortie.
Calicos, tortoiseshells, and torbies can easily be confused by the untrained eye, as their coats come in similar colors and patterns. Cats are beautiful in all their diverse splendor.