Calico vs Tortoiseshell Cats: How Are They Different?

Calico Cat Preview

Appearance

A calico cat’s appearance is determined by the colors of its coat, not its breed. Almost any breed of cat can have calico potential. The calico coat consists of three colors, which are usually mostly white with accents of black and orange. Muted calicoes are mostly white with accents of blue and cream. Calicos can also have red, brown, or tan in their coat, but they are still tricolor cats. White typically makes up 25-75% of the calico coat.

Personality

Calico cats can have any temperament due to their ability to belong to any breed. However, they are generally known to be loving and affectionate cats that show great loyalty, especially to a chosen person. Most people consider them eccentric and energetic, but these traits can also sometimes translate into neurotic behaviors.

The Calico Gene

You may have heard that all calico cats are female, and while that’s not entirely true, it’s almost always true. Male calicoes are exceptionally rare. This is because the gene that causes calicoes is linked to the X chromosome, but two copies of this gene are needed to create calico.

Since men only have one X chromosome, they are usually unaffected by this gene, although they can carry it. This means that male calico cats have an extra chromosome, bringing them to XXY instead of XY. It is a genetic abnormality which, in humans, is called Klinefelter syndrome. In some cats, this may not cause any problems, but some cats may show symptoms of this disease, such as behavioral problems, obesity, and an increased risk of conditions like diabetes and heart disease.

Suitable for:

This varies greatly from cat to cat, but Calicos are generally well suited to homes with children and other pets. They are generally gentle and affectionate cats who love their people, although they can also be very independent cats. Be sure to provide your calico with plenty of hiding places away from children and other pets so they can recharge.

Tortoiseshell Cat Overview

Appearance

Tortoiseshell cats are often confused with calicos, but their appearance is markedly different. These cats are usually bicolor, with their two colors being black and brown, tan, or orange. It is possible for black to appear in a diluted form, appearing as blue or tabby.

Sometimes a cat mostly looks like a tortoiseshell with small white spots. This blank is usually too minimal to count the cat as a calico, and is sometimes called a tortico. Like the calico, tortoiseshell cats can belong to almost any breed.

Personality

Like Calicos, Tortoiseshells are known for their affectionate temperaments. However, people who own tortoiseshell cats report that they are short-tempered and more prone to aggressive behavior than many other cats. They also report “tortitude,” which is a description of the specific personality and attitude types that tortoiseshell cats often have.

These cats can be a bit spicy, often having little tolerance for shenanigans from anyone but themselves. This can sometimes extend to children and other household pets. It is important to distinguish that scientific studies have not shown a link between a cat’s coat color and its temperament, except in cases where the coat color is directly associated with the cat’s breed. Much of the torture evidence is anecdotal, but widespread.

The tortoiseshell gene

Like the calico gene, the tortoiseshell gene is X-linked and two copies of the gene are needed to produce a tortoiseshell cat. The vast majority of tortoiseshell cats are female, but there are male tortoiseshells. This usually means they have an extra X chromosome and they have Klinefelter syndrome.

Suitable for:

If you believe in the existence of torture, you may feel that a tortoiseshell cat is not appropriate for families with young children or other pets. As with most pets, proper introductions and respecting the cat’s boundaries are necessary to create and maintain peace, as well as to keep the cat happy and stress-free.

Sterility and X-linked traits

Male cats with an extra X chromosome are almost always sterile and unable to produce offspring. However, you should never assume your cat is sterile. It’s also important to have your cat neutered, even if your vet thinks he’s sterile. Indeed, leaving your cat’s testicles intact increases the risk of testicular cancer and behavioral problems.

Which cat suits you best?

Calicos and tortoiseshell cats have very different temperaments from each other, at least anecdotally. There is no solid evidence that these traits are related to your cat’s coat color. Some people report that Calicos have a torture-like attitude, while other Tortoiseshell owners report that their cats are loving and outgoing.

When choosing a cat, try to pick a cat that seems to have a temperament that will best suit your home. However, it can be difficult to determine if your cat is still young. The best thing you can do, no matter what coat color you choose to bring home, is to make sure your home is set up in a way that will reduce your cat’s stress level, help her to feel safe and to provide him with many sources of energy.

Featured image credit: Left (Calico cat): Linn Currie, Shutterstock, Right (tortoiseshell cat): Julieshoots, Pixabay

Ivy’s mom cat – a feisty little rescue kitten who is her one and only child. For the moment! Throughout her life, she was introduced to the special love that can be found in bonding with a cat. Having owned several felines, she is more than certain that their love is unmatched, unconditional and unlike any other. With a passion for educating the public on all there is to know about felines, their behavior and their unique personalities, Crystal is dedicated to ensuring that all cats and their owners know the importance of living mindfully – and to love!