hi i would like input on what best describes a calico and a tortioseshell cat best answer 10 points?

Answer 1

Both the tortioseshell and the calico color patterns are similar in the genes they have to establish the coat color. The pattern requires both copies of the "x" (female) chromosome to show up in a cat. A cat with two copies of the x chromosome is genetically a female :^) The rare male with the tricolor markings must also have two copies of the x chromo but must also have a "y" to be a boy . . . this makes male calicos and torties genetically xxy types and they are sterile.

The difference in the two coat colors are the amount of white. Calicos must have at least half of their body with white to be classified as a calico. Torties can either have no white or some white (tortie and white). The true calico should have white on the feet, tummy, chest, and muzzle.

Calicos are NOT a "breed" but merely a coat color variation . . . you will find calico cats in many breeds (Persians, British Shorthair, Maine Coons, and American Shorthair, to name a few). There is a Calico Cat Registry International . . . accepts any breed with the calico color pattern.

Source: Desmond Morris--Cat Breeds of the World

Answer 2

A Calico cat has large WELL- DEFINED PATCHES of three colours on its body in order to be considered a calico (true tricolour)usually there is a significant amount of white, the colours have to be as follows..first colour- red (orange) or cream (kind of a light orangey beige like ginger) The second colour has to be white (pure white) and the third colour has to be black, blue-gray, chocolate, lilac, cinnamon or fawn. Black and blue are the most common colours seen.

A tortoiseshell has to have the same three colours as a calico to be considered truly tricoloured but the difference is the tortoiseshell has all three colours blended together with no distinct large patches of colour (looks more like confetti) a tortoiseshell may have significant patches of white only but the rest of the colours are blended together this pattern is called a tortoiseshell and white. Both the calico and tortoiseshell can have distinct tabby pattern on the red or cream patches but no patterning on the other colours.

Answer 3

well, a calico cat is ALWAYS a female, so if it's a male, you kow it isn't a calico. But calico are multi colored, brown, orange , white. These are the main colors. A tortoiseshell can be a male or a female and the colors are more blended making the cat seem more of a brown color, yet they possess all the colors of a calico.

Answer 4

Calico cats usually have a base coat of white with grey and orange/brown patches. These patches are usually distinct and fairly large. A Tortoiseshell cat has a base coat of black with cream, orange, brown, or white spots. These markings are usually mixed and mottled, not distinct. Most calicos are female, although the occasional male calico pops up. These are very rare and VERY expensive.

Answer 5

Actually a Calico is an actual breed of cats. It was selectively bred for it's colorful blotched fur. A tortoiseshell cat is a mixed breed cat, it can be a Little of this and a little of that causing it's coloration.

Answer 6

every calico cat can only be a female...they a very sweet and have a very strong maternal instinct...they are the ultimate matriarch of the cat clan...mine passed on 3/23/06 on a tumor on the head...what a personality...my other cats where in mourning for 2 month, very sad indeed..

Answer 7

A calico has patches of different colored fur,such as black,white,and orange. A tortoiseshell cat's fur looks more brindle,kind of like a pit bulls fur.

Answer 8

Calico - a genetic mutant. A black, white and orange/red/brown female cat

Answer 9

A calico is a female cat that is white with black, brown, orange, cream colored, a torti is a black cat with orange, cream and brown.

Answer 10

Agilecolie is 100% correct on all information given. Especially on the comment of it not being a breed. Where do people get these ideas? That is a great book of Desmond Morris, one of his many accomplisments on my shelves.