tortoiseshell cats
Orange-black mottled cats
Tortoiseshell cats have coats mottled with patches of black, orange, and sometimes cream—resembling the shell of a tortoise.
The coloring results from genetics linked to the X chromosome, so nearly all tortoiseshell cats are female.
Males are rare and typically sterile.
Tortoiseshells are sometimes called torties.
A tortoiseshell with white patches is a calico.
Streaky animal coat pattern
- calicoPatchy-coated cat type
- mosaicInlaid pictorial arrangement
- patchworkFabric scraps sewn together
- dappledMarked with spots
variegated · marbled · splotched · tricolor · tortie · blotched · patched · ginger
Mixed genetic makeup
- X-chromosomeSex-linked genetic structure
- calicoPatchy-coated cat type
- tricolorThree-hued emblem
- tortieMulticolored cat coat pattern
alleles · inheritance · genotype · phenotype · codominance · chromosomal · heredity · genetic variation
Facial sensory hairs
- purringVibrating vocalization of contentment
- clawsAnimal gripping nails
- kittenJuvenile domestic feline
- meowFeline vocalization
grooming · fur · paws · litterbox · scratching post · catnip · domesticated · housecat
Favored by chance
- fortuneWealth or destiny
- charmAttractive personal quality
- good omenFavorable sign of future
- auspiciousIndicating future success
blessing · Japanese · beckoning · protective · sailor · shipboard · weather prediction · superstition
brindle
Streaky animal coat pattern
dappled · variegated · marbled · splotched · tricolor · tortie · blotched · patched · ginger · black
mosaicism
Mixed genetic makeup
- X-chromosomeSex-linked genetic structure
- calicoPatchy-coated cat type
- tricolorThree-hued emblem
tortie · alleles · inheritance · genotype · phenotype · codominance · chromosomal · heredity · genetic variation · expressivity
whiskers
Facial sensory hairs
- purringVibrating vocalization of contentment
- clawsAnimal gripping nails
- kittenJuvenile domestic feline
meow · grooming · fur · paws · litterbox · scratching post · catnip · domesticated · housecat · mouser
lucky
Favored by chance
auspicious · blessing · Japanese · beckoning · protective · sailor · shipboard · weather prediction · superstition · talisman