What is the difference between a calico cat and a dirty cat? Choose the right name.

In the world of cat lovers, the terms “tricolor” and “striped” are often used interchangeably, which can sometimes lead to confusion. Although the two types of cats are genetically related and are both female, there are some important differences in definition and coat pattern. This article will clarify the differences so you can  properly understand the difference between a “tricolor” and a “striped” cat.

What is the difference between a tricolor cat and a spotted cat ?

Calico Cat

• This is a fairly specific definition internationally, referring to a cat with three main visible coat colors on its body.
• The three primary colors are white, black, and orange (or shades related to orange, such as red, cream, or taupe).
• In general, white should be a fairly prominent component and a สนใจสมัคร? คลิกที่นี่เพื่อเริ่มต้น large patch, separating it from black and orange.

Tortoiseshell Cat (Tortie)

• It is a term used to refer to cats whose fur pattern appears “spattered” or “scattered”.
• The main coat colors of the Tortoiseshell cat are black (or dark brown, dark gray) and orange (or red, cream).
• It is important to note that Tortoiseshell cats will have very little or no white, and if they do, they will be small spots, not large patches like Calico.
• Tortoiseshell patterns are a blend of black and orange that resemble a turtle shell, sometimes with small dots, sometimes with indistinct patches.

Therefore, the most important difference is the presence of a clear amount of “white”. If there is a clear white, it is a Calico (tricolor). If there is no white at all, or it is so little that it is not visible as a patch, it is a Tortoiseshell, a true tabby cat.

Almost all female genetic similarities

Whether it is a calico or a tortoiseshell, both cats share the same genetic background: the genes controlling orange and black are located on the X chromosome, making both types of cats almost entirely female (more than 99.9%).

• Female cats (XX): Have two X chromosomes, allowing them to carry both the orange and black genes simultaneously. When cells randomly inactivate one of the X chromosomes during embryonic development, a bicolor coat pattern (black and orange) appears on the cat.
• Male cats (XY): They have only one X chromosome and can therefore carry only one primary coat color gene (either orange or black). Therefore, they cannot develop calico or tortoiseshell markings, except in the very rare case of a chromosomal abnormality (XXY). In which case these male cats are usually sterile.

In the world of cat lovers, the terms “tricolor cat” and “soiled cat” are often used interchangeably. Which can sometimes lead to confusion. Although the two types of cats are genetically related and are both female. There are some important differences in definition and coat pattern. This article will clarify the differences. So you can properly understand the difference between a “tricolor cat” and a “soiled cat”.