As the male (XY) only has one X chromosome he will be orange or non-orange. The O allele converts the production of black pigment (eumelanin) into orange (pheomelanin) and is located on the X chromosome. The genes are located within the chromosome, and each gene has a fixed position within the chromosome known as the locus (or loci in plural), an allele is a variant form of a gene and is located at the same place (locus). Eumelanin is spherical and absorbs almost all light, which gives black pigmentation, pheomelanin granules are elongated and produce the red coat colour. Cats have two types of melanin, black-based eumelanin and orange-based pheomelanin. The size, shape and arrangement of melanin granules are responsible for the colour of the cat’s coat. Melanocytes are cells that produce melanin, which are microscopic granules found in the hair, skin, and iris of the eyes.
#Tortoiseshell cat vs calico skin#
They have a separate genetic condition referred to as “piebalding.” Essentially, it leads to unpigmented skin and fur… AKA white. Tortie-colored cats have both orange and black versions of these genes (also known as the “XB allele” and “Xb allele,” thus giving them that instantly recognizable tortoiseshell appearance. From there, these X chromosomes are responsible for determining fur color. Two X’s result in a female cat and an X and a Y produces a male cat. For now, just know that colors and patterns are determined by chromosomes.įelines are like humans. In the next section, Cat World will explain the effect of sex-linked O genes in depth. When discussing why cats look the way they do, it helps to have a basic understanding of feline genetics. If you see black, red-orange, and white…it’s a calico! What Causes Calico and Tortie Color Patterns
#Tortoiseshell cat vs calico how to#
So, how to know for sure whether it’s a tortie or a calico?Ĭheck for three colors. Black, orange, and white will all be present in spots and patches from head to tail. On the other hand, calicos do have white. Their coloring will be a mixture of shades, including black and orange (most prominent) resulting in a brindle effect. Tortoiseshell cats will have no white in their coats. Secondly, check to see how many colors there are: two vs. How do you differentiate one from the other? There are two ways.įirst, look for white. However, to the untrained eye, it can be difficult to tell the difference between calico and tortie cats.
The Main Difference Between Calico and Tortie Catsīoth cats are equally beautiful – that goes without saying.
The calico and tortie coat colour/pattern occurs in both random-bred as well as purebred cats with both long and short coats. Both patterns refer to a multi-coloured cat which may consist of black and orange, brown and orange, grey and cream with or without white. The terms calico and tortoiseshell are often used interchangeably, and it is easy to see why.
Calico and tortoiseshell (tortie) are both common coat colours/patterns which appear almost exclusively in female cats.
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