Have you heard of a dilute tortoiseshell cat or a muted tortie and wondered what it is and how it is different from a normal tortoiseshell cat? You wouldn’t be alone!
A dilute tortie cat or muted tortie basically has a faded-out coat – the colors are more washed out or in pastel shades as opposed to vivid shades with a normal tortie.
Table Of Contents
- A Tortoiseshell Cats Coat
- A Dilute Torties Coat
- Dilute Tortoiseshell Cats Vs Tortoiseshell Cats – How Come The Difference?
- Dilute Tortoiseshell And Standard Tortie Cat Breeds
- Do Dilute Tortoiseshell Cats Have Health Issues?
- Dilute Tortoiseshell Cats Compared To Standard Tortoiseshell Cats.
For those who don’t know, let’s briefly get up to speed on torties in general. Tortoiseshell cats are not a specific breed of cat. Torties are a name given to cats with a specific coat pattern. This means you can get torties from specific breeds like Persian cats or British Shorthair but also, your average, mixed heritage alley cat can also be a tortie!
However, some pedigree cat breeds, like the Siamese, do not have a strict tortie variation as Siamese cats have to have a colorpoint coat to be Siamese! Likewise, a Bombay cat has to have an all-black coat so a tortie variant is not recognized as a true member of the breed!
A Tortoiseshell Cats Coat
A standard tortoiseshell cat has either a long hair or short hair coat that has two specific colors and only two colors! These are black and red, with the red usually exhibiting as orange. The colors are deep and vibrant.
The fur can have a marbled pattern with patches of orange and patches of black or can have a striped mix of the two colors, flecks or ticks of orange on black or can have an appearance like two colors partially mixed on a painter’s palette.
You often find that black is the predominant color and the orange forms the stripes or ticks or smaller isolated patches but it is possible to come across torties with a full 50:50 blend.
In terms of patterns, no two torties are alike or can be mistaken for each other! This feature is common with many mixed heritage cats but is a really obvious characteristic with torties and calico patterned cats – even pedigree breed versions!
But my tortoiseshell cat has flecks of white? Are they not tortie then? Cats that have a third color in their coat are not strictly torties. If the third color, usually white, is more than 25% but less than 75% of their coat and their other two colors are black and red then they are true calico cats!
A tricolored cat with less than 25% of the coat is white and the remainder in black and red is called a “tortico” depending on where you live in the western world! Tortico’s will often have white paws and a minor white chest patch.
A Dilute Torties Coat
The difference between a diluted tortie or muted tortie or faded tortie is that compared to a normal tortoiseshell cat their coat colors are simply toned down.
Where a tortie would have black fur a dilute tortoiseshell cat would have washed-out grey-colored fur. The black would be faded out to grey, blue, or lavender. The reds or oranges would be washed out to a golden yellow or a distinctly faded orange and maybe even as dull as a cream or fawn brown coloration.
Dilute or muted torties simply have the color contrast turned down and the fade applies to the whole coat – it is not possible that the black is faded to grey but the red remains vibrant or vice versa. The fade is uniform!
Dilute Tortoiseshell Cats Vs Tortoiseshell Cats – How Come The Difference?
It is all down to genetics! In cats, the coat color is determined by the genetic code carried on the female chromosome (X). Females have two chromosomes, XX, and are able to carry two color codes. Males have one female (X) and one male (Y) chromosome which means they are able to carry one color code on the X chromosome only (exceptions being rare chromosomal mutations where some male cats have three chromosomes, XXY).
Now, if an X chromosome in a female is orange and the other X chromosome is black – two codes, there is a chance of a tortoiseshell or calico cat coat pattern being produced. Calico cats will also contain a piebald gene that creates the white areas of their coat. But if the cat has no piebald gene expressed – therefore no white – they produce a tortie coat of orange and black!
At this stage, the penny will have dropped that we are only talking females here. Male calico or torties are essentially impossible due to the chromosome situation. When it comes to males with mutated chromosomes we are looking at 1 in 3000 cats – ultra-rare, and they are generally sterile!
So what about muted torties? How does that work? Simply put these cats also inherit dilution genes from both parents. The gene is carried by a high number of cats but is recessive, meaning that both parents have to pass on the gene to the offspring to activate the gene and for the color effects to be expressed in the cat’s coat!
Ok, so why are tortie patterns of the two colors not even – why are no two torties – dilute or not – never the same pattern? This is because each skin cell will contain a single chromosome that is either red or black code. As cells are formed and distributed through the body as the embryo develops, a number of each color-coded cell is randomly created and distributed. The effect is that patches of color, streaks, flecks, and mixed areas are formed reflecting the random mix of cells distributed containing one or other of the X chromosomes and color genes. The situation is greatly more scientifically complex than that description, but if you want in-depth science check this out.
Dilute Tortoiseshell And Standard Tortie Cat Breeds
So, I can get a standard domestic shorthair or longhair cat that is a dilute tortie or full tortie but which specific cat breeds have the tortie coat pattern recognized as a standard?
According to the Governing Council of Cat Fanciers (GCCFCat.org), you can get a tortie variation in the following cat breeds :
Asian, Balinese (as a colorpoint), Birman (as a colorpoint), British Shorthair and Longhair, Burmese, Cornish Rex, Devon Rex, Exotic Shorthair, LaPerm, Maine Coon, Manx, Norwegian Forest Cat, Oriental Shorthairs and Longhairs, Persian, Ragamuffin, Ragdoll (Points, Mitted), Siamese (as a colorpoint), Siberian, Tonkinese, and the Turkish Van (van patternation only).
Do Dilute Tortoiseshell Cats Have Health Issues?
As we have discussed the genetics involved in this coat color it might raise questions as to whether either cat pattern, dilute or standard, are known for any specific genetic health problems?
The answer is that broadly speaking these coat patterns are not associated with any specific health problems.
Any health problems are likely to be breed-related if we are talking about specific breeds rather than coat related.
Additionally, if we are talking standard domestic shorthairs or a longhair tortie cat then coat pattern is not known to influence any health outcomes that most cats may suffer from over time like kidney issues, hypothyroidism or arthritis, or the such.
Dilute Tortoiseshell Cats Compared To Standard Tortoiseshell Cats.
In comparison, these cats are incredibly similar.
There are no personality or character differences decided by coat color or patternation.
Both types are usually female. Any of the rare males are usually born sterile.
The differences are purely down to coat coloration and depth of color and rarity. Dilute or muted torties are significantly rarer than standard torties due to the dilution gene. And then if you seek a breed-specific diluted tortie you are likely to have some trouble actually finding one given the rarity of breed-specific and dilution-specific cats.
FAQs
How much is a dilute tortie cat worth? ›
How Much Are Tortoiseshell Cats Worth? Because of their unique coat and overall rarity, tortoiseshell cats can be a bit pricey. Unless you get lucky and find one at the animal shelter, a tortie will cost you approximately $1000 to $2000.
What color is dilute tortie cat? ›A dilute tortie is simply a tortoiseshell cat with a paler coat pattern. Whereas a traditional tortoiseshell cat has vibrant black and red fur, a dilute tortoiseshell's coat is various shades of blue and cream. Their parti-colors are muted by the presence of a special dilution gene.
Are all dilute torties female? ›Since coat color is determined by the X chromosome, dilute torties are almost always female. In order to have both colors, the cat must receive two separate sets of instructions regarding the cat's coat coloration. As a result, healthy males only receive one X chromosome, making it impossible to have a tortie coat.
What is a grey tortie cat? ›Tortoiseshell cats, or torties, combine two colors other than white, either closely mixed or in larger patches. The colors are often described as red and black, but the "red" patches can instead be orange, yellow, or cream, and the "black" can instead be chocolate, gray, tabby, or blue.
Are dilute tortie rare? ›Dilute Tortie cats are rare. Tortie cats themselves are already considered to be a rare breed to find, so finding a Dilute Tortie is even rarer. Finding a purebred Dilute Tortie or a male Dilute Tortie is incredibly rare. Roughly 1 in every 3,000 Tortie cats are male.
How long do dilute tortie cats live? ›Just like weight, the life expectancy of a tortie cat will depend on many factors, including their breed. However, keeping your cat indoors can help them live longer. Fetch by WebMD notes that cats who are kept inside can live to be 17 years or older, while many outdoor cats live an average of two to five years.
Do dilute torties have white? ›Tortoiseshell cats, also called Torties, very often have only two colors, red and black. They have no white at all. The color can include black, orange (red), brown, black, cream, cinnamon, and blue.
How can I tell what kind of tortie cat I have? ›Tortoiseshell cats aren't a specific breed.
Tortoiseshell cats aren't a specific breed but are cats with a distinctive coat pattern, similar to tortoiseshell material. The pattern combines two colors — and never white — and is typically described as ginger-red and black.
The dilute calico feline is a cat whose gorgeous coat features a mix of three different colors. This cat pattern is quite rare and it usually happens to only one in a thousand felines. The coat pattern of calico cat colors can vary but, in most cases, it includes white, black and brown or red hues.
Do tortoiseshell cats meow a lot? ›They're very vocal too, and there is nothing more fun than chatting with a tortie! They just have so much to say, and they're not afraid to say it either!
Are tortoiseshell cats clingy? ›
These furballs are known for challenging their pet parents to the point of annoyance, baffling curiosity, or even frustration. Whether they are demanding, destructive, clingy, or just too energetic, many cat owners and cat lovers claim that Torties have a stronger attitude in comparison to most other cats.
Are tortie cats affectionate? ›Many are high-strung and dislike sharing their homes with other pets. They may be affectionate one minute and hissing the next. Torties are sometimes called “the divas of the cat world” because they typically like things done their way and have a quick temper when crossed.
Do tortie cats live longer? ›These cats are sterile, and many experience shorter lifespans. It's important to note that if your tortie doesn't have Klinefelter's Syndrome, she should have a normal life expectancy. Cats can live 15 years or longer, so you can expect to have her around for many years.
What is the average lifespan of a tortie cat? ›How long do tortoiseshell cats live? The lifespan of indoor Tortoiseshell Cats is 10-15 years.
What is a blue tortie? ›The blue tortoiseshell pattern is actually a genetic mutation of the tortoiseshell coloring. All cat colors are made up of a combination of just two color pigments: eumelanin and pheomelanin, or black and red. However, cats may also carry other genes, in this case, the dilute gene.
What two cat breeds make a tortoiseshell cat? ›Tortoiseshell cats occur in a variety of breeds, including American Shorthair, British Shorthair, Persian, Cornish Rex, Ragamuffin, and Maine Coons. Both purebreds and mixed breeds can produce a tortoiseshell coat that's either short- or long-haired.
Do tortoiseshell cats pick one person? ›Tortoiseshell cats are often known to bond especially close to one person in a household (in our case, that happened to be me). Firefly would often curl up in my lap and enjoy being petted. She didn't appreciate it when it was time to put her out for the night, sometimes hissing or groaning when I got up.
Are tortoiseshell cats more aggressive? ›A new study found that calicos and tortoiseshell cats are “more likely to hiss, bite, scratch, swipe at, and behave aggressively” towards humans than other breeds, the San Jose Mercury News reports. The study also found that black-and-white, and gray-and-white cats tend to be aggressive.
What is a tortie with white called? ›Calico cats are also referred to as “tricolor” or “tortie-and-white” - and sometimes even "piebald" cats! Why? Because calico cats have the same black and orange color as a tortoiseshell cat - but with white, too! This is the main difference between a calico cat and a tortoiseshell cat.
What color kittens will a tortoiseshell cat have? ›If a mother cat is orange, her male kittens will be orange regardless of their father's color, Konecny says, and if a mother cat is tortoiseshell (a mix of black, white and orange), half of her male kittens will be orange while the other half will be black.
Are dilute tortie cats hypoallergenic? ›
Not really. There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic cat in the strict scientific sense. Cat allergies have little to do with the colour or pattern of a cat's fur, and there's no pattern you can pick that will be less likely to give you an allergic reaction.
What is the rarest color of cat? ›What is the most rare cat color? The rarest cat color is albino. In order to get an albino cat, both parent cats must have two recessive genes and their offspring have to receive both.
What is the rarest cat type? ›1. Sokoke Cat. The Sokoke Cat is the rarest domestic cat breed in the world, according to the UK's Governing Council of the Cat Fancy (GCCF).
What is a muted tortie cat? ›Also known as a muted tortie, a dilute tortie is a type of coat colour and pattern which consists of grey and cream markings. This striking coat pattern is the dilute form of the more traditional black and red (orange) tortie pattern.
Do tortie cats purr? ›Torties have been described as stubbornly independent, frisky and capricious. They are known to be very vocal and will advertise their needs and wants (even if it's only for attention) by hissing, meowing or loudly purring. In other words, they're not very different from most cats.
Why does my tortie cat talk so much? ›Before you panic though, bear in mind that, as per the University of California School of Veterinary Medicine Behavior Service, the most common cause of excessive vocalization is attention-seeking. There's something the cat wants and she's learned that vocalizing is the way to get it.
Are torties rare? ›Torties aren't a specific breed; they are a mixed-breed, American shorthair. How rare is a tortoiseshell cat? Tortoiseshell cats are not rare, and you can find them through shelters, fosters, and rescue groups. What is rare is a male tortoiseshell, about one in 3,000!
Why are tortoiseshell cats rare? ›This is because two X chromosomes are required to produce the coloring of black, orange and yellow or gold, according to cattownoakland.org. Male cats usually only have one X and one Y chromosome. Male torties have an extra X chromosome, making them a rare XXY.
Do tortoiseshell cats cuddle? ›While they may not be a specific breed, they certainly have a lot of charisma. The tortoiseshell cat is very much the attention seeker. They will demand attention from their owners by wanting cuddles and petting.
What is a seal tortie? ›The Seal-Tortie Point's body is pale fawn to cream, with shading to lighter color on the stomach and chest. The body color may be mottled with cream in older cats. The points are seal brown, variably mottled with red and/or cream. The nose leather are seal brown with flesh or coral pink mottling.
What color is Torbie? ›
The term “torbie” is short for tortoiseshell-tabby, and they were once referred to as reverse torties. When a cat has tabby stripes but also tortoiseshell markings, this results in what is known as a torbie. They are also called “patched tabbies” since they are a tabby with patches of red or cream.
What is a smoke colored cat? ›A smoke cat, instead of having fully-colored hairs, only has the tips of its hairs which are colored, while the roots are white. When you part the fur of your cat, if the roots are bright white your cat is very probably smoke. The term smoke applies only to cats that are solid (not tabby).
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Facts About Tortoiseshell Cats | What You Need To Know About ...
10 Fascinating Facts About Tortoiseshell Cats - Tortoiseshell Cat ...
Torties aren't a specific breed; they are a mixed-breed, American shorthair. How rare is a tortoiseshell cat? Tortoiseshell cats are not rare, and you can find them through shelters, fosters, and rescue groups. What is rare is a male tortoiseshell, about one in 3,000!
How rare is a tortoiseshell cat female? ›Tortoiseshell cats are usually female.
About 1 in 3,000 tortoiseshell cats are male, making them quite uncommon. This is because two X chromosomes are needed to produce the trademark tortoiseshell coloring of black, orange, and yellow/gold, while male cats only have one X and one Y chromosome.
Calico cats may cost from around $400 up to $2,000 especially if you got them from a reputable breeder. Their price is mainly determined by age, sex and if the cat is a purebred calico. Female calico cats cost around $400 to $500 while male calicos cost around $1,000 up to $2,000 because they are very rare.
Are dilute calico cats rare? ›The dilute calico feline is a cat whose gorgeous coat features a mix of three different colors. This cat pattern is quite rare and it usually happens to only one in a thousand felines.
Are tortie cats clingy? ›These furballs are known for challenging their pet parents to the point of annoyance, baffling curiosity, or even frustration. Whether they are demanding, destructive, clingy, or just too energetic, many cat owners and cat lovers claim that Torties have a stronger attitude in comparison to most other cats.
What two cat breeds make a tortoiseshell cat? ›Tortoiseshell cats occur in a variety of breeds, including American Shorthair, British Shorthair, Persian, Cornish Rex, Ragamuffin, and Maine Coons. Both purebreds and mixed breeds can produce a tortoiseshell coat that's either short- or long-haired.
What is the average lifespan of a tortie cat? ›How long do tortoiseshell cats live? The lifespan of indoor Tortoiseshell Cats is 10-15 years.
Do tortoiseshell cats meow a lot? ›
They're very vocal too, and there is nothing more fun than chatting with a tortie! They just have so much to say, and they're not afraid to say it either!
Why do tortoiseshell cats bite? ›Your tortie could bite because she's talking to you. Maybe she is telling you she wants you start or stop doing something. Maybe you were petting her so nicely, and then you missed the subtle signs that she didn't want that anymore . Maybe she has developed fear aggression.
Do tortoiseshell cats cuddle? ›While they may not be a specific breed, they certainly have a lot of charisma. The tortoiseshell cat is very much the attention seeker. They will demand attention from their owners by wanting cuddles and petting.
What is the rarest type of calico cat? ›Male Calicos
Male calicos are exceedingly rare types of calico cats. Sex and color are both determined by the X chromosome, so Calicos are typically female.
1. The Ashera. The Ashera is reportedly the most expensive breed of cat on the globe, with this beautiful breed of cat costing up to $125,000. This breed is a mix between an African Serval, an Asian Leopard and a domesticated cat.
What is the rarest cat? ›The Sokoke cat is said to be the rarest cat in the world. Rather than being a man-created breed, the Sosoke is a naturally occurring, tiny wildcat that can be found only in the Arabuko-Sokoke Forest Preserve in Kenya (Africa).
What is the rarest eye color in cats? ›The most rare eye colouring in a cat is dichromatic, where the eyes will have a combination of two distinct colours within both eyes. It's caused by the cat having different levels of melanin in distinct sections of their irises.
What two cats make a calico? ›To create a calico (or tortoise-shell) pattern, one of the X chromosomes must carry the black gene and the other the orange gene. If a black male and an orange female mate, the result will be a half-black and half-orange female offspring-a calico. A black female and an orange male will also produce a calico female.
How much is a dilute calico kitten worth? ›$200-$2000
Depending on the breed you're looking at, their prices will vary, but typically, a Calico costs between $200 and $2,000.