Differences Between Tabby, Torbie, and Tortoise Shell Cats

One of the greatest things about cats is that much like their feline loving owners, they come in all imaginable shapes and sizes. And even a wide range of colors! From the exotic looking spots of a beautiful Bengal cat, to the striking stripes of a Tabby cat, each one is certainly gorgeous and unique.

In today’s article, we will focus in on how to tell the difference between Tabby cats, Calico cats, and even the rare Torties and Torbies.

For example, did you know that “Tabby” actually refers to a specific coat pattern rather than a specific breed of cat? And surprisingly, not all Tabby cats even have stripes! Color us shocked!

In fact, differentiating between the various Tabby cats and other similar looking cats can be quite difficult for the untrained eye. But do not worry! We have put together a comprehensive guide for all cat lovers. Now, you will be able to tell the difference like a real pro!  

P.S. If you want to see more tabby, torbie, and tortoise shell cats, stories of pets, or share your pet's story check out our free Facebook group.

Most cat connoisseurs know and love a Tabby cat. With their distinctive stripes and spots, they are certainly hard not to admire. Some may even have unique swirl and whorl patterns. Certainly, they all have an unmistakable “M” on their foreheads.

Many legends exist that attempt to explain why this is. The first legend originated in Ancient Egypt, where cats were referred to as “Mau.” Perhaps this is because of the “Meow” noise that they make, but of course we can’t be sure. In English, Mau translates to light - like the light of the midnight moon. And Ancient Egyptians were known to associate cats with the moon.  The “M” on their heads are thought to represent this Mau/Moon relationship.

Also, unlike the Torties, Tabby cats are not mostly female. In fact, most Ginger Tabby cats are actually male! The Ginger gene is carried on the X chromosome, and in order to express it, females need it on both copies of their X. However, males only need one. As a result of their genetics, male Ginger Tabby cats outnumber females three to one!

As the most common type of coat pattern, the Tabby cat may exhibit one of four distinct marking types. The classic, or blotched tabby, has dark spirals on their lighter fur - resembling a delicious marble cake! The mackerel Tabby, also known as a tiger Tabby cat, has narrow stripes down each side. They are known as the “Mackerel” cat because their stripes all extend from one central stripe down their backs that resemble a fishbone. And of course, the spotted Tabby is covered in adorable spots of all different sizes! Unlike those with larger, more noticeable patterns, the ticked Tabby has individual hairs striped in light and dark colors. This pattern is known as “Agouti” and it is very prominent in the Abyssinian breed.

Are you considering purchasing or adopting a Tabby cat? First, read our complete guide for more information on all things Tabby. It even includes cute and clever name ideas!

Out of the four types of cat that we have mentioned today, the Torbie cat is most rare. These cats share looks with the Tortoiseshell cats and Tabby cats. In fact, before their name was shortened to Torbie, they were actually known as Reverse Torties due to their tabby stripes and Tortie markings. Sometimes, they are even called patched tabbies because they look mostly like Tabby cats with a few patchy areas of red and cream. No matter what you call them, they are strikingly beautiful!

Torbie cats are arguably the most difficult to differentiate. But do not worry! Here are a few quick tips: First, identify the Tabby pattern - whether it be classic, mackerel, spotted, or ticked. Then, look for little patches of a different color. If you find both, you are likely looking at a Torbie cat. Simple as that!

We should also note that Torbies, along with Torties and Calicos all belong to the Tri-Color category. This refers to any two colors, plus white. In the case of the Calico cat, the two other colors are always orange and black. But when it comes to Torties and Torbies, the colors can vary - brown, black, cream, orange, tan, red, gray, silver, you name it! And to make things a bit more interesting, some cats can have diluted genes that make their coats appear faded.

Let’s delve into the science a bit. The vibrancy of a cat’s coat is determined by the “D” gene. A Big D is dominant, and a Little d is recessive. If a cat receives a “Dd” or “DD” combination, he will have a fully vibrant coat. But, if a cat receives a “dd” combination, his coat will be diluted. For example, if a black cat has a dilute coat he will actually look blue or gray. And if a Tortie cat has the dilute genes, he will be known as a Blue Creme. And you guessed it - a Calico cat with diluted genes is known as a Blue Creme and White.

Well, there you have it. Now, you can easily tell the difference between Tabby cats, Torties, Torbies, and Calico cats. Tabbies have a legendary “M” on their head, while Calicos are mostly white with a few patches of orange and black. Torbies, short for Tortoiseshell/Tabby, look like Torties - but they have stripes. And of course, Torties are known for their tri-colored Tortoiseshell pattern and major attitudes! They are beautiful and they know it. But let’s not forget about the cats that have diluted genes. They deserve lots of love too! With their faded fur, they have a very unique blue-ish gray hue that is just adorable.

So, what kind of cat do you have? A sassy Tabby? A Calico? A Tortie with a major ‘tude? Or maybe even a Diluted Torbie? Join our community and let us know what coat pattern your cat has. We would love to know!