Cat Behavior

senior orange tabby sleeping
Introduction Cat Care Society believes that all cats are worthy, regardless of their age or abilities. Senior cats, in particular, hold an extra special place in our hearts—and it’s not just us! Time and again, we hear from adopters who submit successful adoption updates that feel the same way. Seni...
July 16, 2024
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Beth Dokolasa
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If you have ever searched online for “Is ____ plant cat-safe?” only to be met with confusion or fear, or felt like you needed to choose between having cats OR plants in your home, this post is for you! While some plants are absolutely poisonous to cats, there are many beautiful cat-friendly plants a...
July 2, 2024
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Beth Dokolasa
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Thinking of adding a new feline friend to your family? Follow this step-by-step introduction process to ensure a smooth transition for both your resident cat and the newcomer. Discover how to create a harmonious multi-cat household and set the stage for lifelong feline friendships with these 8 tips!
May 3, 2024
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Ariana Jenks
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Jump to: Why 2 Kittens Are Better Than 1 | What’s the Deal with “Kitten Season?” So you adopted — or are thinking about adopting — a new kitten. Congrats! These tiny furballs bring so much love and joy to a home, but they also need quite a bit of care! Without proper support from the start, your ...
a long-haired tabby cat lays on a bed with a white blanket
April 19, 2024
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Guest Author
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With the role of our feline friends evolving over the years, we now have more information at our finger tips to help us make sure our cats are living their best life. Advancements in the treatment of our cats have provided a higher life expectancy for our furry family members. One topic of study tha...
April 8, 2024
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Ariana Jenks
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Learn the warning signs when a cat is nearing its threshold for physical touch — before they bite or scratch.
An orange cat walks outside a gray litter box
December 1, 2023
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Beth Dokolasa
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Cat pee outside the box can be frustrating! Whether you have a new cat in your home or your resident feline suddenly stops using the litter box, try out these tips to address problem potty behavior.
before and after pictures of a black cat
June 27, 2025
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Guest Author
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How Great Portraits Help Pets Get AdoptedWhen I walk into Cat Care Society, or any shelter, with my camera, I don’t see homeless pets – I see stories waiting to be told. I see cats with beautiful personalities just waiting to come out once they find the right person. Some are shy and mysterious, oth...
senior orange tabby sleeping
Introduction Cat Care Society believes that all cats are worthy, regardless of their age or abilities. Senior cats, in particular, hold an extra special place in our hearts—and it’s not just us! Time and again, we hear from adopters who submit successful adoption updates that feel the same way. Seni...
May 27, 2025
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Ariana Jenks
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Cat Care Society is a proud member of MDAWA, the Metro Denver Animal Welfare Alliance. This coalition of 20+ local shelters, rescue groups, and animal service providers work together to promote humane care for companion animals in our community. At Cat Care Society, collaboration with other shelters...
Orange cat looking at laptop screen
Let’s be honest—if you’re reading this, we probably don’t need to tell you how much joy cats bring into our lives. You already know the comfort of a purring cat in your lap, the entertainment of zoomies, and the simple calm of a cat sunbathing in a window. Cats are family. But even though they’ve st...
newborn kitten
If you love cats, you may have heard the term “kitten season” before—but what exactly does it mean? Kitten season is the time of year when shelters and rescues typically receive an influx of newborn kitten litters as well as their mothers. This surge in cats can create challenges for pet shelters, b...
cat receiving medical exam
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Beth Dokolasa
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Choosing the right pet insurance can help you manage unexpected vet bills and keep your cat healthy. Learn how to compare policies, coverage options, costs, and exclusions to find the best fit for you and your feline friend.
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February 14, 2025
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Beth Dokolasa
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Ensure a healthier future for Colorado’s cats! Spaying and neutering reduce overpopulation, improve feline health, and benefit communities. Learn about Colorado’s laws, TNR programs, and how Cat Care Society supports this vital cause. Take action today!
two cats cuddling
December 28, 2024
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Beth Dokolasa
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Introduction In Colorado, caring for animals isn’t just a calling—it’s a fundamental responsibility governed by the Pet Animal Care Facilities Act (PACFA). Established in 1994, this program protects the health, safety, and welfare of animals in pet care facilities while also protecting consumers who...
black and white cat on human's lap
Winter, with its short days and chilly weather, often confines us indoors, making it the perfect season to enjoy the warmth and company of a cat. A field of study known as zooeyia (pronounced zoo-AY-uh) explores the positive impact of human-animal interactions on health, including physical, mental a...
tri-color cat
October 7, 2024
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Beth Dokolasa
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Introduction

With Halloween approaching, it’s the perfect time to spotlight a particular type of cat—and no, we’re not talking about black cats! Instead, we’re focusing on tri-color cats, whose coats feature a mix of black, orange, and white in varying patterns and ratios. While “tri-color” and “calico” are often used interchangeably, calico cats have a distinct coat pattern. Tortoiseshell cats are also considered tri-color, even though they usually lack white and have their own unique pattern. It’s important to remember that “calico” and “tortoiseshell” refer to coat patterns, not breeds. These color combinations are the result of genetics and can appear in any breed, though they are more commonly found in breeds like American Shorthair, British Shorthair, Japanese Bobtail, Maine Coon, and Persian.

There are also diluted and tabby variations of tortoiseshell and calico cats—so many colorful kitties to love! In the rest of this article, we’ll explore the different markings and patterns that define each type of tri-color coat. By the end, you’ll be able to recognize the unique beauty of every tri-color cat you encounter.

Tri-color Cat Genetics

Tri-color cats are almost always female, with approximately one in 3,000 being male. This is because two X chromosomes are needed to have a distinctive tri-color coat. Typically, if a cat has an XX pair, she will be female. Male cats have an XY chromosome pair, so they’re not tri-color unless they have at least one extra chromosome (XXY). Unfortunately, these males often suffer from Klinefelter’s Syndrome, a condition that can negatively affect their health and longevity.

Calico Cats and Their Variations

Calico cat coats feature patches of solid orange, black, and white. The white color is a result of a genetic condition called piebalding, which occurs in a range of other domestic and farm animals. In a diluted calico, the colors are more muted to cream, gray, and white, due to a gene inherited from one of the parents that diminishes color intensity.

Calico cat and diluted calico
Calico cat and diluted calico

“Tabico” is a term for cats that have a combination of tabby and calico markings. These cats have large patches of orange and black on a white background, with tabby stripes overlaying some of the black and orange areas. When tabby stripes cover the forehead, they form the distinctive “tabby M.” A diluted tabico’s coat features cream, gray, and white fur.

Tabico cat, combination calico and tabby
Tabico cat, note the “tabby M” across the forehead

Tortoiseshell Cats and Their Variations

Tortoiseshell, or “tortie,” cats have brindle patterns (irregular stripes or streaks) of orange and black with little to no white. A diluted tortie has gray and cream colors and is a result of both parents carrying a recessive gene that impacts the intensity of the colors.

tortoiseshell cat, diluted tortoiseshell cat
Tortoiseshell cat and a diluted tortie

A torbie cat exhibits both the multi-colored brindle pattern of a tortoiseshell cat and the characteristic stripes or spots of a tabby. Like the tabico, if there are tabby stripes on the cat’s forehead, they will display the “tabby M.” Diluted torbies usually have a cream, gray and white coat.

Tortico: A Unique Blend

A “tortico” is a combination of classic tortie and calico markings, featuring large patches of orange and black brindling on a white background. A diluted tortico is relatively rare, and will be gray and cream, and white.

combination calico and tortoiseshell cat
Tortico cat

Closing and Final Fun Facts!

As you can see, there are many variations of tri-color cats but you can still count yourself lucky if you run into one! In many cultures tri-color cats are connected with good luck and good fortune, and in the U.S., they are sometimes called “money cats.”

People who have tri-color cats often report that they’re equally sweet and sassy and tortoiseshell cat owners often refer to their feisty side as having “tortitude.” However, since tri-color cats aren’t a breed, research hasn’t been able to confirm that this extra feistiness is a distinct trait related to their coat pattern. That said, if you haven’t taken our “Whats Your Cat Purrsonality” quiz on our Just Fur Fun page, now’s your chance! Discover which cat breed or color pattern best represents you—maybe even find out if you have a bit of tortitude!”

About the Author: Beth Dokolasa is a volunteer for Cat Care Society and serves on the Board of Directors. She is an instructional developer for Natural Grocers and lives in Indian Hills, Colo., with her husband, daughter, and two cats, Techno and Digit. 

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