A “torbie” is a cross of the tortoiseshell pattern mixed with tabby stripes. Dilute torties have a similar pattern of colors, but include paler gray and cream colors. The traditional tortoiseshell pattern has multiple variations.
The tortoiseshell pattern can be found in many different breeds, or mixed breed cats, although it is a common color in Maine Coons, Persians, and American Shorthairs. Tortoiseshell coats are usually a marbled mix of black and a ginger red, but can this color pattern can also contain creams, white, and orange. The name refers to multiple colors mixed into a tortoiseshell pattern.
Tortoiseshell cats are defined by their marbled mix of black and ginger fur, but some have cream, white, and orange shades in addition to black and red.Ī tortoiseshell cat is not a breed of cat, but rather a reference to the color of their fur.
