Most calico cats are females - but not all. “In addition, instead of distinct spots of orange and white, tortoiseshells are more of an even blend of the black and orange with sometimes white mixed in.” Do male calicos exist? They’re rare, and they’re probably sterile! Photography by Mahlebashieva/Thinkstock. Gibbons of Just Cats Veterinary Hospital in Stamford, Connecticut, explains. “ Tortoiseshells (or torties) have similar coloring to calicos in that they are also contain black and orange in their coat, but the major difference is instead of a mainly white base, tortoiseshells have a black-based coat,” Dr. What is the difference between a tortoiseshell cat and a calico cat? See the differences? Photography ©piranka | iStock / Getty Images Plus. A calibby is a mix of a calico and a tabby cat, where the calico patches of orange and black have the tabby striped or spotted markings.Ĭompare a tortie’s coloring with some of the calico photos.A dilute calico, as mentioned above, has lighter colorations that result in white coats with large spots of smoky gray and an almost strawberry-blonde color.A standard calico usually has a white coat with large spots of orange and black.What about a calibby? Are there different types of calico cats? Photography ©adogslifephoto | iStock / Getty Images Plus. A dilute calico has colors that are a bit more muted than a standard calico. Diluted calico cats with lighter coloration are sometimes called calimanco or clouded tiger. Calicos may also be referred to as piebald, which can mean any animal with a white base and pigmented spots. Calico cats are also called brindle, tricolor, tobi mi-ke (Japanese for ‘triple fur’) and lapjeskat (Dutch for ‘patches cat’).