The many colors of Tortie/Torbie Cats

Dahlia- blue tortie polydactyl

The many colors of Tortie/Torbie Cats

Tortie/Torbie Cats

You'll find most tortie/torbie cats are female. That's because the same chromosomes that determine their sex also determine the colors in their coats. The female sex chromosome (X) also carries the genetic code for orange or black coat colors; the male sex chromosome (Y) does not carry information on coat color.

Because females have two X chromosomes, they have two sets of genetic information that can determine their coat color. The embryo shuts off one X chromosome in each cell, resulting in orange and black color variations in their coats.

Because a male cat has one X chromosome and one Y chromosome, he'll only be orange or black—not both.

In very rare cases—about 1 in 3,000—a male tortie cat can be born with two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome. In 2014, a Scottish cat rescue welcomed tortie kitten Harry into the fold—a feat so rare it made the news.

Unfortunately, male cats with XXY Syndrome are sterile and often have serious health issues, resulting in significantly shorter lifespan.

What's the difference between a tortie and torbie?
A tortie has a mix of colors all over the body.
A torbie has a tabby face with the mix of colors of all over the body.