A Guide to Telling Torbies from Torties

Telling apart a Torbie vs Tortie cat can be tricky, but by looking at some relevant features, it is always possible to spot the difference.

In this article, we will define each cat type and guide you to decoding the meaning behind their coats and patterns.

Other than that, we’ll also reveal some other surprising facts about Torbie and Tortie cats and tidbits about their personalities that would make you love them even more.

Defining Torbie and Tortie

Before we start defining each type, be aware that neither the Torbie nor the Tortie are cat lineages or cat breeds. Instead, Torbie and Tortie are cat terminologies that refer to the type of color coat patterns.

These striking coats can grace the fur of countless cat breeds, which can range from the enormous Maine Coon to the elegant Persian and more.

1. Torbie Cat

A Torbie has one of the most varied multicolored cat coats. Typically, it comes in a rich black and mottled orange or red intertwined with tabby markings.

It is sometimes called the Tortoiseshell Tabby cat because of its Tortoiseshell base coat and intricate layers of tabby stripes, swirls, and spots.

Are Torbie cats rare? Yes, this type of color coat combination is rare by nature. Its distinct color results from a particular genetic combination of two recessive genes, a red or orange gene plus a tabby gene.

2. Tortie Cat

A Tortie cat is a type of cat coat that primarily consists of two colors, black and red. However, the coloring is not simple, as black can be a range of blue, chocolate, or gray while red can be more yellow, orange, amber, or even cream.

This beautiful mix of colors forms a strong resemblance to that of a tortoiseshell, from which the term Tortie came about.

There are several myths surrounding cats wearing the Tortie coat. Some cat enthusiasts would love to have them as a sign of good luck or prosperity, and for protection.

A Guide to Telling Torbies From Torties

1. Coat Pattern

A Torbie and a Tortie may have a similar range of base coats, but you can separate them by spotting a pattern.

Generally, Torbies have prominent or subdued tabby markings that could be in the form of swirls for Classic Torbies or vertical stripes for Mackerel Torbies. The tabby markings can also be just a small tick or spot.

On the other hand, a true Tortie does not possess tabby marks on their black coats. Their patterns are in the form of large or small patches that are randomly distributed or mingled instead.

2. Coat Color

Apart from spotting patterns, you can also refer to the below color coat guide to differentiate each cat type.

Torbie

Tortie

3. Personality

Torbie

Torbies have a very cheerful and active child-like personality. They’re adventurous, never afraid of exploring heights and wandering around. They are also known to be talkative and love to get any attention they can, but are generally laid-back and calm.

Tortie

Torties are well known for their attitude also known as Tortitude. As complex as their colors, these types of felines can be challenging to handle because of their dominant and relatively aggressive personalities, and they certainly know what they want.

Despite being feisty, they also possess a soft side, especially when it comes to their owners.

Conclusion

So, that’s how you can differentiate a Torbie vs Tortie cat. They may sound alike, but they differ in a lot of aspects.

If you are looking for rare tabby cats with cheerful personalities, you may want to consider getting a Torbie.

However, if you prefer cats without tabby patterns and can handle feisty personalities, I would say you will never go wrong with the Tortie.