A feline possessing a coat pattern that combines tortoiseshell and tabby markings is referred to by a specific term. This unique combination results in a cat with patches of red or cream (tortoiseshell) interwoven with the striped or swirled patterns characteristic of tabby cats. The appearance can vary widely, with some exhibiting subtle striping within the red patches, while others have more distinct tabby markings overlaid on a predominantly tortoiseshell base. A common example is a brown tabby pattern with red or cream patches interspersed throughout.
The appeal of this coat coloration lies in its visual complexity and the unique appearance it grants to each individual cat. The genetic factors responsible for this pattern are sex-linked, meaning it is almost exclusively observed in female felines. The presence of both X chromosomes allows for the expression of both black and orange genes, which contribute to the tortoiseshell component. The tabby pattern is then expressed through a separate gene, creating the distinctive blended effect. The historical interest in this particular coat type stems from its rarity and the genetic understanding required to explain its occurrence.
