Torby vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

The first thing to know is that a Bicolor cat isn’t in fact a breed. Bicolor is just a term that describes a certain look that a cat has with its coat. It’s a cat with two colors such as red and white or black and white.

A popular name for bi-color cats is also Piebald or Tuxedo, and in fact many cat breeds can produce bicolor kittens, or black and white kittens such as Cornish Rex, Maine Coon, Manx, and others.

There are different coat color combinations when it comes to bicolor cats and the black and white markings may be more common but there are other color combinations too such as orange and white.

Nobody seems to know the origins of the Bicolor cats so we are going to assume they come from the USA.

The Torby is a rare cat and the name ‘Torbie’ is shortened for Tortoiseshell-tabby. They are known for their tri-colored coats. In fact, when a cat has tabby stripes along with Tortoiseshell markings, the results are Torbie. Tortoiseshell cats are almost exclusively female. Males do exist but they are rare. They’re also referred to as Torties with their coat resembling that of the shell of a tortoise. The colors represented are usually red, orange and black. Just like the Tabby cat, the Tortie cat is not actually a breed, but is rather referring to the coat pattern. Pure breed cats such as the Maine Coon can also have a Tortoiseshell pattern.

Regardless of the breed they belong to, information on these cats suggests that they can have many different looks. Look at the amazing Turkish Van cat for instance – each of these cats is recognizable for its long, luxurious fur. You’ll find a few touches of color on the cat's ears and tail, making in a Bicolor. They also have an interesting characteristic – being fond of water!

These Bicolor cats weigh in the region of 3 – 7kg, and can tend towards the smaller or larger size. Some of them can have short or long hair, larger or smaller ears and green or yellow eyes.

Temperament:

Coming from different cat breeds, the bicolor cat can have a mix of wonderful characteristics – they can be vocal or quiet or confident or shy.

They’re always wonderful though and can be curious, intelligent, playful, loving and loyal. They make great companions who just love the interaction they have with their human owners.

There is a type of tortie cat that is called a torbie and it comes with tabby-like features. They are striking looking cats and can be medium to large size, weigh between 3 and 7kg and be muscular and athletic. Essentially when there are tabby stripes you get a Torbie. Some people call them patched tabbies because they are a tabby with Temperament: No two Tortoiseshell cats have the same personalities, and because they can be any breed of cat, they have a wide range of personality characteristics. They can be energetic, docile, curious, lazy, playful, shy, reserved, aloof, social, friendly, angry, calm, or something else. Not every Torbie cat will have the same characteristics, but most make the most awesome pets. It is true that a cat’s personality and behavior are formed a lot by the people who own it and the lifestyle they provide for it.

The Bicolor cat is such a steady, reliable cat-friend to have. When you start looking as these cats as your companion, you're going to get a smart, funny, adoring, playful family member who will be there for you whether you go to work each day or stay at home.

They’re such easygoing cats, with no airs and graces. They’re happy, relaxed, and uncomplicated cats and when you make a Bicolor your pet and friend, your life just becomes that much more meaningful.

Your torbie cat isn't going to turn out the same way as your friend's torbie cat. This is because torbie is just indicating the type of coat your cat has. Yes, they can be strong-willed, social and even angry sometimes, but they can also be quiet, sweet and content. Nothing is set in stone when it comes to a cat's personality. The type of personality you have and the lifestyle you provide your cat with can play a big part in how your Torby turns out. Give him lots of love and care and you'll be blessed with an awesome friend and pet.

By providing your kitty cat with a loving home, you can ensure that he stays as healthy as possible. Unfortunately though, cats can get sick, regardless of how well you take care of them and then as a responsible pet owner, you will be able to take your pet to your local vet.

Some of the common cat problems you get can be kidney disease, ear infections, dental disease, parasites such as heartworm, cancer or something like feline immunodeficiency virus.

Whether your cat has a virus or an infection, remember that getting your cat to the vet can mean nipping the problem in the bud before it gets more serious.

Torbie cats are such lovable felines and because they are describing the type of coat the coat has and not the breed, nobody can be sure how long these cats will live for. Some will only live to be 10 while others can reach 15 to 18 years of age. The diet and lifestyle you give your torbie can influence his health and longevity. Health issues in a torbie are certainly not connected to the color of the coat. No matter what cat breed you have, most of the common cat illnesses to watch for are issues that affect the kidneys, the eyes, the skin, and heart. Make sure you get your torbie vaccinated against some of the deadly cat diseases there are.

Caring for your Bicolor cat is much the same as with any other cat. Your Bicolor will shed, so brushing him will tickle him pink, especially if you do it lovingly and gently – it’s like a bonding session. The weekly brushing will get rid of loose hairs and dust and keep the coat healthy and shiny.

Spay or neuter your pet to avoid unwanted kittens. Stay up to date on veterinary visits and vaccinations.

Provide your cat with stimulating toys as well as all the equipment he needs to be comfortable – food and water bowls, litter box, grooming equipment, bedding, climbing- and scratching equipment.

All cat owners, whether their cats eat homemade food or wet- or dry food should read cat food labels and understand the nutrients content.

Certainly, as a carnivore, cats require certain vitamins, minerals, and proteins that only meat can provide.

Understand how to work out if the cat food is balanced or not and not packed with too many grains and carbohydrates.

How much your Bicolor eats will depend on his age and his activity levels. Be careful not to overfeed your cat as overfeeding is dangerous. When cats put on too much weight, it leads to problems such as diabetes, heart- and joint disease.

It can be difficult to decide which food to go with for your feline friend as the cat food manufacturers have provided pet lovers with a generous selection. With a cat, it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option, but in the long run, it will just increase your vet bills. Diet plays a massive role in the health of your cat. The important thing to remember is that your cat is a carnivore and he will require meat as the biggest part of his diet. If in doubt, speak to your vet about the type of food to give your cat and how much. Ensure your cat has a constant supply of fresh, cool water. All cats are low-maintenance, and your Torby isn’t going to require much grooming. Make a habit of regular grooming, even if it is only once a week. Your Torby will also need his claws trimmed regularly. You can visit your vet or pet groomer to do this for you. Just like human parents prepare for the arrival of a new baby, you have to prepare for the arrival of a cat in the home, whether it comes to you as a kitten or an adult. Make a list of the essential cat accessories you will need. Buy some fun toys for your Torby, more so if you are bringing a kitten home. Cats need to be stimulated to steer away from boredom. Essentially your Torby checklist will look like this - • Litter box and cat litter • Cat bedding • Veterinarian-recommended cat food • Bowls for food and water • Toys • Collar with tag and contact info etched in • Brush for grooming • Scratching post • Climbing tree