The Difference Between Calico and Tortoise Cats

Calico cats and tortoiseshell cats, or torties, are often confused; to the untrained eye,
they can be difficult to tell apart. Both terms refer to coat colors and patterns -- and have nothing to do with the cat’s breed. Domestic shorthair and longhair cats, including several purebred cats, can be calico or tortoiseshell.


http://www.ehow.com/info_8191846_difference-between-calico-tortoise-cats.html