There are many ways to describe cat coloration. The terms below are used by DCHS and can help us better identify your pet. Even with a photo, we cannot guarantee that we can make a match. We strongly advise that you come to the Main Shelter once every four days to look for your lost pet in person.
Brown Tabby or Brown Tabby with White
These cats will have a brown body color with black stripes. Stripes may be very prominent or faint. They may also have white present on their body. This white may be one small spot or most of the body. These cats can have short, medium or long hair.
Grey Tabby or Grey Tabby with White
These cats will have grey body color with grey stripes. Stripes may be very prominent or faint. They may also have white present on their body. This white may be one small spot or most of the body. These cats can have short, medium or long hair.
Orange Tabby or Orange Tabby with White
These cats will have orange body color (various shades of orange) with orange stripes. They may also have white present on their body. This white may be one small spot or most of the body. These cats can have short, medium, or long hair.
Calico
Calico cats are tricolored cats. Their coats have white, orange, and black in large color splotches. These cats can have short, medium or long hair. Calico and tortoiseshells are very close in color pattern. It is very important to provide a picture of your cat to ensure there is no confusion on the color pattern.
Tortoiseshell
Tortoiseshell cats are typically black/orange in color. Their color tends to be mottled. They can have some white on their body. These cats can have short, medium or long hair. Tortoiseshell's can also come in dilute (or muted) color. Dilute/muted means that a cat is grey/orange instead of black/orange. Dilute/muted tortoiseshells can also have white. Calico and tortoiseshells are very close in color pattern. It is very important to provide a picture of your cat to ensure there is no confusion on the color pattern.
Torbie
These cats have coat coloration that have both calico and tabby markings. Their coats are tabby, orange and sometimes white in color. These cats can have short, medium or long hair.
Solid Color
Cats come in all solid colors. These cats can have short, medium or long hair.
Bi-Color
Some cats come in two colors. These cats do not have stripes. These cats can have short, medium or long hair.
Purebred
There are too many purebred cat breeds to list on this page. If you do not see a cat that matches your cat on this page it may be a purebred (or purebred mix). Please send a picture to lostpets@giveshelter.org (or bring a picture to the shelter) for further assistance.