“Torties” or Tortoiseshell cats are fascinating felines among different cat breeds. Seeing a Tortoiseshell is not a common phenomenon because they are a very rare type of cat. What is more about this breed? Well, the first myth unravelled: Tortoiseshell is not a separate breed.
It is a coat type that can be seen in various cat breeds like British Short Hair, American Short Hair, Maine Coon, Persian, and Cornish Rex. So, you can see a Persian cat, and it can also be a Tortie one.
The name Tortie kittens or Tortoiseshell cats are named so because of their coat type.
The coat is very similar to a Tortoiseshell. Mixed colours and a unique texture are their primary attribute. Let’s figure out more about the Tortoiseshell cat’s facts.
Table of Contents
What Colours can Tortoiseshell Cats?
Tortoiseshell cats can be of different colours. Red, Orange, Cream with Black, Grey, and Chocolate are the most common ones. You can see the variance in their coat colour. In this case, the colour combination seems like it is woven with a great texture. (Chech here pet urine remover)
Red and Black Tortoiseshell Cats are the leaders among them. Because of these two colours, Torties are found the most. Besides, they look more attractive and sassy.
Tortoiseshell cats can have several mixed-colour coats. Usually, three different colours dominate the overall coat, although two-colour Tortoiseshells are also present.
There is an interesting fact related to their coat colour. Only female Tortoiseshells can have multi-color formations. Why so? It is because of the genes they carry. Also, this is the exact reason why most Tortoiseshells are female cats.
Eye Colour: The eye colour of a Tortie can be different from its coat colour. It is also possible for a Tortoiseshell to have two different colours in other eyes. Besides, variety is also there in eye colour.
It makes them unique and fascinating.
Genetic Information of Torties
The genes we are talking about are mainly the chromosomes. A female Tortie has “XX” chromosomes. These two chromosomes determine the sex and the coat colour of the cat. So, as they are two sets of “X” chromosomes, it can cause a Tortoiseshell female cat to be both Orange and Black simultaneously.
On the other hand, a male Tortoiseshell cat can carry “XY” chromosomes, so it can be either Black or Orange, but not both at the same time.
Some male Torties can have “XXY” chromosomes and be of multi-colour. However, most of these cats are infertile and carry serious health issues.
People recognise Tortoiseshell cats for their multi-color formation. Because of the genes, females are predominant in this scenario. This is the same reason why male Tortoiseshell is scarce to see.
Types of Tortoiseshell Cats
We have already learned that tortoises can occur in any breed or mixed breed of cats. Apart from breed type, there are mainly two kinds of Tortoiseshell cats available. One is a Patched or Mosaic Tortoiseshell, and the other is a Chimaera Tortoiseshell.
Patched or Mosaic Tortoiseshell
The Spotted Tortoiseshell shows different mixture patterns in the colour of its coat. This kind of coat has a vibrant mix of colours that cannot be defined by a single design.
The coat colour is random and attractive. In some cases, it may also look like a Mosaic. It is a common one.
Chimera Tortoiseshell
Chimaera Tortoiseshell Cats have a straight division of separate colours in their body. That means one side of the colour could be Orange, and the other side could be Black.
It can happen either in the face or in the body. This separation and straight line in the middle make the cat look more artistic and noticeable.
What about the “Tortitude”? (Personality and Behaviour)
What does it mean by “Tortitude”? Well, Tortie + Attitude = Tortitude. It implies the personality and behaviour of Tortoiseshell cats. They are a little different from other cats. Some people say they are more aggressive; some people say they are quiet.
Well, Tortoiseshell cats are a moody kind of cat. They are independent and the owner of their own choice. Also, they can get what they want. Torties are very loyal to their owners. Also, sometimes they turn into the most playful felines in society.
Changes in their behaviour are sudden and unpredictable. They can shift in different moods, from sleepy and purry to crazy playful. It can vary in each Tortoiseshell cat, as they are all individuals.
Do torties bring Good luck? Tortie Kittens
In different parts of the world, it is believed that Tortoiseshell cats bring good luck or are considered positive in any way.
In America, Torties are considered “Money Cats.” This means they bring good luck in wealth.
In Japan, people say that Tortoiseshell Cats protect them from ghosts. This means the house a Tortoiseshell is in will be protected from ghosts or spirits.
In Great Britain, it is said that rubbing a Tortoiseshell cat’s tail on a wart will cure it soon.
Well, whether these folk tales are true or false, Tortoiseshell Cats definitely increase the beauty of your home. Besides, they are great friends and company. American shorthair British is that torties protect your home from ghosts.
What breed of cat is a tortoiseshell? A tortoiseshell cat is not a breed, but it is used to describe its coat colouring and pattern.
Lifespan and Weight
Both the weight and lifespan of a Tortie vary from breed to breed. Talking about lifespan, different Cat breeds already have a set lifespan. So, an American Shorthair Tortoiseshell may live more or less than a British Shorthair Tortoiseshell.
Talking about weights and breeds matters a lot. A Maine Coon Tortoiseshell would be way heavier and chubbier than any other Tortoiseshell cat. The Maine Coon is a giant cat breed in the cat society.
Some Facts About Tortoiseshell Cats
There are many specific breeds of cats in the world. Tortie cats may be different colours, such as brown, white, grey, cream, black, and red. Some of them are tabby or red and black on one side.
Ancient Celts believed that tortoiseshell cats are females, and females have two X chromosomes, while male cats have one X chromosome. Male cats bear one Y chromosome.
Tortoiseshell Cat Breed
The tortoiseshell cat, male or female, dates back to ancient times. The ancient Celts believed that tortoises brought good luck. Tortoiseshells come from a variety of breeds, and tortie kittens are one of the popular breeds.
Final Words
In the end, we can say that tortoiseshell cats are an uncommon and unique kind. You can also find Tabbies in this category, which are called Tortoiseshell Tabbies.
They are also fierce-looking, attractive cats, perfect for your house. People often confuse Tortoiseshells and Calico Cats because they have almost the same characteristics.
To differentiate between them, one single fact is enough, which is the colour “White.” A “Calico ” cat will have a layer or a little sprinkle of White colour. But, Torties don’t have that at all.
This was all about Tortoiseshell cats. If you want a Tortie pet, you can look for one in the local cat shelter.
