Tortoiseshell Cat - Origin, Traits, and Facts

Tortoiseshell Cat History and Origin

People trace the history of Tortoise Cats back to ancient times. Southeast Asian folklore stated that the Tortoiseshell cats are very reputable as they were developed from the young goddess’s blood.

Because of their divine origination, Tortoise cats are perceived to bring good luck into human lives. With the evolution of time, these beliefs changed, but in some parts of the world like Scotland and Ireland, these cats are a sign of good luck.

While in the United States, these cats are said to be “money cats” as they bring financial stability to the families who own them.

Tortoiseshell cats have a strong and vibrant history. They are a result of the intricate genetic pattern that is observed in female cats. The several myths and other associations of this cat breed have always put them in the limelight.

The name of this breed often confuses people. The Tortoiseshell is not a specific breed. Instead, it is named tortoiseshell because of the fur’s color patterns and can be found in any domestic cat breed. Traditionally these cats have mixed black, brown, red, and orange color fur.

There are variations in this breed’s genetics, which result in different color patterns and types of Tortoiseshell cats.

Types of Tortoiseshell Cat

Tortoiseshell can appear in different cat breeds. Whether the cat breed is pure or mixed can produce tortoiseshell coat in long or short hair. Following are some of the types of cat breeds that develop tortoise color patterns and designs.

• American Shorthair

  It is a working cat breed that has a strong built and possesses great endurance. It is a domestic cat that is believed to be descended from European cats. According to the Cat Fanciers Association, American Shorthair was a popular pedigreed in 2012 in the United States.

  A variety of color patterns and shading are observed in this breed, including tortoiseshell, cameo, van, tabby, smoke, particolor, and shaded.

• British Shorthair

  It is a pedigreed version of a traditional domestic cat that belongs to the British heritage. This cat breed has a stocky body, broad face, and a dense coat. The scientific name for the British Shorthair breed is Felis Catus, and it has various color combinations like chocolate, Himalayan, and tortoise pattern.

• Persian Cat

  It is a long-haired cat breed that has a round chubby face. This breed is also known as Persian Longhair in some English countries. Unlike some breeds, Persian cats are extremely sweet and loveable. Their fur has various color and coat patterns, including white, black, cream, chocolate, lilac, and tortoiseshell.

• Cornish Rex

  It is another domestic cat breed that has no hair except for the down. It means that these cats have an undercoat of about 1-centimeter long hair. Similar to other cat breeds, Cornish Rex comes in different shading such as bicolor and tortoiseshell.

• Ragamuffin

  Ragamuffin is a cat breed born with a basic white coat fur but develops a pattern as they age. They are considered the friendliest cat breed that makes fantastic pets. Their thick rabbitlike fur has different shades and color patterns such as white, cream, black, red, lilac, brown, chocolate, cameo, and tortoiseshell.

• Maine Coons

  It is the largest domestic cat breed that has a unique appearance and exceptional hunting skills. It is the natural and the oldest cat breed in North America. Its coat coloring has several variations like chocolate, lavender, Himalayan pattern, and tortoiseshell.

Tortoiseshell Cat Genetics

Similar to its personality, a Tortoiseshell cat has unique genetics. The primary color of the cat is usually determined by the main coat color gene. A Tortoiseshell pattern is a result of two co-dominant genes. In bi-color tortie cats, the two genes come together to develop the characteristic brindled tortoiseshell pattern.

While in dilute torties, the two basic genes are modified with another recessive gene, which results in relatively lighter colors.

The Tortoiseshell cats are a female dominant breed. It is because the females have both the X chromosomes that are required to develop black, orange, and gold coloring. On the other hand, it is genetically impossible for a male cat to inherit a tortoiseshell pattern as ther is one X and one Y chromosome in their genes.

If a male tortoiseshell or Calico is born with an imbalance in sex chromosomes and has an extra X chromosome, the chances are that the male will get the tortoiseshell pattern.

What makes these cats unique is that they have a tabby pattern on one of their colors. Tabby cats, also known as tiger cats, drive this gene that forms different designs, including lines, dots, swirl, and stripes.

Tortoiseshell Cat Appearance

The stunning patterns and color shading of the Tortoiseshell cat make it unique and breathtaking. Because of the resemblance of the cat’s fur to a mottled shell, it is called a tortoiseshell.

There are a variety of colors present in the Tortoiseshell cat’s fur. It is usually a blend of black or chocolate shade with a hint of ginger, red, and orange hair. Depending on the breed, the length of the hair can be longer or shorter.

The torties can also have white spots on their fur but the black and red color dominate. The cats with black and brown color fur with orange tabby markings and strips are known as a torbie. In contrast, the cats that have white hair with orange and black patches are called Calico cats.

Tortoiseshell Cat Personality and Temperament

The Tortoiseshell cats are not only famous for their beauty but their attitude as well. People who get to live with tortoiseshell cats often share stories of their “tortitude.” It is commonly believed that Torties have distinct attitudes and personalities. They usually have their own voice.

According to a UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital study, Tortoiseshell cats do have “attitude” issues. However, other animal experts have a contradictory opinion on this matter, and they believe that tortoiseshell cats are like ordinary domestic cats.

People’s experiences state that Tortoiseshell cats are more dominant and louder than other domestic cats. They can go from needing your attention the most to not wanting to get bothered in the blink of the eye.

However, they are as friendly and loving as other ordinary cats and make wonderful pets. It is totally safe to keep your children around them as they are incredibly affectionate.

Commonly Asked Questions About Tortoiseshell Cat

As Tortoiseshell cats have distinctive features, unique personalities, and exciting myths, people often have different questions regarding them. Following are some commonly asked questions about Tortoiseshell Cat.

1. How rare is a Tortoiseshell cat?

   Tortoiseshell female cats are not rare. However, male Tortoiseshell cats are incredibly rare as it is genetically impossible for the make cat to have a tortoise pattern and colors on the fur. It is because male cats do not possess both X chromosomes that are only observed in a female gene.

2.  Are Tortoiseshell cats friendly?

   Although these cats are famous for their attitudes, Tortoiseshell cats can be friendly towards their families. They are independent and a bit nosey, but when it comes to their owner, they are possessive but very loving.

3.  How much is a Tortoiseshell cat worth?

   The Tortoiseshell cat costs around $1000 to $2000 depending on the coat color combination and its density. Moreover, the price can also vary depending on the factors like breed and age.

4. What is the difference between Calico cat and Tortoiseshell cat?

   The genes of the Calico cat has the ability to produce white unpigmented spots on the coat. Your Calico cat can have a white coat with other colored spots or a colored coat with white spots. In contrast, the Tortoiseshell cat cannot produce white color at all.

5. Do Tortoiseshell cats have an attitude?

   Tortoiseshell cats are popular because of their attitude, and because of this, they are called “tortitude.” They thought of themselves as independent beings and are very possessive about their loved ones.

6. Do Tortoiseshell cats have health problems?

   The Tortoiseshell is a color of the fur that has nothing to do with the cat’s overall health. So it is safe to safe that there are no concerns regarding the help of a Tortoiseshell cat’s health if only based on its color pattern.

7. Are tortie cats aggressive?

   Studies show that Tortie cats tend to portray more aggressive signs than other domestic cats. They hiss, chase, and bite more as compared to other cats. However, they are a family cat as they can be very loving towards their families.

8. Are Tortoiseshell cats small?

   As Tortoiseshell cats are not a separate breed, their size can not be specified. The size and the weight of the cat depending on its breed. However, Tortoiseshell female cats are generally slightly shorter than males.

9.  Do Tortoiseshell male cats worth more money?

   The Tortoiseshell male cat costs the same as any domestic cat. People misunderstand the fact that because they are rare, it does not mean that the prices to buy them are high.

10.  Do Tortoiseshell cats live longer?

    The Tortoiseshell cats live for around 10 to 15 years. However, their life expectancy depends on the breed and the health of the cat.

Interesting Facts About Tortoiseshell Cats

There are some commonly known facts about Tortoiseshell cats, such as they are females, they are not a breed, and they are like any other domestic cat. However, there are some hidden facts about this cat that common people are not familiar with.

Tortoiseshell Cats as Emotional Support Animals

Tortoiseshell are gorgeous and fierce cats that are amazing to be around and play with. Apart from being a good company and pet, these can be a great emotional support cat as well. The cat’s purr and its soothing vibes help people calm down in situations when it is needed the most.

Any person suffering from serious mental health problems can get his condition treated with the help of the emotional support of his cat. Although it depends on the breed, tortoiseshell cats are generally very affectionate making them perfect support of the patient.

Getting a Tortoiseshell cat as an emotional support animal is not difficult. You just require a letter from a mental health expert stating your need for this animal’s support. Make sure to get a legit ESA letter from a professional to enjoy all the rights provided by the state.

RealESALetter.com is a legit website that helps you connect with the right pet for your mental treatment as health experts analyze you thoroughly. Visit the website to check if you qualify to get a Tortoiseshell cat.

Tortoiseshell Male Cats

Although Tortoiseshell cats are mostly female, there have been records of male cats as well that is caused by a genetic mutation. These male cats are known to be sterile and have several health issues throughout their lives.

Tortoiseshell are breathtakingly beautiful cats that inspire others from their unique characteristics and look. Getting this cat will be the best decision. You can visit rescue or adoption centers to purchase a Tortoiseshell cat or kitten that costs around $1000 to $3000.

When buying a Tortoiseshell cat, ensure its health by getting it examined by a veteran or a reputable breeder.