Tortoiseshell cats are named for their distinctive coloring – a combination of patches of black, brown, amber, red, cinnamon and chocolate. The size of the patches varies from a fine speckled pattern to large areas of color. The term “tortoiseshell” is used for cats with brindled coats that have few or no white markings. Cats of this coloring with larger areas of white fur are called calicos. Sometimes, these colors present in lighter versions such as lilac or cream. Torties with this lighter coloring are called dilute torties. Occasionally, the typical tortoiseshell colors are also seen in a tabby (striped) pattern, and these cats are sometimes referred to as “torbies.”
Tortoiseshell cats are almost exclusively female. Tortoiseshell and calico coats are the result of the interaction between genetic and developmental factors. The occasional and very rare male tortoiseshell cat is the result of a genetic mutation.
In addition to their distinctive coloring, torties also have a reputation for unique personalities, sometimes referred to as “tortitude.” They tend to be strong-willed, a bit hot-tempered, and they can be very possessive of their human. Other words used to describe torties are fiercely independent, feisty and unpredictable. They’re usually very talkative and make their presence and needs known with anything from a hiss to a meow to a strong purr. These traits are stronger in tortoiseshell cats than in calicos – it seems as though these traits are somewhat diluted with the addition of more white to the color scheme.
As of the writing of this post, I share my life with Amber*, and those of you who’ve followed this blog for a while have gotten to know her in her Amber’s Mewsings posts. You will soon be able to read all about Buckley in Buckley’s Story – Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher. The photo above shows Buckley in the front, Amber behind her.
Prior to Amber and Buckley, there was another tortie in my life. Virginia was the first office cat at the animal hospital I managed. She was my introduction to torties, and my love affair with this particular type of cat began with her. She, too, had the “tortitude” I so love about these particular cats.
Do you have a tortie or calico in your life? Does she have “tortitude?”
*Sadly, Amber passed away on May 13, 2010, after a sudden, brief illness. I now share my life with Allegra and Ruby, two tortoiseshell cats who have their own columns here on The Conscious Cat, titled Allegra’s World and Ruby’s Reflections.
Photo ©Ingrid King, all rights reserved
Bernadette, laughed for a few minutes on that one. Got to wipe the tears away.
The more I learn about torties and the gene mixup the more it explains things.
Because of all this confusion, I just tell my girls they are mutants.
more info
IS COAT COLOUR LINKED TO TEMPERAMENT?
http://www.messybeast.com/colour-tempment.htm
A scientific explanation has been offered for the “tortie temperament”. Female cats inherit an X chromosome from the mother and from the father. To be tortie, a female has the “O” gene on one X chromosome, but no “O” gene on her other X chromosome. During embryo formation, each cell of the embryo randomly switches off one or other X chromosome (X chromosome inactivation). On the skin, this shows as red and black patches and is known as mosaicism. The switching off takes place in all tissues of the body, including the brain cells. The naughty tortie temperament may be due to X chromosome inactivation in the brain tissues – the brain is a mosaic of 2 types of cell, some with the mother’s X chromosome and some with the father’s X chromosome. This may cause a mixed-up temperament as well as a mixed up coat pattern.
Found this while searching Torties
Edgar Allan Poe once belonged to a house cat. Her name was Cattarina. Cattarina was already an accepted member of the family. Here is how biographer Frances Winwar imagines the Poe household in January 1842: “There was nothing Mrs. Clemm liked better than to preside over the tea and coffee urns while a fire burned on the hearth, the guests sat in the straight, flower-painted chairs, and the new member of the family, a tortoise-shell cat named Catarina (for the pun in the name) basked in the warmth of the fire place”
Jay, that is the most alluring cake I have ever seen. Sure am glad to have seen it. I am really glad I did not have the pieced of cake with Stirfy’s face. I can see you really love her. Good for her and you. Thanks for sharing her with us.
Hey, tortie lovers – Jay posted the photo of Stirfy on the Thanksgiving cake on our Facebook page – you have got to see this!
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=6979793&o=all&op=1&view=all&subj=58092011935&id=706459001
Greg, welcome to the world of servants to Torties. I am sorry for your loss. Bliss sounds like a very loving and gentle Tortie. In my experience, I had found that somehow Steeler was very gentle with my husband from the day I took her in, he is very ill now. Please post a picture of Bliss, we do enjoy looking at our Torties, and brag about her all you want on this site, we all do.
Jay, I didn’t google Mr. Bigglesworth, I decided it was before my time (if you believe that one).
Ingrid and Jay, I am always researching something. It is part of my “genetic profile”. After I found this forum, I decided to really look into the history of Torties. There are a number of sites on Torties, I found this one to be the most descriptive and informative. When the page opens up, I could swear they used Steeler as the model, then I thought well maybe Allegra, or Stirfry or Kasey. The Torties are all beautiful. Glad you enjoyed the article.
Bernie, thanks for sharing this fascinating info on tortie genes with us. We’ve always known they’re special, now we have science to back us up.
Jay, I’m still laughing at your comment about sticking your hand in a blender being less painful than pilling Stirfry!
Em, I wasn’t thinking of a scaredy-cat type playmate for Edie, but I would try to find one that’s a little more laid back than your typical tortie – especially after your description of the visit from the dog cousins. I think Edie will most definitely want to be top cat!
Greg, I’m so sorry about your wife, but I’m glad you have Bliss to comfort you. What a great name for a tortie!
Bernie, I too was stumped and had to Google Mr. Bigglesworth. Torties are WAY cuter.
I went to
http://www.messybeast.com/tricolours.htm
and am amazed on all the Tortie info.
Thank you
Hi Greg, thanks for sharing how Bliss (love that name) picked you.
My condolences about your wife. I know Bliss brought plenty of joy to her. Torties have a way of making us laugh and forget our problems.
Can’t wait to see pics of her.
Jay
My wife and I had always been “dog people”. When our jack russell, Nipper, became sick, we had to put her to sleep. My wife had cancer, so we decided to delve into the world of cats- easier to care for. We went to the Atlanta Humane Society to look. Not sure of cats, I walked around and just viewed the cats in the cages. I watched this 6 week old tortie and knew she was the one. We learned quickly about tortitude. My wife has recently passed away and Bliss has transformed into the most lovable, attentive cat. When I put the key in the door coming home from work, she comes running, talking up a storm. She never leaves my side and purrs and talks all evening. She’s the new love in my life. Thanks to this site I understand much more.
Em, you may find this hard to believe, but I have no idea who Mr. Bigglesworth is. I think you have just dated my time slot. I can help you with the article. Since I am not a computer whiz, I will just type you the url where I found info on Tortie. It is an eyeopening article, so don’t get bored. Our Torties truly are exceptional for many reasons. Here goes: http://www.messybeast.com/tricolours/htm
Let me know if the beautiful Tortie eyes look at you from the page.
Bernie–that’s so interesting! What weird lil creatures these beauts are. And, you’re right, cloning wouldn’t neccesarily pose a threat, I just didn’t want ppl to think I wanted to conduct some frankenstein experiment in my basement, lolol.
Do you have the link or title of article? I’d be interested in reading it too.
So, if a male tort & female tort mated, what would their offspring look like?! I’m guessing Mr. Bigglesworth…
Em, the article I read was an indepth study on the Torties. I am against animal experimenting also, however, trying to clone an animal does not cause injury to the existing donors, therefore I do believe in the attempt to clone as a study. As for the cloning of a male tortie, the scientists did try and when I quoted the report, it included both male and female torties. HEy, by the way, it sounds like Edie Kidie is showing some real tortitude walking thru the dogs. You may find, like so many of us, just how much tude our buddies eventually hit us with.
Even if you had a male tortie and mated him with a female tortie, your chance of having a little Tortie are very, very slim, according to the scholars.
Ps. Ingrid-are you thinking more of a scaredy cat for Edie (per se)? I’ve been leaning towards an outgoing, playful kitten/young adult but you bring up a gd pt…BUT, I just don’t want the newbie to hide, be scared of Edie, refuse to play, etc. I want a pal that’ll hold their ground, put her in her place (if need be), but let her be the Alpha too…does such a combination exist?! Am I dreaming?! And, you suggest an addtl tortie, correct?
Today my sis dropped off her doberman & mini-pin for me to dog-sit. So w/ my 2 terrorists, I had 4 dogs running around, jumping on me, & in the middle, is Edie Kidie w/ her rump in the air, purring, nuzzling, etc. Honestly, if she could’ve, I think she woudl’ve been waving like a beauty pageant contestant; elbow-wrist-wave, elbow-wrist-wave. She has NO fear of her canine cousins. But what’s great is as she saunters thru, the dogs part like she’s Moses & they’re the sea.
Jay-next time Edie needs a pill I’ll stick my hand in the blender first! Lolol, good one. She will not eat her Heartgaard pill. She’s managed to eat around it.
Bernie-Tortie’s are un-clonable you say…? Interesting. Out of curiosity, do you think male torites can “be created”? I know they can happen in nature, as a genetic rarity but I’d be interested to know if such an experiment existed. I’m all AGAINST animal testing, but just wondering…A male tortie would be pretty darn cute w/ Miss Thang.
The other night I trimmed Edie’s nails & cleaned her ears. She sat nicely, minimal squirmage, little mewing & as I’m thinking, ‘wow, what a docile cat’, she bit me the hardest she ever has–or any other cat has for that matter. She ripped into my flesh & I could feel her canine tearing layers of my skin. For a split second it seemed like her tooth was actually caught in my hand bc she bit so deeply. She finally released, flicked me off & walked away…I swear she was purring too.
Bernie, that’s interesting info.
Not able to clone a Tortie.
I think it was done by Looney Tunes when they created The Tasmanian Devil and we know how that worked out 🙂
Glen – Im amazed that Kasey is so easy to give pills to.
When Stirfry’s ear was infected and puffed up I took her to the Vet.
Was given pills and antibiotic cream. The cream was a challenge but the one and only pill she has evey gotten cost me lots of blood and I still have those scars. Would have been easier to put my hand in the blender and probably less painful. Blenders don’t spit, hiss and howl like a pissed off Tortie.
Em, keep us informed on Edie Kidie and her antics. You will find that she shares so much with her furry friends here.
Harry, good luck at the Patent Appeals Board, hearing/arbitration. I know you have probably outlined your strong talking points to show your confidence and strong, confident belief in what you will be presenting. Then if things go downhill, just start telling about your successes with Sabrina and Brooke, two torties. I doubt they will understand what you are talking about at that point. Confusion is sometimes underated!
To each of our Tortie families: I did a little research on Torti cats a while back. I found this scientic research on the Torti.
It was quite complicated, but taken time easy to understand, depending on your field. What I found to be absolutely amazing is that no scientist has ever been able to clone a Tortie. They have come to the consesus that it is impossible to clone a Tortie. Other cats are no problem. Now that is interesting. Also the ability/inablity to breed to try to get a Tortie fails most of the time. I know we already knew our Torties were different. I just thought you all would like to know even our great minds (scientists) can’t figure them out either.
This is my class plan today. (Smile everyone, our Torties really are special).
Glen – You’ve adulterated my food, and are obviously trying to poison me, so I’ll just starve, thanks. Unquote.
I’ve only been really bitten twice by cats. Once picking up a rescue cat that the foster told me not to pick up (sometimes I’m so stupid I amaze even myself) and once from Brooke, trying to pill her. Before Pill Pockets (which come in grain free, by the way) there was my Dad’s old mortar and pestle to grind pills, and mixing in baby food. I’m glad Kasey is easy to medicate. Did the vet have any idea what caused the fluid?
I could see the pilling thing being a problem. In her case, its food, there’s nothing not to like 😉
Glen, I’m so glad to hear Kasey is doing well – and she might be one of the rare torties who is easy to pill 🙂 In my experience, torties are some of the most challenging cats when it comes to giving pills.
Kasey
Is doing fine, fortunately, the vet did not think it was a concern.
She hasn’t miised a beat and seems quite happy.
Fortunately, pilling isn’t a problem, just take the little pill, wrap it in a very small bit of cheese and it is gone before you can do a quick count to 3 😉
Harry, so glad to hear you are alive. Sabrina and Brooke sharing bread, so to speak, look out. Maybe that is a temporary truce and they will do a 180 degree turn on you when you get back.
Jay, I have seen Stirfry and I would let her have whatever parts of turkey she wanted. You can eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Oh, but be careful with that, Steeler likes to lick the P&j off bread and there goes my P&J sandwich.
Em, I am glad you found this forum. It sounds like you have a special tortie in Edie Kidie. The behaviour is a norm for out Torties. It only gets more interesting. Given time, I would not be surprised to hear that the dogs are running for their lives. Torties, will find a way to love then conquer.
Glen, how is your best bud Kasey doing? I truly hope she is well and back to being herself again.
Now for all that read the post about waking up from the Holiday. Glad to see you are all back, most of you anyway. It just goes to show, that we are a friendly pack of folks and look forward to hearing about what is happening to our adopted and rescued Torties. Have any of you noticed how most of the folks on here have either rescued or adopted their Torties. Lots of caring and loving folks here.
Just finished “The Blessing of the Animals” by Katrina Kittle
A very touching book. Brought tears to my eyes at many parts.
I could relate on so many levels.
Divorce, the animals – goat, donkey, and dogs and of course cats.
I highly recommend it
Starting “Cleo – The Cat Who Mended a Family” by Helen Brown now.
Jay, how thoughtful of Stirfry to save you from eating too much turkey 😉
Harry, I’m so thrilled to hear how well things are going with Brooke and Sabrina!
Em, even though Edie Kidie (great name!) shares commonalities with all the other torties, she’s still going to be her own, unique personality (or should that be catsonality?). A playmate of her own species is probably a good idea for her. It’s really hard to say whether a male or female would be better, it’ll really depend on the cat’s temperament. I’d definitely go with a younger cat, or a cat about the same age. Since Edie Kidie is a high spiritied tortie, I’d look for a more mellow cat because my guess is that Edie Kidie is going to want to be top cat.
I rescued Edie Kidie (it rhymes) almost one year ago, Dec. 19, 2009. I have dubbed that date her new DOB as well, so she’ll be 4 yrs old this yr.
When I observed all the avail cats at the rescue facility, Edie was the only cat allowed to be off-leash. She worked the room w/ her bootie in the air, sauntering around, kneading everything in sight. She bounced from lap to lap, talking, nuzzling, etc. What sold me was her affinity for dogs. She didn’t flinch when she got stepped on, didn’t howl when one dog suckled her tail, & loved on each & every dog she could. Since I had 2 rat terriers (read: terrorists) at home, I was sold.
Sadly, to this day, my dogs still hate Edie & avoid her at all costs. Billy Cosby & Crazy Girl have been w/ mommy since day 1 & act entitled to everything. Edie knows she’s been rescued & grateful for everything! There really is a difference, and animals truly know when they’ve been rescued.
I had no idea about tortitude until I stumbled upon Ingrid’s website a few days ago. What a goldmine of information! I do have to say I was a bit…can’tthinkoftherightword…saddened (?) to realize that all of Edie’s eccentricites weren’t soley her claim to fame; she is exhibiting true torite behavior! My fam & I were in awe over her talkative nature, in-your-face antics & canine mannerisms. I have often wondered if she was raised w/ a pack of wolves!
I love that she doesn’t back down from the dogs, she sings, talks, howls, chitter chatters incessantly & she greets me at the door. She loves visitors, she loves wet food, she loves car rides & she loves life.
Funny story: When I adopted her, she had NO idea how to play w/ toys…at all. I bought one of those circular tracks that has a scratch pad in the center & a ball that rotates around the perimeter of the track. The idea is for the cat to chase/paw at the ball. Well, when I introduced it to Edie, she looked at it and sat on top of it. She had no idea what to do w/ it! During numerous play sessions, I tried to show her the concept of the toy: bat the ball around the track! Well, she wasn’t having it.
About two weeks later, around 3 a.m. I was woken up by the sound of the ball being whipped around the track, going about 10mph!!! She finally figured it out & was having a blast!!!
Finally, advice sought: I think she needs a playmate, esp since my dogs treat her like she has mad cow disease or something… Would I be better off w/ a younger male or female? I’ve had ppl tell me both, for diff reasons. And, she is definitely the ALPHA so it’d have to be subsurvient to her. I’ll gladly accept any/all suggstions on this matter. I’d hate to end up w/ 4 animals that don’t get along–have civil right protests in my bed each night, etc.
Sigh…So, I initially thought a male kitten but now others are saying young female, kitten female, etc.
Ideas? Suggestions? Thanks so much crazy cat community!
Bernie – I’m alive. A holiday means… extra rescue events. And I’m putting in overtime on my day job, getting ready for a business trip next week. If they don’t want to hear about appeals before the Board of Patent Appeals and Interferences, I’ll tell them about a year’s worth of efforts to get a Tortie to get along with a new cat. (Tonight’s update – a major milestone! Both Brooke the tortie and Sabrina the stealth tortie in the same room for well over an hour with no hostility, and for the first time, some close by passes with no aggression. Could it be because we fed them both turkey near each other last weekend?)
Glen, please do keep us posted on Kasey. I highly recommend Pill Pockets – bless the person who invented them. I can pill a cat – but not a tortie.
Glen, I hope Kasey is doing well.
I know I hate going to the doctors and I’m sure our furry friends are no different. At least we know where we are headed when we get in the car.
Yesterday I ate leftover Thanksgiving dinner and shared it with Stirfry. Or she shared it with me and ate most of the turkey while I had mashed potatoes, carrots and sweat potato pie. Can’t say no to her.
Hannah, I would steer clear of getting A Calico as a companion for Betty. I have Tabatha (my Calico) and her and Stir do not get along at all. I would try a male cat but not sure if a young kitten or laid back older cat. Try asking Betty and see what she wants.
Glen, not Kasey getting sick, she is our little survivor. Had it not been for you she would probably not be here today. So here’s hoping she is well soon and back to being herself.
Ingrid, she did like the cooked dark meat of the turkey. Not I have to get this “TURKEY” to start changing her eating habits. This is harder than getting the Berlin Wall torn down.
PS Gald to see we are waking from the Holiday binge!!
Bernie, I’m glad to hear Steeler got some turkey, and that she liked it. I think that bodes well for her eventually liking the canned food.
Glen, I’m so sorry to hear about Kasey! It’s always such a worry when our babies get sick. I’m glad it’s nothing too serious, and I hope the cheese “treats” made up for the stress of having to be in a carrier and at the vet’s. Keep us posted on how she’s doing.
Kasey
Did not have the most enjoyable day, I took the afternoon off to take her to the vet.
She had a swelling in the front, right nipple and it caused me a lot of concern.
It was smooth edged, not discolored, mobile with the skin and apparently, not sore to touch.
The vet checked it and drew a clear fluid from it with a hypodermic needle. He examined the fluid and was not too concerned about it and just said to keep an eye on it and prescribed antibiotics.
Kasey does not like going in the cat carrier or the ride over to the vet. She was never in a cat carrier unti she was 8 year old and only had one vehicle ride in the first 8 years of ther life. She also had some mistreatment in those years so I don’t like putting her through it, but it needed to get checked out.
She is happy now to be home and likes the antibiotic pills because they are served in a slmall bit of cheese.
Hi to each of you. I have looked at the postings and I think maybe our Thanksgiving + shopping took a toll on us. So, now that the rush is over, let’s hear what our lovable, impish and possessive little angels have been up to. Just for starters, the changeover of food for Steeler is still a battle of nerves and she likes the dark meat of turkey. Now, Harry, Bernadette, Jay, Glen, Rob, Lianimal, Michael and anyone I missed, let’s hear what is new with your little furry wild children. Not my quote, but read it on her.
Courtney, have you picked a name for your Tortie yet?
Hannah, have you found a companion for Betty? A Tortie playing fetch, well that’s new, usually it is, me having to fetch after throwing to Steeler. She looks at me like I must be nuts.
Liz and Deb, my Steeler hums and makes strange sounds, I call her a cranky old man. She walks around when she has been told no and will yak and talk all thru the room. I don’t know what she is saying, but then again, I don’t think I want to know.
If you can, post a pic of your Torties on the facebook Ingrid has. We all enjoy looking at them.
OK, friends, I have thrown the gaunlet down to each of you, except Liz and Deb, they were just on the site.
Ingrid, yesterday, was Sunday, I guess we all were fused to the TV for football, or some shopped and wise folks slept.
Sorry I’m late in responding here!
Hannah, it sounds like Betty has tortitude to spare! I would choose a younger cat or a kitten as a companion for her, and I’d look for a somewhat mellow, maybe even slightly submissive cat. It sounds like Betty will want to be in charge. It’s hard to tell whether male or female would be a better choice, I think personality is more important than gender, but sometimes, a dominant female cat will accept a younger male cat quicker than another female. We have some members here who work with rescue groups, they may have some more advice for you.
Liz, all my torties have always been talkers. How wonderful that Sarah is still going strong at 18.
Deb, you may be the only person here who has a tortie dog! 🙂 Love your description of how KitKat and Gracie became friends.
I have a tortie that showed up on our front porch one day, three years ago. We had just gotten a boxer brindle pup Gracie and had her on the front porch playing when the Tortie showed up. Gracie sniffed her a couple of times, KitCat(tortie) smacked her in the face and they’ve been friends ever since. They have the same coloring. They sleep together, play together and even clean each other! When KitCat is outside and wants to come in Gracie(boxer) will sit at the door and whine at me until I let the cat in and vis versa. Our tortie doesn’t talk very much but she purrs ALOT. I never knew about Torties until KitCat but I will never want any other kind.
So interesting to read all the comments about Torties. We have Sarah, who is now 18, and getting a bit arthritic. But her personality is as strong as ever, and she remains very talkative.
I’m amused at the way she will suddenly sit up from her sleep and make what I call ‘announcements’ – not sure whether she is reporting on her dreams or telling us about her day. At other times she communicates in a series of quiet ‘mirps’. And she gets very agitated if she can’t find me. I’m glad we have a wonderful vet who ensures that she is as comfortable as possible in her old age.
Honey and I want to wish all the special people here that love Torties a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Aren’t we grateful for our furry (and mouthy) friends who bring us so much happiness? I know I am.
~Michael (member of the staff)
I’m so happy I found this thread! I got my tortie Betty 2 years ago as a kitten, I always thought she was a strange little cat, and now I know it seems to be a trait of all torties.
At first I thought she was a bit of a mad scatty kitten (having previously owned an extremely laid back tabby), but she hasn’t really grown out of it. She meows ALOT and I actually find myself talking to her, she’s definitely not a lap cat, but every now and then will like to sit, usually under my laptop. She’s fairly timid and it takes her a while to get used to people and she seems to hate loud noises (especially my brothers voice)
The oddest things I’ve found that she does are playing fetch, like a dog, if I throw her a toy she will bring it back to my hand, and she sleeps under my covers in bed at night right next to me.
She craves attention which can lead to her being naughty if I don’t give it to her, but I find this quite endearing and have learned to love it.
I will also add, so is an extremely capable huntress, in the last year I’ve had about 5 birds, 3 mice, a frog and without doubt the oddest catch of all, a bat, all lovingly bought into the house as presents for me.
My dilemma at the moment is I really want another cat to keep her company, but she seems to have issues getting on with other cats. I don’t actually think it’s her though, she seems to want to be friends, she will timidly go upto other cats who always hiss and swipe at her, but they’ve always been older cats, so I’m wondering if a kitten or a younger cat than her would be more appropriate, and also would a boy or girl be better?
And my comment wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving yesterday also disappeared, so let me wish you a very happy holiday again. I’m so grateful for all of you who have made this wonderful tortie community what it is.
My web host did a server upgrade overnight, and all comments left yesterday mysterioulsy disappeared, so I’m reposting them here:
From Bernie:
Bernadette, I remember Mark Twain,a friend of mine, (smile) he had a penchant for tilting the bottle. I did not know he had a Tortie. But the name Sour Mash, would have been appropriate for him, because that is what is used as the basis for Moonshine. Wonder if he ever named any of his cats Moonshine?
From Jay:
I have to go to work tonite (Walmart Deli) till 11 and they are calling for Snow/Sleet/Freezing rain late tonite and early tomorrow morning. Won’t get home till 11:30 or ?
Having a cake made up for Thanksgiving Dinner at my sisters.
It will have Stirfry’s picture on it.
Can’t wait to see the reaction.
Everyone have a Great and Safe Thankgiving.
I have all my animals, family and friends here to be thankful for.
Jay
From Bernadette:
Bernie–no Moonshine, but just to give you guys a list of good historic names, they were Stray Kit, Abner, Motley, Fraeulein, Lazy, Buffalo Bill, Soapy Sall, Cleveland, Sour Mash and Pestilence and Femine.
Ingrid, not just a tortie, but his favorite, and knowing Twain and his love of “character” I’m sure she had loads of tortitude–I like the “harlot” part, but that means there must have been other torties! Here’s a good page about Twain and his cats, and I could swear a few of the kitties in “Wide Awake” could be torties!
From Harry:
Ingrid – indeed, I am delighted and thankful for this little group of tortieafficionados 🙂 It is all the more remarkable that this community has grown as comments, appended to a blog post from August 2009, and taken on a life of its own.
Bernie – without a doubt, Pestilence must have been a tortie 🙂
It would be remiss of me not to say Happy Thanksgiving to all my Tortie families today. We have been having a very good time bragging about our Torties.
A special thanks to Ingrid, for making this site available, and Happy Thanksgiving to you also.
I just want the group to know that Mark Twain, famous feline afficionado, had a tortie named “Sour Mash” who he said was his favorite, calling her his “tortoiseshell harlot”. This was in the days before spay and neuter. Twain and his entire family were early advocates for animal welfare, and at any given time had at least ten cats.
Congrats Courtney on being adopted by a Tortie.
Like Ingrid said – glad you didn’t listen to the shelter worker but listened to your heart instead. Torties will always suprise you.
Suprised that she took to your Aussie so soon (Can’t imagine Stirfry ever doing that )but maybe she realized her new home and family were giving her a chance and she was showing you that it was a good choice.
Definately want to find out what her new name is.
As to the butt scratching each Tortie is different. Stir will bite and scratch but if I say Chin Rub” she will stop and raise her head. My Mini Donkey Buell likes his butt scratched and has backed into me and stepped on my feet for that.
A 7 lb cat is easier on the feet that a 350 lb Donk.
And please post a pic of your new addition to the family
Courtney, glad to hear you chose the older cat over the kittens.
No front teeth, reminds me of the Christmas so for children, about all they want for Christmas is their 2 front teeth. So I hope you come up with a clever name for her. I will be looking forward to future post, to see if any of the tortitude comes out in her. Enjoy your new family member.
Your new tortie sounds wonderful, Courtney, and I love that you gave her a chance despite the bad rep she got from the shelter workers. Let us know when you come up with a name for her, and if you’d like, share her photo on our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/consciouscat.
I just adopted a beautiful tortie, she is 5 years old and I found her at a shelter. I really wanted a cat that would get along with my Mini Aussie, and the people at the shelter told me to stay away from her, because she was shy and didn’t adapt well. I could not help to get her after I had found she was surrendered because her original owners had adopted a kitten and they didn’t get along, so they dropped her off at the shelter. And also finding out that she had lost some of her front teeth due to trauma.
I brought her home anyways and when it came time to meet my aussie she walked right up to him and rubbed all over him. We have only had her a couple days but she is starting to explore out of the room we have her stuff in and walk around the house.
She is one of the most loving cats I have ever met and likes her butt to be scratched, she will put it as far up in the air as she can when your doing it.
We are still thinking of a name? We wanted something to match the dog “murphy’s law” but now I just want something to match her. She is a true blessing in my life!!
Well Steeler makes sounds not that of a cat. But then should wasn’t able to make any noise for a good while. Imagine, next Halloween, this group of Torties could scare the wits off the kids. Something to think about. Good grief, Charlie Brown, I agreeing with Jay.
Well, with her voice, Kasey already makes noises the are “not of this world” 😉
She stopped Toby, our little silkey terrier in his tracks, from 4 feet away, when he was trotting over to her food dish with a single noise, this one sounded like a cougar snarl, the noises get odder from there on.
A sci-fi movie tortie movie would definately be a scary movie.
If they could take over the world (taken over quite a few houses already) watch out !!!!!
Glen, I’m starting to visualize a sci-fi movie featuring torties now! 🙂