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
I saw the cutest puppy today. A puppy that actually made my big lazy ass walk up a steep hill! lol It was a Belgian Shepard. I’d never seen a Belgian Pup before, only the adults, looking all Majestic, regal and WAY beyond my price and energy range….I’ve always admired them from a respectful distance. But this pup was the most beautiful thing EVER! I HAD to go scratch and love on her…I just HAD to! I mean, she looked just like an adult Belgian, ecxept she was tiny, and her ears were as big as her whole head, stood straight up and curved to meet each other above her head!
I’m SO against breeding dogs until there are no more left in shelters. I’m all about Spay/Neuter, and I’d never actually BUY a dog or cat, I’ll always tame a feral, take in a stray, or adopt from a shelter.
But all that said, the Purebred Belgian Shepherds I see at the dog show place across from our parking lot are the most beautiful creatures I’ve ever seen, and if I wasn’t so opposed……If I’d never been in rescue and didn’t know what I know, Monkey would probably have a Belgian Shepard pup to play with
I hear they make nice big cat beds.
LOL….I bet Monkey would Love one!
I missed you all for the last 2 days
Went to a corn roast and sleft in a tent overnight on Sat. Found my 2 man tent (1 man and small Tortie really) is rainproof when I picked the wrong tent to put in my car. Good new because it really rained overnight. My critters were left out overnight as I went from work to my friend’s house and was not home till noon on Sunday. Then to work again and out to see a concert Sunday night. Everyone missed me when I got in. Buell brayed for a couple minutes and Stir talked constantly.
A weight check showed everyone lost weight.
Punky = 20.5
Tabby = 16
Stir = 11.5 ( 5 lbs is just bad attitude)
I am down 20 lbs too.
Guess the heat is affecting us all.
Jay, I hear those corn roasts can be real killers and residents in your area are probably much better off that you didn’t drive home afterward. Harley and Buell are probably proud of you showing a little spunk.
The heat is not affecting all of us. I am still eating rabbit food. Steeler is still getting the good stuff. I will take your weight loss if you put it back on.
Bernadette makes a very good point about your area. Good that you didn’t drive home. The smart a– is the one in the barn.
How can I get a picutre of DQ next to my name? I want her to be with me always!
Hi Coco. This is the site you need to go that will enable you to change your gravatar. Your DQ can be added there and it will then appear with your name on various blogs including FB.
Let me know is this works for you.
http://en.gravatar.com/
Thank you!
Great to see you DQ. Glad you got thru Coco. You can change her photo to any other one of her whenever you want on the same site.
Glad to help. No thanks necessary. We are one big family here. A little quirky, but good company just the same. 🙂
She’s so adorable!
I tried, this didn’t work for me…I’d love to have my Monkey on here, so….trying again!
For some reason my pic won’t show up
Hey everybody, if you haven’t already seen them, you have got to check out Bernie’s Facebook page for the absolutely most wonderful and sepcial photos of her and Steeler together. LOVE LOVE LOVE them!
and if you don’t believe in miracles – you will now. Best news I’ve had all year.
I am on a high like nothing I could have imagined. But it is real. Oh so real. Life can be better with a little Tortie in it.
I would love to but need the link to Bernies page.
Betty my link to FB is: http://facebook.com/bernie.tracy See if that works for you.
I just came home from a 4 day long trip DQ came running up to me and let me pet her belly for 5 min and then she let me hold her and pet her for about another 5. Now she is eating as if to say “ok that’s enough love, mama.com” haha I love her so much!
Don’t tell me cats are aloof and are happy to be left alone! Somebody wrote that recently in Parade Magazine. They didn’t ask the experts, right Coco?
Yeah, that probably was a dog person who wrote that.
It’s the best feeling in the world to come home to your cats being happy to see you, and it doesn’t matter whether it’s been 4 hours or 4 days.
Aloof?!? Like to be left alone!? That’s just TOO funny! Let me explain that one to my four furry fluffballs who are always grabbing at my hands while I’m trying to type, or “helping” me with my yoga poses, or using me as their personal catbed when they feel like a nap…
I will leave the ROOM for 2 min and she will already miss me. I hate to leave her for so long, it tears me apart!
Since that comment seems to have pulled everyone’s tail, here’s the link: http://www.parade.com/news/2011/07/31-battle-of-cats-vs-dogs.html. It’s fairly dog-focused for sure and they seem to let cats win a point grudgingly. See what you think.
Cats Are Definitely Smarter Than Dogs.
You can train a dog, but a cat can train a human.
I don’t need to show examples. You all who I mean. Look in the mirror.
You sound happier than Coco was to get home. Good girl, Coco.
I totally agree with Sharon, Bernadette and Ingrid. That had to be the office gopher who has only been with dogs. 🙂
I absolutely agree. Our vet said that she thought that Henry had been harboring these bacteria for a while, and what sent him on his downward spiral was stress from us being gone for two weeks. Mind you, our petsitter (who has sat for him his entire life) came in twice a day, and our neighbors came in almost every day to play with all the cats. Happy to be left alone, my left hind paw.
Well that says it all. My straightshooting buddy. I agree with my right hind paw.
Yes, aloof????
Then why does Kasey wait at the top of the stairs when I am in the basement (she has trouble with the stairs) and I have to carry her down if I am here a while.
Why she fuss when I am in the garage.
Why does she get up from her afternoon nap to go to the back door just before I get home from work.
……………..etc.
You two must be from a refined section of town–“my hind paw” isn’t how we said it in my neighborhood, even if we were cats.
But don’t you wish cats would just say something instead of getting deathly ill or peeing on something? I hope that one of these centuries these superintelligent creatures either learn to speak a language we can understand, or that we develop a new trait to understand feline body language.
I do so with they could tell us something was wrong, before they’re so ill that it’s almost too late. That behavior may have served them well in the forest, but it’s counterproductive in the kitchen. Two more blocks to check off on Henry’s medicine chart, and I can go to bed…
But Bernie, it’s the left paw you have to look out for.
I haven’t been away from my cats the entire time I’ve had them (two weeks lol) till now, I had to leave for three days and I know it’s tearing me apart, I can’t wait to get back to them tomorrow night! I left them with my mom to kitty sit them while I was gone, but I just hope they miss me as much as I miss them, they are going to be pet for a while when I get back!
I hate leaving my cats, and I rarely travel for that very reason, Sarah!
I was in the hospital for two weeks a year ago and it’s been ever since I got home that Columbia has been sleeping next to me and is never far from where I am. When I first got home she suddenly became a lap cat for a while, she was very clingy to mommy. She eventually stopped the continuous lap laying and now just does it once in a while, but still sleeps next to me and lays in the diningroom chair next to me at meal time.
I love that Columbia took care of you after you got home from the hospital. I’ve always felt that cats are healers and know intuitively what we need when we’re not feeling well, but there’s actually scientific evidence that a cats’ purr has healing frequencies: https://ingridking.com/2009/09/14/the-cats-purr-a-biomechanical-healing-mechanism/
Thank you for the link Ingrid, the article is fascinating! And to think, I have 4 little purrers around me 🙂
Kasey lost aaprox. 1 pound.
At least by my unscientific weigh yourself on the digital scale, then weigh you and the kitty method.
This was planned and has happened over approx. 3 months.
The old girl was about 15.2 pounds last May at the visit to the new vet. The vet said that she should lose some weight, for general health and due to her old injuries.
She has been fed the same food as always, just in measured volumes, as per the food co. guidelines.
Due to her past history and food, I have to get creative so she doesn’t feel to deprived. Her food is measured each day and it gets rationed into her dish during the day, sometimes you have to make a fuss over it while adding just a spool-full, which seems to keep her happy.
I notice she moves a bit better, her fur looks quite good, and she is able to chase and swat Taz a little more vigorously 😉
Glen I like the person/kitty scale method. Kasey at 15# makes more than 2 of Steeler. Steeler is on the thinner side. So I feed her much like you a tablespoon at a time only as frequently as she wants to eat. The KFB, ham, fish, and beef are just appetizers for her. Her feedings are almost around the clock, much like a newborn baby. Up and down all night, she makes sure of that. We once went thru the diet stage with her, I almost went and bought ear plugs, she was demanding more food loudly. I hope your Kasey comes down a bit more. It would be healthier for her. But then there are a number of our Torties and friends that are heavier than the norm.
I feel sorry for the big guy Taz. Torties don’t have to be heavy or thin or exert their power or devilment whichever it is called. I am sure Taz says Kasey, put all that weight back on, he can’t run as fast as he once did.
“I feel sorry for the big guy Taz”
Yeah, Taz is just a good natured, happy guy at heart.
Both “girls” beat him up, Kaset of course, and even the 9 pound tuxie, Morgan. The difference is that Morgan is more like a litter mate most of the time, often they “den up” in a critter bed together, like over-sized kittens.
Kasey, of course, is a different story.
Glen, I weigh my kits the same way on a doctors scale I have.
As Bernie said, Taz does NOT want a faster lighter Kasey.
A Tortie playing can be dangerous. A mad Tortie is a sight to behold.
Taz might have the cartoon name of the Tasmanian Devil but Kasey has the attitude
Taz was the most frantically hyper active kitten I have ever seen, hence the comparison to the cartoon Tasmanian Devil.
However, now, he is very sedate after slowing down when he was about a year old. He is also pretty docile.
“As Bernie said, Taz does NOT want a faster lighter Kasey.”
That is for sure, and before her injury at the compressor facility, she was deadly fast. One of here “protectors” there watched her perform a 3 to 4 foot vertical jump from a standing start to take a low flying bird out of the air.
That’s about the only advantage to her present condition, it makes for a more peaceful home; although I often wish I had taken her home a year or so earlier, before she was injured.
We are still killing fleas here, though I think we’re nearly done. Some had overwintered from last year when I was trying to be careful around Peaches, but I also realized that I had brought a number of boxes from the attic, mostly those including papers for my mother’s estate, and I know squirrels had been in and around and through everything, them and their fleas. It’s happened before.
In any case, the girls have been upstairs in my studio for most of the past month because I had completely cleaned that room and painted it and put down a new floor so the fleas were less numerous there, and it’s kept them pretty flea free. Cookie especially is highly allergic, and the fleas just cluster all over her. They hit so fast that she became quite anemic and nearly went into kidney failure before I realized what was happening. After I cleared the fleas from her and Kelly she needed a week of sub-q fluids and heavy-duty liquid vitamins to get her back in order, but she is well now.
For the most part, Cookie and Kelly still stay there and they don’t mind it, being up on my work tables (though I’m not getting much done in there), but this morning I opened their door early but went back to bed. I miss Cookie sleeping with me, and I thought about her and decided I’d get up and go spend some time in there when I heard a little rustle near the floor, then one a little higher up and remembered Cookie climbing the things I’d set up for her so she could get on my bed, and wondered when she’d be able to do that again. Then I felt a kitty on the bed and there she was! She came purring over to me and gave me a wet nose tap then walked on me and walked around me purring, just like always, very pleased with herself. She settled and we had a little nap before the boys came back upstairs, and they are gentle for young cats but I didn’t want them to irritate her.
I hope this is the last time we have to deal with fleas! Kelly may end up staying in that room but I can tell Cookie knows she’s missing something, especially sweet corn and tomatoes.
Bernadette I know how much you love your little ones. Especially Cookie and Kelly. The way that Cookie came back into your bed and to you tells you a lot. She isn’t missing sweet corn and tomatoes. She is missing her Momma and the closeness she and you have. I know you, and I know you were very happy to have her come to you and show how much she has missed being in bed with you. I hope you and Cookie have many more, so many more memorable moments to come. All she really wants is you. I am so happy for you. Now if you can just terminate those fleas. They must be super fleas. Take care of little Cookie and Kelly. The boys are stronger and more able to handle those little critters.
Cookie coming up on the bed with you is one of those moments that I call “magic moments,” Bernadette. I’m so happy for you. That’s just the best feeling.
Cookie makes every moment magic.
And as I’m going through all my years of photos for various reasons–my calendar, the articles I’m writing, and just organizing–I find at least one photo of guess-which-pleasantly-round-half-n-half-face-tortie on nearly every roll? I really had no idea I had taken so many photos of her. I’ve been trying to mark them in the envelopes for future reference–no baby pictures, and aside from some weight loss she hardly looks any different!
Love the Cookie story.. I know what you mean. Sleeping without a kitty on the bed feels so wrong. Going to sleep with the last thing you hear is a deep puff makes for a purrfect night of rest.
Hope you defeat those fleas.
Ok this is one of those stories that we all like to hear. A very beautiful young lady named Haley, was visiting me on Thursday. Haley almost a teenager. Astounding enough she also volunteers at the animal rescue shelter in Moundville, Alabama (which is where she lives). Well she had been very anxious to see and meet Steeler. So I explained to her the pros and cons of approaching Steeler. You all know what I mean. huh huh It is Steeler. Well we entered the french doors and steeler was under my chair in the dining room. Hales slowly dropped down to her knees and spoke softly to a curious Steeler. She said Steeler HI. To my surprise and to her delight Steeler answered her with the one word she learned to say from hearing it so much of the time while her vocal cords were healing. I would always, say humm to my husband and Steeler’s first sound was humm. True as rain. Haley was so excited to her Steeler actually say that, she became excited and was just so happy. Well Steeler said so long and was gone. It was a great visit. I later was able to take two pic of Haley and Steeler. One Steeler is looking at me and the other Steeler spotted Haley behind her. Haley kept her hands close to her body. It was a good day for a young and very lovely little lady. I am going to post the 2 pics on my FB. If you would like they will be there for all to see. Haley is back in Alabama today with a new book to read, called “Buckley’s Story”.
What a wonderful story. I hope Haley enjoys Buckley’s Story :-).
I saw the pics of Haley and Steeler on FB.
Loved them,
Everyone wants to meet Steeler (she is a famous Tortie),
Hope se realizes how special torties are and explaines it to the rescue shelter.
I’m gonna go to the PETA Kills Animals Site and share it to Facebook if I can
I’ve often wondered how everyone here feels about PETA?
Me personally, I agree with their cause AS THEY STATE IT, but I find their methods to be anywhere from distasteful to downright criminal, and I’ve read numerous stories that lead me to believe they are a bunch of cold-hearted psychos. I read that their founder (Also named Ingrid…Gosh I’m so sorry you have to share a name with her) feels that housepets are an abomination and they deserve to die….which is how she justifies the fact that something like 90% of the animals surrendered to them end up being put down, sometimes in a van in the previous owner’s driveway. She even defended people in her employ who were found to be doing that, then just tossing them in a dumpster down the street. But they go after celebrities and rich people who don’t have time to do the research….they REALLY need to be stopped. They make all rescue and animal rights organisations look bad, IMHO
I have honestly never looked into the organization and mission. I am appauled at what you said they do to pets. I don’t understand how an organization that is supposedly there to prevent cruelty to animals can do such a thing.
Someone needs to start a petition or something to get the to stop this cruel and inhuman practice.
Sorry I can’t write more, I am just disgusted right now. However I do want to thank you for sharing this information with us. Talk about a snap into reality!
Don’t just take my word, research them. I did, because I thought about contributing, but wanted to learn more, then couldn’t believe the things I was seeing
I’ll have my prime rib medium rare if you please. Steeler will have her’s the same way. 🙂
Lianimal, I agree with you about all you wrote. I never cared for their extreme tactics at getting their point across–sometimes you can shock people into taking notice, but that only works once in a while or you lose credibility. I could live with that because they do go after the big corporate animal abusers, except…
They do hate the idea of housepets and people who keep animals as pets (in bondage, as they say) and think all animals should be able to run wild, and I presume this also means they don’t believe in spay and neuter and health care. I have read documentation of them killing and simply throwing away nearly every animal that was surrendered to them as well, though I’ve never seen their reasoning for killing them instead of “letting them go free”. I prefer to stay away from them.
I was so shocked and disgusted….There are also un-verified accounts of them supporting “Domestic Terrorism” ie, breaking into and damaging, even bombing or setting fire to facilities that did things they didn’t agree with…animal research and such
I think they do a lot more harm than good
The only things that are shocking about PETA for most people once they do the research are not their tactics, but their kill stats. Sadly, they are well-funded, and they have a fairly effective PR machine, so people continue to support them.
It needs to end, That organization needs to be exposed and disbanded. How has that not happened yet?
I have not, will not and never will support PETA. A number of years ago when they were attacking women who had on a fur coat, I was wearing a mink jacket. An idiot grabbed my jacket on an escalator and started a rant. Good thing Store Security got there or so help me I was ready to throw her over the escalator railing.
Now that was my gentler side of me. Now today, I would have decked her before any security got there. Yep, I would.
GO BERNIE! Twice they were demonstrating outside the Ypsilanti KFC…I don’t even LIKE KFC, but I got off the bus, went in, ordered some chicken and mingled among them eating chicken and handing out PETA KILLS ANIMALS flyers
There is a synonym for PETA. However, I will have to leave that to all my Tortie friends to figure it out. I can’t post here of I would be in the woodshed with the BOSS. Steeler can’t tell, she not on the computer, …………. YET. 🙂
Bernie, It’s People Eating Tasty Animals……………PETA lol…The actual PETA people heave been fighting with them for years, but the website’s not giving up
Lynn you are oh so close on that phrase. Your last word is too long. Steeler says we can’t use that here. So maybe I would just suggest butts. But then you know Steeler she just won’t behave when she gets her paws on this computer. 🙂
Folks reading thru all these, especially Glen’s post about Kasey brings me to tell a tale on Steeler.
I have, as some of you know, spoiled my little Steeler. She could get away with murder. She uses me for her treadmill, and her boxing partner.
She also does not just Meow like most cats. She has this gutteral noise from the dark ages. She has used it on others, but never at me. Right, until yesterday. She would not eat her cat food. No matter what I did. So I gave her some KFC and she would not eat that either. Well I was at the fridge and she was using her type of snarl for a meow, then all of a sudden I got that gutteral sound from her at me. I almost jumped in the fridge, she surprised me so much. Well then I thought, what does she want?
Well remember her ham. uumm uumm Pulled out a slice of Isalys chipped ham and shredded it for her. Yep, she wanted ham. No doubt. She inhaled it. Her menu is on the high end side. Now she is ordering which foods she wants. The strange thing is I understand what she is saying most of the time. I may be headed for Therapy over this little one. 🙂
Too funny Bernie.
Three of my babies love ham. My fourth cat Janet doesn’t go after things like that, she has a junk food kind of pallate. She likes potato chips, cookies, muffins, etc. Both she and Columbia love pork rinds. Of course I don’t make a habit of giving them foods like this, it’s just a once in a while treat.
Betty your Janet sounds like a cat I could love. Hide the junk food from me. Steeler won’t touch it. She just scared me out of another 5 years yesterday when she snarled at me. I had tried beef, fish, and KFC to get her to eat. She showed me what to do with that. It had to be ham yesterday.
Janet is an absolute fanatic if I am eating a treat. If I am on the couch, she eill jump up and do everything possible to get ast what I am eating. Fortunately there is rarely chocolate involved so what I have is safe for her. A few months ago we had bought some cookies that were soft sugar cookies with an icing on them. She absolutely loved those.
My Magenta mu tortie I had in my first marriage also was a lover of sweets. She would go nuts over Twinkies, not just the cream but the cake. She also loved powdered donuts. We would put a donut down on the counter for her and she would lick the sugar off, her tongue rotating the donut as she licked. She was also fond of blueberry muffins.
Today Columbia shared some of my Dunkin Donuts brown sugar muffin with me. Between her and the dog, mommy didn’t get much of it which is ok as mommy doesn’t need much of it.
Nah, no need for therapy, Bernie. You’ve just joined the rest of us who are slaves to our feline masters.
It wasn’t for understanding her Ingrid. It was for the fear she put into me that I might need therapy. 🙂
Kasey is very expressive in her requests for food.
Her history includes, not necessarily in this order, a time when she was reasonable looked after and fed, a time when they didn’t feed her (trying to get rid of her), junk only food diet, a time when she was fed the cheapest cat food available.
Food is love and attention to her. We have to be careful on how much she gets per day, after the time of not getting enough to eat, she has a tendency to over do it.
We have resisted the junk food and people food temptation. She does get Temptations treats as a treat and is otherwise fed Royal Canin products and a supplement of a good quality canned food. She does get some cheese once a day, it is wrapped around he glucosamine pill.
She WILL tell you when it is cheese time in the morning and that the canned food MUST be serves between 9:45PM and 10:00PM, no later than 10:00!!! 😉
Glen if I didn’t know better, I would think we have sister Torties. Demanding food on their terms. Steeler won’t eat cheese.
But that gutteral noise that comes from that tiny body, well that even scared me for the moment. You know that sound very well. Kasey has the same thing going.
But demanding food by Steeler is almost an hourly thing. But then she eats maybe a tablespoon at a time.
I get awakened anytime after 3AM some days, just so she can have something to eat. There is no, NO in her vocabulary. There is however, claws that help her achieve her goals. 🙂
Monkey’s a much friendlier cat, she just harrasses Poor Peaches…But occasionally Peaches asks for it!
Monkey will be just laying on the floor minding her buisiness, Peaches will walk up and hiss at her for no reason, and it’s on.
Hey wild child that is called payback to Monkey. Sounds normal to me 🙂
Hi and welcome to our new friends. I and Steeler have been a little pre-occupied this past week.
I have not been posting to you folks, but I am reading every one of your posts. The belly rubbing, well Steeler loves that. Pepper is a great name of a Tortie.
I can’t possibly respond to all that you folks have been writing, but keep writing. Soon I hope to be back in the groove and talking a little more. Right now there is a lot going on.
Wild Child quit picking on Peaches. 🙂
LOL…you have no Idea….Peaches is MEAN! My friend Carol was helipng me carry my groceries in…actualy she was carrying the cat food, Peaches walked out and hissed at her and went all halloween cat
You don’t know…Peaches is an attitudy kind of cat! lol
Maybe, just maybe, Peaches picks it up from her Mom. You think? Quit picking on her.
LOL…Yeah, I thought about it….Peaches takes after her mom. We have almost exactly the same personality, except she hates Monkey and I love her
As Steeler and I would say, ” the Apple didn’t fall far from the tree”. You keep going and keep things interesting and Ingrid’s blog here will be at 10,000 before Oct. 2, 2011. You think we can do that? 🙂 Just joking, don’t want to crash this site.
You’ll be proud of me cat people. I know everyone’s been trying to get me to go totally grain free, but my options are limited because of lack of transportation, and, living in a TINY town, there’s just not that much available. Thank goodness I have a grain elevator that’s a 20 minute round trip walk that carries some quality foods.
Also, I know y’all recommend a raw diet, but, also due to lack of transportation, that isn’t going to happen unless I take up hunting and start picking off squirrels, birds and rabbits in my yard. Ummm, probably not lol…I’d die before I’d kill an animal.
But anyway, You guys know I bought TONS of expensive dry food my cats refused to eat, then finally found the Chicken Soup brand that they’d actually eat, but was still feeding Fancy Feast while looking for a grain free wet food they liked. I finally tried Wellness brand…they like it! They really like it! (forgive me for channeling Sally Field). I wish I could afford to feed them only wet, but I can’t.
Plus, I just bought a new bag of Chicken Soup Dry, AND a bag of Taste of the Wild Grain free formula to mix with it, thinking hopefully by the time the “Chicken Soup” (Which is 100 times better for them than The Meow Mix they USED to eat, anyway) is gone, they’ll have learned to like the “Taste of the Wild which is totally grain free, but which the lady at the store said a few customers told her their cats actually tried to bury! lol
So far Monkey’s eating it, but then, Monkey will eat anything. I’m more concerned about Peaches, she’s the finiky one, and also she’s the puker and the whole reason I’m worried about it in the first place. So wish me luck that I can make this smooooooooooooooth switch without her noticing the transition.
The lady at the store I bought the food from today told me Meow Mix is like “Kitty Crack”, and she often advises customers to buy Chicken Soup as a transitional food before switching to something better, so apparently I just accidentally lucked up on the solution. She also assured me that, barring any wierd health problems, most cats who are pukers never puke again if they are fed a grain free diet. I think you told me that before, Ingrid. That’s why I’ve been trying to find them something grain free that they would actually eat.
So, Monkey’e fine….but wish me luck getting old, grumpy, set-in-her-ways Peaches to get with the program! lol
Good going, Lynn! I’m so thrilled to hear this. You know by now how passionate I am about feline nutrition, and it just makes me feel so good to know that two more kitties are getting better diets because of my recommendations.
Fingers crossed that even Peaches will accept the new grain-free food. You can “sweeten” the deal for her a bit with some little tricks: crumble some freeze-dried chicken or salmon over top of the new food (the place where you get the better diets probably has those treats), a little bit of tuna or clam juice drizzled over the canned can also help. Other “bribes” can include cooked meat, cut in small pieces, a spoonful of meat-based baby food (make sure it doesn’t contain onion powder), or, as a last resort, a small amount of the old (Chicken Soup) crushed kibble.
Keep us posted!
I only have one question about this whole grain free thing….I know a cat’s natural diet is only meat, but the meat they would eat in the wild are insects, mice, and other small rodents. They don’t gut, skin, bone, and only eat the meat. And their natural prey are almost all grain and plant eaters…..wouldn’t they eat some small amount of grains and other plant matierials that were in their natural prey’s stomachs?
You’re absolutely right, Lynn, cats in the wild do eat a small amount of grain in the stomach content of their prey. However, the amount is so small as to be negligible – less than 5%. The carb (grain) content in commercial pet foods containing grains is much higher than that. The average dry food contains 35-50% carbs! Some of the cheaper dry foods contain even higher levels than that.
How are people still able to sell sub-par pet food on the open market?
lol…I SO hope my girls will go for this diet! Monkey is easy, she’ll eat just anything. But Peaches….how can I tell if Peaches is actually eating it, or if it’s only Monkey?
Wow, maybe with the lower carbs Monkey will lose a little. Plump Monkey is the cutest thing ever, but I guess I’d rather have “healthy Monkey” than “Cute chubby Monkey”
Even though she’s adorable the way she is! I’m kind of scared she’ll be like Oprah…you know how after she lost all that weight she was kind of funny looking with a too big head?
And she’s not fat! She’s just plump and fluffy!
Cookie maintained her cute round look even after she lost weight. Back in the early 90s when Cookie was a baby, everybody decided that corn was the wonder ingredient in pet foods. Right after Iams and Nutro, which were both at one time premium pet food manufacturers, began adding corn to their formulas I began to see changes in all of them, but especially Cookie. She had some digestive issues from not being weaned and eating whatever was thrown to her for her first five months, and the corn didn’t help her one bit–she looked as if she’d been inflated, and worst of all it apparently affected her teeth, and she actually lost a few and has had gum problems since then. I’m not sure if the occasional allergy she shows is also due to that as she had a serious allergic reaction to it after a while of eating it. That was the second time I went to a homemade raw diet for a while, and I’ve been careful since then.
Bernadette…I LOVE round chubby monkey, I would feel kind of sad if she lost her pound or two. know it would be healthier for her, but she’s just so cute the way she is! Anyway, Peaches could actuallly stand to gain half a pound or so…anyway, Monkey’s not dangerously obese, and Peaches isn’t dangerously thin…..Peaches could gain half a pound to 1 pound, and Monkey could lose 1 or 2
Only 960 till we hit 7000
I am blessed to have sisters, a Tortie & Orange & White. Pepper, my Tortie does have Tortitude, she decides when to be petted, & when to sleep with me. Normally sleeping with me is actually attacking my feet every time I move. My little BooBoo was the runt of the litter, so Pepper is more tolerant with her. These cats are truly a joy.
I love the name Pepper for a tortie, Robin – how appropriate for their “spicy” personality! And I love that she knows to be more toleranet with BooBoo.
Feel free to post photos of your babies on our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/consciouscat – we’d love to see them!
Greeting Robin.
Just saw your post. Would love to see pics of BooBoo and Pepper.
ok, I saw this and not only died laughing because it’s true, but I also thought of all of you…. let me know what you think!
http://www.student.ipfw.edu/~osbodr01/hallmarks/hallmark00.html
Thanks for sharing, Sarah! He really knows his cat and they are so funny! I love the style too.
Love these Sarah
Thanks
I could see Stir in some of these.
Mostly the ones with teeth and claws
Does it seem horrible of me to say I’m glad Monkey’s not the brightest bulb in the outlet, not the sharpest knife in the drawer, etc, etc? She more than makes up for it with sweetness and ingenuity. She can leap major feet to run on top of an 8 foot wall, but I’ve had 3 different visitors at my door today and she can’t figure out she can jump a 2 foot baby gate……she continues to try to dig out from underneath. It’s HILARIOUS! She HATES to be laughed at, but I can’t help it. So she bites my feet in revenge
She’s just leading you on. When you least expect it, she’ll do something really frightening.
“That cat’s going to hit you”
When Kasey first got here, my wife used to say that, it was a funny behaviour on Kasey’s part.
Kasey was not used to being picked up, most times she was in her former life, it wasn’t good.
Consequently, I gradually socialized her to being picked up.
The only way to carry her, even now is to hold her up vertically and let her put her paws on my on my shoulder, kind of like “burping a baby”.
For the first month or so, it was like she didn’t know what to do. She liked the attention but likely wasn’t sure about it.
She wouldn’t try to hurt me, she would keep her claws in but bat me on the side of the head with a soft paw.
Now she likes the attention but can still only be carried in that position.
Cookie never liked to be picked up, possibly because all the neighborhood kids picked her up on the street where she lived. She always had some abdominal discomfort too, but then I’m not in the habit of picking up my cats. I let them walk on me whenever I settle down, so she may have gotten over it if I had picked her up more often.
Kelly thinks she is on her way to die if I pick her up. She’s not so bad at her age now, but she was always terrified of being handled, but never mean.
I think the interesting and nice thing about Kasey when she was doing that was that she wasn’t trying to hurt me; even after what she has been through.
I don’t pick her up a lot but when I do, she usually likes the attention, unless I am removing her from a point of confrontation with one of the other cats, or Toby, the silky terrier to take her somewhere to re-focus on a toy; confrontation is enjoyment for my tortie “warrior queen” 😉
I have a question for you tortie lovers. When I come homeDQ comes to greet me and then plops down on her back exposing her belly. Now I know that is a sign of complete trust, butmy question was do your cats make a weird noise when they do that. When DQ does that she makes a weird noise kinnda like a purr mixed with a meow. It kinnda also sounds like a dove bird call. I don’t know if you all know what I am talking about but do your torties make weird sounds like that. My friends come over and when she does that they r like what was that and I say your cats don’t do that and they say no. I don’t know maybe it is a tortie thing or is DQ just weird?
My kittens do that too!!! I was going to ask about it but didn’t know how to describe it, a meow mixed with a purr I got, but cicadas are what came to mind more than the doves. They do it when they are playing or eating so I think it’s a happy sound. My mom had one cat that did it rarely when I was younger when he was being petted, but other than these few cases I’ve never heard of cats making the noise. It’d be nice to know if I’m right about it being a happy sound and how often it occurs. Keep in mind Midna and Navi are the only cats I’ve had that are mine so I pay more attention to thier behavior than I ever did to my moms cats growing up.
Welcome to the world of talkative and expressive torties…lol
My Columbia has a wide array of meows, chatters, howls, and other types of vocalizing. After a while you’ll learn pretty much what each relates to, i.e. happy, angry, playful, etc. Chances are since she does it while in her “belly up rub my tummy mommy” position it is her way of giving you permission and expressing her desire to have her belly rubbed. So yes, a happy sound of sorts.
That’s just my opinion though, others may have a different perspective on it.
I call it the “brrrrppp” sound 🙂 I don’t think it’s unique to torties, but I do think it’s a happy sound.
Kasey has her version of that sound, it is quiet.
The other two make a similar greeting or happy sound, Taz, the 20 pound orange guy’s sound is quiet loud, as might be expected.
From what I understand of cat communication, they don’t naturally meow to each other except when mating or fighting, but they do make lots of little throaty noises to each other, and momcats talk to their kittens that way along with the purr. I usually figure when the talk to me like that they consider me one of the gang–especially with the exposed belly.
Peaches (my Tuxie) does that all the time…but I know it’s a trap. If I touch her belly she’ll attack my hand. From Peaches that’s NOT a sign of submission, it’s an invitation to be attacked!
I can just imagine what’s going on in her little brain; “C’mon…look at it! It’s SO fluffy and snowy white. You want to touch it. You KNOW you do! C’mon! Touch it!” lol But I know better.
I was watching to see if you would do that. I didn’t want to. Congratulations on this great blog. We really do enjoy it here.
Now go for 7000!!!!!! 🙂
Thanks, Bernie. Heck, let’s dream big: 10,000 by the end of the year?
Ingrid heck that’s not a dream. That is a reality. No problem with this gang. 🙂 No Triplets, uumm
And for no other reason except that it’s my blog and because I can, this is our 6000th comment!
Wow! You guys are the best! Thank you for turning this post into so much more than just a blog post. This has become an amazing community, family, and gathering place for tortie lovers, and it’s all because of you!
And here I was going to offer the 6000th commentor a free tortie 😉
And that was Harry… Julie left her computer signed in…
Hey it looks like Ingrid may have TRIPLETS. 🙂 Julie I believe you. 🙂
No triplet for us. Everybody has their purrfect number – ours seems to be two 🙂
All of us would like another Tortie (but our Torties over rule us and set the number we can have – in some cases – 1 is the only amount allowed as they don’t play well with others.
But thru you we love to see a Tortie adopted to a loving forever home.
My suggestion is to give each Tortie adopter a copy of Ingrid’s blog address so they can join us.
Congrats on making 6000!
Thanks, Betty – it’s pretty amazing! I don’t know if there’s a record on most comments on a blog post, but this one has to be pretty close to a record!
Well if it’s not a record yet, we’re going to do our best to set one 🙂
Ingrid, I was so happy to see you made the 6000th comment. Was thinking of that last night on the drive home from work and wondering who it would be and thinking it should be you.
We all thank you (and Buckley, Allegra, Amber and Ruby) for starting it and helping us learn more about or kittes . And also letting us make so many good friends (I owe that to Stirfry).
And let us not forget – giving us a football team to follow because of their famous mascot.
Thanks, Jay – not in my wildest dreams would I have expected to ever get this many comments on one post. And I certainly never expected to make so many new friends. As for becoming a Pittsburgh Steeler fan – that was so far out of my known universe, it wasn’t even even in this solar system! 🙂 What we will do for torties – our own, and those of our friends!
Hi everyone!
How are the kitties handling the heat? It has cooled down some here so mine are very happy.
Big Orange came around last night, thought something had happened to him but he seems fine. I guess he discovered with the security door on the front door he couldn’t get close enough to the girls so he went to the back door last night that just has a regular screen door on it. The were ok for a bit but then Luna had enough and the growling, howling and punching happened and that was the end of the back door being open. Actually Nikita tried to close it herself lol. Later when he was gone I opened it back up for air and the girls took turns trying to cliimb the screen (not what I’d like them to do). I think Nikita climbed it for the sake of climbing it but Luna never does. Last night she did and I wondered what she was up to until she reached over to swat at the laundry room key I have hanging on the wall next to the back door. Hmmmm maybe she thinks I should do laundry?
Only a couple weeks and they will be 1 year old. Do they stop growing at that point? Their personalities seem to change on a daily basis. Nikita seems so talkative, just goes on and on when you are in the kitchen. Won’t stop yakking lol. Luna still has such a small meow, I wonder if it will always be that way.
This payday I am going to try to find a crinkly tunnel and some new toys for them to play with.
Hope everyone is having a great week!
Sue
Sue I am having a break from the heat. Although Steeler is always comfortable, spoiled kitty, we have the AC. Today the weather here is rain and I have the windows open. Feels good to get the fresh air from a summer rainfall.
The girls are just being what they are naturally. Will it change. Sure. They will get even more animated as time goes on.
The talking is a true Tortie trait. Steeler talks so much. Sometimes she just walks around the house talking to herself, at least I think to herself. Other times she is talking at and to me. I have at times called her “motormouth”. She just keeps going on and on.
Hope the heat lets up down there soon. I have friend in the south and they are saying the same as you. It is oppressive. So find a cool spot and hope the heat wave breaks soon.
Sounds like your two are up to their usual antics, Sue!
Cats can continue to grow until they’re 18-24 months old.
and some cats continue to grow (weightwise) even over 10 years old.
My husband bought our crinkly tunnel at Wal-mart and it was reasonably priced unlike most items there now . I have also bought a lot of toys and fresh catnip on eBay for my kitty kids.
My Rocky (tux) loves the small furry mice. I have bought them in al colors but he will only play with the black ones. The other colors will just sit there as he picks out the black ones. I found one seller on eBay that lets you specify the color, so now I have a regular source for black mousies.
My Janet likes the ones with feathers for tails and ignores all others. Brad likes the small ones and tends to pick them up and walk around with one in his mouth letting off a muffled mew now and then.
Any my Columbia will chew on anything that has catnip in it. Don’t dare to go near her pile of catnip on the floor, she isn’t very sharing of it so always have to put down 2 piles of it and make sure that her pile is far enough away from the other one so she doesn’t feel that hers is threatened.
Betty, love the stories about the mice. Never noticed if mine prefer a certain color.
And I have catnip growing in a patch near my steps and then into my walkway to the basement door. Never knew I could sell it on E-bay. It is just a weed that grows easily. Can you grow your own ?
And if anyone ever wants any just ask me. Would be glad to send some out to Stir’s sisters (and also to any “normal” cats).
I have thought of growing my own catnip but I’m not sure where I could do it. Inside the house would basically be impossible due to the furry babies. Outside there are ferals who would probably devour it. So I just resolved myself to the fact I’ll just have to keep growing it.
I was very surprised a while ago as a friend had suggested I buy one of those kitty grass kits. So I bought it, planted the kitty grass and it grew nicely into a thick patch of grass in the container. My babies totally ignored it so I finally just threw it out.
What surprised me the most was Columbia as normally she will chew on any flowers and leaves. So when my husband buys me flowers I have to put things around the vase to prevent her from knocking them over as she pulls on the petals and leaves. She could have cared less about the kitty grass. Probably because it was allowed….lol
I allow mine outside to graze (next to my donkey and horse) and they eat the grass. As to the feral’s in the catnip – I am feeding 2 to 3 that I know of and the catnip patch has not suffered at all. And as it is a weed there is no shortage so plenty for all. Tabatha will not bother with it but Stir (and especially Pumpkin) love it.
Hi Betty. Hey you are not a newbie on here. We don’t think of you that way. You are just one of us. I can’t give you any advice on the stomach problem, but you can bet before this day is over the folks that know about kitty health problems will be responding to you. You are on the right site for any questions regarding you little ones. I have asked for input and always had responses from the folks.
I looked at the picture of Columbia, she is an absolutely beautiful little girl. She, her sister and brothers are going to give you a run for your money. It must be a fun time in your home.
Don’t ever hesitate to ask questions or talk on here. We even talk on here, if it is just to tease one of the others. No newbies here. Everyone is on the same footing here. So don’t just read the post, jump right in there and comment with the rest of us. Goodness sakes we will surely love having you join in the conversations. 🙂
thank you and everyone for making me feel at home 🙂
Hey there are no strangers here. Not ever. You were home the day you put up your first post. I know because I was just like you. Hesitant at first, now I am sometimes a pain in the,……..:) well you get it. All family and friends here. No strangers.
Naw, Bernie – Jay checked with Buell and he said you weren’t a pain in the donkey. At least, compared to Nutmeg.
Gee Harry, how much better I feel, having been compared to the goat. But, hey it all good 🙂
I’ve just been sitting back enjoying all the conversations the past couple of days. I’m still at that “shy newbie” stage and probably don’t reply to posts as much as I should, but I’ll get there.
I did want to ask another tortie question. Does anyone find that their torties have sensitive tummys? As in prone to throwing up? Both Magenta and Columbia have that trait. When I had Magenta we asked her doctor about it and he said it was a nervous stomach and gave us a liquid to give her daily. I don’t know what it was, but it was a thick orange liquid that they dispensed into a bottle enough for a month. We also started buying her special food at the vets for sensitive stomachs.
I have asked Columbias doctor about it and he said he couldn’t find anything wrong and that it was either a nervous stomach or she ate too fast at times. The problem bow is being able to afford a special food since I am on a fixed income and have 4 babies to feed. It’s nealry impossible to put down seperate bowls of food and expect only Columbia to eat the special food.
I used to think that the problem was that when it comes to tissues and paper towels if they are in her reach as she will eat them. We have had many a tug of war with me trying to take the paper towel away from her and her on the other end bearing down and refusing to give it up. However from years of observation the paper eating and getting sick have nothing to do with each other.
Oh, my husband managed to snap a picture of my beautiful little girl last night and it can be seen at http://genabithosting.net/columbia-1.jpg it’s not the best pic, but I’m proud of my baby girl in it anyway 🙂 I hope to get a face forward pic of her, plus pics of her brothers and sister soon.
take care,
betty
Betty, I’d encourage you to try and switch all of your cats to a grain-free canned diet. It can make a big difference in cats with sensitive stomachs. Frequently, it’s the grain, fillers and additives in cat food, especially in dry food, that are causing the upset. Unfortunately, even the so-called special diets for sensitive stomachs contain some of these items.
Columbia is a beauty! Her markings are stunning!
Thank you for the advice Ingrid. She geta sick equally on both dry and wet food. Occasionally my others will get sick to their tummys too, just not as often as Columbia.
Thank you for the compliment on Columbias pic!
Betty, loved the pic of Columbia. Torties are so cute.
Like Bernie said, you had to just find us and then you are family.
Thank you Jay. I think she is a beauty, but then again I am prejudiced…lol
Oh, and to answer your question: sensitive stomachs are not unique to torties.
Only 10 more messages until CC hits the 6000 number
Hope things are busy tonite.
I saw Pgh was hit with storms and I will be today. Not riding the bike today.
Yesterday I went to help a friend cut a large branch off a tree that had cracked and was laying in her back yard. Got a lot of strange looks (more than normal) as I rode the bike down the road with a chainsaw strapped to the seat.
I can only imagine what the folks thought. That brings to mind the “Friday the 13th with Freddie” show. Very wierd. 6000 wow, that is going to definitely get there tonight.
The tortie family will probably be very busy.
Music to wake up to
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J2QdDbelmY
6 yrs ago my sister worked at dariy queen. One night they looked out side and saw something climbing up my sisters engine. They quickly ran outside and took out a very filthy kitten. The next day we had a new cat. We named her DQ and found out that she was a tortie and about 6 weeks old she was always my sisters cat until she left for college. Naturally scince I was the animal lover of the family she gave DQ to me. Over the next 6 yrs DQ dosnt even notice my sister when she come home to visit. Every night DQ is sleeping in between my legs and she gets mad if I go to a different room, she follows quickly after me (even in the shower). She hates everybody( who is not me) and gets mad when people try to come to me. My friends call her the devil cat but that’s only because they got too close to me and she did not like it.veery other week I go over to my dadsand when I comehome my mom tells me what she did she said she was very sad. You may have guessed it but she is next to me right now taking a bath on me and sleeping on me right now. I have no idea what I am going to do I four yrs when I go to college but I love her so much she really is the best cat in the world(to me)
DQ definitely sounds like she’s got tortitude in spades, Coco – the fact that your friends call her devil cat speaks volumes!
Welcome Coco
Torties might be called a devil cat by those that don’t know them but to us they are adorable.
Plus they keep those unwanted guests away
Satian called -He does NOT want his cat back.
Yeah, it was tough because I knew her history and that animals don’t like leaving familiar surroundings, even if they weren’t good surroundings.
Here I was causing her more stress, I wondered how it would work out.
Today is a stat holiday her so I was home all day, I got my answer to that question this aft. (as I often do).
She was on the throw rug in the sun room, laying like a Spiynx (statue from ancient Egypt, not the cat breed).
She had the contented expression of the calm, serene queen of the house, a far cry from 3+ years ago 🙂
Oh how well I know that stance. It’s is called Her Majesty holding court.
Glen, I’ll bet she had you figured out from the beginning.
Ok gang, today we have a Steeler story. No big deal, but as Glen says, they rule the roost, so to speak. This early AM before I had my eyes open, I had a Tortie actually run up my side and as a friend said I “recieved a Mike Tyson punch”. I think this is as hard as she as ever hit me. I then got headbutted for her morning kiss, (middle of the night for me). So I stumbled out to the kitchen, gave her her meds and food. Then I stumbled back to the comfort of my bed. Well now you have all heard of her wakeup methods before so this is no big deal. Then here is the rest of the story. Yesterday, I broke my own house rules and did some housework. Well I went upstairs and worked in the guest bath, cleaning and polishing. I of course had Steeler up there supervising my every move. When I was down cleaning the lower tub side, vanity cabinets, and the commode bowl, she had her little head right in there. I had to be very careful with the cleaning supplies and how I could move around. A Tortie supervisor is a tough Boss. All was finished and I came downstairs to have some water. Steeler stayed upstairs on the landing just looking down. What does this have to do with this AM. Well here it is, about an hour after her awakening me and I am cozy asleep, I hear her making her sound of meowing, not a meow of cats, but the meow of a bossy Tortie. There she was outside my bedroom door looking upstairs and trying to wake me up. I guess she wasn’t satisfied that we were done working up there.
So today she is going around talking to herself and then to the staircase up and down. I am not going there with her. Talk about a Bossy Tortie. So that is my night and day.
And I thought my Boss at Walmart was bad.
But at least she does not have claws and teeth to deal with.
Bernie, there wasn’t perhaps someone in your past who you treated badly who may have come back as a tyrant tortie, is there?
I love to picture that little Steeler inspecting your work while you are scrubbing the toilet!
Not easy when you are on the floor and you are wiping around and there pops a Tortie head on the opposite side. Sure does give inspection a whole new meaning.
I will have to think about who might have treated me badly, I can think of one in the present, but I won’t kiss and tell. 😛
Now that’s funny, unless you’re trying to get something done.
They’re all different, fortunately, Kasey is happy to watch from a distance. Taz on the other hand wants to get right into the action, all 20, orange pounds of him 😉
Brooke is from the Steeler school of supervision. It really bothered her that she had to watch the porch construction from the other side of the glass door.
Harry I remember that picture well. She did an excellent job of supervision. The deck turned out beautifully. For some reason these girls have to be in charge of the workings of their servants.
I had to go out this evening, and I decided to break my healthy diet, that darn rabbit food, and buy some KFC. I brought it into the house. All I heard was this crazy sound going around and around the kitchen island. Now wonder how she knew. Huh huh. So Mom has to stop putting the rabbit food away and serve her Majesty some KFC, less, the skin and shred the meat. Good grief when did she get so smart and bossy.
Getting in on the action. Now that is best way to describe what she does. Walking over my legs while I am on my knees cleaning, then popping around the back of the commode while am trying to clean around it. I think, no let me correct that, it has never taken me so long to clean one bathroom Even with all the Tortie help. Then she wakes me up and wants me to go back upstairs.
She loves to go adventuring through the rooms. So I just opened up the doors this afternoon for her to go up. Well you guys know that is a waste of time. She wants me to come up there with her and clean. The upstairs may be into the winter before it gets a human dusting. Getting lot of Tortie dusting.
You exist for her amusement, of course.
I wish you would have told me that. One of us is having a really good time and eating good. The other one of us is eating rabbit food and not getting much done. It seems it is always Steeler time.
Cleaning is more fun when supervised by a tortie. It might take longer, but it’s definitely more fun. Great story!
kay, you don’t like their cookie song so how about these? Both Monkey music and both Terminator themed
http://youtu.be/rpEgQ3b_Ug0
http://youtu.be/llUV6hPuQsU
I liked the 2nd one best
How about this
Bernie might like it because of the singer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7wcBdCBe58
Steeler and I give the Old Time Rock and Roll a 2 thumbs up. For sure 🙂
lol…that was awesome!
or for the video mostly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTKx4Y9aMkw
Your right this video was really funny. Those kits were really having a ball.
lol CUTE!
Queen done Tortie style
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pYVcgtB-Bxo
enuf for today from me
was in a music mood
I had to listen to We will rock you twice. I wanted to see the orange cat on the stairs with her booty moves. That is the funniest part of the video. The music I think we all know 🙂
Thanks for taking a break to share these!
Okay, that was the all time best…who can argue with Queen….AND CATS!? lol
The rest is history. So true. Now you know that little girl will not leave you. She is your shadow. As for the garage, well maybe she remembers that is how she came into your home and if she stays in the house and watches she is sure she will not be taken out of her home. Just a thought. 🙂
Funny how a little Tortie grabs at your heart.
Seems to be my day for Kasey stories.
I was thinking about the day I brought her home, May 21, 2008. I guess the thoughts of trust made me think of it.
I have told her story before but not of the actual account of how she got here.
In the first week in May 2008 we made the decision to bring here here. The company facility where she lived is 3 hours drive away.
I had a meeting in the area on May 21st so I went there equipped with our largest “cat carrier”. It was a long wait from the time the decision was made until the 21st but it came. I did give everyone there the benefit of telling them I was taking her.
I got to the site at around 5:00, everyone had left but I have a master key, so I went in.
She used to like the loft in the office/maintenance building, it was her haven, I guess. I went up the stairs and she was curled up on an old desk.
I spoke to her as I got the carrier ready to try to calm her for the following events.
I picked her up, which she was not used to (and she had some negative experiences with being picked up).
She protested immediately and I carefully but efficiently stuffed her in the carrier.
She started a distressed squalling (she does not have that melodic kitty meow). She did this all the way out to the car.
She continued as I drove away. The main highway is 15 minutes away and the protests went on unrelentingly.
I felt very bad that she was so upset (I almost questioned the decision to take her, it felt momentarily like I was betraying her trust to put her thought the experience), I wished I could make her understand that it was going to be OK. Of course, we can’t express this sort of thing to them, unfortunately.
She carried on solidly for the first hour, abated a bit in the 2nd and quietened down in the final hour of the trip.
It was warm and we quarantined her in our attached garage, with food, water and some beds, until we could get her checked out at the vet.
She took to the garage quite well, and quickly figured out we came and went through the garage access door.
The “rest is history”; clean bill of health, vaccinations, gradual introductions etc.
3+ years later, she is in good health (packing too much weight which we’re working on) and is quite happy, you’d think she was raised in a home setting.
I don’t think she wants to go back 😉
She doesn’t want to go out in the garage any more, even though I invite her when the outside doors are closed and I am working on the motorcycles, even though she likes to be where I am, she prefers the main house now.
Glen, I remember some parts of this, but I don’t know that you outlined it just like this. How wonderful! Judging by her relationship with you now, I’ll bet she knew what was coming, even seeing the fact that she let you approach her and pick her up. Even though she protested, I’d be sure it was just because she was frightened and uncomfortable, even though she trusted you. She is one lucky kitty to have had you come into her life, and you to have her!
She still doesn’t even like the 5 minute drive to the vet, even if she behaves very well when she’s there.
Thank goodness you hung in there and took her home despite her protests, Glen. I think it’s really interesting that, as much as she likes to be where you are, she wants nothing to do with the garage.
Yes, that is the odd thing, she is very reluctant to enter the garage.
She will often wait form me at the door, but will not come in. I have tried to persuade her to join me but respect her choice.
There must be some aversion to the garage because she wants to follow me elsewhere.
Glen, I too loved the story. Like Bernadette said, we never really heard the whole ordeal described. Getting a wild tortie into a carrier could not have been as easy as you described.
But we are so glad you did take her. She is so much better off with you, away from those that mistreated her and because of her coloring we got to meet you and her.
And those of us with semi wild/feral tortie’s know – they seem to appreciate the security of a forever home even more.
“And those of us with semi wild/feral tortie’s know – they seem to appreciate the security of a forever home even more.”
Yeah, the payback is there, she is about the most expressive cat i have every encountered and she gives off a combined attitude of comfort and gratitude and is a very friendly companion.
That’s a great story, Glen – I’m so glad you persevered. I know it must have been hard to listen to her cry – we hate to make them uncomfortable even when it’s for their own good. And at least now she lets you know that she clearly understands that she ended up much better off!
Cat behaviour contradictions; an idle Sunday morning observation.
Kasey is typical of the odd contradiction of pet cat behaviour, maybe more so because of her tortitude and former life.
If she had lived in the wild, never contacting people, I expect you would never get close to her, or if you did, she would be a hissing ball of fury.
She still has that response to things she perceives as threats she see’s outside the house.
Then there’s the other side;
– She “asks” me to come sit on the floor with her.
– She sleeps on the bed at night near me, when she has the run of the house and other choices of where to go.
– She waits for me to come home from work, I am told she starts becoming active and goes near the back door about 1/2 hour before I arrive.
– She is frequently Velcro-kitty . She can manage the basement stairs but her old injuries make her a bit reluctant to do this. She waits at the top of the stairs for me when I am down there, I have taken to carrying her down there when I go there for a while(and back up when I leave), then she’s happy.
I think that’s one of the interesting traits of cats, they can be so tame and yet retain a certain “wildness”.
I love this, Glen! It reminds me of the Jean Burden quote: “Prowling his own quiet backyard or asleep by the fire, she is still only a whisker away from the wilds.”
That was beautiful Glen.
I don’t know why but it reminds me of the time that Columbia somehow got her leg caught on something and twisted herself around. I was desperatly trying to help her but she was so scared and in pain she wouldn’t let me. She finally got free and ran and hid. I found her and discovered she had broken her back leg. Frantic, I called a vet who made house calls and he came by and took her to the local vet clinic and xrayed her. Sure enough she had a very nasty fracture and he had to operate to insert a long pin which extended out of her little foot. She spent the night there and he brought her home later the next day. She had a cast on that leg that was long enough to cover her whole leg and the pin.
Her chosen place to sleep and heal was in the bottom of my closet, so I moved enough out of there so there was room for her, her sister and a low sided litter box. I left some stuff in there so she still felt sheltered.
I was so worried about her, that for the next week or so I slept on the floor by the closet. I would lay so that my hand could reach her to pet and comfort her. The first night while I was laying there, I felt her reach her paw around my index finger and curl her paw around it. She soon fell asleep, holding my finger. She did this every night before she went to sleep.
She still does it now sometimes when she is sleeping next to me whether on the couch or the bed. Other times she grabs my thumb and washes it for me. She will also use her paw to move my hand to where her prefered scratchy place is.
That was quite an experience, good thing it turned out well.
A very good example of the trust they put in us.
Glen I know Kasey is you velcro girl. She chose the right person to come home with. Taking over the house, well, yes, that happens. There is that in my Steeler also. As long as Kasey is happy, so goes the household. But I can imaging if Kasey became angry, then it would be Katie bar the door time. Love hearing about her.
Bernie said;
“So glad to hear about all this butt sniffing. Sounds like and office I once worked at”
LMAO!!!!!!
Now, now my Wild Child. Don’t get to worked up here. But it is true. 🙂
Hi all:
How is everyone doing? We are great here at home, Jerry is doing awesome and Georgia is cuter than ever. I just posted a cute video of a mommy cat and kitten (not mine) but they are cuter than ever.
This week Georgia has learned to leap onto my computer and cuddle while i type. Cute!!!!!
Jerry has warmed up to Georgia even more, they cuddle all the time and play all the time.
I am absolutely in love with my tortie. Well the whole family is.
Kitten kisses to All,
Angel
I’m so glad things are going so well, Angel!
Aww, so sweet!
Angel all that sounds about right. Georgia will be helping with your spellcheck before you know it. I know Steeler has to work on mine. 🙂 Good to hear that Jerry and Georgia have learned to accept and play together. Makes for a happier house.
Vote today – just in case.
It still says accepted.
Looks like they just shut it down. Thanks for squeezing in a couple of extra votes, Jay!
You are a real Tortie Jay. Don’t stop until there is not else to do. Good going.
Hey, it’s Sat morning and almost 5am.
I just voted and it was accepted. Thought it ended last night.
Just in case I will vote again.
Good morning all.
Hi Everyone – still very far behind, so I’m keeping my mouth shut most of the time. Probably a good thing. I can’t possibly find all the comments to which I might have replied, so you’re spared but one comment 🙂
Sarah, we had an orange tabby many years ago, who was nuts for cantelope and honeydew. If you cut a melon in the kitchen, and he didn’t come running, you knew to just throw it away. I always wanted to figure out how to smuggle him into Safeway to select them for us. As for naming, we’ve named a lot of cats – probably hundreds. Most learn their names in 2 days – if you use it a lot. Some, even faster. A couple – immediately. And that’s even cats that had an unknown name previously. And some… know their names, but don’t see any need to acknowledge it. Those – are probably torties. (On the other hand, Brooke has 5 or 6 names, and she knows them all.)
Betty, I don’t think any of our 7 do any more than the usual amount of butt-sniffing. Brooke, the tortie, maybe less than any of them. Vickie mostly sniffs her daughter May’s butt, because I think she’s still trying to remember why it seems so familiar (we got the mom three months after adopting the daughter).
I hadn’t watched football since the Redskins fired Sonny Jurgensen in 1974, but last year Brooke and I followed the Steelers. For the first time in a long time – I have a team. (Still don’t care for football, but I care for a black and orange cat – and I do what she tells me.)
Harry you are sorely missed here, but we are keeping your name in the forefront. So when you get caught up (that may be —oh well) we will all be happy.
Black and gold Harry, Black and Gold.
So glad to hear about all this butt sniffing. Sounds like and office I once worked at, oops that was butt kissing, sorry folks. Sometimes I get out of line.
So thanks all for putting up with my constant reminders to vote. You have all been very patient and cooperative. Thanks from me. Now I can rest and watch you guys have a great time on here.
Glad to hear from you Harry.
How are things at The LDCRF ?
Are you going tp any adoption events yet ?
And we are all fans of a certain Black and Gold Tortie.
Much safer that way.
Go Steeler !!!!!!!
Just catching up on replies, Jay – as you know, we’ve been very upset and spending a lot of time this week trying to figure out why Henry is sick. We are back at LDCRF, things have calmed down, and I did two events this weekend, and adopted out two cats. Not a great weekend, only 9 cats between the 5 events, but it’s beastly hot (100°F) and I think people are staying in.
I don’t think I’ve ever named an animal in less than 2 days. I always keep them around and watch them until they name themselves. With the exception of Peaches, my ex named her the day we got her, and wee all see how that worked out! She’s a tuxie, and she’s mean! lol
Why in the world would a mean tuxie EVER be named Peaches???? lol
Maybe because Peaches doesn’t like Heavy Metal Music, uumm!!!!! 🙂
Lianimal, with the rescues we have to name them right away and then move on. People change their names most of the time, and so if we don’t match the personality, well… and mostly we try to be attention getting, to help them get adopted. Of course, sometimes, that backfires… like when someone got the bright idea and bad taste to name a litter of 4 black and one white kitten after the Jackson 5. (Yes, the white one was Michael…) We left the names, but didn’t identify them as Jacksons so that they were split up on the website. They mostly did go together since they went to events together, but we didn’t market them as a singing group!
LOL@ the Jacksons…what were they thinking? Okay, I know what they were thinking, but why? lol
Just got home, AND VOTED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
HOPE EVERYONE ELSE IS.
Stir is getting ready to make a road trip if you didn’t.
It’s after midnight and I still can vote.
More numbers for Ingrid …..
The chinese delivery guy was just here. being super sweet to Monkey, which prompted my FB comment. People with calicos or torties, chinese people love them and consider them good luck
YUM! And the Chinese guy was all “YOU CAT IS BEAUTIFUL”
I recently read that somewhere, and since I’m supposed to hear back from the places I applied to this upcoming month (I graduated in May with a degree in Education, so I’m hoping to start with the new school year) I’m excited, two ‘lucky’ kittens before I’m supposed to hear back? I’m thinking this was a good thing! lol
This is true of the Tortieshell Cats in other Asian and European Countries. They are revered. It is said that the Egyptian also held the Tortie in high esteem.
I heard the Egyptians loved Siamese, never heard that about Calicos or Torties. I’ll have to google that
Good luck Sarah.
I have 1 Calico, 1 Tortie and 1 BIG orange kitty.
Yesterday I went inside and saw Pumpkin laying there on his back.
I walked over and said “rub a kitty for luck” and gave him belly rubs. 30 min later I got a letter in the mail with an acceptence offer of a Technician job at a plant I’ve been trying to get into for a year.
Guess it worked. Pumpkin is the son of a Tortie and safer to rub. 🙂
I’m a HUGE Punkie fan….Stirfry too, but I actually WANT Punkie…Stirfry scares the crap out of me! lol
You and everyone else. Punky is just a sweetheart, but he is Stirfry’s son. So you never can tell. Imagine that!!!
Rub your torties well and often (or they may shank you in the neck) lol
So where is our luck? I had always heard it was “fortune”, and I read that “money”. At one point I had two torties, a dilute tortie and a torbie and I kept asking them when the fortune was going to happen.
It is the happiness brought to you by the Tortie. Money and fortune can’t buy that. You have to earn their love. And you have many, many times over, my friend.
My words of wisdom for the week. 🙂
🙂
So true
Love of a Tortie is priceless.
Wow, Bernie can really be the voice of wisdom at times
Why thank you Wild Child. 🙂
The asians actually DO call them Money cats…..couldn’t prove it by me! lol
OK FOLKS I AM POSTING THIS REMINDER ONE LAST TIME TODAY. YOU HAVE APPROX. 5 1/2 HOURS TO VOTE TWICE FOR EACH OF INGRID’S SITES. NOW I KNOW ALL OF YOU ON HERE WOULD LIKE TO SEE HER WIN THESE AWARDS. THE AWARDS WILL GO TO HELP RESUE’S FOR CATS. SO IF YOU DON’T WANT A VISIT FROM MY “STEELER AND JAY’S STIRFRY” I AM ASKING YOU ALL TO VOTE NOW AND VOTE TWICE. OK AND TO BE A LITTLE GENTLER I WILL SAY “PLEASE VOTE”. Otherwise you will see the baddest to Torties in the Country.
VOTE HERE: PLEASE.
To vote, go to http://dogtime.com/petties – I’m nominated in the Best Overall Pet Blog and Best Cat Blog categories
I did , I did vote twice yesterday and today… 🙂
Thank you Betty. Way to go. 🙂
Thanks to all of you for voting! Voting ends at midnight tonight, and I will turn into a …. well, I won’t turn into a pumpkin, but I won’t quite know what to do with myself after all this time of focusing on votes votes votes!
uh uh. You will be just fine. Now we have to keep your nerves intact until they announce that you have won. Geez, you make it tough on us, sometimes (:)
Your nerves? What about mine??? 🙂
Can’t believe this is finally the last day! It’s going to be weird having my breaks and not automatically clicking over to cast a vote. In any case, here’s hoping for a very well-deserved win for Ingrid and the Conscious Cat!
Two quick questions, well I hope. Can cats have fruit? I know they cannot have chocolate, and I read the article about dry food not being good as a sole source, but Midna keeps attacking my bowl when I eat fruit, I don’t add sugar or anything and I get it from a nearby organic store, but is it safe for them? Weird question I know…
Also, I know I’ve only had my kitten for a week, but about how long does it take them to recognize their name? And do you have any advice on how to teach them their names? I don’t expect them to learn overnight, and I know a week is too short, and it will require a lot of patience, I was just wondering…
I’m sorry to say that I don’t know the answer to the fruit question, however I have had good luck with my babies learning their names.
As soon as I get them, whenever I am holding and cuddling them, I rest my chin on their little foreheads and just keep repeating their names. Then once in a while I’ll move them so they are facing me and again keep repeating their name. When not holding them but am near them, I’ll say things like “are you mommys Columbia kitty”, “mommy loves her Columbia kitty”, etc. I just make sure whatever I say to them includes their name.
It may not work for everyone, but it has always worked for me. YMMV 🙂
With the exception of lemons, I’m not aware of any fruit that are toxic to cats – but I also haven’t heard of too many cats who actually like fruit! I don’t think there’s any harm in letting Midna have a small piece now and then, but I certainly wouldn’t let her eat a whole lot (I’m guessing you might see loose stools if you do that!).
Betty already gave you a lot of great suggestions, the one thing I would add is that each time you feed her, you place her bowl in front of her with the words “here’s Midna’a dinner” or “her you go, Midna.” Also, once she starts to know her name, reward her with a small treat each time she actually comes when you call her.
Well it’s official, both my babies love blueberries, which I think is really odd since they don’t bug me when I have any other type of human food. I only gave them one apiece but they were more into that than their kitten treats!
I think Midna is starting to learn her name, but I think that’s more me wishful thinking or the fact that I start talking with their names at the beginning of my sentences, I haven’t decided yet.
I bet the blueberries are probably healthier for them than their kitten treats!
I thought so too!
Don’t you ladies let Steeler hear you say that.
I’ve had several cats who LOVED melons and squashes like cantaloupe, honeydew and watermelon, also butternut, acorn and pumpkin. These vegetables are called “curcurbits” (for the curcurbitacin that gives them their flavor), so for years those cats had “my little curcurbits” added to the list of nicknames I called them.
I have a few who will try whatever it is I’m eating, and berries are definitely in.
As Ingrid said, just be careful not to overdo it, or if they like other things, don’t leave trimmings where they can get to it. I’ve cleaned the seeds and insides out of squashes and melons and tossed it into the container for the compost in my sink, but someone got in there and dragged it out; not only did I have it all over my floor, but I couldn’t figure out what the heck it was I’d found in the litterbox–scary until I discovered it was pretty much undigested squash insides and seeds.
Just be careful of grapes.
There went my appetite. I am just eating my Strawberry Shortcake (Fat Free) yogurt. Thanks Bernadette, I wasn’t that hungry anyhow. LOL
Hello Everyone!
Well the juvenile delinquints are at it again!
Knocking over my birthday roses and strewing the recycling all over the house. Those girls! lol I seriously think they are bored. Does anyone have ideas about toys they can use with out humans? They have squeeky mouses and balls to play with but they seem bored with them. I thought about the toy with the ball on a track that they can’t get out, any of your furbabies have that one? Do they like it?
Nikita has followed Luna’s example and has learned that she likes to be on top of the fridge except when John opens the door she gets on the door too and can’t figure out how to get down. lol
My furrbabies do have the toy with the ball in the track. Theirs also has a replaceable scratcher in the center of it. They played with it quite a bit when they were babies, but now just use the scratch pad.
One of the toys I have is a tunnel that makes a crinkling sound, has a hole on top, and a feather hanging off of it. My Rocky loves it! He hides his fur mouseys in it, and tries to hide himself in it, but he is so big his backend and tail hang out. We still pretend we can’t see him though..lol
There are also many toys that you can hang from door knobs. If I think of any more will post again.
Betty, I have bought Steeler all different types of little things to keep her active. I found, as so many others here, is that a large cardboard (free) amazes the Torties. Their toys take second place to an empty cardboard box laid on it’s side. I know sound like “what” but just try it. Great fun.
Steeler really likes ribbons, cords, or anything that resembles a rope or ribbon. I often let one lie over the edge of my table, and before long there she is. She things she is stealing it and I let her go. She plays with these and a little yellow catnip duck all the time. She is a cheap Tortie to please. I know this after spending lots on toys to get her attention.
Lots of luck and I am really happy to be able to Welcome to Ingrid’s site. We all have a great time on here.
My girls love the crinkle tunnel! Well, most of the time, anyway. They didn’t love it quite so much when it turned into the evil tunnel monster and attacked them. Here’s the link to that adventure: https://ingridking.com/2011/06/10/allegra-and-rubys-great-adventure/
My tortie Callie’s all-time favorite toy is a flyswatter. Just the cheap all-plastic ones you can get for 3 for $1 at Dollar General. She loves to hook her claws into the mesh and pull it down from whatever I’ve hung it on, then roll around on the floor biting and clawing at it before dragging it off to hide it behind a couch or filing cabinet. A typical swatter usually gives her 2 day’s worth of fun before I retrieve its mangled remains for a decent burial in the trashcan.
Every week I pick up another pack for her – the Dollar General people must think I have a SERIOUS insect problem! Blue and pink and green and purple are her favorite colors – yellow or orange or red are less interesting for some reason, judging by the fact that she usually takes 3 days to destroy those.
And Doodlebug really isn’t into toys. He’ll watch the others chase things with a mild degree of interest, but he’s really more of a spectator than a player.
Sue sounds like it lots of surprises in your home. You are so lucky. Each day is a new adventure for you and your husband. You do realize by now, you have lost your home to the Torties. They now own it and you and your husband. Love to hear about their recent antics. They are being normal for Torties, I think. 🙂
I don’t think you should use “normal” and “tortie” in the same sentence, Bernie…
oops your right, there is no normal for a Tortie. Silly me. 🙂
A quick note
Today I got a job offer for Herley Ind.
I had an interview last Mon.
Working as a 2nd shift Technician in Electronics.
I am so excited.
Hopefully a Mon – Fri job with Superbowl Sunday off.
Congrats Jay!!!
Congratulations, Jay!
Jay, good things come to those who wait. Be happy. I know the critters and the lithely furry ones will be miss you a little.
Congratulations from Steeler and I.
sorry Steeler is helping me type errors in spelling.
Wonderful news – Congratulations!
Betty, Sarah and Lindley. Can I ask where you are located – State/Country as we have people from all over. And are you football fans?
If not read
https://ingridking.com/2011/02/04/steeler-the-cat-accidental-and-unofficial-team-mascot/
and you will become Steelers fans (plug for Bernie and Steeler)
Many of us here were not sports fans but are now because of a very spercial Tortie.
And we do have another famous Tortie here – Sharon has 2 Torties Callie and her son Doodlebug who is a MALE Tortie.
I’m from the US, specifically Indiana. and I’m not a huge football fan, I’m not really a sports person at all. I’m more of a reader, and Midna is getting into the habit of sitting on my shoulder and sleeping while I read, I’m not complaining, I love it. 😀
Sarah, read about Steeler anfd Bernie her Mom. Ingrid wrote a very touching story about how they met.
https://ingridking.com/2011/02/04/steeler-the-cat-accidental-and-unofficial-team-mascot/
I was not a football fan, same as Ingrid and Harry but last year the Steeler had us cheering them on. They are Tortie colors and Steeler is their unofficial mascot.
Now Bernie and Bernadette live in the Pittsburgh area so are Steelers fans but we all are Tortie fans.
Actually, Jay, I’m a “Steeler” fan but not a “Steelers” fan! I’ll be glad to correspond with Sarah all through the football season about things other than Steelers games. 🙂
Sarah, I may be the only person in the Pittsburgh area who is not a Steelers fan, and I don’t talk about it in public.
Welcome to you and our other new members!
I am the mom of 19-year-old Cookie and 17-year-old Kelly who are not at all acting geriatric, thank you. Of course, I think they are two of the most beautiful torties on the earth.
I read the story and it’s very cute, but football is just not for me, I’ll help throw the superbowl party, but during the game I’ll be reading in the kitchen and you can let me know if we need more ice or chips! lol
” SAY WHAT” Bernadette, I know you are a big “Steeler fan, as she is your fan also. But geez, try harder to be a “STEELER’S FAN”!!!!!
SARAH, I am a huge Steeler’s fan. I will drive you absolutely crazy during the football season, or at least part of it. We had a great time on here last here. Hope we can do it all over again. Don’t listen Bernadette. We just have to work harder on her. 🙂
Bernie, remember I was the one who lost us the Superbowl because I actually wore black and gold that day. You don’t want me on your side.
I was secretly hoping the NFL wouldn’t agree to the deal so we could have a year off.
I’m trying to provoke someone.
Forgot to mention, I also have five lovely black kitties, a mom and her adult children who just turned four. Today is our anniversary day, the day they all came into my life.
Bernadette I always want you on my side. You are there when I need you. You didn’t lose the SB for the Steeler’s. They did that all by themselves.
I don’t provoke easily. I am to old to be provoked even by a good friend that likes to tease me. 🙂
I live in Florida and have been here about 21 years. Prior to that I was raised a New Hampshire girl, but was born in Kentucky while my dad was in the Army. I actually don’t like it in Florida, but can’t afford to relocate elsewhere. Just kind of stuck here. However being disabled, the winters here are a plus. Would prefer to be closer to Virginia which is where my mom is.
I am not an avid football fan but will watch a game if there is nothing else on. If I root for a team it’s usually the New England Patriots. My first husband was a die hard Cowboys fan, I even sent him to a game for his birthday one year. Current husband is torn between Patriots and Vikings as he is from Iowa but spent a lot of time working in Boston.
I read Steelers story and was very touched by it, took me a while to compose before I could come back here to reply.
Betty, Steeler’s story as written by Ingrid, is not one to be sad about. My husband, called her his big bunny, as he did not know she was a cat. She is a secret blessing to me and at the time I had not idea how much this little girl would mean to me.
Torties are very special kitties. They will surprise you.
I taught Steeler to stop using me as a human scratching post by holding her front paws gently each time she clawed at me, and saying hey hey hey gently but firmly. She learned not to scratch at me that way. Now she just pops me with her closed paw. I love it. Maybe this will help you.
I wasn’t crying because I was sad, it was just such a beautiful story. I am a very emotional person and things that touch me often start the tears flowing.
Columbia also like to occasionally embed her claws into my thighs when I am sitting and she is on the floor. She doesn’t try to sharpen them on me, just reaches up and grabs on. When I’m on my computer I always pull my knee scooter (thing I use to get around the house) up next to me and she will lay on the cushion of the scooter and stretch her paws out straight and lay them on my thigh. No scratches, just gently lays them on me.
When she lays next to me on the couch or lays on a chair she will usually sleep with one paw stretched out higher than the rest of her and grab onto the couch or chair arm and sleep that way. She has been doing that since she was big enough to reach the side of the furniture. In fact I think when Rocky was little he must have watched her sleep as he picked up the same habit.
Do you know if torties have a “butt sniffing” obsession? All my cats sniff each others butts occasionally, but they just take a quick sniff and go off on their merry ways. Columbia looks like her nose is glued to her sister and brothers butts. Usually her brother or sister have to either sit down or walk away to get her to move her nose.
Not a real pleasant question, but one I have been curious about.
Sorry, I can’t help you with an answer to the butt sniffer. I have an only child (Steeler). So she does not get near other cats, or they would be buttless. She and Jay’s Stirfry have the same attitude. Only his Stirfry looks like she will tear you to pieces. Steeler is just the opposite. She give that loving look, the strikes. No warning to anyone. She does not do this to me. But everyone else is fair game.
Bernadette is the one to ask that question to or Harry. They have the most multiples. So either of them would know. I don’t have a clue.
Not sure. I have 2 torties and 2 tabbies (all related) and none of them do more than the occasional sniff in passing. Sounds like Columbia just has one of those unique quirks that make torties so special? But there are others on this board with more experience who might have a better explanation.
Hi Betty and Sarah,
Glad you’re here with all the others on here to discuss tortie antics. My dad (Harry, who comments on here as well), my mom and brother have 7 wonderful kitties – all rescues, where we all volunteer weekly.
Henry – a sleek black cat
Pearl – a fluffy, white Turkish Angora
May – brown tabby
Sabrina – little black kitty
Piper – medium haired calico (my baby)
Vickie (Victoria) – an orange FEMALE cat, May’s mom
and Brooke, our tortie! (best for last, right?)
Thank you for the welcome Rachel. It sounds like you have a very busy and wonderful home with all those furry babies.
I need to put some new batteries in my camera so I can take some pictures of my “children” so I can introduce them properly and brag about them a little more 😉
Betty, definately want to see pics of the kits.
Hi,
I have a question for the other tortie-owners out there. I have a 2 year old tortie named Saaski. She is quite the diva, but she is also very affectionate. She usually follows me from room to room and snuggles up with me whenever I sleep. She also loves to be the center of attention. If I’m reading, she will sit on my book. If I’m trying to do some work, she will lay across my computer. She also runs to the door to greet me when I get home from work. She loves to play with anything with feathers. We also play fetch and chase–I’ll hide around the corner and she’ll come leaping after me. Saaski is the first cat I’ve ever owned as an adult and I love her!
I’m considering adopting a second cat. I would love advice from other tortie-owners on what worked well for your cat. My sister and I will watch each other’s cats for vacation or trips so Saaski has interacted with her female cat who is about a year younger than Saaski. Each time they got re-introduced the hissing and tail puffing was less and less. I picked Saaski up from my sister’s about a week ago. She and the other cat would groom each other and play (occasionally one or the other would take it too far and there would be some growling/hissing). They seemed to be getting along quite well. My sister’s cat stayed with us during January for about a month when she was 9 months old and was particularly aggressive/bully. She would chase Saaski out of rooms and at night she wouldn’t let her on the bed. They were always growling and fighting. Even though Saaski was much bigger than the other cat, she still got bullied around. The first night, I came into the living room and Saaski was hiding under the table. For the remainder of the month, I closed my bedroom door and alternated which cat got to sleep in the bed. So Saaski has had good and bad experiences with my sister’s cat.
If I get a second cat, I want the two cats to have a positive relationship. I have a one bedroom apartment so it’s not like I have tons of room for them to be separate if they don’t get along. Also, my little diva clearly likes to be the queen of the house. She seemed miserable when she was being chased out of rooms and bullied off the bed. I’ve heard that a young male would be best because she could boss him around. I’ve also heard that as long as the other cat is a kitten that they will develop a harmonious relationship with Saaski assuming the dominate role. Any advice on male vs. female? I love torties so I’m drawn to adopt a second one. Is this a recipe for disaster? I’m afraid I might end up with two cats who have a “my way or the highway” attitude. Going to the vet would become an all day ordeal. It takes me forever to get Saaski in her carrier now. Once she’s in she doesn’t seem to mind the carrier and she even seems to enjoy riding in the car and looking at everything. She just gets extremely offended that I would dare to tell her where to go:)
I guess I’m waffling because Saaski’s happiness is really important to me. Maybe I’m way over thinking this–I tend to be indecisive in general. I can’t tell is she’s happy to be the only cat or if she would welcome companionship. I don’t think that majority of my family understands the relationship I have with this crazy cat and when I found this website I thought it might be a good place to ask. So I know I’ve rambled forever but any advice, stories, or experiences would be appreciated!!
I’m glad you found my site, Lindley – welcome!
Unfortunately, there are no guarantees when it comes to introducing two cats to each other. Saaski is still young, so chances are she’ll accept another cat after an initial adjustment period. Most cats will adjust, but some cats are confirmed only cats. It’s best to try and find a match that’s close in age and temperament, or to go with a kitten. In most cases, a slow introduction is key, and, depending on the cats, introductions can take anywhere from a few hours to a few months.
I’ve introduced two adult torties to each other (they were both 7 or 8 years old at the time), I’ve introduced a 7-month old kitten to a 12-year-old, and I’ve recently introduced then 9-month-old Ruby to then 19-month-old Allegra. All went well, with some minor challenges.
I wish I could give you a more definitive answer, but there just aren’t any.
I’m sure others will chime in, we have lots of people with multiple cats here.
Lindley – welcome to Ingrid’s group. We are family here.
I am slightly biased 🙂 but orange male kitties seen to be very friendly. Read back and you will see that Glen’s Taz and my Pumpkin get along with everyone (sometimes not bright enough to know when to stay away from a pissed off Tortie) but forgive easily and keep trying.
And Harry will tell you that black cats are very affectionate – as his Henry gets along with all newcomers.
And as you read Ingrid has been able to get Torties to get along with each other (something Bernie and I think would be impossible and not attempt.)
Lindley, hi, welcome. I am Bernie, servant to Steeler, the Tortie. Mine is a one cat household. My Steeler would shred any other breathing thing in the house. So I can’t help you much. But Ingrid, and Bernadette and Sue have multiple Torties.
They are the go to folks for that kind of advice.
Now our buddy Harry, has 7 assorted little furry ones. One is a Tortie. He can also give some advice.
You sure have come to the right site. The things you can learn her about Torties and their behavior and health are amazing.
Thanks for the welcome and the advice! I made a trip to a Petsmart that has cats from a local shelter. The trip ended up taking way longer than I thought but I guess that’s what happens on race weekends in Indianapolis. When I got there I fell in love with three tortie sisters who are about 5 months old. I finally decided on Nina who has a lot more black than Saaski, but has the same lion paw. Nina is currently in the bathroom. I have made sure to spend time with each cat. So far Saaski has shown interest in the closed bathroom door. She’s sniffed and pawed around it. There hasn’t been any hissing yet. She acted mad at first and wouldn’t let me pet her, but now she seems to have forgiven me (for now, at least :). I’m going to take the introductions very slow, but I think this has been a positive first step!!
Wow – congratulations on your new baby, Lindley! It sounds like Saaski is more curious than mad.
Someone probably already told you this, but what you can do is take a towel and rub it over Nina. Then, when you go back to spend time with Saaski, rub the towel that now has Nina’s scent on it all over her. Do the same thing again with Nina (rub the towel with Saaski’s scent on it all over her). That way, they’ll both be covered with each other’s scents and it won’t be so foreign to them when they meet for the first time.
Keep us posted – this is very exciting!
Hi Lindley, I have a tortie kitten. Although, we also have a Turkish Angora Male adult. It took Addison my Tortie a couple of days to get used to Abbot my Turkish Angora. Now, however I can’t seperate them, they love cuddling together, playing together, eating together, etc. They do everything together. Turkish Angoras are very loving and patient so if you want to add another furry child to your house you might consider the Turkish Angora they get along great.
Hello!! I’m new here too! My little Tortie, Ellie, adopted my mom and me. She was very malnourished, flea infested and injured when she somehow pulled herself up the steps to lay in front of our door last Oct. We think she was young because she’s grown quite a bit since we brought her in. Long story short- we fell in love and she’s been our baby ever since. Your article interested me because your description of Saaski is exactly how Ellie is. She’s very affectionate, she follows me everywhere, she lays on my computer when I’m on it and she wants attention, she loves chasing her strings and playing fetch, she leaps at me when I hide behind the corner. I just just adore that bundle of fur. And she does this gentle nipping thing. She has never ever hurt me but she gives these sweet little love bites when I’m fixing her dinner or if she just feels playful. She’s very vocal.
Anyway, to the point- Ellie has been around my aunts mini-pinscher and the neighbors chihuahua and she gets along with them pretty well. The only issues we’ve had is my aunts dog cornered her once and she didn’t like it so she hissed. She wants to play with them but they didn’t want to. I think she feels bad sometimes because it divides my attention and she’s very much a mama’s girl. When my husband gets back from Afghanistan, he wants to get a dog. I was thinking that if he/she were a puppy that it’d be alright since Ellie could be the boss still. I’ve also wanted to get a kitten later in the future. I really do think that she enjoys having company and she’s young; I think she needs another young animal that will play with her. I agree with the other responses on here that if you get a kitten then Saaski will be able to be in charge and the kitten will grow up knowing that she’s the boss, since you already know that she gets along with other cats for the most part. 🙂
I’m sorry that was so long winded!!
Welcome Betty, going to work now but will write later.
Thank you for the welcome Jay!
betty
Betty, my cat is Steeler. She adopted me by not leaving. I finally took her in. She was an adult when I decided to keep her. I do have the old farm home and you are right. I feed other cats outside especially water in the heat and food and water in the winter. I make a makeshift wind and weather proof place for strays or throwaways in the winter to help keep them warm.
Steeler is the type of Tortie that would tear up any living creature that tries to enter her domain. That means, she took over ownership of my home, I am just her servant.
Thank goodness for people like you that take in multiples. We have some very special folks here that have multiple little furry friends.
Steeler sounds a lot like Columbia. She doesn’t care if its an older cat or a newborn, she wants nothing to do with them.
Thank you for what you do for the ferals, I wish there were more like you around.
take care
Betty, Steeler doesn’t care if they are kittens, older cats or other humans, other than myself. She is a one of kind. She has been know to strike just for fun. No one reaches down to pet the pretty kitty.
I take no thanks in feeding strays and ferals. After all, they get hungry also and need shelter. We have no TNR program here, so if they are taken, they will most likely be put down.
Steeler was an abused throwaway that came to me and picked this as her forever home. She is my little girl. Great with me. But not a welcoming little girl for others attention.
Hi Bernie,
I think the only reason that Columbia tolerates her brothers is that she was still about 5-6
months old when I got them. There have been a couple of times that I’ve heard baby kittens crying outside and have sent my husband out to look for them. Each time he brought them in’so I could feed them and see why they were out there. One had been left on my back step,
way too young to have got up there by herself as she barely had her little eyes open.
When I was holding her the other 3 cats ran and hid but Columbia stayed and I had to keep
moving where I was with the baby as she was trying to get close enough to attack. The same thing happened a few months ago with a baby who was temporarily seperated from her mommy.
I think it was a case of a young mother that just forgot where he moved her baby. My husband was able to place the baby near her and she came and got her. Yet while in the house again, I
had to protect the baby from Columbia.
We have a local feline association that has a trap, spay, neuter program for ferals. They charge $40 per feral (unless disabled or hardship) which includes spay/neuter, 4 year rabies shot, deflea,
and a shot for parasites.
take care