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
As Ingrid’s tortitude post nears 10,000 comments, please check out my blog, [email protected], featuring a day in the life of Ingrid King, author, blogger, cat expert and Reiki Master Practitioner.
I found it here
http://helitzerblousegirl.blogspot.com/2012/04/day-in-life-of-ingrid-king-author.html
10,000 here we come
thanks Jay for the correction. guess I needed some more coffee this morning!
Julie of HelitzerBlouseGirl.blogspot.com.
Thank you for a wonderful profile, Julie!
glad you liked it Ingrid — it was a fun post to write. your work is amazing.
Bernie told me that when she was at the Vet the other day with Steeler there were a lot of dogs in there.
An owner of the dog looked at Steeler and mentioned how cute she was. When Bernie mentioned Steelers name the girl know exactly who she was as she had seen her on the local TV station WTAE as they had her picture on there 2 years ago during the Superbowl (Tortiebowl). We all know Steeler is famous and this proved it.
Hi folks,
Just a short followup to what Jay said. Steeler is a little under the weather. However that is not what I am telling you about.
‘STEELER SMACKS BERNIE’
Ever since October 20, 2009 the day after Steeler rescued me and picked me to be her forever home, I put a gold collar with her Steeler emblem and name and number. She does not like anyone to mess with her jewelry. Well she has lost a little weight and the collar was dangling from her neck instead of being up around where it belongs. So I took it off her to adjust it. She was less than happy. Then I had to put it back. She was showing a lot of “Tortie Tortitude”. I finally got the collar snapped together, when BAM she smacked my hand and hard. I was so surprised by this. She has never raised a paw to me before. Claws and teeth maybe, but never a smack.
I have only been smacked harder by Stirfry, Jay’s Tortie. Now that Tortie packs a mean left. Well tonight I found out my delicate looking little Steeler packs a similar left hook. Wow did she whack my hand. Then she strutted off and into her box.
Just a little story of my sweet looking little Tortie. I say it again, looks are so deceiving. Torties have a patent on deception. A good deception, but nonetheless deception. No wonder scientists can’t clone them. We don’t even understand them.
I wondered who Stir was talking to on the phone.
These cats have a lot of power in those paws. Glad they aren’t any bigger.
But the fact that Steeler did not have her claws out means she still loves you.
But Stir has no front claws because she never learned how to retract them.
Her smacks drew blood every day.
A sad story and a reason to chip our friends and not let them be outside critters
http://www.foxnews.com/us/2012/04/17/loyal-dog-who-stayed-by-dead-dog-side-reunited-with-family/#ixzz1sH36rmwW?test=latestnews
Three weeks ago we got a one year old female tortie from a shelter here in our town & she is super sweet sometimes but whenever my daughters or I try to pet her sometimes she will latch on to our hand & bite us!!! Sometimes out of the blue she will just do this & we have a 4 pound dog(morky) that she will completely bully….not sure what to do…any suggestions?????
It sounds like your little tortie is petting aggressive, and possibly play aggressive, Joy. Here are links to a couple of articles about why this happens, and what to do about it. The bullying may be tied in to the same thing. I’d start working with her using the suggestions. Let me know if you have any questions after reading the articles!
Petting aggression: https://ingridking.com/2012/02/08/petting-aggression-in-cats-biting-the-hand-that-loves/
Play aggression: https://ingridking.com/2012/02/23/play-aggression-in-cats-biting-the-hand-that-teases/
Greetings Joy, I was not aware that Torties act that way 🙂
So glad you have rescued a Tortie from a shelter and given her a forever home.
As Ingrid and Harry tell you , use toys to redirect the aggression in your little girl while she is young.
P.S. – in the 1st article the cat pictured is my Stirfry.
I might have a sign for you if things don’t work out.
My dear friends,
Hug your little ones very closely tonight and every night. Just love them. That is all they ever want of you , is to be loved. That is so easy to do.
OK gang, listen up. Ingrid has an article published in the June issue of Fancy Cat. I just finished reading mine and it is a very good article. I think some of you, as I, may have heard of the cat of which she has written. I am not going to tell you which cat it is. You have to get the June issue of Fancy Cat. Our BOSS has done it again.
Congratulations Boss. Keep up your great work. Steeler says, “HI” to Allegra and Ruby. 🙂
Thanks, Bernie! It was a fun story to write.
Just saw this on the news
http://www2.tbo.com/news/news/2012/apr/13/memeto2-bobcat-bites-woman-who-tried-to-help-ar-391895/
A woman tried to save a Bobcat and it bit her.
Now it will be put down to be tested.
The story said it was badly injured but the video on TV showed it to be sitting up looking healthy. But you know how much the Press lies.
Sadly, they really had no other choice in this situation. Rabies is not something you can take chances with.
Ingrid, as all of you can remember, I know of what you speak. I am rabies free after all those shots. 🙂
OK guys, while I await a young man to get ready to go to dinner, I have a real news flash for you.
Today I managed to put a halter harness onto Steeler. Wait, yes, I still have my 10 digits. I took her outside to let her enjoy the soft air and smell of spring. Well she laid in the soft grass, as if she did not know what was happening. Slowing she began to sniff and want to move. So I added a rope extension to the leash harness and let her roam about 20 feet. She slowly sniffed and pawed at the grass.
It was a good feeling for me to see her enjoying the outside. Then I noticed she had managed to get the harness onto her trunk and then I knew the little sweetie TORTIE has worked her head out of the harness and all that was holding her was around her trunk. So picked her up and into the house we came.
I will have to find one of those wraps harnesses I had seen on Jackson’s show. Maybe she cannot find a way out of that one.
What a good feeling to see her enjoy the air and the grass. 🙂 Happiness comes in little things for me.
Bernie, stop taking years off my life with these stories! I know Steeler most likely wouldn’t run from you, but don’t take any chances! Here’s the link to the harness Jackson recommends: http://www.spiritessences.com/kitty-holster-cat-harness/ If you decide to order, make sure you use code CONSCIOUSCAT for your discount.
Now that is what I am talking about. Just like that, my friend tells me where to get Steeler the right harness.
Sorry about the years Ingrid. But you look great. No one could ever tell what I have put you all thru. 🙂
OK Ingrid, I followed thru with the order and the CC code worked. Now Steeler will receive her little wrap and you can rest, well for a while anyway. By the way this wrap comes in different designs and colors. Can you guys guess what color or design I ordered?? uh uh you know 🙂
So they had Black and Gold did they .
I’m guessing either the leopard print or the red bandanna?
Bernie told me the leopard print.
Most closely related to the Tortie – just not as wild.
You guessed it right Ingrid. Leopard. No red on Steeler. Black and Gold or as close as I could come. 🙂
Jay you told.
It was the nearest to Black and Gold. I think she will look smashing in that one. 🙂
You are brave Bernie 🙂
I’ve always been afraid to take my cats outside. I have a fear that if they like it then they will try to run outside whenever we open the door to go in or out or to let the dog out.
Betty, I don’t know if I am brave or stupid. I only know I see this little girl looking forlornly thru the storm door at me while I am sitting on the porch and I decided to let her feel the breeze of spring.
She truly enjoyed it. Thanks for being concerned. 🙂
I’m with you, Betty. My cats love sitting by the screened windows sniffing the breeze, but neither one has ever shown any interest in even going near a door when I go in and out. I’m simply not comfortable with allowing cats access to the outdoors unless it’s a screened in catio or porch.
However, the harness Bernie ordered is a great way to keep a cat safe while outside, and, unlike with other harnesses, there’s no way a cat could slip that particular harness.
I let all my cats out – supervised by me.
Frankie has only been out once as he is a formal feral and only came in last fall.
Pumpkin is uneasy outside and wants in within minutes. Tabatha will not stray and I trust her.
Stir has been coming in after only a few minutes outside now but in years past she would take minutes of chasing to come in. But now in the spring they all like to eat grass.
OK my friends, now that I have brought you up to date on my little Terrorist, Steeler. I now have to get back to the very regrettable task of my taxes. Darn, I do not want to do those. Talk about a procrastinator. So glad to have one extra day. I think I will make it. Darn. Well back to the numbers game. Steeler counts as 9 dependents, RIGHT.
I remember that Steeler is a big help with your taxes each year. Too bad she’s acting as tortie nurse at the moment.
She is not just a Nurse right now. She is still coming in and grabbing my shirt with her claws for me to stop and pay attention to her. She is still my “assistant”. Wonder if I can claim the cost of keeping her? HUMMM
Last night was a good adoption night – two adoptions. The best was the first one – they were waiting there when I arrived at 6 p.m., a mother and her 8-year old son. The son came into the center, sat down, and told me that he knew to sit and let the cats come to him. I opened the first enclosure, and a cat did just that – walked to him, head butted, and purred. As he was petting it and talking to his mother, I read the owner turn in sheet from the shelter. “Not good with kids!!” As I so often do – I crumpled it up and threw it away. And they took her home: http://lostdogrescue.org/cats-adoptable/30292/blue-bonnet
Experiences like that one must make it all worthwhile.
There’s nothing like people who want an adult cat, who aren’t opposed to a 4 year old cat, and who know when THEY’ve been adopted.
Now that is a one way to dispell the friggatriskaidekaphobia. 🙂 What “not good with kids”. It just takes the right “kid”. Good for you Harry. You really are outside the box type of guy. Love the story.
Another happy ending!
Way to go Harry!!!!!!
Never listen to the “experts” but let the cat decide.
They pick us and we don’t pick them.
Both Stirfry and Frankie knew where they would be loved and picked me.
Frankie has never bitten or clawed Bernie or myself.
He is the gentlest cat.
Now Stirfry ——– I don’t need to say anything on that.
2 cats in 1 night is fantastic and the older cat finding a forever home really makes us all happy.
Hi guys. It is good to see the site back up and running. I have a story to tell, about my little girl Steeler. As most of you know by now her looks are deceiving. But if you ever read the articles by Ingrid and Bernadette you will know that Steeler has a softer, caring, and caretaker side for anyone with and illness.
Well I have not posted what has been going on with my oldest son Wayne. He has been blind in his right eye since he was 16. Very serious problems started occurring last week with the eye. I won’t go into details, but the end result was on Tuesday he saw the specialist again, and on Thursday he has his right eye removed at Allegheny Hospital in Pittsburgh. Please I am not looking for sympathy I am only telling this because Steeler stepped up and took charge. He is staying with me for the time being so I can administer his meds and salves (yuck). I never wanted to be in the medical field, but I am thankful to have my son.
Well now Steeler has always liked Wayne, nicknamed Tinker, but that is another story. Since I brought him home from the hospital, Steeler sensed she was needed. She has been in the same room with him and watches him. She will go where he goes and at night she goes up to his room and will lay outside his room just to watch him. She is his caregiver and he just loves her. Even he says, she is his little Tortie, (no way). So again, Steeler is showing that Torties have love and compassion for the sick and injured. She had show this in the past and again it has come out this week.
As you read this, remember this is not a story of sadness, I still have my son, it is a story of how Steeler is taking care of him and how he is enjoying her company. Now when he is well, I am certain, Steeler will revert back to being her own little terrorist self.
Before you ask, I am ok.
Not the least bit surprised. We knew this about Steeler. Besides, inside of every tortie is a good soul. Some deeper inside than others…
PS – I know you’re not ok. But Steeler’s on duty, so I’m not worried.
Steeler is on duty full time. This a something I enjoy seeing.
I am just thankful my son is going to be ok.
I will be ok knowing that.
Thanks Harry. <3
Stirfry has a “soul” ????
According to Glen , Black Magic and conjuring was involved.
I’ve looked deep and think I came out the other side. Bad attitude all the way.
I am so glad to hear that your son is on the mend and is being well taken care of by both mother and nurse Steeler. The medications will take care of the physical healing, but it is with yours and Steelers help the emotional healing will take place.
Furry babies (both feline and canine) are amazing when a loved one is not feeling well or out of sorts.
Be sure you take care of yourself as well Bernie! If you want your son added to my mom’s churchs’ prayer list, just leave me a fb message.
Betty Thank you. I have a good nurse in Steeler for him. I truly believe she will help with all her Tortie and purrs for him.
Anything helps. Thanks you
Nurse Steeler on the job 🙂 Glad your son is well cared for, Bernie.
Thanks Rachel. You ought to see how Steeler works him. Something to see. <3
I’m so sorry about Wayne, Bernie. Thank goodness he has you to care for him as he recovers from his surgery – and he’s even luckier that Nurse Steeler is on the job!
And like Harry said, I know you can’t possibly be okay, but the fact that you’re saying it is yet another testament to the amazing person you are. I’m keeping you and Wayne in my thoughts and prayers.
Now Ingrid, I know you all would know I am not really ok, but I am happy his surgery went well and I will be the one to take care of him. But Steeler is head honcho right now. It is true that the purrs and soft touches of a Tortie are great medicine. He truly loves it when she watches over him and she seems to know he needs her to be a “good” Tortie. But when he is well, all bets are off.
I have kept this to myself, for a while now. Now that it is done, I decided to let you folks all know what had been happening with my son.
So thank you all and let’s get back to getting to 10,000 posts. We only need 338. Lets get to it. Love to you all.
Bernie is OK.
I know 🙂
I know Tinker will be OK as Steeler is a great Nurse. But tell him Steeler is “my” girl.
I want the 2 most famous Torties in the World (thanks to Ingrid’s and Bernadette’s write ups)
Both the Cutest and most Dangerous Torties and both 100% Tortie Attitude.
Steeler is going to remain “my girl”. She is just to precious a gift to me to ever think otherwise.
Bernie, I want to know more about Tinker! I know you’re not okay, but you’re managing, mostly because of your little tortie manager. I’m sorry you had to have another medical emergency but glad things are working out okay.
Bernadette, Tinker is my other son. He is an amazing man. He is a plant manager. Today is the first day of trout season and this is the day he and Eric always would be at the trout streams. So his is a little depressed on two fronts.
He does not do computers. He refuses to learn. I love him dearly.
We will work thru this, I have you all to fall back on. That is why I finally posted what has been happening. Things will just have to get better.
“Tinker” is an interesting nickname–does he tinker with things? That was what I thought. Even in this situation, I’m sure you enjoy sharing his company.
Bernadette, think back to infancy when babies would leave and odor when changing. I would call him a stinker. Well when he was learning to talk, people would ask him his name and he could not say Stinker so he said Tinker. To this day he continues to use that nickname. All his friends and family call him that. So blame Mom. Then blame a little infant who could not say Stinker.
I do enjoy having him here with me. This way I know he is eating and taking his meds and doing the cleansing as prescribed by the dr.
Steeler is currently upstairs watching him get ready to go with me. He feels up to eating, and as you all know, I am not much good as cooking (in the kitchen that is) gotcha Harry. So I am taking him out to dinner.
So glad to hear that Steeler’s on the job! And I know torties are very devoted to whatever they put their tortie minds to.
Such a sweet story, especially when we all know she can be such a wildcat.
Thanks Kitten. Steeler is an inexplicable Tortie. She cannot be predicted, but she is a compassionate Tortie when the need is there. Other than that, all bets are off. 🙂
http://jezebel.com/5900906/your-morning-ennui-henri-the-french-cat-articulates-the-pain-of-existence
Henri the French Cat Articulates the Pain of Existence
I adore this video. Came across part 2 first, and then found part 1. Almost fell out of my chair.
Treadmills are dangerous for people, dogs and cats.
http://now.msn.com/living/0327-ultimate-treadmill-fails.aspx
My baby Polly is a tortie with some major tortitude! Very independent and very vocal! Very protective of me and enjoys playing with the dog and hiding anything and everything. Found her abandoned in a cardboard box in a parking lot barely weaned and very sick. Best investment I ever made! Even if she is a bed hog!
Polly sounds like a sweetie – how lucky for both of you that you found her in that cardboard box! My two are bed hogs, too – I think that’s Cat Law. 🙂
Hey before midnight Happy Book Signing 1st Anniversary to some of the member of this gang. It was a year ago today some of us went to Falls Church, VA to attend Ingrid’s book signing at the Stray Cat Cafe. We have all become friends since. So Happy Anniversary to each of you. We all know which ones we are and we all have Torties. Some have more than one. Bless them all. 🙂
And today (the 11th) is the anniversary of a wonderful Brunch at Harry & Julie’s and meeting their kitty crew. Thank you so much.
And without out our Torties none of us would have meet so I have Buckley, Amber, Allegra, Ruby, Brooke, Steeler, Cookie and Kelly to thank most of all.
And of course my little Stirfry.
Happy Anniversary, guys – you made this possible. For those of you who are wondering what we’re talking about, here’s a link: https://ingridking.com/2011/04/13/torties-friendship-and-a-very-special-book-signing/
Ingrid, I’m a little late in this, but I remembered too when looking through last year’s articles. Hard to believe it’s been a year! Hard to believe we met! I was actually away Tuesday and Wednesday, so Monday and Thursday were really crammed and I didn’t get a chance to repost it on the day, but I may still post it just for old times’ sake.
My article does have that incriminating photo of a certain two people who are “seeing each other” now, not mentioning any names, but it’s kind of cute in retrospect.
Wonderful memories!
I thought “those” pictures were to be destroyed. 🙂
But Wonderful memories indeed.
So much has happened in a year and it gets better and better.
No, Jay, I still have the photos of those “Pennsylvania Gangsters”. Note that they did not include me. Ha. Gangsters indeed.
Bernadette I missed that about you not being in the pic of the Pa gangsters. If memory serves me right, the third Pa gangster was the one with the camera taking the pictures. She is a very lovely red headed young lady. Ring a bell anyone???? 🙂
Well I wondered what happened that you had not said anything. That is always going to be a very special event for me. I know it was Ingrid’s event, but I have gained so much in friendship from that event. There is no other way to say it but it is just a wonderful thing to have happened.
For all that I frantically post my photos and sketches and stories I have no mobile devices whatsoever so I scheduled my posts ahead of time, then got a few minutes on a hotel computer to share them on social networking. Completely forgot the date of the event. Well, we’ll see.
It was not my event – it was OUR event. It was one of the most amazing and special experiences of my life. I still marvel how one little post about tortitude could lead to all of this. And here we are, a year later, headed for 10,000 comments – and who knows what else!
“Incriminating photos” right, you do mean you and Ingrid, right????? OK so your photos tell a story. Wow what a great artist and photographer you are. Your photos even pointed out another place in time to come. Not mentioning any names.
How do we get a photo up on our user ID?
Cher, go to http://www.gravatar.com.
And if you’d like to post photos of your tortie, feel free to do so on our Facebook page.
hi, i found this site on looking up tortie cats as i have a 1 that just turned a year old last month. i’ve had her since the day she was born. i had her spayed at 10 months and she only weighed 7 lbs. she has put on a little weight since then. but seeing your cats on your book cover…..wow they are gorgeous and i hope my miss meowmeow will get big like them. she is so hyper too. just wanted to say i’m glad i found this site, i like it and will be back. thank you so much for taking the time to read this and have a blessed nite/day evening depending on where you are at the time you read it. g’nite…..grace
It sounds like your little girl is going to be a relatively small cat, Grace. Ruby is only a little over eight pounds at almost two years old. Buckley, the cat on my book cover, was a small cat, too, she was about nine pouncs. Cats continue to grow until they’re about eighteen months to two years old, so your little one will most likely fill out some more!
Welcome Grace, my Tortie Stirfry was 7-8 lbs a few years ago ( she is 12 now) but has grown to 11 lbs. now. Her son Pumpkin is 21 -22 lbs. and my latest rescue Frankie was guessing 7 lbs when I took him in a few months ago and has grown to at least double that. He is now wider than he is long.
You too have a blessed day.
oh my goodness this is too funny my miss meowmeow’s mama was an orange tabby and her name was pumpkin hahahaha and thank you all for the comments and the warm welcome.
My 2 girls fall into the sweet and loving category (well at least with humans not each other lol) we don’t really have knicknames for them except Brian my boyfriend calls Luna “Lunatic” or “Lunacy” and Nikita Is just “Nik” or “Nikie”
Bernie and I went to my sisters for Easter dinner.
We took a bottle of White Cat wine.
It is verry good and I give it 4 cat paws.
The Hearding Cat wine we had before gets 1/2 paw and a twitching tail.
I know I’m a bit late but…Happy Easter to all and your loved ones.
True Origin Of The Tortie?????
Saw the trailer for the video “Clash Of The Titans” on TV.
The quote from it was;
“Zeus convinced his brother Hades to create a beast so strong it could defeat their parents. And from his own flesh Hades gave birth to an unspeakable horror…”
The last two words made me thing immediately, Totries?????
That explain a lot.
We knew they were supernatural.
Glen I couldn’t agree with you more. You have “Kasey the Warrior Queen”. I nicknamed Steeler “my little terrorist, I don’t know what Harry calls his little one by a nickname. Jays’s Stirfry is just plain in your face Tortie. I can’t give her a nickname. Maybe Jay or someone else can think of one.
“Brookie-Cookie, the Mad Catter.” Or sometimes just “The Evil One.”
I can see we have much in common with our nicknames for some of our Torties. It still amazes me to see Torties, such as Ingrid’s and Bernadette’s be so loving and cuddling. I have this little outside gray kitten that I have been feeding since winter ( which never was). Well she has grown to a big kitty now. Maybe 6 to 8 months old. Steeler would watch her without incident during the little one’s growing period. Now, when I open the sunroom door the little one has grown over the winter and when Steeler sees her now, she pushes herself against the storm door and growls. The little gray at first ran. It quickly learned Steeler could not get out and she defiantly comes and eats as usual then goes. Steeler thinks she would like to get her grips on this daring kitten. So this is just another example of why Steeler ( my little terrorist) will remain a one kitty family. 🙂
Happy Easter, everyone – I hope it’s been a great holiday weekend for all of you!
Happy Passover and a Happy Easter to all here. 🙂
Happy Passover to all my friends
Thank you, Jay! My Passover present was that we got a cat adopted tonight, the first time on a Friday night in a while (after I wrestled with cancelling the event because it was Good Friday and the first night of Passover. Shows you what I know.)
Congrats Harry. The Best present of all.
You got the satisfaction of saving a life and sharing love between the cat and his/her new parents.
That is a present to us all on here.
You Rock !!!!!!!!
Happy Passover to you – what a wonderful way to start the holiday weekend.
What a wonderful way to start the any weekend.
Today Frankie met Steeler (indirectly). Bernie had the video on her laptop playing of Steeler talking. As soon as Steeler walked towards Frankie who was watching he jumped onto the floor with that look of “ANOTHER TORTIE” !!!!!!
Unfortunately Stir was there and he had that look of a trapped cat. Torties everywhere……
Steeler – even on video can scare a normal cat.
That’s really funny… ah, I mean, I’m so sorry Frankie!
That is funny.
I can believe it.
Like when The 22 pound Taz and Morgan were having a “kitten” play fight on the floor, 4 feet away from where Kasey was laying flat on her side.
Kasey doesn’t play fight and she heard the scuffle and started to get us. At that point, Taz and Morgan panicked and scattered.
You know you have arrived when just the act of you getting up clears the room.
A new type of security system?
Sounds like Frankie was born with just enough brain cells to get by.
When he almost tried to jump at Stir I thought the same thing.
A week ago he saw movement and must have thought it was Pumpkin or Tabatha and went to spring – as soon as he saw it was Stir he stopped in mid jump.
Stir just gave him that “look” and Frankie decided that looking at the ceiling and pretending he did not see her would get him off the hook.
Your right about the brain cells – just enuf to get by.
Yay…new torties to welcome to the fold!
Oh, poor Frankie. His life is a series of puzzlements.
Glen…keep us updated on Kasey’s chin.
Happy Easter, y’all!
Kasey seems fine.
The vet told us the cyst might swell up and then recede once and a while. He also said he has no problem doing a surgery but if it were his cat, he would leave it alone unless it got substantially larger.
I am fortunate that for us, the cost of a surgery is not a problem. I want to do the right thing for her; i.e. not ignore a problem, but on the other hand, not put a 12 year old cat through an aesthetic /surgery that isn’t necessary.
When I saw the cyst a week or so ago, it was swollen and I panicked a bit and booked an appointment for the following Monday. Then Sunday evening it went down so I cancelled the appointment.
She goes in for her regular check up in May, so unless there is any change, it will get looked at then along with everything else.
I check it every week, if there is a change that stays more than a few days, she” go in to the vet.
In the mean time, she is happy and is fine, she has been intimidating the dogs this weekend, the silky terrier and the 45 pound lab/pointer mix are actually afraid of her. When she hears them, she actually moves in their direction to place herself in a position to confront them, she is the “Warrior Queen”, after all 😉
Thanks, Bernie! And yes she very much is! When I first met her at the shelter, I didnt have to do anything, she ran up and made sure I KNEW she was there. Every day since, we’ve been keeping up quite a dialougue, and I’m positive she’s saying “Would you hurry up and play woth me?” 😉
Kasey is very vocal. She is what I call a dark faced tortie, about 60% dark fur, 35% ginger with white feet, those bright eyes shine from a face with totally dark fur.
She does not make the classic meow sound, the sounds at best are like one of the species of wild cats at best, more often though the sounds are “not of the world”.
I was up early this morning (force of habit from work) and today is a day off for me. I went downstairs to the computer leaving Kasey upstairs.
This was not acceptable, apparently, soon a long, loud tortie song started. I dashed up to quickly get her to spot her from disturbing everyone and took her downstairs, where she denned up quite happily.
She is about 12 years old and I have known her most of her life, I rescued her four years ago from one on our company’s facilities. She has a special bond with me, she can be away from me for hours at a time (which is a good thing) but when she wants attention, it is IMPORTANT 😉
By nature and experience during the first 8 years of her life, she is pretty much fearless and will not retreat from another animal but she loves human attention. This 12 year old “Warrior Queen” is still quite playful if you entertain her with a string.
I love hearing these stories of Kasey. She sure has you trained 🙂
We all know the wrath of a Tortie so luckily you came when she called.
Enjoy your day off.
And to all those on her have a very happy holiday weekend.
I heard State Workers (an oxymoron if there ever was one) so my sister will be off Monday also. I have Bernie down to meet my family ( not sure who should be scared more).
Also, we’re taking Shadow to her first annual vet visit since we adopted her. Any suggestions for what type of carrier to get, how to make it more comfortable for her, etc.?
Michael I hope Shadow’s check up goes well. As for a carrier, I use a medium size that is easy access for Steeler and the vet. Also has a lot of openings for her to see what is going on.
Spending more time with Shadow should give you a lot of enjoyment. Just wondering, is Shadow full of Tortitude? Makes for great times together. Enjoy your spring break and Good Luck with the quality time with Shadow.
I’d look for a carrier that opens both in the front and on the top. Make sure it’s large enough for her to turn around comfortably. I’ve had both the hard-sided and soft-sided carriers and I like them both. I was very happy with one that I reviewed a while back. Allegra likes to use it as a napping spot (I always keep the carriers out). https://ingridking.com/2010/12/15/product-review-sturdibag-pet-carrier/
After tomorrow I’ll officially be on spring break. The one thing I’m going to be doing more than spending time with my friends is spending time with my tortie 😉
Can I just say how much I love that statement! 🙂 Enjoy your spring break – I know Shadow will love having you home with her more.
Anyway, I won’t be online again until maybe the friday after next, when I get Comcast turned on at my new place
Good luck with your move–and I think you should take the 900 lb. couch in case of another tornado! Let’s hope that doesn’t happen. Hope the girls are all okay, and that includes you.
I hope everything goes smoothly for all of you!
I’m moving tomorrow. SO I thought if I put the carriers out this morning the girls would see them open all day, get used to them, see them as furniture….Ugh, fine so far with Shanks and Monkey, they’re both just wandering in and out. Peaches, as she always has has huddled into a ball somewhere I ca’t get her. ANd as she always does, EVERY time we move, Peaches will maul me, possibly chew out my jugular. But that’s what I get for not getting a cross and holy water before dealing with her!
If you guys never hear from me again, You’ll know my 12 lb MEAN housecat, Peaches, Chewed out my jugular. She’s nasty like that. Wish me well lol. It’s not her fault, though, she’s just old and grumpy
Everyone will try to blame it on the tortie, but stick up for Monkey. Peaches will be the culprit! LOL
Look for blood in the tuxie’s mouth. Got it. I’ll make sure the coroner knows. (Give us a shout when you’re back on line – hope it goes well. What did you decide to do with the 900 lb. couch? You may as well move it, because the Peach is probably under it, anyway.)
I will be watching the nightly news for ” Tortie kills owner”
Will call them and tell the investigators to interrogate the Tuxie until she talks.
Of course with a cat in the house named “Shanks” there will be confusion as to who did it.
Still the Tortie will be the main suspect you know.
Lynn, good luck at the new home. I will, wait, as Harry for a while to hear from you. Are you really going to leave the 900 lb. couch? Your landlady will love you. Hope the kits take to the new home quickly. Peaches will rule, I guess she has made her statement and the rest of you will just fall in line. Good luck.
From Ingrids FB page
A purring Mountain Lion
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-A6zLuXVJ4w&feature=fvwp&NR=1
Also sounds like Stir and Steeler when they purr.
Probably Kasey and Brooke too.
Definitely like Kasey in the purr dept.
Definitely a Steeler purr.
Cute cat video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=OAX7af8CZwQ&feature=endscreen
My tortie is now 10 years old and her name is Cutie. My family and I love her very much. She is very “talkative” and constantly meows or purrs. We have another cat and she does have a hot temper with her. Our other cat is not a tortie, but just as cute.
What a sweet name for a tortie, Cathy. The talking is definitely a tortie trait, and it sounds like Cutie’s tortitude really comes out with your other cat!
Thank you Ingrid, my kids named her and it’s very appropriate because she’s adorable! When we got her 10 years ago, I had no idea what a Tortie cat even was until we took her to the vet and she told us. She really has a distinct personality that we all enjoy so much. She’s so sweet with us, but like I said, she has a short temper with our other cat. They get along for the most part, but Cute rules the house. We also love how “vocal” she is, always purring and meowing! She does hiss a lot at Didi, our other cat though, sometimes I feel sorry for her, lol.
What a great name for a Tortie.
As to the attitude – part of the package.
Thank you Jay! We love her attitude, she’s such a Tortie!!
So glad you joined the group Cathy. You will learn so much from our Tortie Experts – Ingrid, Bernadette and Harry and us Tortie Fans on here. There are all types of Torties – the gentle ones (Cookie, Kelly, Monkey,Allegra and Ruby) and our vicious killers (Steeler, Kasey, Brooke and Stirfry). All have attitude and let us know who the boss is.
Cathy welcome. Your Cutie sounds like she is all Tortie. The “temper” is just normal Tortitude for Torties. My Steeler talks incessantly and has a whole lot of the Tortitude. That sets them apart from all others.
Thank you Bernie! I love Cutie’s Tortitude and all her different emotions. Our other cat is a lot bigger than Cutie, but she’s afraid of her, it’s so funny! I guess she knows Cutie’s the boss!
OUCH! I was just petting Peaches when she latched onto my wrist and nearly severed a vein. I’m bleeding like crazy. I have to get her to the vet as soon as I move and find a new one. No idea whether she’s just being her elderly mean self, if something’s wrong with her, or if she’s reacting to poor Shanks who hasn’t been to the vet to be fixed yet, and is once again showing signs of being in heat. Or maybe she’s reacting to my own nervousness about the move. Something is wrong. Actually EVERYTHING is wrong! I guess I can’t blame her being on edge. WHen we’ve been in the new apt for a couple of weeks I’ll take her to meet her new vet and see if this one also thinks it’s worse for her health to bring her than to not. The Stockbridge vets will be under serous scrutiny though. I plan to call all 4 or 5 of them and ask their policies on declawing. I’ll choose one, hopefully, if they say they either don’t do it (too much to hope for) Or at least explain the process and attempt to discourage it
Oh no – I’m so sorry! I’m sure she’s picking up on your stress, and Shanks going into heat is not helping.
Is there, by any chance, a housecall vet in the area you’re moving to? Here’s the listing for Michigan from the American Association of Housecall Vets (but that does not mean there may not be others): http://housecallvets.org/html/housecall_veterinarian_-_ameri3.html#Michigan
Alternately, try and find a feline only vet near you – they tend to be much better with cats like Peaches than general vets. There are 58 feline vets listed in Michigan, fingers crossed that one of them is near you! http://www.catvets.com/findadoctor/findadoctor.aspx
In the meantime, you may need to order Stress Stopper by the gallon – for you, and the cats!
Stirfry told me that I was the master of the house and she will do everything I say.
Then I realized what day it was.
lol APRIL FOOLS!!!!!
I will be taking Kasey to the vet at 5:00PM on Monday to have them look at the cyst on her chin.
It has gotten a bit larger and I think I will have them remove it, if that is their recommendation.
We know from prior work with the vet that it is not cancerous but I don’t want it to grow, more.
I will listen to what they have to say and go with their advice. I don’t want to make a frivolous decision to have a surgery done but don’t want to let something just go if it needs attention.
We have a great vet now and I trust their knowledge and advice.
I was told on a past vet visit that if this is done, she will have to wear a “cone” for a bit, I don’t look forward to that, any advice in that regard would be helpful.
It’s always good to stay on top of these things, and it’s great that you have a vet you trust completely.
If Kasey does need surgery and needs to wear an e-collar afterwards, ask them for the soft Trimline collars The cat in the photo at the top of this post is wearing one:
https://ingridking.com/2010/11/29/caring-for-your-cat-after-surgery/
They’re much better than the hard plastic cones as they don’t restrict vision and movement. Most cats tolerate them reasonably well.
Thanks, Ingrid
That collar is good to know about.
” Most cats tolerate them reasonably well.”
We are talking about a tortie “Warrior Queen” here though 😉
I don’t take any aesthetic or surgery lightly, although I know it is done all the time with good results. So this will only get done, if the vet thinks it is needed.
That’s why I said “most” cats! 🙂
Glen – we think alike As soon as I read what Ingrid said about “Most Cats” I thought Kasey is DEFINATELY not a most cat.
Yeah, it would be a challenge, I am a bit concerned with how the collar will work out if she has the cyst removed.
With her history of abuse, never mind her fierce streak, I am not looking forward to the collar experience.
However, I like the one Ingrid posted the link for, it looks good and I think has a better potential for success.
lol Glen, yeah, no telling what a tortie will or will not tolerate
Bullet proof vest, lots of bandages,alcohol for the wounds and what ever you like for yourself.
And all our sympathy to you, Taz and Morgan.
Kasey didn’t go to the vet today, I cancelled the appointment.
Yesterday, the cyst went down (not bursting or leaking).
The vet told me this could happen at the last visit, that it could change periodically. he did advise leaving it alone unless it continued to grow, I thought it was but the last 36 hours has shown it is not, right now.
I will continue to keep an eye on things and she’ll go to the vet immediately if there is a need.
She goes in for her annual in May (forth anniversary of rescue) and if things stay the same until then, it will get looked at then.
That sounds like a good plan, Glen. May is only another month away anyway.
I thought May was in Virginia with Harry ??? 🙂
Great news Glen.
Glen, I am a little slow saying this, but it is good to know Kasey’s not going to have that cyst taken off. It would be great if it did completely drain away. Kasey’s 4th anniversary in May. Funny thing, is I think each of us know the anniversary of our Furry ones, but forget so many dates for others. Just saying, no insult intended.
IT’S OFFICIAL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Conscious Cat was voted Best Website About Cats in the 2012 About.com Reader’s Choice awards!
Congrats Ingrid.
Thank you!
I second what Jay has said. We all knew you had it in the bag. Congrats Ingrid. You have your work cut out now to maintain your high standard of excellence. 🙂
Just so no one scrolls through these comments to judge the standard of excellence. 😉
LOL Bernadette!
Thanks, Bernie – I’ll do my best!
Congratulations Ingrid!! You derserved every vote and then some!!
Yes, great news 🙂
Thanks, Glen!
Thanks, Betty!
Male Tortie kittens ( and some females marked as male)
http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?N=21+22+23+29&Ne=4&Nf=coords%7CGCGT+40.295%2C-79.5478+-1&Ns=coords%2840.295%2C-79.5478%29%7C%7Cshelter_name%7C%7Canimal_type%7C%7Cpet_breed_1%7C%7Cpet_breed_2%7C%7Cidentifier&Ntk=animal_type%7Cpet_breed%7Crecord_type%7Cstatus&Ntt=Cat%7Ctortieshell%7Cpet%7CA&distance=0&lat=40.295&location=15601&lon=-79.5478&startsearch=Go
I’m guessing these are mismarked. “Max” isn’t even a tortie!
I never knew there were male Torties until Doodlebug showed up and then another last month. Thanks to Bernie who sent me this link I found there are others. I know other like myself would like to add to their cat family ( HARRY ????) and a male Tortie would make a great addition. We know the female of most species are the rulers so how a male Tortie would act around Kasey, Steeler and Brooke would be interesting.
I have to be honest, I question how many of these supposedly male torties in the link you shared are really male, or were just listed wrong, or aren’t even torties (Max?!). Considering that only 1 in 3000 torties are male, the odds are against that many being on Petfinder at any one time.
I read a few and when they mention “she” or “her” then I know it is a mistake. And a Tortie listing but is really a calico is a mistake too.
Wow, I’ve only seen two male torties in my whole life, and one of them is Doodlebug! lol
Jay, you’re not suggesting that I want another cat, are you?? I have to agree with Ingrid, it’s highly unlikely that these kitties are boys – at least, the ones that are actually torties. No more than Frankie is a black and white cat 😉
Frankie is a “black and white” cause I tell him he is. But he answers to anything.
And I thought I saw a small space on your cars rear window for another cat sticker so I know you “need” another kitty. 🙂
I have a torti, she is exactly as the article says above. I also have a Calico and yes, the Torti is more vocal! She was a stray I took in had spayed and shots. I tried to find her a home since I have cats and really did not want another. Nobody wanted the baby, she is about a year or so old. She is such a sweetie who loves cuddling, kissing and running the household! She has grown on me!
Sounds like your tortie was meant to be with you, Cher. They do tend to grow on you, don’t they?
Tortie’s do seem to grow on you but, I am an avid cat lover..some say I must be related the way I communicate with the cats. Hmmm, last life perhaps? LOL
Welcome Cher, I like you took in a feral cat and tried to find her a home as I already had a cat. Luckily for me that I could not (no one wants a “WILD” cat. Stirfry became my favorite and I wouldd never give her up.
And thanks to a few friends on here she has gotten International attention.
Torties definately grow on you.
I don’t believe she was wild..she kept coming to my barn. I went out one day to see her and thought she would run but nope, she came crying to me. I believe someone dropped her off as I live out in the country on a dirt road. I now have 5 cats!
” I went out one day to see her and thought she would run but nope, she came crying to me”
Yes, that sounds like someone dropped her off, a very cruel thing IMHO to turn a tame cat loose in a spot it is not used to or equipped by experience to handle.
I think they make very friendly and appreciative pets, because I think they know they have been given a second chance.
Thats how my big orange guy Taz showed up at approx. 12 weeks of age.
That’s how Ruby was rescued. A woman heard a kitten crying in her backyard, and when she opened her backdoor, Ruby ran right into the house.
Cher, that seems to be a common problem, Like Ingrid said Ruby and Glen said Taz was a throw away. Also the most famous unofficial football mascot Steeler came to Bernie that way. A lost cat who was discarded and looking for a forever home and someone to love them. Thankfully we have wonderful people who will take them in a let them trust humans again.
Yes, that is how I got all 5 of mine! I hope no others wander this way! I had her spayed and actually thought she was about 7-8 months old. She is very small. My vet said she was between a year and two and she had a litter before. My oldest is 18 and diabetic. Still hangin in there. The calico is 16, Mama is around 8-9 and now this punkin!
I believe what you say is truth, they are seeking a home and someone to love and take care of them.
Welcome Cher! And, btw, I seem to be a stray cat magnet also lol. Sadly, I’ve heard torties tend to not be adopted. Such a shame. I think a lot of people look for a cat with a pretty face, and torties tend to be a little crazy-looking. Add to that the reputation of having big attitudes, and what you have is the cat version of the American Pitbull Terrier.
Anyway, my current cats, Peaches, the elderly and very grumpy Tuxedo (think those two old grouchy movie critics on the Muppets), and Shanks, a little shy black (I used to call her a fellow, until she unexpectedly went into heat) gal, were both strays. I later found out where Shanks came from. They told me she got out accidentally, but due to later facts that came out, I think they dumped her because she was the last kitten that they didn’t want to keep. They meant to keep the mother and brother, and had given all the rest away. Later on they sold the brother and abandoned the mother inside their empty apartment with no food or water, and I rescued and re-homed her.
Anyway, on to Monkey, my tortie. She was given to a young irresponsible man at 8 weeks, then later on the original owner visited him, and found her nearly skeletal and half bald from a flea allergy. The original owner took her from him, and came knocking on my door with this pitiful little scrawny half-bald cat and begged me to take her. So I did. I MEANT to nurse her back to health and find her a new home, but she wormed her way into my heart and I never even tried lol. It came close, for a time, I really thought I was going to have to find her another place at one point, more on that above, but thankfully Shanks came into our lives and it didn’t have to happen.
Anyway, I said all that to say, YES! Torties really tend to grow on you! lol
My girlfriend and I have an eight month old tortoiseshell who is lying down on the edge of my computer and watching me as I type this response. She is definitely full of tortitude and I think I heard music when I read that term for the first time–it fits perfectly.
I grew up with two Siamese cats and never thought I would find a breed of cat that could match the Siamese in personality and intelligence, but I think I’ve found that breed. Our cat loves to run, jump, and attack us from hidden spots as we walk by. She is known for doing whatever it takes to get her way and when she fails at getting us to roll over…oh, the revenge.
A couple curiosities:
Do most or all tortoiseshells have fluffy tails and a little extra fur around the pads on their paws? And is it unusual for a tortoiseshell to have a patch of cheetah-like coloring next to the nose? Ours has that and we always joke that she is part cheetah.
Thanks Ingrid for posting this, and thanks in advance to any responders!
Your tortie sounds like she’s got tortitude to spare, Adam!
Tortoiseshell is actually not a breed, it’s just the name for this particular coloring. Torties can be domestic short hair, medium hair, or long hair cats. There are also tortie Persians, and there’s even a tortoiseshell point Siamese (can you imagine the attitude in that combination?!)
The cheetah like patch is not typical for all torties, but you’ll probably find a few of our frequent commenters here who will tell you that they believe that some torties definitely are wild cats in a house cat’s body!
Feel free to post a photo of your girl on our Facebook page, we’d love to see her!
Amen to that one. A wild cat in a Torties body, definitely. But what a lovely cat they are. Welcome Adam.
Adam you Tortie sounds like a doll. Her tortitude is just what we (most of us) live with daily. Never know what or when they will pull something off. Then again they can switch from loving to snarling for no good reason and back again. How could we not love these beauties. Please do show her picture.
She sounds like a beauty Adam. It’s good that the siamese helped consition you for a tortie in your life. What’s her name?
Welcome!
Welcome Adam! You should check out the Facebook page, most of our girls (and our guy) have pics on there. Never seen a Cheetah patch, but I’ve seen all kinds of other crazy markings! lol My first tortie, Hatchet’s entire chest and head, all the way from her front feet to the base of her neck was split perfectly down the middle, with one side being cream with a little black and orange, and white whiskers and eyebrow hairs, the other side was mostly black with a little orange and cream, black whiskers and eyebrows. It looked like two different cats got split in half, then sewn together, hence the name “Hatchet head”
Plus I’m a Metal chick and tend to give my babies metal-appropriate (or, to some, INAPPROPRIATE) names.
My current tortie, Monkey, has almost Siamese markings, with the black mask and feet, dark tail, but tortie everywhere else. She has very big, wooly, Persian-like fur. Monkey is VERY human friendly, a regular love-muffin, but until Young Shanks showed up at my dumpster and made our world a more peaceful place, she fought my elderly cat Peaches to the point where I almost had to re-home her.
From what you describe, fur-wise, she’s probably got the Turkish angora fur style. Shanks has it too, more or less normal length fur except for on the tail, and, while Shanks has a ruff around her neck year long, a lot of Turkish angora types don’t in the warmer months, I’ve been told. BTW, I learned all that from the people here on this blog.
No problem Jay! I’ll try and post one now 😀
WOW folks, today is the big day for the “formal” announcement that Ingrid’s CC has won the prestigious blog award.
We all know the results will be great for her.
So I am saying “Congratulations Ingrid”, you have truly earned this.
Actually, winners will be announced on Friday. I’ll wait until the official announcement comes out to accept congratulations :-).
Torties wait for no one
Congrats Ingrid. 🙂
WootWOOT! Go Ingrid!
I have a diluted tortie, my first cat, and now the reason i’m a bonafied cat person, loved the article 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed the article, Michael, and welcome to the wonderful world of cat people!
Thank, Ingrid! And I’m sure Shadow, who’s taking a nap at the moment, thanks you too!
Greetings Michael & Shadow, glad to see another guy on here. Sometimes I feel outnumbered, but as you know Torties take no notice of numbers when threatened and never back down.
Hope to hear more about you and Shadow and put her picture on Ingrids FB page.
Michael and Shadow, welcome!
While doing a Google search I found Stirfry the cat
http://www.pictures-of-kittens-and-cats.com/stirfry-the-cat-in-playful-mode
Sorry, Jay – censorship strikes again. The second link you posted of a tortie named Stirfry was from Ebay’s classified ads. Since they also allow the sale of animals, and I’m opposed to that practice, I won’t allow that link here on the site.
Here’s the “other Stirfry’s” Petfinder profile (and she is very pretty): http://www.petfinder.com/petdetail/22306987
I’m actually shocked that this rescue is advertising their animals on Ebay. I hadn’t heard of a rescue group doing that before. Harry, have you ever come across this?
Sorry Ingrid, I did not see it was e-bay ( I did not even know they could put animals on there).
I understand your thinking though..
Ingrid, many rescues advertise on ebay just because ebay items and profiles are easily found with internet searches and they feel it helps attract potential adopters. If the ebay listing links to a legitimate adoption agency, that’s one thing, but it’s kind of like finding free pets on craigslist and freecycle.
It falls into the category of “would it get more adoptions even if we’re morally opposed?” LDCRF has done some Craig’s List advertising, which I absolutely HATE. While it has driven some traffic to the website and resulted in quite a few inquiries, they all sound about the same: “I want to by ur kitten, were can i pick him up?” (Illiterate typos intentional – excuse me, “intenshunal.”)
Moral opposition has something to be said for it-opopopopopopopopopopopopopopopopopopopop
Lol….that was Shanks, I figured if she had something to say she should say it, anyway, I think selling animals is wrong, my opinion on this can’t be changed, and I will oppose it every chance i get
Clearly, Shanks feels strongly about this issue, too!
I didn’t know Ebay allowed the sale of animals. Okay, so, I’m done with them, as I also oppose any site that advocates that
I’m great with adoption, but NOT with selling and/or breeding Any site that advocates either is bad and off my list
Ingrid, ASOLUTLY! In fact, to quote Shanks; “opopopopopopopopopopopopopopopopopopopop”
LOL to Shank’s input!
LOL…..hmmm, I think maybe she was trying to spell “Opposed” but got stuck at “op”. Probably couldn’t decide if there was one “p” or two.
Just for those that know Jay and I, I am home in the Western part of the State and Jay, is home in the Eastern part of the State.
I have been AWOL from here for a few day, due to life and its ups and downs, but I will try to catch up with all of the posts. This site is important to me and it gives me an outlet to forget some things. Having said that, I will be reading every post and hopefully I will post a response to some. I have seen several new Torties with humans and the posts are both funny and sad. Especially AFB.
thanks honey !!!!!!!!!
Your welcome Baby. <3 Now we have to hear the announcement that Ingrid won the CC award. We all know the answer to that one, but we have to wait for the official word.
There was never a doubt as to who would win 1st prize.
Torties Rule !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
9500 posts now
only 500 more Ingrid !!!!!!!!!!!!
Yay!
🙂
Won’t be long now.
I hope those new Torties are giving the Tortitude that I have with Steeler.
I have to find all of you thru the back posts and see what your TorTies are doing.
I have been reading the post and hey,, there are new folks owned by Torties on here.
Hi everybody
I am new to torties, my naughty tortie is just 8 months old and I am trying to find another to keep her company when I am out, am I mad!! She is a calico and I just love her wayward attitude !
You’re not mad, Carole. 🙂 Actually, getting a companion for your 8-month-old calico is a great idea. Kittens do much better if they have someone of their own species to play with, and you’ll probably find that the “naughtiness factor” will decrease a bit! I’d look for another kitten about the same age of a similar temperament.
I have a stray kitty in my garage, found it in the yard on Sunday. (It’s not in the house yet because I have two German Shepherds that will freak it out. Also, wanted to check on fleas and ear mites first) It only weighs 3 lbs 6 oz, looks very young, just skin and bones. Came in out of the woods and obviously doesn’t know how to hunt. Doesn’t appear sickly, just want to get some weight on the poor thing. It has tortoiseshell markings in with tabby. I guess that makes it a “torbie”! Right now it’s just exhausted and hungry and very affectionate and starving for attention and petting. I’m sure not picking up any vibe of being fiercely independant or hot tempered right now. I hope not. I haven’t had a kitty since I lost two within 10 days of my husband dying 6 years ago. (ya- that was quite the time…) But it “looks” like a female, and until I can afford to get to the vet, after what I’ve read, I’ll just assume for now she’s a girl. She sure is a pretty little thing.
Thank goodness that little torbie girl found your yard, Kate! I think it’s safe to assume that she’s a girl, only 1 in 3000 torties are male. I’m so sorry about your losses – so close together, I can’t imagine.
I hope your little foundling starts eating and putting on some weight. If she’s truly a tortie/torbie, I think she won’t have any trouble holding her own against your dogs! 🙂
Thank you Ingrid. I just posted a picture of her on my facebook page (Kate Kerner in Menomonee Falls, WI) Just so hard to judge her age, but must be under a year. We live in a small neighborhood bordered by 120 acres of woods, so who knows how far it traveled. If someone in the neightborhood was missing their kitty, I’ve seen no posters or anything and this neighborhood is small enough that someone who cared enough could go door to door. My last kitty, Bugs, was lured into a rabbit trap (I was trying to relocate some naughty squirrels) one night by the peanut Butter I had in it. It was only about 9-10 weeks old. It turned out to be best friends with my Sheperd Sam, but got terribly ill very early in the morning, the morning after I buried my husband. China Cat Sunflower was 18 and had to be put to sleep a week later. I think she had dementia. It was awful. Then 3 1/2 years later I lost my two nine year German Shepherds within 10 months of one another. I didn’t think I could survive any more loss (I had also been to over 20 funerals in that period) and met a man with a ten month old German Shepherd at the dog park and fell in love. (We’re waiting for his house in Milwaukee to sell before we get married) Thank goodness he likes cats!! My Dad just called and wanted to know how tortoiseshell cats breed if they’re mostly female. I’ll let you know how she’s doing!!
Kate, I’m so sorry to hear of all the losses you have suffered and so close together. You must be an incredibly strong woman to have gone through all that and still be sane!
If you read some of the stories of the torties here, you may understand why the little torbie came to you. While they can fill your world with “tortitude” they can also be a great caregiver and a giver of comfort and love.
She is a little beauty and will hopefully coexist peacefully with your dogs. If she is a young cat chances are she will get along fine with them. It is mainly when they are older that they become set in their ways and don’t care for other furry animals in “their house”.
Please do keep us informed and congratulations on finding love and your upcoming marriage.
Oh my goodness, Kate, she’s adorable!
Tortoiseshell cats are not a breed, they’re just named for their coloring. They’re usually domestic short, medium or long haired cats, but some pure-bred cats can also have the tortoiseshell coloring. If you really want to delve into the genetics of all of it, here’s a link: http://www.messybeast.com/tricolours.htm