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’m so happy to have come across this site! We have just become the adopted family of a young Tortie who showed up here just before Christmas. After posting pictures in the neighborhood, online and at the local shelters with no response, we’ve made it official. Our daughter has named her Mittens and she can’t be more than 6 months old at most.
Mittens agreed to stay in the house for more than a few hours this weekend and we are hoping for the best. She still meows to be let back out, but we suspect that is normal for a kitten that has been living outdoors. She’s already gained a little weight since she showed up on our patio.
Congratulations on your new family member, Michelle! Feel free to post photos of her on our Facebook page – we’d love to see her.
Welcome Michelle, so nice to see another Tortie lover on here. Love the name Mittens. Are all 4 paws gold ? Bernie has 2 Torties and the only way I can tell them apart is DJ has a gold front paw and Justice does not (hope I remembered that right.) Please post pics so we can see her. My FB page is [email protected].
From there you will see a whole bunch of cat lovers Harry, Bernie, Bernadette, Betty etc. plus quite a few cats (Stirfry and Brooke – both Torties, Henry, Piper and Pearl Shubin (non torties but still cute cats are there too.
Cats and high tech appliance.
We just purchased one of those robot vacuums;
http://www.costco.com/iRobot%C2%AE-Roomba%C2%AE-595-Pet-Vacuum-Cleaning-Robot.product.100010805.html
It is working out quite well but it is interesting to see the cat response;
Morgan the nervous tuxie, nowhere to be seen when this rolls out.
Taz, the 22 pound orange guy, barely acknowledges it.
Tim, the “baby” orange guy, curious but cautious. He follows it from several feet away, when it hits an obstacle, it tuns around and does a 180 degree navigation change; he thinks it is after him and runs. The he comes back to it and starts all over again.
Kasey treats it with disdain. it is not frightening, not a worthy opponent, apparently. She was sitting in the middle of the kitchen, grooming and it ran into her back, it did a 180 and she just watched it with some detached curiosity, then went on grooming.
I have seen videos of cats riding these things but I am not teaching them that.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4enwctMKlbU
Hi gang.
Glen I just read about the robo vac and the little ones. I have been considering one. I am not surprised about the kittens reactions. Tim being young and curious is pretty much the way my little ones might react. Now if Steeler were here, I can just see her sitting on top of it and riding all around. She always tried to ride on the head of my sweepers.
Good to hear they are all doing so well.
Love the visual about the vacuum.
If Taz decided to sit on it the battery would not have the power to move it. And if Kasey takes notice of it and decides she does not like it you will be looking at the warranty to see if claw marks tearing off the top of it were covered. Be glad the unit does not smell good to eat. Taz and Tim would wait for Kasey to kill it and help her devour it.
“Be glad the unit does not smell good to eat. Taz and Tim would wait for Kasey to kill it and help her devour it.”
That’s about it, but they would only be allowed at it once she lost interest.
Columbia was in true tortie mode last night. For some reason she was extra clingy to mommy. When I’m in the livingroom on the couch using my laptop, I prop one leg up on my knee scooter to elevate it. Well Columbia decided that she wanted to sit on mommy’s scooter. So I gently grabbed her around the middle and thought I was going to left her off of it. She dug those darned hooked claws into the seat and refused to let go. So finally I managed to fit my leg next to her.
A little while later she got off the cart and got onto the couch next to me. Then deciding that the laptop was getting too much of my attention, she moved over and laid on top of the keyboard. Again I put my hands around her midsection and tried to move her off of it. She dug her back claws into the couch and front claws on the couch just past the laptop. I couldn’t move her! I was in the middle of a game with other players at the time so needed to make my moves or get timed out. I managed to move the laptop to the couch next to me and stopped her just as she was headed toward it. She gave in and decided to lay on my lap instead.
Stubborn? Columbia? nah……….lol
It is a well-kown fact that cats hate laptops 🙂 – but I think only a tortie would be as insistent as Columbia to take over a lap – and win!
Brooke is very odd, I will often wake up to the ping-pa-ping-ping-pa-ping of my laptop, which is very distressed that a big ol’ cat is sitting on it! This has happened quite a few times.
So I have been closing my laptop when I am done with it at night time.
A little later I propped both feet up on my cart and put one of her “binkies” on my lap and legs as she likes to lay outstretched on my legs. Yet for some reason last night she decided to assume her favorite laying position which is on her tummy with both front paws fully extended and her claws into whatever is front of her.
Well my socked feet happened to be in front of her and in went the claws! I almost came off the couch. She apparently hit a very sensitive spot on my foot and the shooting pain was awful. I have never taken off a pair of socks so fast in my life!! Needless to say it was a very long and exhausting night…..for mommy that is, she was just fine.
I saw another cat at the cat feeder. We watched him eat and I got a few photo’s. Tiger striped but he has short legs. Maybe a relative of Frankie.
Short legs; that does seem to be a body type.
It suits Taz’s description, and Kasey, too.
Morgan is just petite.
Tim has a narrow beam and long legs; he might get “cobby” later in life, given there is no pet food he won’t eat; his own wet and dry, the big cat’s wet and dry, plus any type of dog food.
Tonite when I came home Styx greeted me at the bottom of the bed. Bernie said she slept with Styx on her her until 1 minute before I got home. Then Styx got up and sat at the bottom of the bed until I pulled into the driveway. Later I got coffee and some chicken for a snack and Styx came up to help me eat it.
Later Stir came over to greet me while Styx was about 2 feet away. Frankie came onto the bed and laid down. Styx came up to me and Stir hissed and growled, Styx decided to walk away and as she passed Frankie she swatted him across the head. Frank gave out a confused eep and looked at us as to say “what did I do”. Wrong place at the wrong time. 🙂
Jay and I wish each and every one of you and many more a Happy New Year.
thank you and sending the same wishes back to the both of you and all your furry babies.
Happy New Year to all!!!
Kasey has me home for one more day before I am back to work on Wed.
Same from us.
Happy New Years to our Tortie Family from Bernie and I.
My goal this year is to get a playmate for Frankie. Torties play rough and Tabby is too old for him. And Glen has little Tim to help Taz lose weight and Frank definitely needs help. 🙂
A playmate for Frankie sounds like a good idea 🙂
I’m wondering if anyone knows of or can recommend and inexpensive interactive toy I could get for my Rockie. He loves to play but my other kitties aren’t interested in playing with him. I can tell he is very bored and also needs to lose some weight. He loves his little black mousies but only plays with them for a short time before he is bored again.
When Angelika was here she and he used to run and play endlessly, but since she left he has become very inactive and spends most of the day sleeping.
Any suggestions? Thank you.
The girls love the DaBird and Neko Flies toys best. Both are inexpensive and last a long time. The nice thing about the Neko Flies is that you can get different attachments and mix it up a little.
Here are the links to our reviews:
https://ingridking.com/2012/02/21/our-new-favorite-da-bird-interactive-cat-toy/ DaBird is $7.99, use code CONSCIOUSCAT for an additional 10% discount if you order from Spirit Essences (link is included in the review post).
https://ingridking.com/2012/09/27/allegra-and-ruby-give-new-neko-flies-toys-four-paws-up/ Neko Flies are around $20 – I recommend getting the holiday pack, which includes three different attachments for $25. Sorry, no discounts available at this time.
I watched your videos Ingrid and it does seem to entertain them, the only issue is that it still requires a person to move the toy for them. Due to the fact I can’t stand for more than a couple of minutes I’m looking for something he can play with by himself. Unless there is a way I could attach the da bird to a hook or something and suspend it. Would it work that way?
thank you again 🙂
Betty, you can sit while you play with these toys. The videos were taken with me standing still and moving the toys with one hand. Would that work for you?
The standing still part would not work and as far as sitting and moving the pole I could do that for a short time.
Part of my disability is hypermobility syndrome and my shoulders have a tendency to quickly slide partially out of joint, then back in again if I move my arms too much . These are the reasons I am looking for something I can either suspend or that are on a floor stand, etc. that he can play with.
How about this puzzle toy: https://ingridking.com/2012/11/15/review-and-giveaway-catamazing-puzzle-toy-for-cats/
There are other, similar puzzle toys.
That one may be a possibility. Is the cardboard fairly sturdy? Would it hold up if a 15lb. kitty were to lay on it?
I ask as Rockie absolutely loves anything resembling a box. If he can’t get in it he lays on it. When I left the kitchen a little while ago he was propped up against a soda 24 pack of soda taking his bath. If we want to throw a box away we have to wait until he’s sleeping as if it is one that he can get inside it, he will run and get in the box so we can’t get rid of it…lol
It’s pretty sturdy. If you google “cat puzzle toys,” you’ll probably find others that may be made out of wood or plastic.
Another suggestion: use a muffin tray to create your own puzzle toy: https://ingridking.com/2011/03/16/allegras-world-18/
Thank you so much for the suggestions they are greatly appreciated. If I come up with something I’ll let you know what it is then if I order it how it went.
I just saw this on Facebook and followed the link. Ingrid (or anyone else) could you please give me your opinion on both the article and the toys that the company makes please?
http://www.frolicat.com/blog/2013/01/tips-for-getting-your-indoor-cat-to-exercise/
Of course the toy I think he’d like the most is the most expensive one ($24.95) which I just cannot afford right now. I would still like your opinion though in case in the future I can afford one.
I haven’t tried the Frolicat toy, but it looks like a good toy to me. The only thing I don’t like on the list of suggestions in the article is the laser pointer. Here’s my opinion on laser cat toys: https://ingridking.com/2012/01/16/are-laser-toys-safe-for-cats/
thank you Ingrid. Very interesting article on the lasers.
Betty, when I worked a day job and had periods of long days away I did several things with early versions of da bird and with Cat Dancer toys. For da bird I drilled deep angled holes into a section of 2×4 that were just the size of the pole, attached the 2×4 to something and let the feathers dangle. In a doorway or hallway, the feathers would catch air currents and turn slowly all the time, or someone’s tail would “bump” it or even just walking past would make it move. The Cat Dancer toys I stapled to a piece of wood and attached it similarly close to the floor so they could easily jump to it. With either one, you could sit near it and poke it to make it move, and then you wouldn’t have to hold it and wave it. Hope that helps!
Thank you for the great suggestions Bernadette!! I had my hubby read your message so hopefully he got the hint…but then again I may have to draw him a picture…lol
Thank you again!!
It is a bit of a challenge to visualize!
Hey everyone, I was just reviewing some site stats for the year, and I thought you’d enjoy these numbers:
The 5 most active commenters for 2012 (site wide, not just for this post):
1. Bernie – 373 comments
2. Bernadette – 273 comments
3. Jay – 225 comments
4. Betty Brown – 146 comments
5. Glen – 129 comments
To all of you, thank you for commenting all year – we’re approaching 12,000 – and for being a part of our tortie family!
I’d like to wish you and your torties (and other kitties) a very Happy New Year – may it be filled with good health, peace, love and purrs!
Busted! What are we going to do when we get to 12k?
Family reunion at the Stray Cat Cafe? 🙂
Took the words out of my mouth. Even though I’m sulking because I’m not a top commentator 😉 Working on the reunion. Details to come 🙂
I’m all for that. A reunion to see my friends and hopefully meet even ore.
I have Stirfry to thank for that and I got to meet Steeler and Steeler’s Mom and Brooke and her family. Made a wonderful year for me. My goal is to meet Bernadette’s Famous 5 (so sorry I did not get to see Cookie and Kelly) and Ingrid’s Allegra and Ruby. And if our Govt. gives me a visa, Glen and the famous Kasey.
Would you look at that. To think Ingrid kept track and to find out I hit the top. No one can top that this year. 🙂
Wow, I guess I had more to say than I thought. I figured I would be toward the bottom of the list. Those blackouts are more productive than I figured they would be…lol
This site is at the top of my favorite sites I found in 2012! Ever other site fails in comparison to this wonderful place that Ingrid created for us kitty lovers and fanatics. The people here are incredible and I can’t imagine not having you all in my life.
Thank you for the wisdom, the tears, the ups, the downs, the laughter, and the sense of family that is here.
Wishing everyone a wonderful, happy, prosperous and happy New Year…thank you
We (myself, husband & 2 sons) adopted a 1.5-2yr old Tortise-Shell cat a
bit over a year ago (so she’s probably about 2.5-3yrs now).
Before we adopted her, she was a stray & was taken in by a kind soul…
then she had kittens & was turned over to a cat adoption group.
We named her Hazelnut. My husband had 2 tortise-shell cats as a
child… one was named Coconut & the other Nutmeg (which is why
we went with a “nut” themed name)!!
She was kinda skinny, skittish & stand-offish at first… but a year
later she’s “pleasantly plump” & nearly a lap cat!! She seems to
really love her new life & we love her too!!
She is NOT very vocal… she surprises us when she meows, but she
does purr when she’s getting love. Her favorite is scratches around
her ears.
Hazelnut is a great name for a tortie, Heidi! She sounds like she settled right in.
Here is a Christmas morning summary;
Morgan was a bit timid but came to see what the fuss was
Taz wanted to lay on and open the presents because some contained catnip, he was VERY persistent.
Tim divided his time between playing with wrapping paper and some new toys, especially those he could carry around in his mouth, then deposit on the floor ans swat around.
Kasey was interested in the activity and played with a few of the new cat toys, and behaved fairly well (for her) around the other cats.
Sounds like everyone had a great Christmas, even if Morgan sounds like she was a bit overwhelmed. I think my girls had more fun with the wrapping and tissue paper than the actual toys!
Bernie and I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.
Considering JuJu Bean too….my mom’s name is Judy. All my friends say I should name her just Bean Bean. I dunno!
A torti came to our door a couple days ago and meowed and cried loudly til I let her in. We fed her and she claimed us! She’s a hoot! Very sweet, talkative and cuddly. Never had one of these before and I think we’re gonna love this! Here is her picture:
https://twitter.com/FoxieNews/status/280546709753434115/photo/1
Oh my goodness, Debbie, what a cutie! Have you named her yet?
Thanks! Her name is Cami Bean. Cami cuz she looks camoflauged and Bean from my childhood nickname Bean Bean. ….don’t ask. Hahaha
Considering JuJu Bean too….my mom’s name is Judy. All my friends say I should name her just Bean Bean. I dunno!…
What a little beauty she is! She is almost identical to my Columbia, except Columbia has a gold splash on her nose.
Nice, a “self delivered” tortie 😉
Great looking cat and sounds like she has a very endearing nature.
She almost looks like a “baby” Kasey (my tortie Warrior Queen)
I read this on the news today. I bet if they could do a DNA check they would find the colors of these cats were Black and Gold – Torties !!!!
Saber-toothed cat fossils unearthed near Las Vegas
Published December 16, 2012
Associated Press
LAS VEGAS – Researchers say a pair of fossils unearthed in the hills north of Las Vegas belonged to a saber-toothed cat.
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reports a team from California’s San Bernardino County Museum identified the fossils dug up in June as being front leg bones from the extinct predator.
Kathleen Springer, the museum’s senior curator, says the saber-tooth fossils are thought to be approximately 15,590 years old.
The discovery marks the first of its kind in the fossil-rich Upper Las Vegas Wash. Springer heads a team that’s been studying the wash for a decade and been collecting fossils there under a contract with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management since 2008.
She says the bones of Las Vegas’ only known saber-toothed cat are still being studied. There are no immediate plans to display them, but Springer expects that to happen eventually.
This year we have all non-fragile Christmas tree ornaments due to Tim
He is a young, orange guy, need I say any more 😉
There is one way to protect the tree. Kasey likes to ” den up” under the tree, when that happens, the tree is safe because it is in the ” tortie exclusion zone” . Tim has learned that you don’t enter the zone.
The difficulty is, she doesn’t spend a lot of time there.
A “tortie exclusion zone” to save the Christmas tree – I love it!
It is an interesting, unexplained phenomenon that the tortie exclusion zone varies at random, sometimes it has a radius of a couple feet, other times, it is the whole room.
Regardless of its size at any given moment, it is rigidly and immediately enforced.
Ah, yes – the bubble of personal space. I know it well. Funny, Henry doesn’t respect it – he’ll walk right in front of Vickie, who has a fairly large exclusion zone – and she allows it. Anyone else would get whacked.
Thirteen years ago, we lost our beautiful cat Hypatia to cancer. We were still grieving her when I spotted an article in a local newspaper entitled “Take Our Kittens, Please!” It was April, prime time for breeding, and the shelter in the referenced article was inundated with little ones. We raced to the shelter, went to the caged area, and spotted two teeny balls of fluff. Tortoiseshell fluff. (Check out my avatar.) We were “smitten kittens”! They are seniors now, but they’re both healthy and spoiled and have remained divas for the entire time. Long live torti-tude!
I’m so glad you opened your heart to more torties after you lost Hypatia, Debra. And I think we need a bumpersticker with the words “Long live tortitude!”
Put a Tortie picture on that sticker and it would sure cause those tailgaters to back off.
Welcome Debra. What are the names of your 2 Torties you presently have. Love the avatar pic. Is that Hypatia or one of the newer ones?
I just realized that we have a few on here who have had or presently have a pair of Torties.
Bernie’s kittens DJ and Justice get along great. Bernadette’s Cookie and Kelly did also.
Of course Ingrid’s Ruby and Allegra are best buddies.
Stirfry and Styx NOT at all. Can’t wait to hear how Debra’s 2 get along
Our “sisters” are named “Boo Boo Kitty” (Anyone remember “Laverne and Shirley”?) and “Snuggles”, who loved to curl up on my pillow at night and nestle in my hair. They always got along just fine. A little more lovey-dovey in the very beginning, but they will still sleep on the bed together and groom each other. The one in my avatar is Snuggles, but I have to admit it’s still hard to tell them apart in photographs! I’ll rustle up a picture with both of them so you can see what I mean!
What great names! We’d love to see photos – you can post them on our Facebook page.
The pics are up on the Facebook page–check my beauties out!
Wow, two long hair torties, very nice.
Are they litter-mates?
They’re gorgeous, Debra!
Always happy to see yet another person who appreciates the world of tortitude! Would love to see pictures of your babies. Welcome!!
We adopted a tortoise shell female from a local rescue shelter when she was 10 weeks old. She was skittish at first but would very occasionally jump on our laps. After a week or so she wanted nothing to do with us. In the 18 months we’ve had her we have been able to corner her and catch her maybe 5 times to trim her nails What a shame, her coat is as soft as rabbit fur.
She gets along great with our other 3 cats – two older males and an 18-month old female – they hang out, groom each other and play together. Human contact? Not on the agenda. Just uncross your legs and she runs from the room.
Just this past weekend we noticed one of her eyes was bloodshot and half closed. After a struggle she was caught and brought to an emergency clinic. We were given eye drops and it was suggested we get a dog cage to keep her in so we can grab her and give eye drops 3x a day for a week.
We got a cage and when put into the cage she went absolutely ballistic, out of her mind crazy. Cat litter food and water went everywhere. So she was taken out, that was not going to work.
If caught she will calmly sit on your lap, after 15 minutes will struggle to get away, but will then calm down for a while.
Ironically, the receptionist at the clinic has a tortoise shell with this same personality.
Any suggestions to help make this cat more human friendly?
It’s going to take a lot of patience working with a cat like yours, Ken. She sounds like she may just not be a people cat. I’d go very slow with her. Don’t force her to sit on your lap, let her come to you. I recommend structured play therapy, two 10-15 minute sessions twice a day. Use interactive (fishing type pole) toys to entice her. This will allow her to associate human contact with something fun. Reward her with treats after a successful play session. Use treats as rewards whenever she is near you and calm.
If you’re open to holistic remedies, I’ll be happy to recommend some that may help.
Ken – I have a tortie that isn’t quite as people-averse as yours, but for the first few years she was never a lap cat, moved about at a high rate of speed, and trying to hold her only got you rewarded with a firm swat to the face. But now that she’s amost 8, she has become quite the lap cat – will come onto my lap when called (and, of course, when she’s in the mood – which is increasingly often). I think sometimes it takes time and patience for them to lose some of that kitten energy, and also to decide that you’re worth spending time. And please do try some of the holistic remedies Ingrid can recommend – I was a non-believer in them, until I tried one out of desperation – and it worked.
What Harry and Ingrid said. My Tortie is the most lovable and people friendly cat I have, but she’s a bully toward my other cats. I was sceptical of the Reiki essenses at first but then I tried them as a last resort, and they made me a believer. I used “Bully remedy” for Monkey, my tortie, and “Graceful Aging” and Creak Away” for my elderly cranky gal Peaches. During times of stress (moving, vet visits, etc) I use “Peacemaker” for all three. It seems odd, but they really work!
I’ve also used “Peacekeeper” the couple of times I’ve taken in rescue cats. It re4ally seems to make a difference
Happy Hanukkah to our friends the Shubin Family and anyone else out there.
“Happy Hanukkah to our friends the Shubin Family and anyone else out there.”
Thanks, Jay! I hope you have a very merry Christmas, as well as a fabulous new year.
I can’t WAIT to get my new Digital Camera my girl Shanks bought me because she felt so guilty for breaking my toe! LOL…Really I only have pics of her at 8 weeks old, and I can’t wait to show you guys how beautiful she grew up to be! You’ve all seen Peaches and Monkey, but no-one has seen What a truly beautiful Girl Shanks grew up to be. Her fur is so silky and fine,Her tail is HUGE and fluffy, Her Ruff is Huge and Fluffy! Her eyes are so soulful and deep, she’s still a weird littlle geeky girl, But that’s part of her charm
Yay! Finally, more photos of Monkey, Shanks and Peaches! I especially can’t wait to see Shanks’ pictures!
Please post pics of all three kittens. I can’t wait to see Shanks. <3
Hi folks, been off for a short while. THe holidays were difficult and the pain of being without my husband, my baby boy, Eric and Steeler who needs no intro. I went to Jay’s where we had a very quiet dinner, if you can call having 4 beauties wanting more turkey. I just could not bring myself to being around happiness, I do hope all of you had a Blessed holiday.
here is the post I put on my FB. I have ben really quiet. Don’t know even how to think of the rest of the holiday season. MY kitten can sense my mood but amazing they pulling their little tricks and and stunts . I am very tired and weak, the following explains all that. Take care and keep our little ones safe. Bernie
My friends, I have been quiet for a while. First trying to cope with the loss of Eric at the holiday. Then yesterday I had surgery. I will survive, the surgery was not major, but the anesthesia is wrecking havoc with my system I will write as I begin to feel better. Just keep the post going. I can still read. 🙂 >3 to all
I’m so sorry it’s such a hard time for you, Bernie. I knew the holidays would be difficult – all these firsts without a loved one are the worst, and you’re dealing with two losses. And then your health on top of everything else. Sending lots of love and healing energy your way. I’m glad you have the kittens to bring a smile every once in a while.
Not ever having had children I can only imagine the pain you are going through Bernie. I have lost furry babies though and know how much that hurts and can’t imagine how you are handling the loss of both. Please know that we are all here to listen, to talk, and to love you, unconditionally.
The best way to get rid of the after effects of the anesthesia is to try and sleep it off and drink lots of water to help cleanse it out of your system. Those two things have always helped me get over it. I hope your surgery went ok and that whatever it was for has corrected the issue and it’s over.
Please send me a fb message if you would like to be added to my mothers church prayer list for not only physical healing but for emotional healing as well. I like to ask permission and not just add someone to it as it is a choice.
Please be well Bernie and know that we are always here for you….sending love and positive energy to you, a very special lady who has touched all of our lives….
We’re all here for you Bernie. Even though I haven’t been around much lately, I’m ALWAYS here for you! You are SO special and I love you
I’ve had a female torti now for about 3 years. She is the smartest cat I’ve ever had. She will mimic a yawn for me, sometimes several times. Sometimes she will turn away when I do a fake yawn, like she is saying “Don’t do that!” She is very protective of me. My wife can’t touch me if I’m holding her, and attacks her. As long as I’m not holding her, she is a total lover. Grumpy however, and very moody. She doesn’t meow when hungry, she just sits at her food bowl and stares at you… She wakes us up in the night by scratching your hand or nibeling it and wants a treat.. She won’t stop until you give her a few kibbles, then she goes back to sleep. If she catchs a mouse, you have to let her play with it. If you try to take it away, she will own you and rip your hand apart. Lesson learned the hard way… We just got another kitten female torti a few months ago, and it took two months for her to warm up to the new kitten and play with it being very teritorial and king of the house. Her name is Princess, and the new little kitten torti is Angel. The kitten takes to my wife, and has bonded with her instead of me. Princess has always bonded to me for whatever reason. They both appear to be a one person cat, especially Princess. Every morning she comes in to sit on my lap, and just stares at me. I have to keep her nails trimmed constantly. She gets upset, and takes a swing at my face if she wants to get down. Every time I hold her, she will unexpectedly latch onto my hand with a bite, not too hard though. Then looks up at me.. Obviously a love bite. She will do it all the time, very quickly when you least expect it. They are both total lovers though. Princess is much more aggressive though, and is very protective of me when I hold her.
Sounds like a good solution: a tortie for each of you, Jeff! The biting sounds like it’s probably a form of petting aggression: https://ingridking.com/2012/02/08/petting-aggression-in-cats-biting-the-hand-that-loves/
Stirfry was never a bed cat. Always was Punky and Tabatha.
Lately Styx and Frankie would sleep with me and maybe Stir above me at the window.
Now maybe the electric blanket has something to do with it but she has been on the bed as far away from the others as possible. Last night she was walking along the side rail and Styx lunged at her in a rush. Stir turned, raised her paw and fell off the side of the bed. Hard not to laugh.
A few minutes later Frankie walked into the room (probably returning from the food bowl) and Stir attacked him. Wrong place – wrong time.
Guys, Monkey caught on fire tonight and didn’t know it! I only smoke by the open window, and the cats NEVER come up while i’m there. But Monkey hopped up there and plopped down tonight about a minute after I had put my cigarette out….all of a sudden I smelled burning hair, snatched her up and started slapping at her butt, and a cherry fell off! SHe has no idea she was even on fire, she just thinks I was being mean and spanking her. Yeah, I KNOW I need to quit smoking.
Poor Monkey, she had no idea you were trying to put her out. Can’t imagine what the papers would say if things got worse. 🙂
This makes a great excuse to quit.
I know! OMG, she gave me SO much attitude all night! That whole, “You mistreated me and I did nothing wrong!” thing! LOL….I can laugh now, because she wasn’t hurt….I would be despondant if she had. Man, that was scary! And yeah, I still have a pack and a half, maybe, as soon as they’re done (they’re too expensive to waste!)
Yes, you do (need to quit smoking). 🙂
I have booked Kasey in to the vet on Fri. Nov. 30th to have the cyst on her chin examined.
I am considering having it removed.
It has gotten a bit larger over the past month or so and a bit more “puffed up” (sometimes to expands and recedes, but this time it doesn’t seem to be going back down, so far).
I don’t want to put this 12 year old “girl” through this if I was sure it would not be a problem in whatever number of yeas she has left. However, I also don’t want to let a correctable problem become an issue, either, if it gets out of hand because I didn’t do something when I could.
It does not seem to bother her.
You can touch it and she does not react even a bit.
It has been checked and established that it is not cancerous.
Still, it has got larger and needs to be looked at. We switched vets about 2 years ago and I fully trust their judgement, advice and skill.
I am not quick to have an animal put under aesthetic but Toby, the 10 year old silky terrier was there last week and put under antithetic to correct some serious dental problems, they did a great job and he came out of the aesthetic far better than at the previous vet.
Probably the worst thing would be that she would need to were a collar for a while, this vet uses the soft version, rather than the hard plastic “funnel” so I think that would be an improvement.
It does sound like it’s time to get it checked again, Glen. Anytime a cyst grows or changes, you want to stay on top of it. Your vet sounds wonderful – anesthesia is both a skill and an art, and having a vet who does it well is important. The soft e-collars are usually tolerated well, especially since they can be folded back to reduce the “cone effect.” Sending good wishes to Kasey and to you for a smooth check up!
Thanks, Ingrid
If she has it done, I am concerned about the collar, given her history of abuse.
However, I like the description of the soft collar, both yours and the vet tech.’s that I spoke to when I called them this morning.
I am going to see if it could be done over the holidays, I am off from the 19th to the new year and can be around most of the time. Of course the down side is there would be a few days the vet office would be closed down; I will talk that over with them on Friday.
Let us know what the vet says, Glen.
Will do, she goes in at 4:30 PM on Fri., Nov. 30th.
The good thing is I really trust this vet’s advice.
The cyst isn’t any larger than it was in her May 2012 vet visit.
She has lost about 1.3 pounds in 7 months, she will be going in for blood work in a week. We will see what is going on.
The vet is not worried about the cyst, we will decide a course of action after the blood work.
She is happy, as active as she normally is and goes about her normal routine, it is not like she is ailing or suffering, so the blood work is “due diligence” at this point.
I should have mentioned, the 1.3 pound loss was from a starting point of 15 pounds, she is not skin and bones, but it needs to be checked out all the same.
I’m glad the cyst has not grown. That is a significant weight loss, and I’m glad your vet is running bloodwork to see what may be going on. That’s what preventive health care is all about.
Kasey is going in on Sat. morning for blood work, she is getting a senior panel.
I was told we should have the results by day’s end on Dec. 10th.
I’m sure Kasey is looking forward to it.
I am hoping she is not diabetic, or that her weight loss isn’t something else that is serious.
She is good at the vet, but doesn’t like the trip there.
Hopefully, her bloodwork will be normal, Glen – but if there’s something off, this is the time to find out, while she’s not showing any symptoms. Fingers and paws crossed here for good results!
Glen I am following closely about Kasey our “Warrior Queen”. We know she is one very interesting and total Tortie. She has a will as strong a the steel beams that hold up skyscrapers. I know you little girl is going to be just great. Her results will be fine and you can enjoy the little ones. I will be waiting to see the results, because afterall she is our Warrior Queen too. 🙂
Bernie
Thanks.
She behaved quite well at the vet this morning; we should have the results by the end of the day an Monday, Dec. 10th.
She seems fine, she is eating well (did not like the fast last night) and is the same in every respect, except she has lost some weight. She is by no means wasting away and is still heavier than what is considered normal for her size but it needs to be checked out. I would rather be proactive with this sort of thing.
Kasey had very good results from the senior panel blood test 🙂
No problems, all good results.
The vet said she more than healthy enough to have the surgery to remove the cyst on her chin. he will write up a proposal for the procedure which should be available tomorrow.
I am still undecided as to whether or not to go ahead, perhaps the proposal will help sort things out.
That’s wonderful news about Kasey’s bloodwork results!
Unless the cyst removal is absolutely medically necessary, I wouldn’t do it. Anesthesia is not something to take lightly. Just because she’s healthy enough to undergo the procedure doesn’t mean she should have it if she doesn’t really need it.
Yeah
That is what is holding me back. The vet isn’t pushing it, just giving me the options.
The cyst changes week by week, sometimes puffed up and “shiny” other times reduced and dull. It is not cancerous and the base has not got bigger in 7 months.
That’s great news, Glen! Did he say anything about the weight loss? And I agree about the cyst removal, not necessary if there’s nothing harmful about it.
There was no specific issue identified regarding the weight loss.
She is eating more canned food, now, as opposed to last year.
We have the 50 pound lab cross, Lacey who is 1 1/2 years old, and of course, Tim the little orange guy. But these two do not exercise Kasey much (Taz and Tim rough around like kittens, though). Kasey puts them in there place and actually, occasionally looks to confront the 50 pound dog, who is afraid of her.
The vet asked if Kasey is stressed or dominated from her food by the other animals, my answer was “Kasey provides the stress and domination over the food”
Kasey is eating well, frequently and in great variety, she keeps the food down, litter box use is normal. All habits and activities are normal, for her.
She is still over weight but we will monitor for more weight loss.
Fantastic news Glen We all want the best for our dangerous Tortie.
As to Lacey being afraid of Kasey, that is her survival instinct kicking in. No smart animal will take her on.
As to the surgery, that is you call but you have 3 experts on here to go to. Bernadette, Ingrid and Harry know more about cats than I ever will. We are lucky to have them.
Bernie and I just give blood.
Glen that is great news on Kasey’s overall health. She is one healthy little Warrior Queen. If the cyst is not impeding her eating or overall health, I would take Ingrid’s advice on the elective surgery. Anesthesia is not a perfect science with pets. The other side of the coin is, if she isn’t bothered by the cyst, and you know it is only a cosmetic issue, then let her go about being Kasey. I know you will decided what is best for you little one. No doubt about that.
I have decided not to have Kasey’s cyst removed.
I will monitor it, as I have been doing.
At this point, I think the risk out weighs the benefit, even though I have full confidence in the vet; even the vet was not pushing to have it done.
I think you’re making the right decision, Glen.
Hi cat people,
I need help. My beautiful Tortie Georgia was a very sweet loving kissing playful cat never had a problem. My husband and I took her to the vet for her check up she has never had a proble with the vet before but now she (georgia) is viscious she bites me scratches me and des the same to my brother. She Loves My husband Cameron and doesn’t scratch or hurt him at all. She can have a sweet minute then a mean one. She is afraid of everything now like the vet hurt her somehow.
Help me and Gerogia what can I do to calm this lovinglittle soul
Angel McClellan and Georgia
This sounds like a possible case of redirected aggression, Angel. Uusally, it’s directed at another cat in the household, but based on your description, it’s possible that the vet visit triggered this. I would recommend calling your vet to see what they suggest. I would also try the Feliway plugins to calm things down in Georgia’s environment, and if you’re open to holistic remedies, I’d also add Safe Space for Cats from Spirit Essences: http://www.spiritessences.com/Safe-Space-for-Cats-p/safe-space-for-cats.htm&click=644
Angel, the Spirit Essences treatments Ingrid recommends did wonders for my cats. They have a treatment for every issue you may have. I’ve tried Bully remedy for my Tortie, Creak Away, and Graceful Aging for my 13 year old Tuxie, and Peacemaker for both of them plus the new kitten I introduced. They worked wonderfully. I didn’t believe it, but I’m a believer now.
Thank you so much. We have set aside her tme and our other cats time they do get along great. We also found out Georgia is a petit tortie she is the size and weight of a 8 month old cat but the vet says she is healthy.
I have even given Georgia time just me and her I feed her and give her her treats she eats the treats from my hand so we have progress. We are also getting her fixed. Fingers crossed I will keep you all informed.
Thanks again,
Angel and little Georgia
Heheh…it’s been a while….Metal Moment, this one is for Shanks, the most “Beautiful and Strange” creature I know….she’s so weird! In an adorable, creepy Wednsday Addams sort of way lol
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rNb8KYN_Bno&feature=colike
It’s good to see you back here! How are you, and how are Monkey, Peaches and Shanks?
LOL It’s good to BE back! I’ve missed all you guys! Thank goodness the politics are all over, hopefully my recent one after the other comp troubles are too! Because that stuff is getting old! How are you and yours, Ingrid?
We’re good! I don’t know how much you’ve followed my blog over the past few months, but our new book is out!
Oh sweet, I have to get it!
Monkey’s all in your face friendly, Peaches is in-your face UN-freindly, Shanks is just so Zen…when a stranger comes in she’s the quickest to run and hide, for sure, but when it’s just us, she’s so….she’ll hop up on my knee at the computer, and just sit there, a perfectly posed and composed statue of a black cat…when I pet her, she will purr softly, but never move. LOL, she’s just odd
Shanks is just my favorite creepy kitty, I guess
lol
BTW, I finally figured out how to get her to eat actual meat. I have to stink it up with cat food! I’ve told you before anytime I cook real meat I fix some without seasoning for the cats. Monkey and Peaches love it, but Shanks would always sniff it, walk away, then follow me around crying pitifully like she was asking why she was the only one not getting a treat! I finally tried mixing wet food into it, and she’ll eat it. What a strange kid
Meat with a little bit of cat food gravy – sounds likea gourmet kitty meal to me!
I am preparing the donated turkey for brining since I’ll be cooking the big dinner tomorrow–it’s mostly take-out, sister will pick up, brother will probably eat here. I told them both to get their donated food bank turkeys and we’d have lots of turkey dinners (they are both disabled and live on Social Security) but only my brother followed through–but it’s a 22-pound turkey!
I have to say, the kids here are impressed, all lined up and watching me handle this big dead bird. Mr. Sunshine hopped up on the sink while I was rinsing the bird, took a good long look at the bird, then slowly looked up at me. “I have new respect for you now.”
They’ve experienced roasting turkeys before, but tomorrow should be an interesting day.
Things have been pretty hectic here so I haven’t posted in a while (my Mom was in the hospital all last week with heart issues) but I wanted to let you know the huge thing that happened last week. Brooke got into the bedroom as I was taking the trash out (someone had used the litter box, and it wasn’t going to wait until morning!). She hid for a while, and Sabrina and Piper ignored her… and then Brooke got onto the bed and curled up. I got into bed, figuring she’d be there for a little while and I’d throw her out once she went after one of the other cats. When I woke up – the following morning – she was still curled up on the bed, and the others were all asleep elsewhere in the room. Somehow, they managed to spend a whole night together.
Wonderful news–hope it’s not a one-time thing. Check to see what you fed them and waht music you listened to yesterday–try to do that again.
Weruva Mack and Jack, and the big-band Christmas station on satellite radio. But that’s been a pretty constant situation the past week or so, anyway…
Going to keep trying. After dinner last night I left the bedroom door open because Brooke and all her buddies were in the basement, closed off – but neither Piper nor Sabrina ventured out of the room. Sabrina stayed on the bed, but Piper hid under it for a couple hours. I guess she didn’t know that Brooke was locked up.
Fingers and paws crossed that this is the beginning of a new era!
Beginning of a new era of terror, maybe…
Latest update is that the last time I left the door open, Vickie wandered in, and Sabrina cornered her in the closet. It’s funny – well, sort of – because EVERYONE, including Brooke, is afraid of Queen Victoria. But Sabrina, who is afraid of Brooke… well, you just never know. The following day I carried Piper down to the kitchen, with Brooke closed out, but Piper went into feral mode, creeping and hiding. I opened the door to let Piper run back upstairs – and who does she meet on the stairs but Brooke. My fault. (About an hour later, when Rachel coaxed her out from under the couch in the family room, I carried her back upstairs.)
I would also like to wish all who celebrate it a very Happy and safe Thanksgiving. Ours will be tomorrow as my hubby had to work today, dang retail jobs!
My furry babies will also have their turkey day feast tomorrow as turkey is their favorite just like their mommy. Also just like me they will only eat the breast meat and don’t like the dark meat. It works out though as my hubby prefer the dark meat.
Speaking of my furry babies, over the past few weeks my tortie Columbia has been increasingly becoming a lap cat. Normally it is my Janet that wants to be in mommys lap however lately Columbia is the one. She also has started to lay on my computer table right next to the keyboard making using m mouse tricky at best. While my hand is on the mouse she lays her little chin on my hand and gives my fingers occasional kissed. Then she’ll climb down and lay on my lap and give me an occasional hand nip.
All I can say is since she is a true tortie….I wonder what she’s up to!!
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you , also! Everyone got a little taste of turkey, but no one went quite as crazy as Sabrina. Of course, this is the cat we think started life as a feral, eating people’s garbage or table food – when we first brought her home, she would actually take food out of your mouth.
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone.
Ours is earlier in the year, in October.
“I’m not letting the kids know about this turkey thing” our kits don’t get people food, if either Taz or Kasey ever tasted people food, there would be NO peace during food preparation or meal times 😉
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! The girls just had their Thanksgiving dinner, and their vegetarian mom brought home some turkey for them from her dinner with friends, so everybody is happy!
Happy Thanksgiving to you all … while Thanksgiving is not celebrated in Australia, I think it should be. I’m thankful for my friends, my family and all of my friends here on this site (well, you’re my family too). Hope everybody is well and there are lots of happily purring kitties appreciating you all too.
I’m not letting the kids know about this turkey thing…but I hope everyone’s day is fine whether you are celebrating or not. Actually, I will be cooking a donated turkey for my brother and sister, but I’m waiting until Saturday. Long story, but the kids will get a bit of that meal you can be sure!
Bernie and I would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. We cooked a 22 lb bird and the kitties were fed 1st. Stir did not touch hers but Styx ate hers.
Frankie had not played since Punky died but a few days ago started batting around his mouse on a string. Now he wants to play with Styx. And now he is watching outside like Pumpkin used to. Maybe waiting for another cat that needs a forever home.
Happy Thanksgiving to you both! Perhaps Punky is visiting Frankie, and maybe Styx isn’t as bad as you think. Now go back for leftovers. Was there also a Turtle Pie for dessert?
Bernie bought Turtle Pie, but we are having apple pie and pie right now with coffee.
Orange boy wrestling matches.
This may be an orange boy thing but now 7 pound Tim and 15 year old, 23 pound Taz now start the day with a wrestle. The routine is;
Taz is let up from the basement in the morning, he looks and calls for Tim, who is then let out of the sun room.
A series of chirping greetings are exchanged, then the exchange starts.
It is a kind of lazy fight, not intense, it just goes on and on, sometimes stopping if they are distracted. They don’t get nasty, they just scuffle.
It seems like orange boys may be particularly prone to this behaviour.
Morgan has zero interest in this activity.
Kasey does not play fight, she fights for real and they steer VERY clear of her.
Glen, Punky and Frankie would do the same thing. Wrestling until distracted by hunger and both side by side to the food bowl. Frankie is trying to get Styx interested and she will bop him if not interested. He tried with Stir and got 3 lightning fast smacks to his head and his eyes crossed. Like you said. Torties don’t play well with others. Glad to hear Tim and Taz are getting along so well.
In this house those lazy wrestling matches turn into group baths, and sometimes a bathing session between brothers or including sister turns into a wrestling match. It all usually ends up in a big nap. Mine are all black. It think it’s a universal cat thing.
Hi, I just found the website for Torties…well, I have one and would love to send you a picture of her..Her name is Duckie…don’t ya love that?? Duckie is my special girl…love her to death..she has the greenest eyes…but her attitude is TORTIE for sure. she has the most unique paws..actually has the extra toe and all…love to hear from anyone..
thanks
sharon
Sharon, you can post Duckie’s photo on our Facebook page – we’d love to see her! I don’t think I’ve ever seen a polydactyl tortie!
My tortie is an absolute joy. She will soon be a year old. She loves cuddling and if you say “give kisses” she will begin licking your face. (although it is a little gross being she is always cleaning herself) lol. She loves to play, and she is oh so smart. We were calling her a Calico, although she was darker than most Calico’s we’ve seen. (We also got her from a friends barn.) We searched “Tortoiseshell cats” and sure enough, it looked like someone posted photos of my sweet Afina (: she is by far the sweetest and smartest kitten I have ever had. They sure are a wonderful cat (: so unique. My Afina does tend to show her tortitude, if she wants something she won’t hesitate to make it known. She will push things off shelves and meow sooo loud. For some reason, I love when she does that. I think because I’m not used to seeing such a “spoiled brat” of a cat (;
“Spoiled brat” is a good term to describe torties, Ash – and that is as it should be! Afina sounds wonderful.
Hello, I ran across your site while researching torties. I own one, and I didn’t realize how special thier breed is.
I’m book marking this forum so I can keep up to date on these very special felines.
Blessngs, Angel
I’m glad you found our site, Angel. Torties are special, indeed! If you’d like to join us over on our Facebook page as well, you can post photos of your tortie girl.
I don’t travel as much for work as I did earlier in my career but I have some commitments this week at some of our facilities in SW Ontario, 4 hours west of home.
Tonight I am settled in at a nice B&B in a small town 5 minutes from our local operations office.
Kasey does OK while I am away but she will be happy to see me tomorrow evening.
Now folks as I was writing the last post I put up, I felt the slight touch of a kitten go behind me.
Well it was Justice. There is a glass of beer with foam on it, and yes, there she was licking the foam off my beer. Well I took it and she just gave me that look, turned and walked away. Imagine if I had not felt her behind. A beer drinking Tortie with a little to much to drink.
found a little waif of a starving tortie kitten,,she was so tiny and thin ,I did not think she would make it through the first night…two months later she is four time the original size, healthy as far a I can see. gets along great with my other three cats,,and is definately all pounce and jounce..extremely affectionate ,,but then again all my cats are,as I spend most of my days and nights with them.Likes to ride it the truck,,something my tom cat hates..Named her “Orphan Annie” . Quite a piece of work,,and by the way she is growing at about 20 weeks old and weighing in at just shy of four pounds I expect her to be a large cat,,she also has seriously tufted ears,,looks like a tortie bob cat , with the exception that she has a rather long tail,Never had a cat that had white or speckled foot pads before,, her color shifts seem to go onto the skin in spots..Strange little genetic quirk I guess..We will see,,I now have four indoor exclusive cats , and three to five outdoor cats depending who shows up to the food bowl.
A truck riding tortie – I love it, Terry! Orphan Annie sounds beautiful! Feel free to post photos of her on our Facebook page. Ruby has two black paw pads and two mixed ones – the mixed ones are on the legs that have more tan than black.
We “rescued” a stray tortie a year ago who decided to adopt us. Sweet cat, very affectionate, and we were surprised when the vet said “torties can be bipolar.” We’ve come to find it’s true, especially with our dog & our other cat. Her favorite human is my 15YO son and she is quite attached to him, sleeps in his room, waits for him to come home. Having never been a “cat person”, I find her a lot of fun. We named her Autumn.
“Bipolar” is a great way to describe some torties, Lisa! Autumn is such a perfect name for a tortie.
I don’t know how they tell time but my rescue torti, Kasey, becomes active about 20 minutes before I get home from the office.
I rescued her from one of our company’s sites in 2008 where things had been getting worse for her; there is no doubt in her mind I belong to her, though she does like other people and their attention too. Fortunately, she is not dependant on me to the point of pining but when she decides to be, she is “Velcro kitty” with me.
The bipolar part is that this somewhat crippled, now strictly indoor old “Warrior Queen” does not take any slights from the other cats, or dogs. She is also aware of what is going on outside and will “defend” the house, i.e. try to get at another animal that is outside, doesn’t matter what it is, either, large or small
She is a real friend, my only regret is not bringing her home years earlier.
“Autumn” is indeed a lovely name for a tortie!
Sorry for my absence lately as I was visiting my mom in VA for a week and have been caring for sick hubby since we got home. All is getting better now
I just want to express my best wishes for those in the storm areas that have been hit so hard. If any of you or anyone you know would like to be put on my mom’s prayer list (United Methodist), please email me or send me a FB message and I will gladly add anyone who would like to be added.
Betty, I think when prayers get to be where they are meant to go the denomination kind of falls away, all prayers are wonderful for someone in need. I just thought the addition of “United Methodist” was sweet.
I know that the prayers are for any demonination, I guess I just wanted those who read it to know that it isn’t some kind of Chrisitan cult church or similar, it made sense to me at the time…of course some pretty bizarre things make sense to me at different times 😉
Betty, I’m from a small town with 30 Christian churches and one synagogue, that’s why it seemed almost quaint to me. Everyone specified their brand of religion and church whenever it came up–All Saints Independent Polish National Catholic, Fourth Baptist AME Zion–we had four Catholic churches in four blocks, only one Roman Catholic, and one for each of four nationalities, two huge Presbyterian churches right across the street from each other and Sts. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Orthodox Greek Catholic church with gold domes and Holy Virgin Russian Orthodox church with blue domes right next door to each other. It was as important as getting someone’s name right. You don’t see that too many places.
We have a ton of churches down here in Florida as well which fits since we are considered in the Bible Belt. I just find some cities and down here amusing as there will be a church, a bar, a church, another bar, etc. On Sunday afternoons the cars seem to migrate from one parking lot the the other…lol
I finally found a glucosamine chondroitin treat that Columbia loves and eats willingly! The only issue is that I have to keep the bag sealed inside another zipper baggie as she wants more than one and tried to pull the bag out of my hand.
That’s the same way it worked here–31 religious institutions, 31 bars! And we’re not even the Bible belt.
For those treats–get yourself a jar with an airtight lid you can easily open and close. That’s the only thing that works for me. Just be careful what was in it before so there’s no residue and no smell left behind–no aspirin or pickle jars. I find peanut butter jars are great for this.
Are all Tortie’s as big as Lucy. She is already 10 lbs at a year old–and I love every ounce of her. I think she as the ability to look more angelic than other cats I’ve had (mostly tabbies).
Just like cats of all colors, size in torties varies. Most cats are fully grown by the time they reach 18-24 months of age. Some breeds, such as Maine Coons, aren’t fully grown until they’re four years old.
The tortie my ex and I had was a tiny kitty she only weighed at the most about 8 lbs. and my tortie Columbia that I have now is a little under 9 lbs.
BTW Lucy sounds adorable and a lot of fun to have around…of course I think that of all kitties 🙂
Kasey is about 12 years old.
She is 15 pounds, but should probably weigh about 12 pounds.
She is a rescue that went though a period of time where she did not get enough to eat, so I suspect this has fostered a food fixation.
It is tough to control in a multi cat home where you have another cat that doesn’t eat enough and just nibbles.
Food fixation may be one explanation, Glen, but there’s actually a physiological explanation for these former strays that end up slightly overweight. I had this problem with Amber, who came to me as a scrawny, starving 8 pound waif. After being with me for about 3 months, she had “grown” to 11 pounds, even though I did not overfeed her (she was an only cat at the time). Eventually, her “normal” weight was around 12 pounds, despite several attempts to get her to lose weight over the years. Several vets told me that being in a constant state of near starvation changes these cats’ metabolism goes into a sort of “fuel sparing” mode that, apparently, never quite resets even once they’re fed on a regular basis.
Ingrid, thanks, that is interesting, the explanation makes sense to me.
Well Frankie’s metabolism has been in high gear since I brought him in. He was about 6 lbs. when he came in a year ago. Outside he seemed to want scratches and love more than food. Then he came in and met Pumpkin. Punky never met a kibble that he did not like. Frankie was a good student and after a playful wrestling match they would march side by side to the food bowl. At last weigh in Tabatha and Frankie were 13 lbs. and Styx and Stir (both Torties) were 11 lbs. Now Styx is long and lean (very Regal) while Stirfry in short, compact and all muscle. Even though a former feral, Stir never gained much weight when she came in. However she was pregnant and had a litter of 6 of only 3 lived. And those 3 grew up to be very big cats. Punky at 22 bbs. and his 2 sisters at 18 lbs. each.
I wonder if that is why my tux, Rockie is a chubbins. Before I got him he had been living in a car with a crack head. A friend told the guy she would watch the kitty for him and took him. She was going to keep him as one of her cats that insisted on being a feral and fathering most of the neighborhood kitties was his dad. However the day after she took him, she brought him down to my apartment and as soon as she put him down, he ran across the room and jumped into my arms and snuggled in like a baby is held. He then became mine 🙂
He was still a baby and would anything, from plain cooked pasta, rice, literally anything he could get to and scoff down. Now he is much more fussy but unless there is soft food (doesn’t like dry) on his plate he cries and whines and follows me around. It’s like he has to see that there is food. He is also about 15 pounds and has a fat belly (just like mommy and daddy!). I only feed my kitties canned food twice a day and it is shared by all 4, yet he stays fat. Despite his protests there is not food on his plate 24 hours a day, just at feeding time and however long it takes them to finish it.
Well guys you all know about my rescues. The three kittens are not like their Mom/grandmom. They eat as a kitten should and are gaining weight as they should. They are not always going for food.
Freedom on the other hand was about 3 years old when she came in and thin. She is not solid and growing muscular. She checks out the food dishes on a regular basis. If one is empty she just sits there and looks at me until I put something in the dish. She then walks away, satisfied to know there is food. When this happens, I don’t add extra food, I simply take some from one of the kittens bowls and in the empty bowl.
Bipolar Torties, awe no. Just individualist with traits inherited from their ancestors, the great cats.
That’s not bipolar, that is just acting like great great great grandma and grandpa. Survival of the fittest is an inborn trait for them. That is just fine with me. Keep the family tree going.
We all know which branch of the tree that Steeler, Brooke, Kasey and Stirfry came from.
No other cats were allowed on it without permission. And those 4 kept their distance from each other.
“We all know which branch of the tree that Steeler, Brooke, Kasey and Stirfry came from.”
Sabertooths, if you go back far enough, or maybe not ALL that far.
Brooke can be very affectionate, when it suits her. In fact, this morning I was sitting at the kitchen table working, and Henry was sound asleep on my lap. Brooke came by, looked at him, made a little chirp that I didn’t think sounded the least bit threatening, and Henry woke up, relocated to the couch, and Brooke spent the next hour on my lap with her paw wrapped around my arm, making me rub her face.
Harry, surely you know, even a chirp, from Brooke puts everyone on notice. That’s what I meant when I said they have carried the traits of the big cats throughout the times. Steeler was the most pleasant and soft looking Tortie ever, but just reach for her and you would never do that again. I am sure right as I write this Eric and Steeler are watching me and saying tell ’em Mom. Steeler may be the only Tortie that got away with assaulting a DOJ agent. Eric is smiling and Steeler is most likely giving some unsuspecting soul that look right now.
I think Glen got it right, “Sabertooths” + Torties = Back off or else.
Jay is so right when he says we all now which branch of the tree Steeler, Brooke, Kasey and Stirfry came from. Then we were lucky, look at the wonderful bloodlines these “big cats” have, altho small in comparison, they are equal in the big cat behavior, and they each picked us to be their buddies and life partners. <3
Harry, a Tortie chirp carries more weight than a ion’s roar. No one want’s to hear more than that from Brooke. She might decide to do more than talk and that can be painful. For EVERYONE.
Here is a chart of the big cats. Could not see the Tortie branch. Must be further up http://majnouna.com/creation/catstut3.html
I’ll post a picture as soon as I figure out how to do it. I have a camera and a computer but the ability to make they work together is still a bit fuzzy. I know the holiday season will be interesting with a new little one in the house–every kitty I’ve had has had a different attitude and with Lucy I don’t think she knows how to play–she’s learning which is fun to watch–she sits in the window and watches it rain, the garbage & recycling trucks come thru–every thing is brand new. Right now she is napping in a chair. I can hardly wait until she catches her first mouse. I need to start a book on her battles with life. Like the nite she set off the emergency necklace I wear and then I had to explain to operator that there wasn’t an medical emergency–I’ve learned to wear it right side down–she has big feet. I visit the optometrist at least once or twice a month because she has a hard head and likes to knock my glasses off. I’ve also learned to clean the table quickly–I left the knife that I spread peanut butter with and decided she liked it. I turned my back after having breakfast and there was still syrup on my plate–that is also a yum-yum. I’m trying not to give her people food, but that is going to be hard–Jazzy loved people food–especially gravy.
For those of you on the East Coast take care, you sure seem to get the rough weather. Here on the West Coast is is cold and the freezing level is coming down, but no freezing rain/snow in the low lands is predicted at this time –stay warm, dry and safe.
Never a dull moment at your house, BJ! Lucy sounds delightful.
BJ it sounds like my house. My kittens are so quick to try whatever I leave behind. Mine are so spoiled they actually come over and sniff at my plate to check it out to see if they would like some.
Having read how Lucy is knocking her head against your glasses, that may be what is wrong with mine. I am forever trying to adjust them. Like you, I marvel at all the little things that amaze the kittens. I am however already 2 mice ahead of you. Yes they are very excited when they catch one and then bring it to you. It is their trophy.
Sound like Lucy has taken over run of the house. It is a good feeling though, isn’t it. She give unconditional love with unconditional “we will do this my way”. So good to hear from you. Look forward to her pictures.
BJ, there is nothing more fun than a cat with a mission–I’m so glad you understand and think she’s amusing. Often cats like her are returned to the shelter because of those habits. I think they make life much more interesting!
I just got a Tortoiseshell (9/23/12) and I have a question. I thought that when I got her (the shelter named her Duchess) she was all gray with only a hint of amber spots and now that she has stopped hiding behind the couch all the time it looks like the orange/amber spots are getting bigger–is this possible. She is only a year old and was 10 lbs when I got her–I think she is more than that now and she does come and ask to be held plus she sure has a motor–that is what drew me to her at the shelter. I’m not sure that she has ever been outside. As soon as I get her a harness and lead I’ll take her for a walk. I think she is bigger than most of the little doggies I see being walked. It will be interesting to see how she reacts to rain or the snow flakes we get occasionally. By the way her official name now is Duchess Lucy, I call her Lucy.
Congratulations on your new family member, BJ! It’s possible that her coat color is changing a bit as she’s growing into full adulthood. This can be more pronounced with dilute coat patterns, which, from your description of the grey with a hint of amber, may be the case with Lucy. If you’d like to, you can post photos of Lucy on our Facebook page – we’d love to see her!
BJ, it can be difficult to tell the actual spots on a young tortoiseshell, both full color and dilute, but all the dilutes I knew were the most difficult–they looked like gray kitties with fur missing that turned out to be cream or amber spots. The spots did become more distinguished as they grew older. I love the name “Lucy”.
Hi BJ, when Miss Gracie (my 3 year old tortie) was a kitten her amber spots were definitely very subtle and I couldn’t find any cream/pale apricot – but now that she is getting older the amber and apricot seem to be getting more and more prominent all the time – she looks like a silver cat with rust spots!
Happy Birthday, Jay! Have a great day!
Thanks Ingrid. Having a great day.
Just in case my FB message didn’t make it, Happy Birthday to a wonderful person and a great furry baby daddy!!!
A disappointment.
I went to the local pet shop to get some food for Morgan (normally, I go to the one in the town where I work, 20 minutes away).
They had an adoption cat there, Kimbers.
A 1 1/2 year old dark tortie, already spayed. her coat was like Kaey’s but her face had some ginger. She was friendly with mannerisms like Kasey’s, including a hard face rub to the hand as a greeting.
I say it was a disappointment because if we didn’t have 4 cats and two dogs, I would have signed the papers on her right then and there
My reason for the visit was to pick up some more food for Morgan who has issues with eating and weight loss. On Friday I picked up just one can of a different food to try.
Its the second one from the bottom; http://www.bestfriendsfoods.com/aboutfood.html
To my surprise, she at it all and asked for more, this is unusual and a very good thing, so I made a run out for more, this morning.
It was hard to leave Kimbers in that cage, though.
Aww, Kimbers sounds wonderful. I hope she finds a great home soon.
BFF is an excellent brand. I’m glad Morgan likes it.
Actually, Kasey and Taz like it too.
But Morgan is the concern, too thin, very poor eating habits, diagnosed with pancreatitus by the vet and she would not eat the special diet they gave her after many tries.
It has been great to find a good quality food she will eat, hopefully she stays interested in it, she has disappointed before by eating an new food for a couple days, then losing interest; but she is DEMANDING this one, which is different.
She is quite perked up and eating dry food at the moment as I type this, so it seems to have stimulated things a bit.
As far as Kimbers goes, I really hated to leave without her.
The business I work in, the petroleum drilling and production business, has been hypercritically thought of as a “tough” business. I am in the engineering side of things but here I am upset because I have to leave a tortie in the pet shop adoption cage.
Our Drilling Super. is similar, he say; Oh, I can’t go where they have adoption cats, I just want to say “OK, everyone in the truck”. So much for stereotypes.
So true Glen. Stereotypes go out the door with cats especially with Torties. My brother-in-law is an ex Pagan. Always had dogs. He met Stir and now he has 2 cats (not Torties but still cats). Shows the effect a special cat can have on someone.
I am sure Kasey has that effect on people. Taz just causes all pet lovers to go Awwwwww.
A foot note to the story of the tortie in the shop.
I was in there today to pick up some canned food for the guys and I was told she had been adopted out last week 🙂
Now, the just got a muted or dilute tortie in, a small cat even though she was a young adult, she had a quite, friendly demeanour, could have taken her home, too. However, I doubt she will be there long, looking like a little stuffed toy, and being calm and friendly.
I need to stop looking at the adoption cages when I go in there.
I followed a facebook link a couple of days ago to our local SPCA as they are having a special adoption rate in November for older dogs. Of course while I was there I also had to look at their available kitties. They have about 5 or so torties and 3 or 4 dilutes waiting to be adopted. I wish I had a bigger house! Although I know my Columbia would never tolerate another family member.
Another customer in the shop said to me, “you have 4 cats, a 5th shouldn’t matter that much”
I replied that my tortie, Kasey, owns me; and it would be a problem. 😉
we just got a torty (3 months old)
we’ve had her for 10 days now
she is the best cat ever!
the cat cycles between super hyper & super calm
she loves to run & loves to cuddle
great addition to our family!
She sounds wonderful, Zayd!
Zayd your Tortie sounds delightful. That is the normal behavior for Torties. You sound like you are truly enjoying having her. Did you name her? What do you call her?
Glad to have you here.
Hi guys … so happy to see so many of your names on here this morning (at least it’s morning my time!). Glad to read that you have come through relatively unscathed. The devastation for so many people is unbelievable. The news reports last night were truly awful. I thought about you all last night and everytime I woke up during the night.
Marg I believe we are all accounted for. Yes this storm is epidemic in portion and destruction.
I like you looked for everyone to post somewhere today. They did and I am so glad all I know will be ok.
Hey everyone. It is good to hear from everyone so far. It sounds like most of us got thru this with some minor bumps and bruises compared to so many millions. I am hoping Glen will check in as he to was in this band of storms.
Just looking at all the devastation and loss of life, I can only feel humble that I have been so fortunate.
So as time goes forward, I will be praying for all those less fortunate and hoping others will come to the aide of the US during this recovery/reconstruction efforts.
We are always the among the first to respond to others natural disasters. This is truly a disaster of epidemic magnitude.
Nothing serious here, things were trivial, compared to what I have been seeing on the news about the U.S. east coast.
The forecast 60 mph wind gusts were more like 45 mph but there was almost 2 inches of rain by my high tech electronic rain gage. The winds were higher on the exposed areas of the south shore of Lake Ontario.
Oddly, the rain was moving east to west but the wind was right out of the north. Worst thing was that it drove a bit of water under the (supposedly sealed) side door, time to put a storm door on, not worth worrying about in the grand scheme of things.
The power never even flickered, and I was ready this time, but the newly installed 15 kW natural gas powered generator was able to stay dormant.
Kasey was not bothered at all by the sounds of wind and slashing rain, she wanted her wet food at 9:30PM and then thought that we should go to bed at 10:30 as usual.
I’m glad things didn’t get too bad there, Glen. I’m not surprised that Kasey didn’t want something as insignificant as a hurricane to disrupt her evening routine. 🙂
Yes, the storms all weakened coming across the land by the time they get here, not much consolation to people near the east coast.
I stayed up a bit longer than usual to make sure the sump pump could handle the inflow (it did) but this was not acceptable, Kasey wanted to curl up on the comforter beside me, at the usual time.
Torti schedules MUST be maintained, after all.
Glen, I am glad to hear all you had was an annoyance. Kasey showed no interest and just went along with her regular schedule. Now why does that not surprise me. After all the Warrior Queen has been thru worse until you took her home. So with you is where she would just have to be.
Even with the winds and rain here, not one of the Kittens showed any sign that they even cared. Life for them went on without any change.
I know you don’t have FB as others don’t. So just to bring you all up to date, I did get some water in one room in the basement and went down with the wet vac and picked it up. Naturally while I was there the 4 kittens came down to explore again. They soon brought me another trophy. An unfortunate mouse decided to use my basement as a safe haven from the weather. The cats felt differently. He has move to mousie heaven and all four cats are all excited. I threw the mouse outside. There is a pic of the poor creature on my FB.
Hey everyone, you may have noticed that the site is a bit slow in reponding, and occasionally you may see some error codes. Our sever is located on Long Island, and I haven’t been able to get in touch with my webmaster yet. Given what they’re dealing with there (90% of Long Island utility customers are without power), I’m just grateful the site is up at all. I know he’ll address the issues as soon as he can.
I had an error this morning when I commented and had to repost it. I wondered why!