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
Margaret, it is good to hear all is well with Ms. Gracie. I have seen folks in my vets office with other Torties, both very young and adults. Some of the tales they have to tell are very amusing. As for the little child, her parents may find out soon what kind of kitten they have. Then again, it may turn out to be like my Dajudge. She is a gentle, loving Tortie. No tortitude at all in her.
Yesterday Jay and I were finishing our dinner, here at my home. We were just relaxing and enjoying the day when Liberty walked into the dining area. Liberty is my gentle and loving gray tiger tabby. Well Freedom, his mom, walked out after him. He turned to her and she gave him a nose to nose kitty kiss. Then just like lightning she smacked him upside the head for no good reason then just walked away. Jay and I sat there laughing. Jay then babied Liberty while trying no to laugh to hard. I have mention, before about Freedom giving the kittens a smack upside the head for no reason other than as if to say “damn kid”. Bear in mind now, Freedom is the momma of my tortie Justice and grams to my tortie Dajudge. Harry once said when he first seen Freedom’s pic on my FB, that if anyone wanted to see a Tortie in gray to take a look. Well I do agree with that. She fits the Tortie mold to a T. 🙂
I took Miss Gracie to the vet on Thursday night for her annual checkup – all good. As we went into the Vet’s surgery a little girl came out looking very pleased with herself, carrying a covered pet carrier. I asked her what she had in there and she said, very quietly, “a kitten”. I asked her to show me … and there was this tiny tiny little tortie. I had a bit of a chuckle, wondering if she and her Dad knew just what they were in for. She was so beautiful though, and so little. I had forgotten that Gracie had once been that size too!
Glen, it sounds like Gigi is doing her best to be at your side. She senses something and is trying to be there for you. Good thing she gets along with Taz so well, he could sit on her and that would be a problem. Time will learn, in time, to sense the moods of everyone, in the meantime, he will most likely be hissed at many more times. 🙂
Thanks, Gigi
I miss Kasey terribly; she often used to wait for me by the back door when i went out in the yard.
Today I was out cutting the grass, this afternoon.
When I finished up, I came in through the back door, and there was Gigi, waiting for me.
It was nice to have a torti waiting for me.
Glen, she knew you needed it. Animals know a lot more than we give them credit for.
Or perhaps someone told her to get her butt over there and make cat daddy feel better.
Either way, it worked.
Glen, Jay is here with me today, and we cannot say anything better than what Bernadette said. She spoke the best any of us could have. Kasey probably sent her a message to take care of dad.
She did something else different, this morning.
Taz jumped up on the bed when I woke up and settled in to visit.
Gigi followed about 10 minutes later, she would have liked Taz’s spot but they get along very well and she did not push the issue.
However, some time later, Tim jumped up, full of his immature activity, which normally Gigi wholeheartedly joins in on every morning in the sun room.
Apparently this was not the time and place for play, Gigi did not want his antics disturbing the tranquility of the moment; she stood up and very efficiently hissed him off the bed. He wanted no part of this and was gone in 5 to 10 seconds.
Once the hyperactive youngster was gone, she settled right back down.
Glen, I’m sure our little ones know just when we need them. I had a very bad headache most of the weekend and Miss Gracie was at her most attentive … and I don’t think we had a moment of tortitude either. She clearly knew that only one of us could be grumpy at once!
Non-tortie “torties”
I sent this to Jay as an email, has anyone else met one of these?
The closest thing I came to in regards to another warrior queen was in the 1970’s and 80’s.
She belonged to a buddy of mine and she lived to be 17 years old. She was a big female, 16, or so, pounds.
She was not a tortie, though; she had random markings, grey and white, more grey than white. The grey patches had subtle, slightly darker grey stripes. She was sway backed, with long back legs with big eyes and ears, sort of like an ocelot.
She was an indoor/outdoor cat.
She loved attention from people and my buddy had little kids at the time and she was very good with them.
However, she was a fearless, skilled and aggressive warrior that always fought like she was defending a litter of kittens (even though she wasn’t). Her specialty was running off any dogs, of any size, off the property; she actually would go out of her way to do this and seemed to enjoy it.
One day she was rolling around on a long gravel driveway and a small dog was trotting down the center of the drive. The dog saw the cat and must have had prior experience, he did a 30 foot radius detour just to avoid her. She must have been too lazy, or comfortable rolling, to go after him, that particular day.
She was known to kill full grown rabbits and drag them home. her other mission, besides persecuting canines, was to depopulate the area of rodents, which she was very effective at.
This one was a “grey & white tortie”
Glen that is one really good story. I am probably the only one that can’t go back to my past for a cat of any kind. Steeler was the only cat I had ever know and she was definitely the only cat that I served, So I have no reference point to go to. I can only say that Steeler was a cougar/tiger/lioness and leopard all in one. Then she was this loving soul who looked into my eyes and wanted no more than for me to love her. She showed her Tortie traits at any cat that wandered onto the porch. Then she showed me attitude when she was in the mood, which was often. So my starting and learning curve began with a Tortie, and I didn’t even know she was one for awhile. I am so grateful she did not give up on becoming my little Terrorist.
Bernie, I was almost like you as my first cat ever was Tabatha. She was listed as a calico but now thru Harry I know she is a Tortie with white. My next cat turned out to be Stirfry. Most “normal” people who would take in a Tortie would probably swear off cats forever. Thankfully no one on this blog is normal as we love the fact that ATTITUDE is the first trait of a Tortoiseshell cat. So have it show as demanding to be treated as a queen but are gentle and loving (I am thinking Ruby, Allegra,Cookie, Kelly, Gigi,Justice,DaJudge and so many more on here. But as you found out some Torties have reverted back to their ancestors (Sabertooth Tiger comes to mind not the gentler lions/tigers/cougars/leopards) and not only demand respect and to be treated as the only cat or in some households top cat. I know Stir who is going on 14 years old has not mellowed with old age. She is not as aggressive towards the others but has not accepted them as equals or even tried to make friends. My Styx came into the house a year ago and went from taking on ever cat who came near her to now giving nose taps to Frankie, Punky and Arian and even sniffing at Tabatha and Stirfry (when Stir’s back is turned). But I have found that compared to all my other furry kids, Stir truly shows she loves me more than the others do. Maybe because she s not like Frankie (or how Punky was) who makes friends with everyone, or Tabby and Styx who started out as distrusting and then acceptance. Stirfry shows her love to me every day. Right now as I write this she in lying on my lap. You have seen how she will play with me thru biting and smashing at my hand then rubbing and licking me seconds later. She knows I took her in as a feral outside cat and slowly gained her trust and respect. You did this with Steeler as Glen did with Kasey. It might take longer with some cats ( I am sure that Ingrid, Bernadette and Harry thru their cat related jobs know) but when they truly accept that they have a forever home they give us their hearts fully.
Finding another to replace them is not possible but if we can give loving homes to other cats after seeing how special torties can be makes our lives happier. I am still a dog person but due to Stir I have learned to love cats even more.
Hello everyone. I am very sorry for your losses. This is the hardest part of being owned by a cat, be it a tortie or not. My heart goes out to you all.
I’m not ignoring you all, and I love you more than I can say. I just had to go to ground for a few days. I know you all understand. I will write in more detail on the weekend, promise.
We didn’t think you were, and you know we’re all thinking about all of you. Take your time, we’ll be here when you’re ready.
I just noticed when I came to this page you topmost comment was from May 8, when things were just beginning with Henry and nothing suspected about Sabrina. You have a lot to take in from the last month.
Harry, we know you need time. Please don’t think for a second that you are expected to comment. We just needed to comment to help us try to understand and accept this terrible loss. I hope you can feel all the love we are trying to send to all of you.
Harry, we know both you and Glen suffered great losses. We are here for you and we know it takes time. The hurt never goes away but the memories help soften things. I know that Bernie still misses her Steeler and even though her 4 keep her occupied they still do things that bring those memories out. I loved Rachel’s post on her Blog about Sabrina. It shows how hard that hit her. All our love to your family from me and my 5 and Bernie and her 4.
Thanks Jay
Hi everyone, storms are gone but our cats were talking. I heard them saying they love us and would like you to vote on the Petties Awards site. The winners will be the shelters and all those that want a forever home and someone to love.
It stormed here in New Jersey too today – the torties!
Harry and Glen. It is 1:45 AM here and I know now that our Torties, Steeler, Kasey and Sabrina have all gotten together at the rainbow bridge, because their is Thunder Rolling and lighting striking.
Our kittens are playing and letting us know they are together as they continue to make the Thunder Roll. Play babies, we all miss and love you.
I just woke up at 7:41 this morning. Steeler, Kasey and Sabrina talking.
No rain yet
T-storm warning till 8:30 on TV now. But a constant loud rolling thunder.
Has anyone noticed that right after one of our little ones cross the bridge that there are major storms with Thunder. I saw that the night Steeler left us and also with Kasey. And now I hear Sabrina saying “I am a Tortie”. Now there was not any sounds after Punky crossed the bridge, but he was such a gentle guy and had a quiet meow.
Hey folks, I know we all have been struggling with all that is happening with our beloved kittens (as refer to them) or cats if you prefer. I have come back to this site just to read it again about the wonderful kittens and how the families are handling their grief. I know I grieve for each kitten and family on here. We all have come to this site to learn more about our kittens and here are are so much later, and we are more family than if we were blood related, We are, one and all, very special humans to our beloved kittens.
Now to go to a lighter side. Folks we need to vote for Ingrid to win this 2013 Petites award again. So please go to this site and vote for Ingrid once a day every day thru June . OK
Click through on the link to nominate: http://petties.dogtime.com/login
Now as this dummy forgot to say Ingrid’s site to nominate is. TheConsciousCat.com.
Thanks, Bernie. And actually it’s http://www.ConsciousCat.com. 🙂
UGH Me a dummy on this again 🙂
Hey everyone, don’t forget to vote on the Pettie’s for Ingrid and Bernadette.
Thanks, Jay! It’s like taking your vitamins: nominate once a day, every day! 🙂
or like scratching your Tortie – every day -OR ELSE !!!!!!!!
Harry has not posted on here yet but I found out his stealth tortie Sabrina crossed the rainbow bridge yesterday. She was all black but had her gold hairs hidden to confuse the other cats. RIP Sabrina. Another loss for our family.
I will really miss my little Sabrina bean.
My heart is breaking for the Shubin family – such a loss, and at such a young age.
There are no words to say. They know I am here for them. <3
Harry, Rachel and Family – I’m so sorry to hear about Sabrina. I always chuckled when she was described as a “stealth tortie”. So much loss on here recently. I can just imagine all these cats meeting up on the other side of the rainbow bridge and talking about all their human friends. Take care, guys.
Thank you Margaret, it’s incredible the loss we have sustained on CC recently. I hope they are all up there playing!
That’s a lovely image, Rachel.
The thought of Steeler, Kasey and Sabrina playing up there is going to scare all those other animals. We know how Torties play and those were “take no prisoners” cats. How I would love to see that.
Yeah, while she would play with yoy, Kasey never did understand the concept of play fighting at all.
Fights were to be real and given a 100% effort.
Typo’s 🙁
That should read; Yeah, while she would play with toys….etc.
Today is also Betty Brown’s Birthday.
Happy Birthday Betty.
Today is National Hug Your Cat Day!
So if you haven’t done so yet – get started.
(when is it National Scratch you A__ Day) 🙂
Jay, that would be every day in your world. 🙂
Hey everyone
Go to Ingrid’s home page and click on The Petties Nomination link. Nominate CC to win.
Thanks, Jay, and everyone else, for nominating us every day!
A reminder to all
Today is Shannah Clarke’s Birthday
That is obsidiankitten who joined CC back in Nov 17 2009
FYI – Glen is our oldest one on here as he posted on Nov 1 2009 🙂
I won’t say I am the oldest – but I do remember writing on those cave wall (I was drawing the 1st Tortie – Sabertooths) and finding fire made this a lot easier to see at night.
Hey Glen you are an old man, according to Jay. Are you that old??????
61 on July 2nd
Is that in cat years ?
Not sure, my back feels like 85, this morning.
Tortie family I am sorry to let you all know that Jay had to have his pet goat, Nutmeg, put down today.
He will write later tonight or tomorrow to tell how Nutmeg played a key role in him rescuing Stirfry.
I hope we start to hear good news soon. Life is throwing our Tortie family a lot of curves lately.
If you like, you can go to Jay’s FB page and read his words.
Ingrid could you please show Jay’s FB address? Thanks
So sorry about Nutmeg 🙁
I’m so sorry about Nutmeg, Jay. Too much loss in this little group.
For those of you who would like to see pictures of Nutmeg, this is the link to Jay’s Facebook profile: https://www.facebook.com/JayDavenport1956?fref=ts
Jay, do I recall that you got Nutmeg to keep Harley company? How are Harley and Buell taking it – do they seem to notice? I know that when our Parker died – we adopted he and Brooke about the same time, and they were best buds, my Avatar here is the two of them sitting together on the same shelf – Brooke kept looking for him. Our alleged justification for then adopting Henry was to keep Brooke company.
To everyone – this is the story of Nutmeg and Stirfry:
The story of Stirfry and Nutmeg
Back around 2000 I had gotten divorced and had a Bichon dog, Samatha and a Calico cat (according to the local animal shelter) Tabatha. I later learned from my friend Harry Shubin that she was not a Calico but a Tortie with White. Her back and sides are all Tortie but she has a white belly, chin and paws. Now Tabby was not my cat but a friend who had lived with us. He moved out and did not want her. My ex did not want her and said to return her to the shelter. Now she was 2 years old and we had gotten her when she was 5 weeks old. I said I would keep her as Sam and Tabby got along great and I saw no reason to break them up. Now Sam had always watched outside for other animals and would really wag her tail when she saw cats. And I would put out food for these feral/stray cats. I bought Nutmeg to keep the weeds and brush down outback of my place. I bought a Polydome Calf hutch (which is made from high-impact UV stabilized polyethylene ,86″ Diameter x 60″ high and weighs approximately 100 pound – found this on the web).I kept her outside my kitchen window tied up and put straw for bedding in it. When the air temp was 15 outside and I went into the dome it was warm and comfortable as the sun heated it up and the bedding kept the cold ground from her. I saw many outside cats but one that caught my eye was a black or brown kitten around 6 months old and would show up for food I put out. She was very skittish as soon as I opened the door she would take off. My son who was living with me every other week would say “that black cat is back again”.
There was a time that I saw her run up a tree by a bigger, older cat. She was way higher than I could climb – I got 20 feet up and the branches were not too stable then. And that cat climber higher still. All night long I could hear her cries. The next day she was not there so I figured she got down by herself.
A few months later it was getting colder and she was getting closer when I threw out food. She really went thru the hot dogs I kept buying and at first when I threw them up to her she would run. After a couple weeks she would come down and grab one then run back to eat it. A few weeks later she was taking them from me when we were about 15 feet from each other. Any closer and she would bolt. By now it was Dec and one day as I went outside this cat jumped onto the deck and rubbed against my leg. I slowly reached down and petted her. She purred and purred. I was able to feed her hot dogs by hand that day. From then on, every time I went out to go to work she would be there and as soon as I came home from work she would appear. I would burn trash and she would stay by my side and watch. Not one did she try to bite or claw me. My goat Nutmeg got too close to her one day and got smacked by a very fast left paw. Claws were out and she kept her distance from then on.
Even during the snow that started in January she would be with me but I noticed paw prints going into and out of the dome. One early Sat morning I went outside and saw her jump out of the dome. I guess Nutmeg realized that a warm dome made a perfect cat house and it was too dangerous to chase her out. After a while they would get close to each other and this cat would just walk around her. Finally in Feb the temp was going down to the teens and they were calling for sleet/freezing rain/snow. I decided to take this cat in. And don’t ya know it – she did not appear for 3 days. I thought something had happened to her and gave up. Then on the 4th day she was there in the morning. I grabbed her and took her in. Tabatha was not pleased as there was a hissing match. Samatha wanted to be friends and was put down too.
After a few months my son calls to me and said the black cat had kittens downstairs behind the TV stand. She had 4 and I took them upstairs and put them in a box. She promptly took them out and put them behind the couch. By the next day there were 6 kittens but only 3 survived. For the next week we spent put them in a big box (4 ft x f ft and 3 ft high) and she spent her time hiding them in other places. Finally she gave up and keep them there. This kept Sam from getting too close (nosy dog) and Tabatha wanted nothing to do with them or their Mom. The kittens grew up and my son took the Calico girl and a friend from work too the gray furball that was the other girl. I kept the cute little orange and white male. Named him Pumpkin and he grew up to be a huge orange kitty that loved Samatha and Tabatha who raised him just after he was weaned. Stir said – you’re on your own kids and left him to explore the house and play with the dog and nicer cat…
A few years later I got permission to fence off the land behind me as it was thick brush and the farmer could not use it. I put Nutmeg up there and built a 14 x 16 cinderblock barn on my land. I put in 2 stalls and got a cute little mini horse I named Harley. The 1st day I was making a fuss over Harley and suddenly he was almost knocked over. Nutmeg had rammed him in the side and knocked the wind out of him. Jealous goat. From then on he would keep his distance from her. A year later I got my mini donkey and named him Buell. His name had been Barney because he lived in a barn. Since he was not purple and my nieces sang a certain song that name got changed fast. When Tabatha was let outside graze in the grass and she saw Buell (who weighs over 300 lbs.) she walked up to him and rubbed against his legs. He looked down and just nosed her. 2 days later I had Stirfry outside and he came up to the Black and Gold cat and got his nosed smacked hard. Her front claws had been removed when she was spayed but she still packs a wallop in those paws. WRONG CAT !!!!!
Last year I lost my gentle kitten Pumpkin to Hartz Flea Spray. He had a reaction to it and died. He was the gentlest cat weighing in at 21 plus lbs. but never in his life hisses, clawed or spit. He would catch mice alive and give them to me. His Mom, Stirfry was the total opposite and has a split personality. I found out she was a Tortoiseshell by looking up on the Internet to find out if something was wrong with her as she would go from gentle cat rubbing my hand to biting, scratching and hissing then back to gentle cat in milliseconds. I learned about Tortitude and found some Torties have it and in some cases have it to the EXTREME. Some other famous cats that have it are Steeler, Kasey and Brooke. No way would I want to be in the same room with those 4 cats loose.
Nutmeg has gotten to get along with Buell and they would fight to see who gets in the barn first. Buell would grab her horn in his teeth and pull her aside and she would put her head down and push against his side. Harley gets along great with Buell and they chase each other in the pasture and pull at each others halters. When they are apart more than an hour the great each other by breathing in the others face and making noises.
Just yesterday (6/3/13) I had to have Nutmeg put to sleep. She had stopped eating 2 weeks ago and had shown signs in the last few months of not knowing which stall was hers. I found out the average age of a Boer goat is 10 and she lived 13 years with me and was around 1 or more when I got her. I will miss her.
Jay, what a beautiful story. That really brought all your animals to life for me. I could visualise them all! I know you will really miss Nutmeg. She was lucky to have had you for the past 13 years – and you were lucky to have had her.
Jay
It is always tough to lose old friends.
Thanks for posting that story, I sometimes think about how things like how we met these cats and how they came to stay with us unfolded, many of them have their unique twists in the “plot”
Glen, even though we adopt many of them, the way we meet our animal friends is the same way we meet our human friends, and those meetings often have interesting plot twists too!
Thanks for telling us the story of Nutmeg. She was happy and apparently quite healthy right up to the end with her buddies and her humans.
Glen our critters have brought us lots of love and thru them they have given us wonderful friends.
And there is a wheel of life we all deal with. Bernie had Steeler and as you know Steeler was a 1 cat in 1 house Tortie. Unfortunately she crossed the Bridge but she sent Bernie 2 little kittens – Justice and Liberty. I was there when we took in their Mom Freedom. DaJudge came in because she was family (and such a cute little Tortie)
Punky need a friend to keep him young and in shape – Frankie appeared.
We lost Punky and Frank was alone. Then Arianrhod appeared to Bernie and I took her in. Now Frankie has some to play with again.
Bernie was given her Mom’s Tortie Pumpkin who was a total terror. I took her as I can’t resist a challenge. Now Styx has a family and has gotten along with most everyone.
You adopted Tim as a playmate to Taz, and the Gigi came to you to show you how a gentler Tortie acts.
Some things are planned by us but others show up at just the right time. 🙂
“others show up at just the right time. ”
Yes, so true.
I feel that way about Gigi, there’s no question there.
At the very beginning of our formal career volunteering with Lost Dog Rescue, we lost an 8-month old kitten we had adopted to FIP. Later that week, we went to an adoption event NOT to adopt another cat, but Brooke did need a playmate, so we agreed if we found an exceptional cat we would consider it. Julie was inside Petsmart for 30 seconds, and picked up Henry, whereupon he wrapped his paws around her and started kissing her face. I hadn’t even parked the car and she was filling out papers. (He still has that charm, the techs at the emergency clinic the night his blood sugar went too low all adored him and kept telling us they were sorry to see him leave.) The universe has a way of making cats show up when they need you most… or when you need them.
Jay is so right. Steeler came into my life, when I didn’t really know I needed her, but she knew I did.
After she left Justice, Liberty and Freedom came to me when I was at a very low point in life. Dajudge came to me as icing on a cake. She is known as DJ for short and she is really a gentle, loving Tortie.
What an amazing story, Jay! “Jealous goat” made me laugh out loud! Nutmeg, Buell and Harley really sounded like the three musketeers. Nutmeg had such an amazing and long life with you!
Thank you for sharing this wonderful story, Jay! It’s so hard to loose these special animals.
I’ve been reading Glen’s comment about his grief for Kasey, and all of your responses to him, with tears in my eyes. Glen and I had a private email exchange, which is why I haven’t jumped in. This is our little tortie family at its best: being there for each other, through good times and bad. I was particularly struck by Bernie’s comment about loving her new family of cats, but never stopping to miss Steeler. I’ve found that to be so true. I couldn’t love Allegra and Ruby more, but they’re not Amber, they’re not Buckley, and they’re not Feebee. Those three cats changed my life in ways I never could have imagined, and they all have a piece of my heart.
Gigi
Has become even more playful.
This morning, she has divided her time about equally between running a (non-catnip) toy around the floor by herself, and keeping young Tim on the run.
This goes against the visual impression you would get; 5 years old, long hair tortie with classic “cutesy” markings like a big stuffed toy, 14 pounds and stocky.
However, she is very deceptively fast and agile, as Tim has found out.
She was an only, pampered pet for the last 4 years, so it has been a pleasant surprise how well she fit in with everyone else, here.
We don’t know a lot about her before that, except that she had a litter at about 8 months of age (pre-rescue by her original owners). She could have been feral, or someone’s “throw away”, or escaped pet. She does seem too social to have been feral for the first 8 months of life, though.
It seems like now she has settled in, she is making up for a lost kitten-hood.
Sometime a cat that was held back from being a kitten as they had to grow up fast gets a chance to enjoy life with out worries of the next meal or looking over their shoulder to get away from danger. My Styx came from a home where she was being forced to be something she was not. Only recently has she started to really interact with the family. I have seen her actually playing with Arian and Frankie. Double teaming with Stirfry to slap down Frank was really a surprise. And as she plays can see her open her mouth and smile and laugh. Will have to get a picture of that. Arian used to run from everyone but her Frankie but now see her playing with Styx, sniffing at Tabatha and even making eye contact with Stir. She still gets big eyes when Stir goes off on Frank or Stir but as you know – Torties are held in high regard by mere cats. They are to be looked up to and feared.
” Torties are held in high regard by mere cats. They are to be looked up to and feared.”
This morning, Tim caught Gig by surprise and rolled her, which is no easy feat since she is 14 pounds and build like a bear.
That did not last long and he paid for it, the resulting chase started in the sun room and disappeared down the hall.
Glen I have read and reread your post on May 31. Ii brought my emotions to the surface of my loss of Steeler. I went thru a lot of what you are going thru. I cried for what seemed forever. I loved her so much and life without her was very difficult. To this day, when I think of my little girl and how I did what you did by taking her to the vet and doing everything I could to keep her, but she was the one who chose when to leave. So that hole in your heart is not going to go away very soon. So grieve Kasey. You do know good men also cry, and there is no reason not to cry. You lost the best and a one of a kind little Tortie who knew no boundaries. This little Tortie is so special to you and always will be.
You gave her all she wanted and that was love and her forever home. The other thing is that Kasey chose you to be her forever human. She made that choice as did Steeler. So let yourself grieve this very special Tortie. I can tell you I have 4 fabulous cats. They all chose me. I did not have to go out looking for them they came to my house. Having said that, I love them dearly, but like you, I miss my little Steeler to this day, Take time to grieve and just hear all the love we all have for Kasey. Bernadette Kazmarski wrote a great response to your words. I know Bernadette Kazmarski is truly a true friend who is there for all. Her words to you are better than I could ever write. I think because I lost my special girl just as you have lost a special girl, we both will continue to grieve over that love they brought into our lives. I know this is hard on you, it is very hard for me to write this.
I told Jay yesterday that I needed to write back on your post, but it was not an easy thing to do. Words are hard to come by when we are hurting so badly, Ingrid, also told me to “be gentle to myself”. So let me tell you to be gentle to yourself, Your little Kasey will always hold your heart. You and I will never have another special Tortie like Kasey and Steeler choose us in our lifetime ever again.
Bernie
Thanks for writing that, I know it must have taken a great deal of effort, and it was very helpful.
“You do know good men also cry, and there is no reason not to cry.” Yeah; she had friends where I work, the petroleum exploration/production business is sometimes thought of as one of the rougher, “macho” types of operations. However, when I informed the people that knew and liked her, there were some very sad, quiet, awkward moments.
I have noticed that Gigi, who has always been friendly, has become more attentive and now often follows me around.
Glen, like Bernadette and Bernie have said, it is so hard to lose a little furry friend and even harder when they were the ones that chose us to give their whole heart and soul to. We sometime are chosen by special cats that others would have deemed untamable or to mean to deal with. But they see in us a kindred spirit and choose to live with us as equals. Kasey knew who you were as she spotted you sleeping in that shed and chose to work her magic on you. She knew you would love her and give her what every outdoor kitty wants – a forever home. And she was like a male Tortie – A scarce “full blown Tortie”. I love reading about all of ours on here but we rarely hear about those that even Jackson Galaxy might have 2nd thoughts about. Kasey and Steeler were those cats. Bernie found this blog the same way I did (and probably you too) – why do ours pretty cats act like the way they do and is there something wrong with them. Stir seemed to have a switch in her that constantly turned on and off from friendly kitty to psycho cat.. I learned about Tortitude and also found some wonderful friends. And also learned to love some other cats as much as my little Stir. Steeler, Kasey and Brooke drew me to them and they are yours as well as all of ours. We worry about them when they are sick as well as enjoy their antics when they are being themselves. Losing Steeler and Kasey hurt me as much as you. I know Stir will not be around forever but cherish my time with her. Someday she will be on the other side of the Bridge and thru the thunder I will know she is all right and making her presence known. The hurt never goes away but the memories of the special times will always be there.
Thinking of you, Glen, in your comment from yesterday about losing Kasey. The depth of your loss is equivalent to the depth of your love and your bond with each other; it formed slowly, over years, changing as your relationship changed. This is only another change, you still love Kasey, she no doubt still loves you, but change comes slowly. Someday you’ll remember all those daily signs of her devotion with great joy that she shared your life, but most important is that you will always remember her love.
I looked at lots of torties after I lost Cookie, I am constantly presented with cats who need to be rescued and found homes, and I still had Kelly, but the void Cookie left couldn’t be filled by another cat, I had to let it heal, and I knew that. But I still allowed myself to consider adopting each one, for months, until I just didn’t need to do that anymore.
When I lost my Kublai in 1996, I was simply inconsolable and looked everywhere for him in all the black cats I saw, even rescuing a few, and friends offered cats and kittens to me. In time, months, not years, Cookie stepped into that void, and all the others helped to smooth it over , but until Lucy came to me in 2006, and then led Mimi and her children to me in 2007, I never lived with any black cats but a few rescues.
Now a little over a year after I lost Cookie, I have a best friend again, a most devoted heart cat, in Mimi. And now I see, after the fact, looking at photos I took of them, that the two of them had this all planned long before Cookie left.
Give yourself time. Consider grief, at first, like a physical wound that doesn’t stop hurting until it starts to heal over.
Okay, Monkey AND her mother must officially go on a diet. Since the Tornado scare the other night, my right thigh has been REALLY hurting. It is sore to the touch above and on the inside part of the knee, and all the way up the front of my thigh. I don’t do doctors unless it’s something drastic, and I’m dealing. The Safety co-ordinator at work says I probably just pulled a muscle. But all I did different than usual was haul Monkey and Shanks down and back up the stairs. Yes, it’s a big heavy carrier, and yes, there were two cats in it. But I guarantee when Shanks weighs in at the vet next week, she’s less than 8 lbs. Myself and Monkey were the straw that broke the camel’s back!
On the fun side…watching Betty White’s “Off Our Rockers” on Lifetime…It’s HILARIOUS! Elderly folks playing pranks on young people!
Hey Lynn glad the tornado missed you. Carrying Monkey and Shanks at one time, well that would cause a bit of pain. Love to watch Betty White. She is still going strong and funnier than ever.
Hey Lynn, glad to see you back here. I’ve been busy with car problems so have some catching up to do. Love hearing about you and your crew, Peaches, Monkey and Shanks. I understand how you hurt yourself by thinking of your little ones first before yourself. When you heard about the storms it was protect them and over exert yourself. Then afterwards feel that pain. I would do the same thing – luckily my biggest kitty is Frankie (who weighs in at 16 plus pounds). Not the heavy weight that Punky was at 21 or the 22 lb Taz. But If thesre was a bad storm, I would be grabbing my 5 and heading to the basement. More likely I would be in the emergency center the next day – from bites and scratches from placing 4 easy going cats into a closed room with Stirfry.
Thank goodness you’re all okay! Good to see you back here, Lynn!
Gigi, is a different type of tortie, being a long hair, tortie with white, as Harry says, the white feet and ruff must act like a safety valve for the tortitude, the rest of her (and there is a lot of her, she is 14 pounds, solid and stocky) has very rich tortie markings and colors.
There are a few exceptions to her placid nature, the “inner tortie” can be awoken.
She plays very well, and a lot, with 11 month old Tim, our younger orange boy. But Tim does not have adult manners and wants to play longer, so he sometimes pushes the envelope. Once this happens, she is very adept at getting, and keeping him, on the run.
I have found catnip toys will do it in the extreme, now we have a “no catnip policy” for Gigi.
A less extreme example was the wild turkey incident. We get wild turkeys in the back yard and Gigi is very intent on “stocking” them while in the glass doored confines of the sun room. Tim was sitting there the other day, staring into space, seeminly oblivious of the turkey’s but was in the prime spot to observe them. Gigi crept up to the window, crouching and moving rapidly, and physically bumped Tim out of the way so hard that he lost his balance; don’t get between a tortie and her “prey”.
Sounds like Gigi is letting her Tortitude show. Not possible with Kasey ruling the house but Kasey probably told her that someone needs to keep Tim and Taz in line.
Glen it seems Kasey taught Gigi well. No catnip, geez. Torties with catnip are great fun. I guess Tim being another big orange guy is still in his learning curve. His high level of play will get him in the time out area by Gigi. But then, those big orange guys really are just lovable little ones. Gigi pushes him over says it all. Get out of the way when you see a Tortie headed your way. Way to go Gigi.
Wow, possessive, ill tempered, and announcing their presence. Yup that about sums it up for Liz or little Tortoiseshell we have here at home. About that “announcing”; she has a habit of carrying a drawstring dragging it around with her. Only to whine and meow with it to get attention. Then pounce the thing, and continue to meow. Rather funny if you ask me. Including when you take into account this seems to be her, “This is my kill, mine….mine….mine”. With that fiery attitude of her’s she will get up into someone’s lap or lay down when only she wants to. And to make things funnier if you pick her up or set her on your lap she will have none of it. I think of course “very intelligent” is another thing too. When I am on the computer in order to get my attention she will pull herself onto the tower enough to hit the power button to turn the dang thing off to get attention. I swear to god on this.
Oh yes. Your little Liz has read the tortie manual, Timothy!
Timothy you have expressed you Liz to a T for most Tories. They have what we call Tortitude and they do things on their time and in their own way. It seems that computers + a Tortie = MINE. We all have similar events with ours. They either lay on the laptop or get in front of the monitor so we can’ see. I love to hear my Torties going around talking. I have always said they are talking to their imaginary friends. How many, only Torties know. 🙂
I have a ‘tortie’ who came to me via my boss who didn’t realize what she had, and I didn’t either – I mis-identified her as a calico which I now understand is a common mistake. Anyhow, this kitty has the ‘tude’. She dominated my all black American female kitty at first due to her overwhelmingly agressive playstyle, but fortunately since then they have established an equalibrium. She ‘chordles’ when she plays and is completely unafraid of people. She instinctively knows how to get your attention, and moreover is especially keen to moods – a hallmark that I have read this particular type of kitty has.
She is beautiful with only a very few rusty white patches – her face is half-black half and half rusty orange with spots – her feet are the same alternating front to back left and right.
The perfect tortie?? I think so and she does too true to form.
She sure does sound like the perfect tortie, Geo. Feel free to post photos of her on our Facebook page.
Geo I am really glad you took the Tortie. They are just so special and full of ” Tortitude”. You said it well “The perfect tortie?? I think so and she does too true to form”. There is no imperfect Torties. Good to have you here.
Tonite Bernie and I were watching Stir and Styx sleeping at the bottom of the bed. Frankie came up at the bottom between them. Styx sat up and slapped him (usually they get along). As Frank turned Stir sat up and gave him a left paw upside the head. Frank looked totally confused and jumped back off the bed. Both Bernie and I laughed at his expression. If Stir and Styx were normal cats they would have high fived each other. As it was they both layed down and went back to sleep. Frankie was due to be put in his place and that happened tonight.
That is so torties! Too funny.
I thank all veterans, those who gave all and all those that would have given all on this Memorial Day.
So if you see a Veteran, just thank him. That is all they need to hear.
I thank all that served to make our Country Great.
And I remember all of those that passed on in the years past that made me so happy.
I was fortunate to have met Bernie’s son Eric.
So sad we did not get to be together longer to share stories.
And I will remember all those furry friends I have lost over the years.
Till we meet again at the Bridge.
“Conjuring up” cats.
We had been talking about orange boys quite a bit last spring and oddly, in mid summer, Tim showed up, in need of care and a home.
I had been admiring long haired torties last fall, then Gigi showed up, in need of a home.
It seems sometimes, it is possible to attract them, somehow.
Glen I agree with that. I know pretty much why Justice and Liberty just showed up together on my front porch. They showed up right after I had spent hours crying at Eric’s resting site. Freedom, also relates to the part of the cemetery Eric is resting in, called Freedom Garden.
Now Dajudge, well she just showed up and was the only one of the litter to survive the hawks and coons and dogs. Then I do have 2 very large lion heads on my front porch stone pillars. It seems to be telling them, “There is safe harbor and food here”. That is only my conjecture, but I believe anything is possible if we open our hearts and minds to let the little ones know we are here waiting to care for u and show love. My opinion.
There are surely ways to bring in cats when you need them – Punky needed a friend and he loved watching outside. When Frankie stopped by my cat feeder Punky would give his quiet little meows. When I first took him outside to meet the little B&W kitten he was so hesitant to meet but they both cautiously touched noses. No hissing or snarls just a look between them. They became best friends.
But asking to get another special cat like Stirfry, Steeler or Kasey is asking too much of the Gods. They are so unique and the molds only make so few of them. There will only be 1 Warrior Queen or Steeler. And I tell Stir how much I love her now while I still have her. She is irreplaceable and one of a kind.
Yeah, Kasey was unique, she started off with a strong personality, forged in hardship (unfortunately) and a pre-rescue bond that started in 2001 and then a rescue in 2008 (later than it should have been, in hindsight).
It would be asking a lot to conjure up a dark tortie with white feet, dark legs and tail, with a strong, no nonsense personality that takes great pleasure in being with people. (Maybe a bit nicer to the other animals 😉 )
I have definitely conjured them.
A few years ago I was thinking I hadn’t lived with a Creamsicle kitty–orange and white–since Allegro, and withing days a friend told me she was losing her house and would need foster or placement for her cats, orange and white and tabby and white. I loved the orange and white guy, really innocent and just plain nice. They were only with me for a few months, though, and we found a new home for them.
I remember looking at little Mimi out on the street and thinking how nice it would be to have a little black kitty named Lucy, and in a while I had Mimi’s litter from 2006, which included three black kitties, one who I named Lucy.
Then I was thinking about a tuxie and Henry walked into a meeting I was in–I wrote about him last week.
After that I saw photos of big friendly all-over tabby cats and thought how I’d love to have one, and my niece asked me to foster her cat Dickie for her a month or so later, a big goofy friendly tabby guy who became best friends with the guys, they were like a little gang, and he stayed with us for a year.
There are probably others that I can’t even remember.
Hi all. I’m in need of some advise. I have an 11 year old cat that is diabetic. I was treating him by giving him insulin every 12 hrs and I got to the point I just could not afford it anymore. He is down almost 5lbs since November and he’s starting to miss the litter box along with not eating much. I had him to the vet the week before last and the vet gave me 3 choices. Leave him as he is, treat him or put him down, his glucose was 442. I guess I’m feeling guilty, because I’m thinking of putting him down. I had his brother put down almost a year ago from a bone tumor that was in his jaw and now my diabetic cat, since then has not been right. He cries all night long….. He does not seem happy at all. I already work 2 jobs and I live by myself. I myself have a lot of health issues and am still paying on medical bill from 2012. I have a neighbor that could take care of him while I’m at work but I think that is asking a lot of her. I’m so torn. And it’s my sons cat ):
I’m sorry you’re finding yourself in such a difficult situation, Lisa. Unfortunately, only you can make this decision, but I can offer some resources. If it’s a financial issue, there are organizations that can help with vet bills: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html You may also want to contact Diabetic Cats in Need for advice and/or assistance: http://fdmb-cin.blogspot.com/
Thank you Ingrid, I will look into those.
Lisa I too, am so sorry to read of you circumstances. I know you may be feeling a lot of guilt a his time. However you will have to make a decision that is in the best interest of the kitten. Please do follow Ingrid’s directive. She can lead you best.
In the final analysis, as difficult, you will have to do what is in the best interest of the kitten.
Lisa, so sorry to hear about your kitty.As Ingrid has said – the final choice is up to you.
See if they can do anything for the pain. He might be crying because of the loss of his brother but if it is the Diabetes and nothing can be done then it might be best to let him go to the Bridge. It is always a hard choice and one only you can make.
Thank you Jay. It is a very tough desicion to make )’:
All of our cats have their names in addition to about 60 nicknames!
1. Brooke is really Esterbrooke – but she goes by Cookie, Tukie, Brookie, Brookie Cookie
2. Vickie is really Victoria – but she goes by Vic, VicVac, Orangina
3. Henry is just Henry but goes by Henrybobby (Bobby was his rescue name) bobbyboberton, Hen, Henny, Henny Benny, HennyBen, Henry Henryton the Bobblehead
4. Pearl is just Pearl but goes by Pearly, Pearly Swirly, Pearly Swirly little girly
5. Piper is Sandpiper but goes by Puppy (because she would follow me like one, Pipey, Pipeypiperton, Pups, Pipes
6. Sabrina goes by Sabrina, Bean, Beanie, SabrinaBean, Beanie Weanie, Bean bot, Sabrinabot
🙂 now I think we sound weird looking at all those nick names!
Taz is: Big & Orange, Shop Vac, The Big Fella
Tim is: Timmy, Baby, Nuisance-Baby
GiGi is: BFT (Big Fluffy Thing), Fifi
Kasey was: Kase-Kase, Kaser, Dath Kittius, Cougar
Morgan was: Squeaks, Skunker
I guess I am out in the cold on nicknames for mine. Steeler was the exception, I nicknamed her
“The Terrorist” after she assaulted the the Federal Agent Eric had brought to meet her.
Some of mine have any nicknames . They are still growing into their own. For Liberty, my grey striped tiger tabby, I ofter pick him up and call him my little lovable baby boy. He loves attention. Dajudge often gets Little Sweetheart, she is just so darn sweet. Freedom the momma often gets pretty momma or mean momma, depending which side of is awakened. After all she has the Tortie Stare and she did produce a Tortie kitten. Justice is not nicknamed yet, she is beginning to show more Tortitude every day. Soon she too, may end up with a suitable nickname to match her growing Tortie personality.
Stirfry goes by Stirfry or Stir. For the first few years she was know as “Bad Cat”.
Pumpkin was usually Punky.
Styx started out as Pumpkin when Bernie’s Mom had her but when I got her I already had a Pumpkin and on the drive home heard the song Renegade by Styx and I knew the Goddess of the river to the Underground of the Dead was named Styx – so she had her new name.
Frank was a feral cat that needed a home and you know once you name them they are now yours. He had bright blue eyes so he was named for Frank Sinatra. He then got the nicknames Frankie, “Hoover” (you should see the way he eats) or Stinky – this cat can clear a room.
Tabatha is usually just Tabby.
And Arianrhod is the Goddess of the Silver Wheel – so my Silver Werewolf got her name Arian.
Gracie has always been “Miss Gracie” … I think even from day one she was Miss Gracie. On her really demanding days she is “Princess Gracie” … and our “casual” name for her is Gracie Loo Loo. I don’t know why, except our last two cats were Buddie Voo Voo and Missie Woo Woo.
I’ve done both with names, but mostly my cats have come to me with no name because I found them somewhere in need of rescue. I knew they’d had a name before, but with a new life comes a new name even though I honestly tried to guess who they’d been. I’ve actually never once adopted from a shelter or rescue, believe it or not, in all the years I’ve lived with cats.
I have, however, accepted cats from other people, and even here, what suited the cat was what I did. When I took in Mimi, her name was Maia, and because I felt immediately this was the start of a new life for her, I changed her name to the female lead in my favorite opera which I’d recently seen, and because the character living the wild Bohemian life in Victorian Paris who eventually found love suited little Mimi–though thankfully little Mimi didn’t die in the end!
Kelly and Namir came to me with those names back in 1997, and they kept them until they died. They were fosters as we were hoping their person could take them back when she had her own place during or after her graduate degree program, but after that she went abroad to study more and they stayed with me. She had named Namir, but a shelter Kelly was in before she adopted Kelly had named her. I would have named them something entirely different, but those names were clearly theirs.
However, fosters Rosebud and Angel became Peaches and Cream because I thought it would help their adoption! It did not, but I still liked those names much better, and they didn’t seem to mind. Those are only a few examples.
And indeed, French Canadians are all over Canada and even in the northern US. We have a contingent here in Pittsburgh, which was actually in part settled and occupied by French Canadians before the Revolutionary War and many families still call Pittsburgh home and add that wonderful Cajun music to our festivals. And Giuseppe Basil Verdi’s French-Canadian sweetheart, Mlle. Daisy Emerald Thibeault, and her human mama, who is also half French Canadian, are from Toronto and live in Kingston ON. At BlogPaws we met French Canadian Pascale Lamire, the founder of the site Dog Shaming, who came all the way from Vancouver BC.
Adopting cats and changing names.
I don’t think there’s a hard and fast rule/right or wrong on this, and depends on the circumstance.
I think shelters and adoption agencies must often be faced with naming cats and try to give them unique names, which they only have had in the shelter. I would not have any problem changing a name in that type of situation.
I did not change Gigi’s name, it was the name she had since she was likely around 9 to 10 months old, and she will soon be 5. So, she has been “Gigi” for 4 years and she responds very well to it.
While I suspect people outside Canada likely think French Canadians are located in Quebec, they are scattered through the rest of the country, including this area.
The couple that adopted Gigi after she was found in bad circumstances, outside, in Feb. 2009 (that was a bad, and cold, winter, here), were French Canadian. This is how she got the name Gigi. They pampered her and took the best of care of her. His wife died last fall, the husband had to sell their home move in with a relative, out of town, and could not keep her. He was desperate not to put Gigi in a shelter.
We heard about this situation from a person that runs a dog daycare and arranged to check her out. He brought her to the dog daycare one evening last February for us to meet, so she was very pleasant an friendly and was very good with the dogs that she met; there was no question that she would come home.
Given her age and background, there was no way, in her case, that I would change the name, so she is still Gigi.
You’re right, there is no right or wrong way to do this.
I didn’t change Buckley’s name because it just suited her, even though it’s not a name I ever would have picked. I also didn’t change Allegra’s name – it fits her bubbly, happy personality perfectly. Amber didn’t have a name when she was rescued, and I named her for the amber-colored spot on top of her head. Ruby was named Cinnamon when I met her, and that was just too generic a name for such a high-spirited little girl.
It is not raining yet, But I hear Kasey and Steeler talking. They are letting everyone know who the Bosses are and will not take NO for an answer.
Who would argue with a Tortie anyhow.
Folks it is pouring down a very hard rain and Kasey and Steeler are creating more thunder than you can imagine.
Glen I can only post what you had said earlier ““A couple of the “great” torties can do that, for sure.”
Well the girls are enjoying their playtime to the hilt. It is not often that I would hesitate to go out in a storm, but the girls are just making for lightning strikes than I have heard in a very long time. So all of you can know Kasey and Steeler have met and they are letting us all know, they are “A OK”. Have fun babies.
Bernie posted some beautiful photos of Kasey on her Facebook timeline, here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=624978797513333&set=pcb.624978917513321&type=1&theater
To on Our Tortie family, I asked Glen for is I could post some pics of his precious Kasey. I have posted her there and she is truly a very beautiful kitten. http://facebook.com/bernie.tracy I hope this clears the monitors so you all can see how truly beautiful she is.
Sorry, just now saw this, Bernie. All comments with links in them are held for moderation, and you know I’m not a night owl :-). Thanks for sharing these photos on Facebook. Kasey was such a beauty, inside and out.
I am sad to report that Kasey is gone.
She had basically stopped eating 4+ days ago and was showing more signs of deterioration. We tried what seemed like every known food and feeding technique to avail.
We did not want our strong, fearless Warrior Queen to go through a long sensation of confusion and fear as her health declined, the vet agreed with our reviewed the situation and agreed.
Today, I made the toughest decision I have made in many decades.
My deepest sympathy, Glen.
Glen, I am crushed. I don’t have any words beyond that, but I am sure the more eloquent will fill in. I’m so sorry.
I’m so sorry, Glen – I can’t believe Kasey is gone. My heart goes out to you. She was such a huge presence even here on the blog, I can’t even imagine the void she left in your life, and your heart. I wish there was something I could say to make this hurt less. You’re in my thoughts and prayers.
Glen, I can’t believe she’s gone. I know how devoted she was to you, and you to her, and things will not be the same, but I’m sure you know that. It seems to have happened so fast, but it’s always too soon no matter how things progress. You know she was welcomed by a host of friends, and we will always remember her as the tough and brave kitty who lived life on her terms, but never forgot how to love. We’re purring for you here.
Glen, I am so so sorry for your loss. Kasey will be long remembered for the presence she had, not only on this blog, but in your life. She was lucky to have had you for the past five years. Every one of those days was a blessing for you both. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Be kind to yourself in the days ahead – and know that everybody on here will understand what you are going through.
Glen I want you to know we all love Kasey “the Warrior Queen”. Following her thru the past years gave us all happiness. Kasey is not just your little girl, she belongs to all of us. She may have crossed over the rainbow bridge but she will never be forgotten.
Kasey will have Steeler to share in their new world. We know your heartbroken, but you can take solace knowing that you gave the little girl all the love and care that any kitten would envy. God speed little Kasey, we will all miss you. Our love follows you baby.
Thanks everyone.
I had a special bond with her.
It started in 2001. These was a problem at the facility she lived at and we had most of our management/tech people there for many days. One day I got a migraine, I must have looked bad because our Manager said I had better sleep in the maintenance building loft, so I crashed on a pile of tarps with my field coat as a pillow.
I woke up some time later, feeling better. As I awoke, I heard loud purring. It was a young tortie, the plant cat. It was like a touch of home to have a cat watch over me.
I would bring her things whenever I traveled there.
As time went on, he situation went from good to bad.
Sometimes I would be traveling to sites west of there, going right by where she lived, feeling very burdened for not having time to stop in.
In 2008, I had seen enough, five years ago, today, I was up there with a carrier and made the 3 hour return trip with her.
Academically, I knew she was older and I would not have her as long as I would have liked, I thought perhaps 4 years, but it was 5
She adapted quickly and well to like in a home setting, at the age of 8 or 9
I think she knew that she had been rescued and was loved, she wanted to be around me and would often sit and stare at me in a contented fashion.
It is very difficult to say good bye to a companion like that.
Glen you will never really say goodbye to your beloved Kasey. She will always remain imprinted on your heart. One day we will all see out little ones again. I know Kasey will be watching and waiting for her beloved “Dad” to with her again. When I hear thunder in the skies, I always say Steeler is making herself heard. Now Kasey and Steeler can make more thunder in the skies and we will think of them.
” Now Kasey and Steeler can make more thunder in the skies and we will think of them.”
A couple of the “great” torties can do that, for sure.
Glen, you know it and don’t ever forget. “A couple of the “great” torties can do that, for sure.”
Glen the thunder has been rolling thru here all day with storms. I feel that Kasey has met with Steeler and they are making their presence know. She will be happy with my Steeler.
Thank you for sharing Kasey’s story again, Glen. Losing a cat is always hard, but when it’s someone with as huge a spirit as Kasey’s, it’s devastating. Never doubt that she knew she was loved. The two of you were clearly meant to be together, even if it was only for five short years.
I saw Bernie’s post on facebook about Kasey which has tears rolling down my face.
I am so truly sorry for your loss Glen, it is not easy to lose a furry baby regardless of the situation.
What is adding to my sorrow is knowing the ages of my 4 babies and reading about how they can decline.
My heary aches for you Glen and my thoughts are being sent to you and the wonderful Kasey as she frolicks freely at the bridge.
Betty That tribute on Facebook was posted by Jay. We are all heartbroken over the loss of Kasey.. Jay’s softer, loving side of kittens and all animals is prevalent. His heart is broken and he was in tears when I had to tell him about Kasey.
So the post was by Jay.
Glen I am deeply saddened by this news.
Bernie sent me an e-mail at work and I cried on the way home.
As Bernie has said – Kasey belong to all of us and her passing breaks our hearts.
Before this blog, I had thought Stirfry was unique. But I learned how special Torties are and there are those few that achieve the the loftiness of no backing down, spit in your face Tortitude. Kasey, Steeler Brooke and Stirfry hit that peak And we morn the passing of her soul. Knowing she will wait for you does not take away the grief. But you loved her and she knew how you gave her a home that any cat would envy. Subjects to rule and comfort and love in the last years. Goodbye Warrior Queen. I will miss you.
I’m so sorry Glen. It’s so hard to lose our cats, they truly are family.
Oh man, Glen, I am so sorry to hear this. I know how much you love her, and my heart is breaking for you. But at least she get to spend her final years happy, healthy, and worshiped as a proper Tortie should be.
Thanks, everyone.
In my lifetime, I have experienced losses, before, as we all have.
However, this one has punched a jagged hole in my soul.
As I wrote to Jay in an email;
We had a special bond. She was the type of cat that would wait by the door for me to return, when I went outside, she would sit or lay in a room where I was and just gaze contentedly at me.
This fierce and fearless cat did not have to, but she chose to be my friend; it will take a long time to come to grips with her passing.
My heart goes out to you, Glen. These special cats leave such a huge void in our hearts, and our lives, when they leave.
As I said much earlier in the comment string, the more eloquent ones here will certainly better express what I’m feeling about Kasey’s loss. We all lost a tortie yesterday, Glen, and this entire wonderful community grieves with you. Those of us who have lost a special cat completely understand what you mean.
Glen I know how you feel. I am going to give you a message that was given to me. “Be kind to yourself”. You gave Kasey a whole new world of love and she returned it. In the spirit of this love she was able to leave a happy Warrior Queen with the love in your eyes. God Bless you.
I am having a great deal of difficulty handling losing. Kasey.
Intellectually, I knew this would come sooner than I liked because of her age and history. Knowing it, and handling it, are two very different things.
I think it was a combination of her make up, intelligence and our rescue history that endeared her so much to me. I still work for the same outfit that I have been with for 36 years, and we shared that, since she came from one of our facilities; when I go to that site, I am immediately reminded of her.
I miss Kasey terribly and it will take a lot of time to come to terms with it.
Ingrid used a phrase the helps put it in perspective, “Soul Cat” and I think that sums it up well.
Kasey was a cat that would be quite happy to just sit in the same room and stare, contentedly at me.
She would wait by the door for me to come back in when I went outside.
She would stay in proximity to me, most of the time when I was home.
She radiated a trust, that I would care for her; which of course made it very tough on me when I could not help her to continue to be well.
I have been looking at other torties and visited one at a shop that has adoptions. I realize from something Ingrid wrote, that even if I found a close match in appearance for Kaey, things would obviously not be the same.
I think in some ways, looking at the torties is my odd method of coping.
We have three cats and the dynamics between them are so good, I am hesitant to chance a new addition.
I do have my “fluffy” tortie, Gigi, perhaps she was sent here for a reason, in late February 2013, in desperate need of a home.
Unfortunately, Kasey has slowed down in her eating and is no longer interested in the food from the vet.
She has lost the .4 to .5 of a pound she gained recently.
I have tried a large quantity of foods and she is eating a bit but I think it is a combination of not eating enough and not being able to get the full benefit from what she does eat.
She is more frail than before, even though I knew this was coming, I am not prepared for that difficult decision that I think will soon have to be made.
I’m sorry, Glen. I’ve probably asked this before: has she had an ultrasound yet?
No, she has not had one.
She is 13 or 14, had a tough previous life which has taken a toll, at this point, we do not want to put her through any more procedures.
I completely understand, Glen. You know Kasey best, and I know you’ll make the right decision for her when the time comes. You’re in my thoughts.
Thanks.
It will be 5 years ago, tomorrow, that I brought her home.
I knew she was older and was hoping for four years with her, however, understanding that intellectually and dealing with it are two different things.
Glen, I truly hope something changes for you and Kasey. Losing a cat is never easy, but not knowing why, you don’t even know what to do, and it’s very painful. We’re thinking of you.
Still saying lots of prayers for Kasey.
She is so lucky to have you Glen.
Glen I am so sorry to read this. I do know how you feel. I can only say to you to treasure every moment, day or weeks you will still have with Kasey. Hold her close and love her for all you can. I can’t help but cry for Kasey, our Warrior Queen and you. You will know what is best for your little girl and you will know when. Hopefully is that is the outcome, Kasey will decide to do it her way, like Steeler did, God Bless you and my thoughts and prayers are being sent to you. <3
Thanks everyone.
She is still able to enjoy some things and we are just keeping an eye on her and letting her do what she needs to to be comfortable.
She came upstairs from the basement about an hour ago and has settled in on a large pet bed in the sun room, which is her preference this time of day. We will watch her to make sure she isn’t suffering and can enjoy a few things.
Sometimes it is strange how things work out.
Gigi, out long hair “tortie with white” came to visit and has settled down near where I am sitting.
We took her in last March when she needed a home because her owner died. She is very nice natured and it is like she is returning the favor, trying to cheer me up.
Glen this really hurts to read about Kasey. You gave her the loving home she so badly needed, Your affection and love of Kasey is very apparent in your words. We never have enough time with our little ones and to face the prospect of not having one so special is daunting. We all have walked in your shoes and we all have cried oceans of tears. Love her and take lots of pics. She will forever be a part of your life.
Glen, I’m so sorry to read this. It’s really hard to know what to say, except knowing that you gave her a fantastic home for 5 years is such a blessing. Sending prayers and thoughts your way.
Thank you for the birthday wishes!
You’re welcome 🙂 And Ingrid had a little suprise party last night, where Bernadette and I were fortunate enough to attend. I think I scared all the cat ladies when I walked in… but they accepted me as one of their own after I sat on the floor and petted cats 😉
Petting cats always helps you to fit in.
I was able to pet Steeler so Bernie knew I was ok (also told her I have a death wish).
So glad Ingrid had a wonderful day. Wish I could have been there.
And Harry, you are always welcome to come up here and pet Stirfry.
Harry, there you were in a hotel room full of women in a partying mood dressed in all their finery, most of them drinking some amount of alcohol and you the only male human, and all attention was on the cats. What does that say about all of us? Are you still wearing your hair extension?
Happy Birthday, Ingrid!
Hey everyone, it is Ingrid’s 29th 🙂 birthday today. So from myself I wish her a very happy birthday.
Happy Birthday Ingrid
Wandering through again trying to catch up but is going to take a long time. I’m still not receiving messages so am trying another of my email addresses to see if that works.
I realize this is not a cat related post but if someone could reply to it so I can see if a different email address works it would be greatly appreciated.
thank you 🙂
I’m sorry you and some others are having problems with the email notifications. My webmaster has looked into this and can’t find any reason why this would be happening. Best guess is that it has something to with your ISP and how they’re handling the messages. Try unsubscribing and resubscribing, and make sure that you add my email address to your safe senders list.
Betty, I talk to Bernie every night and try to inform her if I received any e-mails on CC and give her updates on everyone (most recently the health of Kasey and Henry). Should I or anyone else forward the e-mail comments to you directly?
I know a year ago I was not receiving e-mails but eventually it fixed itself. Unsubscribing and re-subscribing did not help I know.
Well the different email address didn’t make a difference. I would think if my ISP were going to block my messages that they would also block the article and contest ones that Infrid sends but I get those just fine.
Where do I go to unsubscribe and resubscribe?
thank you
Replying to my own message so I can get the unsubscribe link for my main email address as I already unsubscribed with my gmail one.
So sorry for all the non-kitty related posts Ingrid, I am just trying to fix it so I get the messages again.
reply in order to resubscribe.
Let us know if it works. You should get an e-mail message now for my post.
And it is NOT “non-kitty related” because you are trying to get Tortie info from everyone on here. Sure is frustrating because if someone replies to a post 10 days earlier you will never know because you have to look at every post for the last 2 months to see if you missed anything. The e-mail tells us right away. I love hearing updates on Henry and Kasey as even though they are at different houses they still are “our cats”. (Although using the term “cat” when referring to Kasey is stretching things. But some creatures not of this world have no name)
I’m sorry about the problems, guys, but honestly, if it’s the user’s ISP, there is nothing I, or my webmaster can do about it. Believe me, if I knew how to fix it, I would!
Happy Mothers day to all Moms and caregivers on Ingrid’s Blog. Ingrid started it for her daughter Buckley and it has grown into a great group of friends and family.
Thanks, Jay.
Kasey lost more weight, this week and is down to about 10 pounds
However, we are able to get the Gabapntin pain pills from the vet into her with a pill shooter, now.
I called the vet yesterday (May 10), the Vet-Tech (they are very good, there) suggested we try these foods;
1.) Medi-cal Recovery
http://www.royalcanin.ca/index.php/Veterinary-Products/Feline-Nutrition/Veterinary-Therapeutic-Formulas/Recovery-Wet
2.) Medi-cal Gastro
http://www.royalcanin.ca/index.php/Veterinary-Products/Feline-Nutrition/Veterinary-Therapeutic-Formulas/Gastro-Intestinal-High-Energy-Wet
I stopped by on the way home from work and picked up one of each to try.
I got home and served a spoon full of Recovery and she cleaned the dish, then asked for more.
In 12 hours she has consumed almost 3/4 of a 6 oz. can, a bit at a time. I observe her and she is the only one eating it and the dish is clean when she is done.
I have not tried the Gastro, yet, but will be going to get a few more cans of Recovery.
I can’t say what the long term effect of this will be but it is nice to find a good food that she will eat in quantity.
I’m glad you found something she likes, but this rapid weight loss is alarming. Has she had an ultrasound and/or x-rays done?
No, she was very thoroughly examined, though.
For weeks she has not been eating enough.
She would ask for food then either eat a token volume, or walk away, then ask again, like she wanted us to give her the “right” food, but we could not tell what that was. She was not getting enough to maintain her weight.
She has finished 6 oz of Medi-Cal Recovery in 16 hours. This is te most food I have seen her eat in a short time, in months.
This is just the first day of getting her to eat like she used to, we will check her wight in a couple days to see if we are getting results.
This morning, she appears to be happier, sitting and lying down with a comfort able posture, is more alert/responsive, and, attacked and ran off Taz from her food.
This is the
Kasey is well on her way to finishing s second can of Medi-Cal recovery.
She was very active (for her) this morning. Before I got up, she put her front feet on me and vigorously started “kneading” me, something she rarely does, she also did some serious stretching.
She spontaneously attacked Taz this morning, for no apparent reason which is her “normal”.
We are very early into using the new food and can’t speculate on the longer term, but the initial signs are nice to see.
Fantastic news. Kasey sounds like she is feeling better and letting her subjects know she is back. And do Torties really need a reason to attack ?
That’s wonderful news that she likes the new food. Fingers and paws crossed!
Glen, that’s wonderful! And she obviously feels better if she’s “back to normal”!
It has been just over 48 hours since the first serving,and I had to open can No. 3, late this afternoon.
Definitely feeling better if she’s eating that well.
Glen, this all sounds good. Kneading you to awaken you, that is the best feeling from our little ones.
Glad to hear the pill shooter is working for you. That was the only way I could pill Steeler.
I hope that more good news keeps coming about Kasey. Taz is just going to have to run faster. Love to her the Warrior Queen ran him off. Sounds about normal to me.
This morning, while I was preparing her special canned food, she apparently couldn’t wait, because she ran Tim (now 10+ pounds) off the the Royal Canin Hair & Skin dried food and ate a fair amount of it.
Then she finished off a good helping of Medi-Cal Recovery canned, after that.
She appears to be reclaiming the Warrior Queen status.
Alright Kasey !!!!!!!!!!
Glen, that’s fantastic news. Such a relief to hear that Kasey is doing better.
Kasey has gained 4/10 o a pound 🙂
That’s wonderful news!
Yay for the weight gain! 😀
🙂 Kasey!
Glen, that’s fantastic!
Glen, great news. The Warrior Queen does her thing again. Go little girl.
A few minutes ago, she ran Taz off one of the memory foam “critter” beds.
It is almost 3 ft by 4 ft, but is too small to be shared, evidently.
The Warrior Queen returns.
Glen I know just how good that makes you feel to see the Warrior Queen doing what comes naturally to her. I have seen those memory foam beds/pillows for pets. I smile at the thought of the little big guy Taz being run off by Kasey. She still has what it takes. Go little girlfriend. 🙂
That is certainly good news, Glen! I know you would feel better if you had a diagnosis, but at least she’s improving.
Kasey is coming back strong. We know Torties don’t share and size does not matter when they get pissed off. Luckily Taz is so easy going that he won’t take it out on the others.
In my house Stir runs off Styx who jumps on Frankie or Arian.
So glad progress is being made and Kasey loves her new food.
a ‘cat loving’ friend of mine and I are in disagreement. She says ALL Torties are female, I say they aren’t. I know Calico’s are always females and yellow tabbies are always males (told this in Vet Tech school), but never heard of Torties only being female. Please verify. 😉 Thank you
The vast majority of tortoiseshell cats are female, Ellen, because two X chromosomes are required to produce black, gold and orange coloring. Male cats only have one X and one Y chromosome, so technically it’s genetically almost impossible for a male to inherit the tortoiseshell coloring. A male tortoiseshell has an extra X chromosome, making it an XXY. According to a study by the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri, only 1 in 3000 tortoiseshell cats is male.
We have an orange tabby, Vickie – who is female – and that is a rarity!
Question for our cat experts.
A friend at work has a Calico/Dilute Tortie that is 18 years old. She had another older cat that crossed the bridge late last year. Now this cat has lost its fur between her back legs from top to bottom. I asked if she was licking it off and she said she did not think so. Any reason why an older cat would do this ? Could it be age, missing her friend or anything else? I told her I only had a limited knowledge of cats – but lots of know how to bandage cat bites and scratches.
Thanks in advance.
It sounds like this kitty is overgrooming and chewing out her hair. The cause for this could be anything from allergies to parasites to stress. It could certainly be the result of the stress of missing her companion. She needs a good veterinary check up to rule out medical causes, and/or to address behavioral issues.
It’s been a crazy couple of weeks… Vickie, our 13-ish year old former barn cat started peeing in the house – and it wasn’t Brooke to blame, but Pearl, our white longhair, keeping her from the box. (Brooke’s been strutting around, proclaiming, “see, it wasnt’ the tortie!) An added box (in the front hall… ugh) seems to have helped the peeing, but there’s still quite a bit of tension and squaring off. Then, Henry suddenly seemed ill – eating constantly, drinking excessively. Despite having had perfect bloodwork 6 weeks ago, this time he turned up diabetic (and had lost a pound, down from 9.5 to 8.5, in that 6 weeks). We’re preparing to start him on insulin tomorrow – he already eats a more species appropriate diet than some (canned that’s high protein) and we’ll stop supplementing with (even grain free) dry food. I’m also approaching this full bore – we’re going to test his sugar before each insulin shot – I acquired testing materials tonight and managed a successful test. One of our volunteers at the rescue has offered to stay in our house while we’re on vacation this summer… but I haven’t discussed testing and injecting yet 🙁
Wow Harry, Bernie told me about this last night (she sees the posts here (but not by e-mail) and on FB). I don’t think I could do that as I am terrified of needles. I would have to pay someone. Poor Henry. Is it hard to get a blood sample to test and where do you get it from – paw/neck ??
From the ear, Jay. I was able to do it again this morning, but just now, although I got blood – for some reason the meter wouldn’t register so I made him very unhappy for no reason 🙁
Good luck, Harry! Seems like everything goes wrong at once.
Harry, you all are wonderful kitty parents. I have no doubt in my mind that Henry is going to fine and you and your family will be the best “kitty medics” ever. All I know is that you guys have had a lot to deal with in the past year. Things just have to start to get better for you all. Sending my deepest heartfelt prayers, hugs, and plenty of kitty kisses and hugs, from Freedom, Justice, Liberty, and Dajudge. And me too.
Yay!
Hi guys – I’m accessing the site from a different search engine and just seeing if I can post this way! Hope everyone is well. Cheers, Marg.
Yea back at you Marg
Hi everybody,
It has been a great blessing to have found this wonderful site, and find such great information, some already, but most, not. I have a 19 year-old tortie, my best friend. She just started talking about six months and actually, no I am not crazy, says the words, “uh oh” “oh no” and “hello” as clear as can be. “Paintsie” has a real tortitude personality, I love that. She’s always been a “sit, give me your paw, other paw” for a “goody” kind of girl. She’s my best friend…will only lay on a bible, and the floor or my bed of course. Thank you…God Bless
Paintsie sounds like a wonderful tortie, Lisa.