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
Stirfry was sleeping at my feet and Styx who has been playing with Arianrhod and Frankie by chasing each other all day got up on the bed, sniffed at Stir and swatted her on the butt. Stir hissed. Styx does not realize Stirfry Does NOT Play ( her play can be painful to others involved)
Yeah, I can picture that.
Gigi is a “kinder, gentler tortie”.
However, Kasey, like Stir, was not.
Kasey did not understand what play fighting was. To her, a fight was;
A welcome thing
Real
There would be pain (for others)
It would involve a sustained, skilled and precise attack, no defence or backing up
Done when the opponent retreated out of sight.
Then she would come to me to rub and get pets.
Glen, Bernie and I laughed when we read that. We are the few that really know what you are talking about and how scary a full blown Tortie attack can be. Scared of nothing and no back up at all. Stir in her old age now will not directly go at any of the other cats. When she goes out to eat all the others make way and as long as she has her space a glare is what the other cats get. But I said that to Bernie yesterday and didn’t Stirfry attack Styx 10 minutes later for no reason at all. So much for my understanding cats.
Tonight we were looking thru old pics of Steeler and talking about how much we miss her. And Kasey came up because she was so special to you ( and to all of us here on CC). Her legend will live on forever. and I will meet her someday – Hopefully not too soon unless I do something stupid again.
Glen, it is odd you and Jay and I all were think about Kasey and Steeler. We see a pic of Steeler and the words start and in the same breath we are including Kasey. She and Steeler set the bar pretty high for those to follow. Stirfry is sticking around to continue the tradition and remind all what a torte with Tortitude really means. In your case as well as Jay’s, Kasey and Stirfry tolerate other kittens in the same house. Steeler on the other hand, would not tolerate any cat within 10 feet of the back door.
I just got back tonight from a work related trip. It was in the general area where the facility is that Kasey came from. I was not right at the site but it still brings up memories and some sad feelings going there.
She was very unique, so fierce and fearless, but sought human companionship with the same intensity. She was the only cat I have seen that would protect me (as Taz found out to his detriment one time when he took a playful nip at me, she unloaded on him, immediately, it was quick and not pretty).
I know how you feel Glen. So many memories in such a short time. Kasey and Steeler stole our hearts and burnt their images and memories on our hearts for eternity. I go thru the same thing as you do at different times. One of the things that I truly miss is Steeler curling up on the pillow beside my head and sleeping all night with me. None of my new kittens sleep up on the pillow. They just spread themselves all over the bottom and side. So as you and I both know, nothing can ever erase those memories or feelings about our very special little Torties. Both rescued us, so to speak and brought so much happiness and joy to our lives.
Glen, thru you and Bernie, we learned to know and love those Torties. Steeler and Kasey were loved by us all and never will be forgotten. Luckily you both have those memories and know that even thought their lives were not always with you and they suffered so much because of mean thoughtful people there last years were full of love and comfort and they knew they were the Queens of the household. That is a lot more than many get and though we can’t rescue them all, those we do give their whole heart to us. They know they will never be hurt and though Stirfry plays with me as if she wants to kill , I trust her and she will stop and press her head into my hand and accept chin scratches. Her puss is a soft growl but to me it is comforting. Torties give 110% to everything they do. Be it love us or protect us they are truly loyal.
Sorry but spell check does not always put what I want
Substitute Thoughtless people and Her purr is a soft growl.
I have to really learn to proofread better before I hit submit comment.
No editing allowed on here.
Editor’s comment: only the site editor gets to edit – and this comment has been edited to remove a colorful word. Let’s keep this site G-rated, please. 🙂
Thanks for the comments.
Jay, I know what you mean, I have had more than my share of spelling and proof reading incidents, here.
You think you have it bad, Jay – I’m from the “just spell it like it sounds, it’s ok as long as we know what you mean” educational theory of the 60’s. They left off, “and the world will think you’re an idiot…” Still, I spell better than Brooke does.
Harry, I hope you didn’t have Brooke proofread your latest book.
A Torties sense of humor might seriously damage your reputation ( yes – it can get worse) 🙂
Bernie and I were at Walmart, bought some cat items, a new Trac phone for Bernie and some exercise pants for me that fit over my bandage. We went to Arby’s after for dinner and when we came out Bernie said “Look at that cute little Jeep” . It was a newer jeep but compared to her Commander next to it, it did look small. I told her that when it grows up it will look like hers. 🙂
Jeep owners are funny.
We got home and I used my crutches to get to my steps. I think there are 14. I used 1 crutch to hop up all the way. Bernie followed me to make sure I did not fall down. Bernie came up 13 steps and promptly fell down. I don’t know too many Truckers or Drill Instructors but apparently Bernie does because the language I heard sounded like what one of them would have used. (or maybe a Tortie)
This is all true. However the language I used I heard from “lawyers” and Union Contract negotiating. Those lawyers and judges use some tough language. I just picked it up from them. Or I picked it up from Stirfry this past week. She has been saying some things I am sure beat any words I may have said. Jay, I am certain knows a lot of those words. um um
Ingrid,
I have a question you may be able to help me with. Just curious, what percentage of cats are torties? I tried googling this question but could not find an answer. Thanks for your help.
Have a great day!
That is a good question, Bobbie! If I find the answer, I will let you know!
Bernie has taken good care of me. Today I had a occupational therapist stop by and give me suggestions as to how to get around. This is my house and I have gotten around while sick, chasing cats, slightly tipsy and in total darkness. Really did not need that but she was nice and loved my animals. Bernie took Styx to the vet as she had been throwing up and was looking thin. We thought Thyroid. We are lucky as she has teeth problems (along with an overbite) that prevents her from chewing her food completely. We will give her soft cat food till she gains weight and can go thru the tooth pulling procedure. On the way back Bernie picked up a chicken sub at Subway. Most of you know I like very spicy hot food (so does Stirfry) and as we shared the sub I asked her if they had put the hot sauce on it, as it tasted really good. She said yes. I then asked if it was on the whole sub or just my half. Her red face and lack of breath told me that it was on both sides. Styx did not come up as usual to share our meal so she must have known. As I sit here typing Bernie sees to be in pain and she said her burp even burned. I can highly recommend Subways Sriracha Sauce.
Need to name a tortie “Sriracha.”
I see that you’ve realized the wisdom of not letting Bernie cook for you, after you’ve teased her so.
Thanks Harry. I really don’t like to cook. So now Jay, when I cooked his breakfast, asked me to taste it first. I won’t be cooking to much. Now I can sit back and order in. 🙂
I guess the nest Tortie will be called “Sriracha”. Now that is going to have to be one tough kit with loads of Tortitude.
Jay, I’m sitting here with tears streaming down my face and shaking with laughter. You have a way with words … you should write a book (or a newspaper column). Poor Bernie – I LOVE HOT FOOD – but I always sympathise with people who don’t … even if I don’t understand them! I’m going to keep an eye out for that sauce!
Same here Marg. I never understood those that choke on sauce that just tingles to me. A place that sell great wings near me has killer hot wings and Bernie almost died when she ate one. The she saw Stirfry working her way thru her 3rd one and licking her lips. The sauce is available in the stores according to the net and I will get some. Might have it thru the Subway chain. And Harry’s idea of a Tortie name “Sriracha” sure sounds like a great idea. Bernie has put up with a lot and has been Sentenced to be stuck with me. She must have been really bad in a previous life.
I surprise her every day and I get “That Look” a lot.
Marg, That is the hottest sauce I have ever had. I don’t really like real spicy foods, but I will try them once. This time I was shopping and rushing around so when I order this foot long sub, the clerk wanted to know if I wanted this sauce on the whole sub. “Dummy Me” “Yes, please and add a little extra”. My lips are still burning and I will have to find something to eat later, if for no other reason than to get the taste of that stuff out of my tastebuds “if they are still there”. Jay is like no one else, for that you can be certain. His own Mum, calls to talk to me to see how he is doing 2x’s a day. He uses his quick wit on her and she just gets so darned confused by him. After totally confusing his Mum he will always, when I am here, hand me the phone and say Mom wants to talk to you. Sure.
So goes our day.
Styx was an angel at the vets. I knew she had a problem, but I was afraid it was thyroid. I am so very happy that is not her issue. She will be fed wet food until she is stronger. She had been regurgitating her food, unthawed. So she need to build up her Taurine. Something that is not in “people food” only in food for cats. So she will be having her meals in the bathroom from now on. I discussed this with Jay, so after I go home he will continue to feed and water her in the room alone. I get upset quickly when the little ones seem to be having a problem
Once the vet is comfortable with her strength she will have the bad teeth removed. Those darn teeth are why she swallows dry cat food whole then has to give it back.
Get well soon Styx! so sorry she is not feeling well.
She should not be eating dry food anyway – no cat should. Here’s why: https://ingridking.com/2010/04/05/the-truth-about-dry-cat-food/
It is true that cats need taurine in their diet. It occurs naturally in organ meat, but most commercial cat foods, especially the lower end brands, don’t have enough organ meat in it, so it’s added as a supplement. I find the connection between vomiting and “having to build up her taurine” interesting – it’s not something I’ve ever heard a vet state as a reason for postponing a dental procedure. Is there something else that showed up in Styx’ bloodwork that is cause for concern?
Bernie,
I just read the tribute to Steeler and the story of how you came to have Freedom and her kittens. I didn’t know it was possible to smile and cry at the same time! What an inspiring story. I am so very sorry for your losses but also so very happy for your gains! You must be an incredibly strong woman to go through all you did in such a short time. I will remember you in my prayers tonight and often.
I personally am an “empty nester” after being a single parent to my daughter since she was 3 years old with no family in the area. Its been tough at times and since my daughter (now 22) moved out over a year ago I have had some very lonely nights here. If it weren’t for Pixie and Leo there are times I think the sadness would have become too much. They constantly make me laugh and I talk with them as if they were human all day, every day. I work from home so its just me and them 24/7 and for some people it would be boring but for me, as long as I have the kids here, I will be fine.
I wholeheartedly believe that pets can and do save lives (especially emotional lives) and I am always comforted by my pets. I am so glad that the universe found a way to put some more little heartbeats into your life after such loss. Bless you and them every day!
Bobbi, Thank you for your very kind thoughts and words. Yes I have been thru unbelievable losses. I did not have to go thru my losses alone. Ingrid, Harry, Bernadette, Jay and some others on here were there for me 24 hours a day. I can tell you, that I leaned on them for help and I will love them always. After the loss of Steeler, it felt as tho everything in my world was being lost. I called Bernadette late at
night and she let me cry my eyes out. Jay was there for me and still is. These are the kind of wonderful folks that are on this site. There are still times when some on here can sense my down time and reassure me, in their own way, that they are there for me.
My new family of furhabies are wonderful and keep me going. None will replace Steeler, but each of them in their own way give me a reason to smily and many times just LOL.
I know your feeling of full filament of being alone and having your little ones there to help show you the way. They are priceless and always there with a purr when you need it. I am so happy you have those two to be with you.
Hello again to all, thanks for all the information. I have a few more questions for anyone out there who might care to help me with tortie behavior. Ive had many cats before Pixie but none with her quirky likes/dislikes.
Some of the things she does: wants me to “hold her hands” when she lies in my lap…..snores like there is no tomorrow…..likes to hide her entire tiny face in my hand when she is on my lap….pets ME more than I pet HER…..and many more idiosyncracies. Maybe some of your cats do the same?
Also, Pixie is very tiny… just about 6 pounds soaking wet and tiny all over. Her name suits her well. I don’t know much of her birth/kitten years… the family I took her from had got her from a shelter when she was about one year old. I have no medical care history on her either. I know she is fixed and under my care she has received all her shots and well pet check ups.
She also has a funny and cute way of playing at times.. she gets her favorite bright orange mousie (between her and Leo they have about 50 toys but Pix always goes for orange mousie),,, she gets on the lowest shelf of a small table I have and bats mousie around between the legs of the table…sort of creating her own obstacle course! Its adorable and I am always surprised how she can go from snoring for HOURS to suddenly flying through the air with mousie! LOL
She is just so darn cute. Thanks all for listening/reading. I am really enjoying sharing about our collective cats….
Have a great night!
Welcome Bobbie and Pixie. Pixie sound like your typical Tortie (to me) and to telling all other family members that she is the boss. I have 3 types of them. Tabatha, my Calico/Tortie w White who only hisses when confronted. Styx, my typical Tortie who lets everyone know who the boss is and holds a stiff paw to swat those that displease her and Stirfry – a rare type of Tortie that the word Tortitude was created to describe. After 13 plus years she is still Feral, is aggressive to any cat ( or other animal) and want to be a “only” cat. You will find many wonderful people on Ingrid’s blog with loads of cat knowledge and many interesting cats and other animals that put up with them. There are a few Tortie only families, some multi cat and rescue people and a few like me that collect all animals – I have 5 cats, 2 mini horses and a mini donkey. I found a girlfriend on her who thinks I am using her t get to her 4 cute kitties ( I really wanted to get her famous Tortie Steeler) who was Stirfry’s equal.
Jay, thank you for the nice welcome. Pixie and I appreciate your kindness. I have been reading about your three kids…..they sound wonderful as well as the rest of your menagerie! I do have a question you might be able to help me with, it is normal for a tortie to bite themselves/pull fur when stressed? Ive never had a cat do that before Pixie. When I first took her in she had bitten herself to bleeding skin along the base of her tail and it took months and months for that to heal.
Since then only once has she started to bite again and it was after she was sick with an upper respiratory infection and I am wondering if this is a stress reaction in torties. Have you heard of this before? She is fine now and hopefully will not start biting again but it was pretty severe when she was biting herself. As she is older, I give her treats with glucosamine/chondroitin and that seems to help her with her stiffness and she has a great diet and health care overall…. any ideas on what makes her bite herself at times?
Thanks for any info you might have….
P.S. Is Steeler from Pittsburgh by chance? That is my home town and I just LOVE the name!!!!
Hey Bobbi, a big welcome to the site. Your Pixie sounds like she is all Tortie. Her one-ownership is right on. I know all about the hissing when another fur baby walks (runs) by. You are great for taking them in. I now have 4 fur babies. Freedom,( a russian blue),, Liberty (a gray/silver tiger tabby), Justice ( Tortie) and Dajudge (Tortie) fondly called DJ. Freedom is the momma to Liberty and Justice and grand mom to Dajudge. She is really a Tortie in disguise. The hissing in my house comes from Freedom. Justice is starting to show her “fortitude” but Dajudge is just so darn sweet and loving, no fortitude in her at all.
Steeler was my Tortie who helped to write the book on Tortitude and then some. She would never tolerate another cat anywhere, in the house or even on the porches. Yes she was near Pgh and she would have made the Steelers run for cover. Being a huge Steeler fan, my black and gold Tortie would have no other name. Jay’s Stirfry is her equal. Also on here we have Glen who rescued his very precious Tortie named Kasey, who also passed right after Steeler. Kasey too, was in the book definitions of Tortitude. Stirfry of course is still telling Jay to get those other cats out of his home. Now our friend Harry, on here also, has 5 fur babies. He has a Tortie named Brooke. Now Brooke, Stirfry, Kasey and Steeler are all bad a– Torties. Kasey and Steeler are together over the rainbow bridge. Every time I hear thunder, I always say Steeler is rearranging things. Jay broke his leg and I have been here to help him. Stirfry is making nice with me, but trust me, under no circumstances do I look away from her. I have held her several times and she accepts that, buy not for long. I believe I am the only other living human, who has been able to hold Stirfry and live.
I am really glad you found the site. We talk about a lot of things.
I can address the hair pulling, because Freedom (not my Torties) was doing that. I took her to the vet and found out it was a dermatology problem. She needs assistance with it every so often. I would start there with your vet first. There is a reason for hair pulling. Torties don’t just pull their fur. All cats will pull their fur and there is usually a underlying reason for it.
“6” furbabies 😉
Oops, 6. Baby Henry, how could I forget that baby. 🙂
6 for now.
Come tomorrow ??? 😛
Hi Harry! you have SIX babies???? that’s a lot of fur! I sometimes think I would like to have more than the two I have now but as they don’t get along that well I spend a lot of time giving them each their “special time” with mommy and I wouldn’t want a new baby to add to the confusion and possibly not get the time deserved by all. I am so glad to have found this site so I can finally understand what is going on with Pixie, my tortie. I thought she was just an angry old lady and now I know that is just part of what makes her a beautiful tortie.
Thanks for writing and hugs to your six kitties. Have a great day!
Yes, Bobbie, six. We’ve had as many as 7. I don’t actually recommend that! But, we are heavily involved in rescue, and some of them just stay… And the reason I don’t recommend it is because our tortie Brooke has drawn the line – everyone who entered after 2008 gets bullied and ends up living in a separate part of the house.
Hi Bernie! Thank you so much for writing. Your family sounds wonderful! Im sorry that you and others have lost some kitties over the bridge. My Ashie is there as well and I miss her every day. She was a beautiful grey Maine Coon and the first cat I got since childhood. She was also pretty testy at times but we learned to live with it and loved her to bits.
After hearing all these things about torties I now have a whole new understanding of my Pixie. I had always thought she was being mean because she had been somewhat neglected at her old home and was “acting out”. Now that I know these behaviors are “hard-wired” I can really understand her more and kind of feel bad that I didn’t realize this was her nature,,,,, I thought she was just a mean old lady. She can be lovable at one minute, lying in my lap and purring like crazy and then BANG, she bites me…..lol…..I have learned to deal with it but the constant hissing and growling at poor Leo has really beat him down spiritually. He would love nothing more than to be her friend and she will have absolutely NOTHING to do with him……However, when Leo was sick with gastroenteritis and pancreatitis, guess who never left his side? (well, by a few feet at least)…lol….
I am so very glad I found this site to better understand my little girl. It makes her all that more precious to me. I only with Leo could understand that its not HIM, its HER!!! lol
Have a great day.
Bobbie, here is Ingrid’s article that helped make Steeler famous.
https://ingridking.com/2012/04/30/a-tribute-to-steeler/
under it you will see links to Bernie’s rescue of Justice, Liberty and Freedom along with an story of our friend Bernadette and her Tortie- Cookie. Cookie and Kelly were her famous Torties.
We count Bernadette and Harry along with Ingrid as our “Go to experts”. They know more about cats due to fostering and working in the medical field than we will ever know. Other of us on here know Torties thru experience and as Bernie has said Glen with Kasey, her with Steeler, Harry with Brooke and by “gentle” Stirfry have aught other how truly wonderful but dangerous a Tortoishell cat can be. Bernie and I found Ingrid’s blog trying to find out what was wrong with our cats. Genetic make up creates the coloring and temperament. Stir could (and still does) go from sweet and nice to a full blown terror and back in milliseconds. Welcome to the club.
Bobbie, here’s more information on excessive grooming in cats: https://ingridking.com/2013/09/16/excessive-grooming-cats/
Thank you for the link Ingrid…That sounds like Pixie’s stress over-grooming exactly! The only two times she has bitten herself to bleeding were when I first saved her and after she had been ill. Two very stressful times for her. I also think the glucosamine/chondroitin helps her as she has some arthritis in her hind legs and possibly the biting/grooming her tail area was due to some pain.
She seems to be fine now. She really is a beautiful little girl. The next time my daughter comes to visit I will have her help me to post a picture of Pixie here. Maybe a picture of my boy Leo as well. I don’t know how to do those things on my own…lol.
Have a wonderful day and thank you again for helping me to better understand Pixie. They are all so precious.
Hello fellow Tortie lovers, I have just come across your site and love reading all the comments. I have a little tortie girl named Pixie. She had belonged to a family down the street who had a daughter that was friends with my daughter. My kid Marissa came to know and love Pixie from visiting the family.
A few years ago, they divorced and the mom and kids moved to a place where they could not take their animals. The father was to stay in the neighboring home and take care of the animals. Well, poor little Pixie was so sad missing her family that she quickly sought out my daughter Marissa and our home and staked her claim. At first she would visit daily for hugs and treats but then it seemed she didn’t want to go home (or her home was not kind to her).
I eventually got in touch with the mother who had moved away and asked if I could take Pixie in to live with us. She has been here now for five years. Pixie is about 14 years old now, a nasty old lady. She has a love/hate relationship with Leo, her 7 year old tabby brother. She is very, very vocal; hissing at poor Leo every time he walks by but she loves to sit in my lap. She is a sweet old girl and I am glad we were able to give her a loving home for her last years.
Its nice to read about the other torties. She is my first but will not be my last. They are great kids!
Welcome to our community of tortie lovers, Bobbie. Pixie is a lucky girl! Please post a photo of her on our Facebook page (link in the sidebar), we’d love to see her.
Thank you Ingrid for the nice welcome. I’m so glad I found your site. I am having a blast reading all the comments about the kitties. I will be back often!
Jay’s ortho surgeon has instructed him to stay off his on bed rest with elevated leg or recliner with legs up. No walking around and only a very light touch of his leg on the floor when he has to move around with a walker or the crutches. He has been ok so far, but he has only been home since Saturday evening. Today Styx nor Stir left him at all. Styx was laying on his foot area of his leg boot. Jay made asked me to pull the sock back onto his foot, no problem.
Well I guess Torties are a lot smarter than a lot of non cat people know. Styx at that very moment decided to mark her territory on his boot by rubbing the sides of her mouth against it, so I waited for her to complete her ownership of Jay. Then out of the blue she grabbed his sock by the toes and her teeth made Jay howl. She looked as if to say “what”? The she put her nose down aside the inside of the boot and the bottom of his foot and repeated her nip. Well at that point I, of course was laughing to hard to do much (he had it coming). He yelped that time and Styx decided she had did what he wanted and went back to doing her sweet routine. Jay was really, let me say it this way, he did not laugh. See if you guys pick on your care giver, revenge will come from the most unlikely sources.
I believe he saying “never trust a Tortie” is most appropriate here. 🙂 Right Jay, (when he awakens that is). 🙂
Bernie, you two have had me laughing at my desk for the past couple of hours. I’m not sure which one of you will win, but the contest is fun!
Jay, I guess no one will ever tell you to “break a leg” !
Hey all, it has been a very eventful week. My hearing is mostly gone for high frequency so I cannot hear my brake indicators on my Saturn. So when I could feel the pads grinding I knew I would have to replace them ASAP. I bought new pads on Tuesday and did not have time to put them on before work. Wed morning I went out at 9 am and took the passenger front wheel off, had a C-clamp and socket and ratchet ready to remove the brake cylinder. Then it decided to rain. Put everything away and the wheel back on and went inside. 15 minutes later the rain had stopped and the sun was out. Back out with the tools and 10 minutes later had the wheel off and pads removed. The outside pad was totally gone and the front disc had groves in it. Put new pads on and everything back and torqued down. Decided to replace the other side so repeated the process and had trouble with the inside bolt that holds the brake cylinder on. The bottom bolt broke loose but the top bolt snapped off. Damn. Well, I tightened the bottom bolt, put the wheel back on and called my mechanic. He said to bring it in Thursday morning at 9 am. I went to work Wed night and the temp dropped to 5 degrees with high winds (50 mph gusts). The next day trash cans were in the street and my neighbors plastic roof top carrier was in my driveway. When I went to leave I moved it to the side in my yard. Went to my mechanic and within they had a new bracket on my car with new pads and I was on my way home. Roads were icy with patches crossing the roads and some areas where the whole 1 lane covered for over 100 yards at a steep area where snow melt from 59 degree temps on Tuesday had melted it. At one point I had to back up to let a semi go down the hill. As I got home I saw the carrier had blown back into my driveway. By then it was 10″30 I stopped my car at the bottom and got out and carried it up to my neighbors yard. Set it back in his trailer and walked down to my car. Not looking down I stepped on a sheet of ice and went down. As soon as I looked at my leg I knew it was broken. A leg should not stick out at a right angle. As soon as I moved it I knew it was broken as I could feel the bones rubbing together. I was able to drag myself over to the car and pick my leg up and put it in the car. I used a snow broom/ice scraper to push the accelerator and drive to the top of my driveway. My plan was to crawl to my basement and get inside and call 911. As I got out of the car I realized I was facing the wrong way and to even turn around I would pass out. And the temp then was 10 degrees. So I somehow got back into my car and was able to turn around and drive to the bottom of my driveway. I waved at the 1st car that went by but they did not stop. The next car did not either and my leg was starting to shake bad. The 3rd car ( a SUV) came down the road and I had the window down and was blowing my horn, waving the snow brush and motioning the driver to stop and come back. Luckily he did and I asked him to call 911.ithin 10 minutes an ambulance was there and 2 guys helped me onto a stretcher and on my way to the hospital. They cut off my pants leg and took me back for X-Rays. Apparently asking you to move your shattered leg for a better view is not a stupid question to ask.
I was taken to a rom with a boot on my foot but they gave me an IV with the most wonderful stuff. Catnip for people I guess. By 5:50 I was headed into surgery. Don’t remember much after that but they made an incision at my knee and put a rod down thru my leg and 2 screws at top and bottom.
I came home from the hospital on Sat evening and my kitties were really happy to see me. Stir had been nice to Bernie and Frankie looked like skin and bones he had missed so many meals.
What an experience!
The weather was quite wild here on those days, last week, too. There’s never a good time for an incident, but cold ups the risk a lot.
It was sure a good thing they stopped for you.
I hope thing start to improve and mend.
Jay, you poor thing! Hopefully you are on the mend now and getting lots of extra love from all of those around you (feline and non-feline!). Cheers, Marg.
Thanks Marg, Bernie is playing nurse. Hope she is better at that than cooking. 🙂
Oooh … watch out Jay, Bernie might break your other leg!
Marg, please make allowances for Jay, he is under the influence of pain meds and does’t know food from crap at this point. 😛
I’m fairly certain Jay did this on purpose, to get even with a certain someone who pulled a similar stunt a while back. Get well soon, Jay… before Bernie poisons you.
Awe my fiends. :_P
You two are a brilliant match of wits … !
I have all mine but my opponent is half armed 😛
Jay is out like a light. No I did not put his lights out – at least not yet. He will answer for his half wit, wittiness another day. 🙂
Good grief, what an experience! Hope you heal quickly, Jay.
I’m glad you’re home, Jay. What a nightmare! Sending lots of healing energy your way. The frequency of a cat’s purr is the same frequency that heals bones and muscles. I’m pretty sure a tortie’s purr is even more powerful than other cats’, so you should be on the mend in no time! 😉
So sorry to hear about your injury Jay. I am glad to hear that Bernie is there to help you out and care for you and your furry babies. Keep us updated on your progress.
What a perceptive tortie.
I was totality unaware my hair needed grooming at 3:30 Am, this morning.
But Gigi noticed it and was right on it.
Tee hee!
What would we do without them?
Ah, that is adorable! I’m sure it is reassuring to you to know that thanks to your attentive kittie, you are well-groomed 24/7! I have a tortie who does her best to make sure my shirt sleeves and jeans are well-groomed when she is being held. She seems to take it in stride that my husband and I keep changing our fur color every day. (“Those humans are weird. But whatever. Just keep the Temptations treats coming!”)
We have a MALE Tortie, his name is Terror. We were told he was a female and never bothered checking. When he went to be spayed we got a call saying she had testicles, and they had to do an exploratory to make sure there was not a uterus also. It was the first male tortie this vet had seen in 30 years. We have had Terror, and very appropriately named I might add, since 2003, he turned 11 New Years day. He has had two surgeries because he kept finding threads or string to eat and we almost lost him due to that. We have 13 cats but Terror is the one that everyone wants to take home. He introduces himself to everyone who comes over and usually will end up on their lap if they let him. He is very lovable, loves to cudddle. He is a long haired Tortie also, though he was named sparkle, when we got him home and let him out of the carrier he ran around the house, up the stairs,down the stairs and into every room, so I jokingly called him Terror until we found a name for him, little did we know that Terror was the right name for him, but we quickly saw it suited him to a T, for TERROR LOL. He is a beautiful cat.
That is so cool that you have one of those rare male torties, Sassy. He sounds like a wonderful cat. And what a perfect name for a tortie…LOL…! Feel free to post photos of him on our Facebook page (link in sidebar), we’d love to see him.
Terror is the perfect name for a Tortie. Does he have Tortitude? We have all types on Ingrid’s blog, Some shy, some friendly, some with a little attitude and a few that all other animals (and humans that know better) stay away from. I have 3 and all fit in 1 of those CATagories. And you have a MALE.
Ingrid – they are so plentiful – why can’t I find one. That’s 4 for on here I think.
I am not sure if he has that tortitude, he is so friendly to everyone, he is very persistent when he wants something though. He will keep coming to me until I follow him to where he wants me to go whether it is to give him more food, water, or to a toy he wants to play with. At night he comes up on the bed and has to lay near me and I have to hold his paw or he will not stay still. HE SNORES THOUGH! I have to keep waking him up, I feel like putting my CPAP machine on HIM LOL. He is very friendly with all of our other cats, he is the one cat that gets along with all but one cat who nobody gets along with, she is a witch! He will tolerate her if she comes on the bed though and behaves. She is the one who damaged his eye by attacking him, she got him right in the eye and he went through therapy for months but now his eye is all cloudy, we don’t know for sure if he can see out of it or not.
He is the one cat that everyone falls in love with within minutes of entering our house. He does not like medicine, his tortititude shows then, he will walk around and spit for a half hour after we give him liquid medicine, if we give him a pill he isn’t as bad but he will spit some.
Oh how jealous I am. A male Tortie who lives up to his name of Terror. Your story of how you thought you had a female is not unusual tho rare. I really like the idea that he is a friendly Tortie. I had my Tortie Steeler, and she was one of a kind. I would lovingly refer to her as “my little Terrorist”.She passed away almost 2 years ago. So seeing this little one called Terror, I love it.
One good thing is that you don’t have to change his name!
I had the opposite happen years ago with a solid black long haired kitty that my grandmother said was a boy. I was quite surprised the first time that HE went into heat! I decided to keep her name even though it was Sanchez as she knew her name by then and I didn’t want to confuse her.
All my grandmother had to say (in her southern dialect) was “I’m sorry darlin’, I must have not had my readin’ glasses on that day”…..lol
Happy Valentine’s to all our fur babies and their humans. <3
Piper spent the night at the vet last night, she got into some ribbon from a toy that no one plays with. Luckily Mom caught her throwing up the ribbon and took her immediately to the vet. They x-rayed her and did not see the ribbon but thought that she would be okay. She stayed overnight and did not throw up, and used the box regularly. Our vet let her out this morning for some exercise. She’s ready to pick up, but unfortunately we won’t be able to get her until tomorrow as we have over a foot of snow in our way. So lucky that she was okay, but very scary.
Thank goodness your mom saw her throwing up that ribbon! I’m glad she’s doing fine, but so sorry you can’t get to her. Too much snow!
Rachel that news sounds good for Piper. I agree that she should stay overnight again. You folks don’t need to be trying to get out in this storm. Hope everyone is well.
Glad Piper’s home and okay! There are so many things that could happen. I think I’ve hidden all the plastic wrapping of any sort from Mr. Sunshine and he finds something I forgot! You have enough cases on your hands now anyway.
Piper IS home! (Bernadette saw my facebook post.) The vet said she could leave, and it had just started to snow again, so I figured it was now or never. The vet is less than 10 minutes away. Yes, it has certainly been a rough year so far. I don’t even know if I mentioned here that Vickie had stopped eating for a few days – some stomach virus which required veterinary intervention as well.
I saw Piper was home on your FB page. Sure does help friends keep in touch. Glad your little fluffy Calico is home with her family. You sure had had a lot of Vet visits lately. I hope things settle down and you can get back into your looking for another foster to fail with.
I am really glad you have Piper back home. I am sure Bobby could not wait to play with her again. You have had a great deal of issues so far, but you handle each as it comes with great concern. Your family takes better care of your fur babies than you all do for yourself. Those are some very lucky little ones. No I did not see you FB yet.
Rachel, how scary. Gracie swallowed a short length of ribbon once (one of the ones that gets sewed into garments to help hang them – I had cut them off and one dropped onto the floor. She pounced on it like a flash!). I was beside myself. I rang the RSPCA to ask for advice as I knew our vet would not be at his surgery and they recommended taking her in immediately and had me trembling in my boots. I then managed to get our vet – he is fantastic and definitely the voice of reason and reassurance. He told me as long as she was eating and pooping OK not to worry too much. What these kitties put us through! Glad to hear that all is well with Piper now too. Hope your snow stops soon!
Hi all. Most of you know I have had a bit going on. Well you know I have 2 Torties, a gray tiger tabby and their Mom, Freedom a Russian Blue. So here is something I have never seen from my fur babies. But then Liberty, my gray tiger tabby is a rotten ornery fellow. Here is his latest surprise. Enjoy.
Well I have had this cold hit me. I have been knocked down fast by this darn thing. So bed and plenty of liquids. OK I can do that. But then I decided to have some peaches in heavy syrup. I put the bowl on my bed stand and went to get a spoon. Well I came back in and guess what. This beautiful gray tiger tabby was drinking all the sweet peach juice. Yep,Liberty has a sweet tooth, Who would have guessed? LOL
Sorry for giving you my cold. Did not realize germs could travel over phone wires. Must be this new technology. Liberty was glad you brought him peaches but wondered why you did not get some for yourself.
Very funny Mr. Jay. The next time I will be sure to drain the peach syrup for Liberty and I will eat the peaches.
Peaches … my goodness. Gracie has discovered KFC chicken. I had my gallbladder out 7 years ago and had been scared to eat it since then. During our recent heatwave it was too hot to consider cooking so we decided to chance it. It is the only human food that Gracie has EVER been interested in. A couple of small titbits and she was in kittie heaven!
Marg I just read you post. Your Gracie’s love of KFC brings back so many good memories. My Steeler truly loved KFC. I would go and buy her 2 pieces and feed her small amounts at a time. The local KFC was aware the chicken was for Steeler and if the regulars were on duty when I went in the fellow would yell back “2 chicken breasts for Steeler, on the double.” They were great about that. The day before Steeler passed I drove her over thru the drive thru at KFC and ordered her chicken. As sick as she was she lifted her little head as if to smile and say KFC mom. We came home and she had a tiny bit. Oh how I loved her and still do. So give Gracie an extra tidbit of KFC and tell her it is for Steeler.
Bernie, I will be sure to do that. AND I will tell her all about Steeler and Bernie while she is eating it! Steeler was definitely one of a kind!
Marg Steeler will always be the one and only true Steeler for me. No other of mine come close to her. Having said that, there is not a single one of my 4 I could love more than I do.
“Steeler will always be the one and only true Steeler for me. No other of mine come close to her. ”
I know the feeling.
It has been 8+ months since I lost Kasey, and I miss my Warrior Queen very badly.
Ingrid has said it is very difficult to lose the soul, or heart, cats.
Glen, I was blessed that I got to meet and befriend Steeler. She had the heart of a big cat packed into a Tortie body. So cute and adorable but the attitude of so very few cats. I was able to meet Brooke when Bernadette and Bernie joined me at Ingrid’s book signing. To complete thing would have been to meet Kasey. Thru you we all knew of her skills and fierce hunting ability and you love for her and her love of you. Unfortunately that was not to be. But her Spirit watches over you and memory will never be forgotten. She was our Warrior Queen and Torties all over the world shed a tear when she left us. Stirfry had few equals but Kasey was one.
If our 4 had ever been together the world might have ended. There can only be 1 top cat in a room and none of them would have backed down. Steelers “play date” with Pumpkin (now my Styx) proved that. When Stir enters the room all the other cats leave or wait till she is finished eating. We all know out little ones will leave us but you have seen they still watch over and guide the right cat that needs a forever home in the right direction.
“If our 4 had ever been together the world might have ended”
Absolutely, no doubt.
That would have been an unholy, unnatural event which surely would have been some form of apocalypse.
Glen, I hope when that Steeler and Kasey are over that rainbow bridge behaving like your beloved Warror Queen and my Steeler is behaving like my Little Terrorist.
I hope and pray that Brood and Stirfry stay here for a long, long time. The world needs to see them.
When their turn to cross the bridge comes, I can only imagine the storms we may hear.
Brooke was on her very best behavior when Jay met her. I believe she even allowed herself to be petted and fawned over. I will admit – she is currently undergoing chemical behavior modification – Prozac. Because after 4 years we still have been unable to successfully integrate Piper into the majority of the house. And I should add… it’s really not working that well 🙂 Can’t change a tortie.
Glen – yes, I really understand what you mean by losing your heart cat. I still grieve for Sabrina, my little stealth tortie. Bobby has really helped with the healing – but he is not Sabrina.
Harry, ” I still grieve for Sabrina, my little stealth tortie. Bobby has really helped with the healing – but he is not Sabrina.”. I understand no other kitten can ever take that special place that Sabrina, Steeler, and Kasey have burnt into our souls. Yes, Esterbrooke Shubin was on really good behavior. It was as if she had that all planned out. When Jay, Bernadette and I were there she was the best Tortie. Then again all the little ones were very well behaved. Piper was still just a little kitten who had overcome some serious health scares.
It makes my heart feel good tho, when I see Bobby curling up with Henry, as if to say, I’m here to help you”. We each seem to have been sent little blessings even when we really were looking for them.
Gigi came to Glenn and even tho she is not Kasey,she is watching over Kasey’s kingdom quite well.
She sounds like she is the “mom to all the others”. Strange how life keeps throwing these curves at us.
That’s really sweet that Gigi was concerned – she is protective of her family! They know when they’ve been rescued, and give it back x10. Henry spent a weekend in the emergency clinic two weeks ago – likely a liver infection – and when he returned home Bobby was his shadow for quite a while. Unfortunately, Henry doesn’t return the affection… and last night I was sick, went to bed at 7 p.m. and slept through to 10:30, and Henry, Bobby, Piper and Pearl guarded me all night.
I hope you feel better. Nothing like a team of feline nurses to speed up recovery.
Like Ingrid has said before. Healing Purrs speed up recovery. And with 3 nurses you should be felling better soon. Is their any validation that Tortie growls and hisses scare away bad germs ?
Harry I am hoping all the fur babies are mended or on the mend. As for the crud you caught, I know the feeling. Hope it leaves you and does not linger. Having a bed full of little ones, well that just makes you want to stay in bed a little longer to enjoy the caring and loving company.
He is on the mend now but I had to take Taz to the vet this morning.
Sometime last night, he injured his left, rear paw.
It was bleeding this morning and I did not want to take any chance. The vet is good and when I called this morning, they took him in at 10:30.
Turns out he had some how suffered an abrasion type injury between his toes.
They cleaned it up, applied a disinfectant and did a great job bandaging it, which as of 6:50 PM, is still on. they gave us pain meds and an anti inflammatory to apply after the bandage comes off, tomorrow.
When I put him in the carrier, this morning, Gigi looked all worried and came to check on him before I took him out the door.
A food dish injury ? I expect to see that from Frankie.
Glad he is going to be OK. And Gigi is a good kitty nurse.
I hope he heals quickly!
Knowing Taz, it could have been food related 😉
He kept the bandage on all night, it comes off later today.
About the only thing unusual in his behaviour is that sometimes he shakes his bandaged foot like he stepped in something.
Taz is doing well.
Bandages are off, things are healed up pretty well.
This morning, he put Tim in his place by squashing him (22 pounds versus 9 1/2 pounds).
Don’t be concerned for Tim, they are buddies, Tim is very active and does not have a good grasp of cat manners or personal space and desperately needs to be squashed. He bounces back like a cartoon character, and is soon back for more.
Glad Taz is doing better!
I’m glad to hear Taz isn’t wasting any time to let things return back to normal now that he’s feeling better!
Glen It is good to hear Taz did well. Tim is a kitten who loves to play. Sounds like Taz helps him out in that area. Glad to hear all are doing well.
Excellent news. Taz seems so much like my Pumpkin. Big and friendly and not ashamed to use his weight to put an uppity cat in his/her place. So glad he is on the mend.
Keep us updated on his health.
Too funny! Cats like Tim are unbreakable.
“Glen It is good to hear Taz did well. Tim is a kitten who loves to play. Sounds like Taz helps him out in that area. Glad to hear all are doing well.”
Tim has been good for Taz. They get along well, even if there has to be a “kitten squashing” once and a while. They interact quite a bit an I think it keeps the big fella engaged and exercised.
Gigi is quite something. Taz had to have his bandage changed, which he protested a bit. When this was being done, Gigi would sit up with a worried expression and had to be reassured all was well.
I share my life with both a calico and tortie who happen to be mother and daughter. The tortie is named Lucy and she has tortitude in spades. She is incredibly possessive of me and, at times, will hiss and growl at her mother when she is on my lap and Lucy wants to be in it. Both girls are incredibly affectionate and love to snuggle with me. Lucy likes to rub her face against mine. Ethel will rub her face against my chest. She is the epitome of sweetness and completely lacks the attitude of her daughter. Lucy is the diva while Ethel is the sweetheart.
I have had both girls since Lucy was two weeks old. I can’t imagine my life without them.
Lucy sounds like she’s all tortie, Gina-Marie! Feel free to post photos of your girls on our Facebook page (link in the sidebar) – we’d love to see them!
I’ve had my tortoiseshell, Hyacinth Bucket, for nearly three years now. Early on I stumbled across the definition of “tortitude” online and me and my roommates couldn’t stop laughing because it fits her to a T.
She’s very vocal and very possessive. When I’m home she spends almost all her time in my room with me, and she complains loudly if I don’t let her join me in the bathroom.
She doesn’t like cuddling very much, but she looooves rougher play, especially spankings. When she wants to be spanked, she sticks her butt in the air and meows until we comply. She’s not a lap cat and doesn’t like being held for very long, unless we dance around/wave her around in the air. Then she purrs very loudly and will let us do it until we get exhausted.
She once dropped her mouse toy in my roommate’s cup because he wouldn’t let her drink out of it.
She’s perfect and I love her. <3
Hyacinth Bucket (what an interesting name!) definitely sounds like she read the book on tortitude! Feel free to post pictures of her on our Facebook page (link in sidebar), we’d love to see her.
I adopted last January, what I thought was just a pound kitty..Dont know much about cats, just was dropping off some donations to the local shelter, when I walked past her cage, she reached her paw out to grab at my shirt as I walked by. The shelter worker said “oh my, she must like you, I have never seen her come out of the corner of that cage in the 2 weeks she has been here, that made me stop and look at her. I then noticed there was a padlock on her cage door and I asked the lady, why the lock she stated, well the kitten has been so skiddish we just dont want anyone opening the cage and her getting out. I asked was she from a litter and she said no, she was found inside an abandoned house. I stated to her, well she reached her paw out to me, could you allow me to hold her, she said we can try, but everytime someone attempts she retreats to theback of the cage. She then went on to say, shes gonna be a hard adopt cause she is not a very friendly kitten. She then took the lock off the door and I notice the kitten retreat to the back. I walked up to the cage and with much hesitation I put my hand into the cage, the kitten looked at me and without hesitation began to walk towards my hand. My heart was beating 100 miles an hour, cause I just knew she was either going to bite me or escape. She pressed her head against my hand, so I began to pet her, I then slowly and gently picked her up and brought her outside of the cage. I put her up againstmy chest and held her tolet her know she was safe and within seconds she was purring…needless to say I left that day with her.. I didnt realize till this week when I took her to vet for update on shots that she is just not a mixed kitten as the shelter named her, the vet said you have a very nice looking tortoiseshell kitten. I saida what, so the vet said go home and google you will find that you have a very special cat..well I already knew that I had a special cat, but now I know why she is so vocal and avery loyal cat. When I leave for work I get my morning kiss goodbye as she lays on the arm of the couch closest to the door and when I return home, sheis in the same spot. I love my tortoiseshell. She got hername Brooklynn cause when she meows, I swear I hear a little brooklyn NY accent…I enjoyed reading everyones stories and such a proud parent of my tortoiseshell cat
Your story of how Brooklyn choose you brought tears to my eyes, Laura. You two were clearly meant to be together. Feel free to post photos of her on our Facebook page (link in the sidebar), we’d love to see her!
Laura, welcome. It is said our Torties pick their humans. Your story of Brooklyn gives hope that more people will adopt the precious kittens. Brooklyn had your heart instantly or as they say, “in a New York Heartbeat”. Your bond sounds great and getting kisses is really a great feeling. I am truly happy to know how you and Brooklyn became a family. I am especially glad you did what your vet said and googled Tortieshell.l I believe many of us found out the same way. We all knew we had a special cat and like you we didn’t need to be told. Glad to have you here.
Laura, I love the story! It was never more obvious a cat and human were meant to be together.
I finally, just a little bit ago happened upon all of this info about Torties. I have one, and never really knew much about her/them.
She’s a domestic long hair Tortie, almost looks like a persian but not the face.
She definitely has the personality described above. She showed up on my porch last summer as a stray. I’m glad she did, I love her so much! She’s my buddy, almost always by my side when I’m home.
It’s awesome to know what she is now, and I’m proud to have her!
Oh and she also has the split face down the bridge of her nose, half black half orange. Which from reading, is quite frequent in them. 🙂
She sounds beautiful, Brad. Feel free to post pictures on our Facebook page (link in sidebar), we’d love to see her!
Welcome Brad, nice to here from another guy who was picked by a Tortie. As you will find out – they usually choose us and not us choosing them. Some take time to realize that they need a forever home and who can best care for them. My tuxie, Frankie was a feral that came to my house for food 2 years ago and was the friendliest cat. Stirfry was (and still is) a feral after 12 years. She took months to get her to even stay close to me and not run away. After lots of talking and hot dogs she came up 1 day and rubbed against my leg. She had given her trust to me and later when it got bitterly cold outside I took her in. My other cat Tabatha (a Tortie with white) told me right away there was something wrong with this devil cat and wanted nothing to do with her. My Bichon Samantha felt the same way. But a few months later Stirfry had kittens and I kept the male and named him Pumpkin. Totally the opposite of Stir. Big vs. small, gentle vs. mean. I love all my cats but Stirfry definitely has my heart. I found this blog by looking up what a Tortie was and found there were a small group like her that were pure Tortie. The few that were her equal (Kasey, Brooke and Steeler) shared their stories on here and I was luckily able to meet Ingrid and Harry and Julie Shubin. Bernie and Bernadette were my cohorts in a road trip to Virginia. We have been friends since and I have met many wonderful people on this Blog.
Brad
She is something like Gigi who I adopted at approx. 5 to 6 years old, in late Feb. 2013.
The differences are that Gigi has dark tortie markings but with a ginger face, a white spot on the chest and white feet. She is also a bit stockier, at 14 pounds (not over weight) and short legs, she is a big cat for a female.
We had heard of a situation where the wife of the couple that had her passed away and he had to move and couldn’t take her, so we took a chance on this mature girl.
She is very friendly and gets along well with everyone.
“The few that were her equal (Kasey, Brooke and Steeler) shared their stories on here”
My Kasey was the Warrior Queen, whom I lost late last May, she was 13 or 14 years old. I rescued her from one on our company’s compressor facilities when she was 8 or 9. She was the most fearless cat I have ever seen and had the tenacity and fighting skill to back it up. The 50 pound lab/pointer mix was completely afraid of her.
However, she showed affection to people with the same fierce intensity, it has been almost 9 months and I still miss her terribly.
I guess Gigi came along before Kasey passed for a reason, Gigi has been therapeutic. I had been admiring long haired torties prior to finding out about about Gigi; there has been a belief on this forum that you have to be careful, because it is possible to “conjure up” cats with too many stray thoughts. 😉
“it is possible to ‘conjure up’ cats with too many stray thoughts.”
(Cough, cough). I can’t imagine 😉
Bobby has been doing a wonderful job of integrating himself into the family. He plays with Pearl, absolutely adores Henry, and Piper is tolerating him more and more, but wishes he wouldn’t keep rubbing on her and trying to kiss her… Bobby has met Brooke several times, the latest just about 30 minutes ago. He made friendly overtures, and she was actually a little scared of him. They then both went about their business, with only a few smacks. Bobby got along with the truly fearsome tortie Martha at Animal Outreach in New Jersey – he says to Brooke, “I could handle Martha, and you’re no Martha!”
“it is possible to ‘conjure up’ cats with too many stray thoughts”
I can’t be trying hard enough then … I keep hoping that a little friend will turn up for Miss Gracie … I know my mom wouldn’t really like it if I went to a rescue shelter to get a “friend” for her … but surely if a stray kitten or cat turned up in the back yard she wouldn’t put up too much of a fight! (I mean my mom, not Miss Gracie – that would be another story).
Harry, I’m not that good about ‘conjure up’ cats – working on it but above my level (for now).
I have had some luck on healing – helped with Steeler and I am working on Henry. Would really have loved to help Kasey. She was our Warrior Queen and like Glen said she is greatly missed. I am so happy that I met Steeler and the “Shubin 7”. Tell us more about Martha. She sound interesting and maybe I have room for another Let me ask Stir. 🙂
I’m so glad I found this page! I adore cats but I too confess to being a dark torti-aholic!
Over ten years ago I adopted Britney from a family member, she was about 4 (we don’t know her true age because she had a really rough start in life and was found on a building site – bless her) – so when my sister offered – I jumped at the opportunity of being her ‘forever mummy’ when she looked like she was being cast aside yet again (poor little soul). I adore her. She has serious tortitude! She’s beastly, feisty, noisy, hilarious, unbelievably cute – you couldn’t pack anymore personality into such a dainty little girl.
Then we adopted Faith. I was originally looking for a little sister for Britney (I didn’t want to upset her by bringing a male into the pack) but I was thinking a tabby (because I grew up with a tabby cat – who I also adored) but on the day we visited the rescue centre – Faith picked us! None of the little girl kittens (tabbies included) seemed particularly interested in coming to sniff us and check us out – but this one tiny little fluff ball who was relentlessly biting my handbag with all of her might (it looked like tweety pie picking a fight with king-kong! Hilarious!)- was a tiny dark tortie who looked like what I imagine would have been the spitting image of what Britney would have been when she was a kitten. I was in love all over again.
And that’s how my two dark torties chose me…
They look so similar yet it’s amazing they are so different.
Britney is all of the above (as I said before) she loves cuddles but hates anything too lovey and not keen on laps, she’s little miss independent- it’s her way or no-way, she’s got a real huntress spirit in her, still at something like 15 years old now but she moves like lightning (Faith who is 10years her junior – has no hope of catching her when they play chase!), she’s fabulous and now that I’ve found her a ‘daddy’ – she’s made herself quite comfortably into ‘daddy’s little girl’!
Faith is soppy, loyal, goey-loving with ‘puss-in-boots doe eyes’, loves laps and cuddles in bed to wake me up in the morning but she hates to be picked up, so timid and scared of any tiny unsettling thing (compared to Britney’s nerves of steel!) and Faith is seriously just mummy’s girl – very touchy about anyone other than me.
But other than being torties what do they have in common? – manipulation! It’s so endearing. It’s not the loud ‘roaring’ (in their minds of course it’s very ferocious) that goes on at breakfast and dinner time – all cats do that as far as I know! It’s the way they silently, team up for ‘bickie times’! All cats are highly intelligent I’ve no doubt – but dark torties must be super clued-up. I can be sat on the PC, reading a book and suddenly I get that feeling ‘like I’m being watched’ I look over and quietly confident there they are; two sets of eyes silently sending telepathic messages at me “You will not be able to concentrate or go back to what you are doing until you give us bickies!” And it works! They command torti – r.e.s.p.e.c.t! And power to them they do it so well! That’s why I’m under no illusion they own me and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
They certainly make for very cheeky felines. There is never a dull moment and each day they do something new that proves they know/understand even more than we give them credit for.
xx
Britney and Faith sound like wonderful kitties – and they sure sound like they’re full of tortitude! Please post photos on our Facebook page at http://www.Facebook.com/ConsciousCat – we’d love to see them! And I love the term “cheeky” for torties – what a perfect way to describe tortitude.
Hello Ingrid, They are my babies. You’re little girl looks lovely too. I have posted a couple of photos. No doubt I will be like everyone else and have hundreds of photos… and they all seem to be of the girls – looking cute or beastly. xxx
Britney sounds just like my Pumpkin, it’s her way or no way. I’m so glad you rescued her, what an awful place to be abandoned, a construction site! And going to adopt rather than buy was a wonderful thing.
Congrats EmeraldAngel on having 2 Torties, especially 2 that get along. Ingrid and Bernie have them also. I have a Light colored but Dark Face Tortie (Styx) who will co-exist with my other cats and Stirfry (who is a Dark Tortie) who does NOT get along with anyone or any thing.
Faith and Britney sound wonderful. Keep us updated on their antics. We love talking about and hearing about these wonderful cats.
My first tortie I had with my ex-husband also chose me. The humane society had a cat room where the cats could wander freely with some chairs that people could sit in. I sat watching them roam around and soon after I sat she wandered up to me and started rubbing against my legs and let any other kitty that wandered my way know that she had chosen me. She finally jumped up in my lap as if to say let’s go home now, so we did.
Thank you all for the warm welcome, and I’m so glad I found this blog. Pumpkin is really her own cat, and such a joy to have.
Pumpkin is a beauty!
I have a tortoiseshell named Pumpkin. We took her in when her family moved and left her behind. I found her upstairs in the laundry room, and she was bouncy and playful and won my heart right then. Since, she certainly has “tortitude”! She is extremely possessive of my mother, who cannot play with our other cats, or even my parrot, without getting Tortitude. Pumpkin is very sweet when she wants to be, and hard headed when she doesn’t get her way. All in all, I’m blessed to be sharing my life with this wonderful little Tortie.
Pumpkin sure sounds like a typical tortie, Jenni!
Welcome Jenni and Pumpkin!! We love to hear stories and such about our furry babies who care mainly torties but several of us also have other kitties in addition to the torties.
You can also put pictures of Pumpkin on Ingrid’s facebook page. I personally don’t know how to do it but I’m sure another member can tell you where it is and how to do it.
Again, Welcome!
You can find out Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/ConsciousCat
Welcome Jenni. Glad you came in Ingrid’s blog. Your Pumpkin sounds perfect to me. You Mom is most likely loving the fact that she is the chosen one by your Tortie. So glad you rescued her. People who leave their pets behind speaks volumes about their character. Almost everyone of us have rescued our kittens.
I am sure Pumpkin will give you many days of enjoyment. Tell Mom she is an honoree of Torties and wish her well.
Greeting Jenni, I had a orange and white cat named Pumpkin 12 years ago. He was Stirfry’s son. Stir is my Tortie. Punky crossed the bridge a year ago and hopefully his spirit will cross over to your little one. Punky was huge but the most gentle cat. So nice that you rescued your little girl after that thoughtless family left her. She is so much better to be with you. Both you and Pumpkin are blessed to be with each other.
The article and photo
http://triblive.com/lifestyles/morelifestyles/5381214-74/cat-kazmarski-cats#axzz2q8IRbx00
Wow … congratulations Bernadette! Fantastic achievement and from Jay and Bernie’s praise I can sense it is well deserved.
Thanks, Marg!
Bernadette, Jay and I had to pay Marg to say that. Right Marg? Just kidding. Glad you are back on here Marg.
Hey there Bernie … I had two weeks off at Xmas … no internet access at home. Talk about withdrawal symptoms! I really have to get that sorted out. I’m off for a week soon (end of Jan) getting new carpet laid for Miss Gracie to tear up … !
I know about those symptoms. My parents have no internet at their home. I get home and get my system up and running to see if I missed anything.
Enjoy your week away. I bet Miss Gracie will be delighted with a whole new scratching floor 🙂
Congratulations to Bernadette
Bernie’s local paper has this Article.
Carnegie artist wins top Cat Writers’ honor for painting
By Kellie B. Gormly
Published: Friday, Jan. 10, 2014
The “Van Gogh Up Close” exhibit that ran at the Philadelphia Museum of Art contained no cat-themed paintings, but Carnegie artist Bernadette Kazmarski nonetheless got fired up with feline-flavored inspiration after a museum visit, and created award-winning paintings of her cats.
Kazmarski’s “Cats After van Gogh” art — two paintings, printed on a double-sided garden flag — won the top honor, the President’s Award, in the 20th annual Cat Writers’ Association Communications Contest.
A judge chooses from all Muse Medallion category winners, and until now, only writing entries in the contest’s 15 years have won this award, officials say.
The oil-pastel sketches sprouted from an April 2012 visit to the Philly museum. When Kazmarski came home, she saw two of her six black cats — Mr. Sunshine and Giuseppe — sitting with their backs to her on the upstairs landing, with sunlight spilling onto their fur. Black, she says, has a lot of other color undertones in it, which are visible under light. She painted one cat greenish, and the other yellowish. On the other side of the flag is the bluish-purplish portrait of her cat Mimi.
“I wanted the bright feeling,” she says. “I also wanted to indicate how I felt about” the cats, whom she says she missed while in Philadelphia.
“Van Gogh is one of my favorite artists. That sounds trite, but it’s the truth,” she says. “I love his feel for nature and also still life … I just had this head full of van Gogh.
“I’m doing cats in the way van Gogh would have done them,” Kazmarski says.
Susan Ewing, immediate past president of the Cat Writers Association, says the contest draws 300 to 400 entries in 51 categories, some of which have no entries, and others no winners. Ewing chose the Presidents Award out of the winners in each category, and the competition is keen, but Kazmarski’s artwork stood out, Ewing says.
“It was just so gorgeous, and it just seemed to capture the fluidity of a cat,” says Ewing of Jamestown, N.Y. “When they’re all good quality, when everything is fantastic, you pick the one you want to take home. I want to take home … Bernadette’s cats.”
Kazmarski, 52, who grew up in Carnegie, also writes and works as a commercial artist and graphic designer. She does sketches of cat poses at least five times a week in various forms — pastel, charcoal and others — and posts them on her blog, The Creative Cat (thecreativecat.net). She turns her art into items like greeting cards, keepsakes, prints and garden flags that are for sale.
There is a picture of her work
This paper is throughout western PA Including the Burgh that is Pittsburgh, PA Bernadette E. Kazmarski is the most humble of people I know. What a great accomplishment. She puts her heart in each piece of work she does. Congratulations, we never doubted for a minute how great you are.
Thanks for the praise, Bernie–I actually sent out a press release, and I know Kellie personally but actually getting an article in the paper instead of on a blog is pretty exciting.
I’m shooting for the other media as well!
Now that portrait is an investment!
Bernadette that portrait is a work of love. I know Jay nor I would think of it as and investment. It is a wonderful portrait. One that will never leave Jay for his lifetime. Everytime I go there it is the first thing you notice on the wall. I know Jay cherishes it. When he received it he could not believe it and did not stop smiling. He took it to all his family to show how wonderful it is. You are a wonderful and giving person. You do so much and ask for so little. <3
I’m pretty sure I’ve already congratulated you privately, but congratulations again! So well deserved.
Thanks, Ingrid!
Congratulations, Bernadette! Looking at your artwork makes it easy to see why you won this. Fantastic work!
Sorry I’m late to the congratulations…A huge congratulation to Bernadette for being a talented, strong, and wonderful furry critter mommy!
Thanks everyone–my cats are telling me to get over it, all these people who think I’m a winner don’t have to live with me like they do.
You know we can keep it up just to be ornery. 🙂
I loved Ingrid’s article about cat’s whiskers.
http://cats.answers.com/facts/fascinating-facts-about-cat-whiskers
I know Frankie grew into his and Stir has all white whiskers now but I was sure as a young cat they were all black.
Kasey’s whiskers were all black.
Taz seemed to out grow his whiskers 😉
Out of my 4 kitties three of which are the same age within a few months of each other and the fourth one is a year younger than the others. One of my black kitties, Janet had pure black whiskers up until a couple of years ago and they slowly one by one started turning pure white. She now has one or two black ones remaining.
Brooke has all black whiskers, except one *curly* white one. We refer to that one as the “evil” whisker, and blame it for all her tortitude.
Ruby and Allegra both have a single white whisker on the same side, the rest are black. I call it the “philosopher’s whisker,” but maybe it is a tortie thing?
Hey gang, The Steelers lost out on the chance to go to the Super Bowl, but the New Orleans Saints won so there still is a chance to cheer for the Black and Gold.
Go Saints !!!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree. New Orleans also wear the colors of the Tortie. Also, New Orleans has some really great food!!!
Very Spicy. Both Stirfry and myself like that.
Only cat I ever saw that would eat hot wings that made the other cats run.
So we will be cheering them on and chowing down on Southern food.
Hello, Tortie Family! This is my New Year’s Story. Most of you know that I’m a black cat fan, and that one of our black cats, Sabrina, died suddenly last summer at just 4 years old, taking a piece of my heart with her for she was a very special kitty who had adopted me when I couldn’t *imagine* having a 6th cat. A few weeks after Sabrina died, we were at our vacation home in Cape May, NJ, and stopped into the local animal rescue where our daughter volunteers. That day, they had four traps sitting in their lobby, with 4-week old feral kittens that had just been trapped at the little local airport. I lifted the sheet on one, and a frightened little black ball of fur hissed at me.
We returned at Thanksgiving, and I petted a few of the cats as they milled about, and a small, sleek black cat took a liking to me and was very friendly. I even picked him up for a cuddle, and got a nose bump. It was Bobby, that same little kitten.
Over the course of the next month, I wore the family down. The agreement was, if he was not as affectionate and attached to me when we saw him this week, I wouldn’t take him. And – he was not affectionate. We decided we’d foster him, and see how he was at the house here, and if he was not affectionate, we wouldn’t adopt him. He was very frightened. He hid under the bed – actually, up inside the frame – for two days. And then, on New Year’s Eve – it was as if he found us and remembered who we were. He came out, rolled over for tummy rubs, and loved everyone.
“Bobby” was our other black cat Henry’s original name before we adopted him. This Bobby looks exactly like Sabrina. Since Monday, we have discovered that Bobby’s birthday is the same as Julie’s mother’s. Bobby was trapped near the airport – Monday, on the way to Petsmart to get supplies, going a way that I’d never gone before because we had an errand out that way – we drove by the little airport – before then, I’d had no idea where it was. Basically, after all those signs, we realized that this Bobby was not going to stay adopted by anyone unless they were experienced cat people, who have worked with frightened almost-ferals before. I will go today to sign the papers.
I can’t help but think that Sabrina wanted us to help another black cat who really needed us.
The kitty gods were watching after him and you. Been following this on FB. So happy to see a New Year start out with a Great Story. Happy New Year Bobby Shubin. You hit the jackpot.
If ever an adoption was meant to be, this is the one. Congratulations on your new family member. I have a feeling Sabrina is smiling.
Harry, I can read the happiness in your New Year’s story. Bobby is a special kitten and he has a special family to love him forever.
I know he will fit in with the other fur babies. How could he not. He is a loving little guy. This is one lucky little guy.
As a fellow parent to two black kitties, you made an excellent choice. In fact the picture you posted yesterday on Facebook reminded me of one of my black kitties, Janet. She has the blackest and shiniest coat I have ever seen on a kitty. In fact if she is laying next to my other black kitty Brad, he looks brown compared to her since she is so dark.
I also would like to wish everyone here and their loved ones and furry babies a happy, healthy, safe and prosperous New Year.
Jay Davenport and I would like to take this time to wish all of you a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year.
Thank
Best wishes for 2014 for everyone here.
Happy New Year, tortie family! May it be filled with health, happiness and purrs!
Gigi has a new behaviour; in the morning when I am waking up, she bites my hands and arms, anywhere they are exposed.
This does not appear to be an attempt to injure, she does not open her mouth wide and use her canine teeth.
She “nibbles”, using just her incisors, like they do when they groom their fur.
It still hurts a bit because it pinches the skin, which isn’t a problem for cats when they groom because they are just pinching fur,
I believe she either thinks I need grooming, or it is intended to make me get up and get going.
Glen, none of my kitties do that but Bernie has some that do. I can personally say that Justice will give 1 tap with her paw to wake me up. A second tap has claws slightly extended. A 3rd tap draws blood. Her treats are kept under a pillow. She requests them in the morning. Now Liberty knows where they are, will come up, drag them out and open them himself. Male cats are definitely smarter.
I have heard (in the scientific arena, where for a time I made my living, “I have heard” is shorthand for “I read this somewhere but am too lazy to track it down”) that a cat grooming you is a sign of acceptance of you into the family, of affection, and of desire that you have the common family scent. Pearl sometimes nibbles and licks on me.
So – “in the scientific arena, where for a time I made my living” you now make your living on hoping for hand outs from your cats and will soon be living under a bridge near the “Strip Club” in Pittsburgh? See ya there – I’ll be the one by himself with a bad ass Tortie by his side.
Actually, the last time I got a handout from the cats, it wasn’t quite dead yet. I’ll just stick to the soup kitchens. When I want raw, I eat sushi.
I forgot to mention – Brooke came through her dental ok, though she did pick up a cold from the vet – she always does, every time she goes there. She’s eating fine, and although sneezey still, it’s a dry sneeze… so I’m not too concerned. If it keeps up next week, we’ll have to get her back in to the vet.
I’m glad she came through her dental okay, but how frustrating that she ends up with a cold every time she goes to the vet’s. Sounds like they need to revise their disinfecting protocols at the clinic – this shouldn’t happen every single time.
No, it shouldn’t. It’s generally only her, though – and for the first year or so of her life she had a chronic sinus infection that it took a number of different antibiotics until we found one that cleared it. I think that she’s just unusually susceptible.
Poor Brooke, glad she is on the mend. What was the dental work – extractions ?
And a cold is nothing to sneeze at 🙂 I am sneezed on a lot by Styx, not that is on purpose – I think.
So far the only thing I have taken home from the Vet was fleas. Still dealing with that.
Harry, luckily none of mine have had a cold. Only sneezing around here is if they goes hunting the dust bunnies. I hope Brooke shakes that cold quickly. I agree with you, a better sanitizing method needs to be implemented. Like Jay, I too have had my kittens pick up fleas at my vets. He advised me to treat them all (all had been there this summer within a three month period.). So I am trying the borax on the floor and treating each kitten with drops.
Harry’s post caught my attention as about 3 weeks ago we took 3 out of 4 (she found a really good hiding spot somewhere in the house) kitties to the vet for their shots.
Since then the 3 that we took to the vet have been sneezing like they have a cold. Two of them had rabies and feline leukemia shots. The third one, which is my only kitty that goes outside got the full array of shots and passed all his blood tests.
Wonder what causes the sneezing from vet visits…
The calici virus (responsible for kitty colds) is highly stable in the environment, which is why it’s so important that veterinary practices clean thoroughly in between patients.
Buckley used to do that quite a lot, and Allegra does every once in a while. I think it is a combination of grooming and attention getting behavior.
Glen, my Justice does that to me. She nips gently at my arms or my thighs. It is a for of her showing her love to me. It is a trait that makes me feel really good knowing she is showing her affection for me. Often she will do this after rubbing my leg or nudging me. I say keep your eyes shut and let her show you how much she loves you.
We inherited our “grandcat” Tonks about 2 years ago, and I never knew about ‘tortitude’ until reading this post, but it describes Tonks to a tee! Since she came to live with us and we put her in charge of our tiny teacup chihuahua, she has enriched our lives greatly and turned my cat “agnostic” husband into a fan…we call Tonks his dog! 😉
I’m not surprised that Tonks took charge of your dog, Laura! I love that she turned your husband into a cat lover.
I just had the sweetest and most wonderful Christmas phone call from our own Bernie and Jay! But even better than the greetings from the humans, was the good tidings from Stirfry:
Stir: (Growling and howling and hissing)
Me: Jay’s just rubbing her head, isn’t he?
Bernie: Yeah… and that’s her happy voice.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good night!
Wishing all a safe and wonderful Christmas and New Year.
Sad times around my home though as last night we couldn’t find our Lhasa Apso Lucy after she went out and finally this morning my husband found her down the street dead from being hit by a car. It was also her birthday. We are not doing well here especially my husband who has had her since a baby, she was 12-13 years old and the joy of his life. He could never go to sleep at night without her in bed with him.
I don’t know what to say to him as I know nothing will make it better.
I know this is a blog for kitties but I needed to let it out.
Sorry to hear about this, not a good experience at all, at any time.
I understand the feelings about birthdays or other anniversaries, having lost Kasey five years to the day I brought here home.
I hope in time things get better for you.
Betty, I am so sorry, what a tragedy. It’s hard enough when it’s not a holiday, but on Christmas and on her birthday! Sending loving thoughts to you, right now you are right, nothing will make it better, but you know we are here to listen.
Thank you for your thoughts. Odd how things happen, in the past month we spent over $1000 on her at the vet as she had 3 very large kidney stones, 2 cases of Prescription diet food, and a fungal ear infection. She finally felt good and was back to her old self.
My poor hubbie has been hold up in his computer room all day as he also has a nasty cold on top of grieving for Lucy. I can’t get him to eat anything and as far as talking to him, I don’t know what to say as I know from experience that no one could say anything to make me feel any better emotionally.
I guess it will just take time.
What a senseless loss, Betty. So sorry for you and your husband. Sending love and hugs.
Oh Betty, I’m so sorry – I can’t even imagine how difficult this must be. What a horrific way to loose a beloved family member. You and your husband are in my thoughts and prayers.
That’s so tragic, Betty – please tell your husband that his tortie community greaves with him.
So sorry to hear this, Betty. I can imagine how badly your husband must feel. Perhaps he’ll be able to find another companion to fill the hole a bit? Probably not for awhile, but perhaps in the near future?
So sorry to hear this Betty, sending love and prayers to you and your husband. Lucy is well and waiting across the bridge. Our furry ones will keep her company until you see her again.
Jay
Betty I am so sorry for your loss. Sure this is a Tortie site, but I think I speak for most that is a Tortie family site. Your loss of your beloved dog is part of our family. There is no way to ease the grief so soon for you or your hubby.
I can only say to take time and give your hubby time. It won’t heal the hurt, but it will allow each of you to grieve you own way. In the meantime I am sending you my deepest sympathies and prayers.
To everyone: Have a Merry Christmas and be happy. Jay and I are hoping for all to be safe, happy and well. With Love Bernie and Jay <3
Best of the season to everyone here.
It has been pleasantly quiet here today.
The ice storm you may have heard about that happened last weekend pretty much missed us by about 40 miles north of here. As of this morning there are still approx. 70,000 customers in Toronto without power, and it has been off since last weekend.
Taz grew tired of presents fairly quickly and as is his habit in the morning, retired to his den in the basement to rest.
Gigi enjoyed the wrapping paper and cat toys for a bit, but after a while decided to go join Taz.
Tim was like the Energizer Bunny. He ran wild for most of the morning, everything was fair game, paper, toys, a bag, and anything else he could reach.
Thanks for the Christmas wishes, Bernie and Jay!
Greetings!
My Tortie is an 18 year old, sweet girl I’ve had for about a year and a half. Today I started to consider adopting a kitty I found at a shelter that is approximately a year and a half old. She appeared to be shy and quiet, something that I know could very well change as she ages and/or adapts to our home. My concern is how my girl would treat this other cat. When we visit the vet, she makes her presence known by hissing at other animals. The vet, where I adopted her from, did say she was better off as an only child, but they also said she wasn’t a lap cat and she has proved that statement wrong.
Any insight would be appreciated.
Bless you for adopting a senior tortie, Cassie! My experience has been that most senior cats won’t be thrilled with a much younger companion. If you’re going to try to make it work, this article may help: https://ingridking.com/2012/07/10/introducing-a-kitten-to-your-older-cat/
As Ingrid, Bernadette and Harry will tell you, ever cat is different so you never know how things will work out. Senior cats normally don’t like changes but they do adapt. My Tabatha never likes any new cat in the house. She is 15 – 16 years old. She hisses at every new cat as to say – leave me alone. But she has accepted Frankie who is probably 2 and now getting along with Arianrhod who will be in my house 1 year this Jan and was only 4 weeks old then. Styx she doesn’t trust (but Styx is a Tortie so who knows how she will act. And she is totally terrified of Stirfry. She DOES KNOW HOW SHE WILL REACT. Take it slow and they will probably get to know each other and become friends.
I’ll bet the last thing you want is two younger cats, but along with the guidance in Ingrid’s article, adopting two cats about the same age might also be helpful when an older cat is an only cat. Two young cats are more likely to bond, and then play together, not pestering the older cat to play, though they’ll often still approach the older cat for social time and affection. It’s always tricky and requires a few extra rooms, but even if you only adopt the one younger cat, time and patience are your best friends. Just like people, friendships are unique to the individuals.
Hey gang, Jay and I would like to let you all know that our buddy on here, Lynn Garrow is a birthday gal today. So from Jay and I, Have a great birthday Lynn.
Question for those who know…is there anything I could give Columbia to help with hair regrowth?
She has a few bare spots that she scratched the hair off either due to claws too long, nervous habit or fleas. We had her claws clipped at the vets last week then they all went for their annual vaccines. My arms and legs are much happier now!! We also changed her flea meds as all of the furry babies were overloaded with them to the point that some got into MY hair. I had to shampoo with dog flea shampoo to get rid of them. We have since treated the whole house inside, the carpets and furniture as well as treated outside. Those darn Florida sand fleas can be awful!
I would also be happier if she gained some weight as well. She is a very light eater and a bit too thin. I would like it if she would eat a little more each day. Plus I’m sure her light eating isn’t helping her hair regrowth any.
Any pointers and help appreciated!!
What has worked for me when I’ve had cats with fur loss problems is to give them some sort of oil–salmon, corn, etc. You could add it to wet food or just offer it in a small bowl. They usually love it.
Corn oil is also good to help them put on weight. I add it to my horses’ feed as well, since I have an elderly horse who went from being an “easy keeper” to one that is too thin now that he’s older.
What also seems to help is something called Flying Bassett Aloe Vera. I’ve been giving it to my dogs to help with itchy allergic conditions, and it does seem to help. I’ve started adding it to Tawny’s food, since she also started to have an allergic problem with fur loss a short time ago.
OnlyNationalPets has a lot of good products that you might want to check out–from herbal sprays to help with itchiness and to help heal, to supplements that do the same.
Correction–that should be OnlyNaturalPets
Thank you for the info Gail 🙂
Do they like the taste of the corn oil, or is the salmon oil a better flavor choice for her? On the Flying Bassett Aloe Vera is that a topical treatment or one that gets mixed in their food? A slightly off topic question on the Aloe, our lhasa apso is cursed with hot spots since my husband moved to Florida. We have tried so many different products and non seem to help her. Would this help with her hot spots as well as help my kitty?
thank you!
My cats absolutely love the taste of corn oil. I got the salmon oil for them, but, for some reason, they don’t really seem to like it. Maybe the taste is too strong? I ended up giving it to the dogs (the dogs will eat anything that doesn’t try to eat them first.)
The Flying Bassett aloe vera is a powder that is mixed in with their food. After I posted, I checked for it on the OnlyNaturalPet site, but it was no longer listed. I then went to the Flying Bassett site, and they said it was currently unavailable. I did, however, locate a listing for it on Amazon, in case you want to check it out.
On the OnlyNaturalPet site, they have herbal “hot spot” sprays that contain aloe, and I’ve tried those for external use and they do seem to help. The aloe powder helps them to heal from the inside.
My cats don’t care for anything salmon either. Whether people food canned salmon, fresh salmon, cat food salmon, etc. They turn their noses up at them all.
I am familiar with Amazon so I’ll take a look on there for the aloe vera.
Thank you again very much for your info on helping my kitty 🙂
Hi Betty,
What a challenge…sand fleas…and in you hair too, oh, my!
Columbia sound like my Stonie who is also a very light eater. She barely tips 7 lbs at the vet. I worried about worms, but she seems to be clear. As far as food goes, I keep a bowl of dry food available at all times for her and feed her morning noon and night a small mound (mouse body size) of wet food that she likes. This does two things, she usually eats the wet food when I feed her so she is getting food and moisture, plus it seems to keep hairballs at bay. One other thing that I do to entice her to eat is put down food by the bed at night when I go to bed. She will usually have it gone before I get up in the morning. A 7 oz. can of food will last about 5 to 6 feedings and she has the dry on the side. I haven’t had the heart to take her off the dry, she enjoys it and although I never see her eating it, it disappears. Now I know you are thinking mice, but she is a good mouser, the only way I know she has caught a mouse is because there will either be a head or a small blood stain.
Not sure if the above will work for you since you do have other kitties in the house, but the other side of that is what my daughter experienced when she had to put her older Siamese on a special wet diet for kidney problems. Boots was overwieght to begin with, but she ate the wet before Buddy had a chance and he seemed to understand that it was for Boots and didn’t bother her, even tho he is a younger male and does bully her on occasion.
Hope that whatever it is with Columbia’s fur loss clears up soon…
Hi Rusty thank you for the advice 🙂 I do keep dry food down for the kitties all the time. I use one of those dispenser bowls so that the food in the dish is fresh. We also feed them canned food twice a day.
One issue with the canned food is that my youngest kitty, my male tux Rocky thinks the canned food is all for him. He has the opposite problem as Columbia in that he needs to lose weight. The other 2 cats will eat with Rocky but he and Columbia tend to not get along so she will not eat if he is at the dish. If we put food in a second plate for Columbia after she eats a bit of it she tends to wander away for a few minutes which to Rocky means “oh goody more food just for me!”
I do not recommend corn oil. I’m glad it works for you, Gail, but corn is often a trigger for allergies in many cats. It sounds like you may be dealing with a flea allergy, so hopefully you’ll see symptoms subside now that you’ve treated everything. A quality fish oil can help with the skin issues regardless of the cause.
For the weight gain, look for grain- free canned food high in protein.
Really? I didn’t realize that corn could trigger allergies. I guess I’ve been lucky, because none of my cats has ever had a problem with it. None of mine, on the other hand, has ever liked fish oil…and I’ve tried several different kinds. Actually, the only type of oil they have liked is the corn oil. I’ve tried vegetable oil as well, and they didn’t care for it.
Hi all,
Stumbled on this blog looking for a possible match as a companion for my 7 to 8 year old “Stonie” and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Stray cat with a short fuse…LOL…fits exactly.
My “barn cat” was a stray, taken in by the local pet food supply shop as their “mouser” and then given away because she was the culprit in tearing open the bags of cat food during the night. Of course it was the most expensive brands she tore into. I adopted her from the family who took her in, she wasn’t getting along with their other animals and I needed a deterrent for chipmunks who were taking over my dining room deck. And so she became a housecat. I thought that she might have been feral and that was why she had such a bold, assertive temperament.
Her gold/green eyes with black/brown long coat (she has a tiny white beard) makes her a fit for a tortie, but it’s her temperament that until now, I’ve never been able to understand.
Loving and VERY vocal, she lets me know when I come in the door she has been waiting. At bedtime she does the “Superman” race down the stairs, barely makes the corner and literally flies into the bedroom. Once I lay down with my book for my nightly read I have to wait until she has had enough cuddle time (she plops right between me and my book) before I can start to read. She also sits on my desk, right between me and the monitor, when I am working at the computer. She is not one to obey verbal commands, but she understands the gentle push, will slowly, ever so slowly rise and slouch over to the edge of the desk where she can see out the window. Ever so often she will “sneak” back to sit in front of the monitor again….I’m of the opinion it is the warmth she wants rather than the company….grin!
Then there is the Jeckyll side where she lets me know she is not pleased at all. As much as she wants to be in my lap or beside me, she down’t like to be handled. Her long hair leads to a lot of hairballs if she isn’t groomed regularly and she barely puts up with minimal grooming. I have to have help to get at the occasional mat that develops under and behind her front legs. She will enjoy a couple of treats while I try to groom her, but they don’t distract her and she wants to wiggle away, ignores the treats, and by the time I’ve finished she runs off to a spot out of my reach and glares at me. Even treats put between me and her are ignored. This lasts until I take the time to play “shoestring” with her, then she will calm down and will soon be in my lap. Her temperament is very standoffish when it comes to others in the family.
My concern is how she will react to a companion. I’d like to have another tortie, thought an older male would be a better fit. I found one in a shelter up north and might go take a look this weekend.
Oh, one other thing…anyone here have any problems with their kitty in the car? Stonie cannot stand a trip around the block without throwing up and when I was making a 3 hour commute to help out my failing grandmother Stonie would foam at the mouth and have the dry heaves the whole way….tried sedatives, etc. nothing helps. Even a short trip to the vet is a challenge!
Stonie definitely sounds like she’s got tortitude down to a science! Unfortunately, there’s no way to guarantee that she will accept another cat. If you decide to try, I would look for a more mellow, laid back cat, and do very slow, gradual introductions.
Welcome to the world of Tortitude Rusty. I think those on here that have torties have had mixed reactions to the introduction of a new kitty in the home. The fact the other shelter has a male tortie is interesting as male torties are fairly rare. Is he older or younger than Stonie?
I’m sure others on here will post back with their experience in introducing new kitties in a tortie dominated household. With my tortie Columbia I am unable to bring any more cats or dogs into my home. My other 3 kitties were adopted when she was still young enough to accept others. However the dog which my husband brought with him when he moved to my house has been with us for about 8 years and Columbia still hisses, spits, and sometimes slaps the dog when she feels she is too close to her. The dog is a 30lb. lhasa apso and Columbia is a little 8 pound kitty…lol
take care and welcome, we look forward to more stories as well as pics that you can post on Ingrid’s facebook page.
Welcome Rusty. You found us as most other came to this blog of Ingrid’s. “Why is my cat so strange and why does her personality change so fast” Stonie sounds like she will fit in well here.
Some cats tolerate others very well. Ingrid’s, Bernadette’s and Bernie’s 2 Torties all got along. Others like Bernie’s Steeler were one cat only households and others like Kasey Brooke and Stirfry would rather be only cats but had to tolerate other furry critters in their domain. Listen to our experts on here as to integrating other cats into your household. Or do what I did and brought them in and let things settle themselves. A week of close exams thru chain wire fencing and then free to find out their place.
Some cats tolerate car rides and others do not. My Pumpkin loved to go for a ride, Stirfry, Styx and Arian let out cry’s for attention and others like my Calico/Tortie Tabatha and my fat little Tuxie Frankie make a ride anywhere something to be dreaded. A stench before I am out of the driveway lets me know it will be a long ride. I suggest you take a car with window and a sunroof to ventilate the air. A Jeep Commando is one of the best. 🙂
Misha is definitely a stealth tortie. In fact, she is beginning to exhibit more tortitude than my tortie, Tawny.
She loves to sit and/or sleep on my lap when I’m on the computer, which is perfectly fine, but occasionally, for no particular reason, she will glare at me and hiss. At that point, I firmly request that she leave my lap to “think things over.”
This, lately, has resulted in her grabbing a few crunchies from her bowl, then jumping up on the computer desk and planting herself directly in front of the monitor. Upon being “asked” to move out of the way, she will then stalk over to the end of the desk where she will sit on the scanner and glare at me.
This “punishment” that she metes out to me for being so “rude” to her generally lasts about five minutes, at which point she strides back, climbs onto my lap and begins to purr.
Misha has learned well. Not all Torties are Black and Gold on the outside. A Few are and have given the term Tortitude a reason to fear them. Ask Glen, Harry and Bernie what damage they can do to the Ego of bigger animals that learned the hard way. And Government agents protect us from terrorists but no one can protect them from a little cute cuddily cat.
Yes
Kasey, whom I recued in May 2008 at approx. 8 to 9 years of age, and lost last spring, was definitely an example of tortitude. This earned her the name of “Warrior Queen”.
She was totally fearless, aggressive and a very skilled fighter who actually sought out confrontation with any other animal. This was partly nature and the rest nurture in the first 8 to 9 years of her life.
However, she loved people and showed affection on the same fierce, intense level; I really miss her.
Gigi on the other hand is a “kinder, gentler” tortie. We took her in last Feb. at 5 + years of age. This 14 pound long hair tortie with white is the size and build of a Maine Coon Cat. She is an affectionate gentle giant who likes everyone.
Taz, our big orange guy took a while to get used to a tortie that didn’t hit him whenever he was in range 😉
Brooke did not go in for her dental today. Last night Pearl was sick – throwing up and in the box several times – and Brooke did not eat much dinner. We postponed the dental to next week, to make sure everyone is over whatever this is. Both seem ok but subdued today. Piper had something like this a month or so ago. I’m guessing the pet sitter – who is a vet tech – brought something in over Thanksgiving. With luck it’ll pass through quickly. Pearl already feels better enough that she got her pink nose out of joint when I wouldn’t share my cereal milk this morning (I usually let her have few licks, but figured that was the last thing she needed this morning!)
Oh no! I sure hope this passes quickly. You’ve had enough to deal with lately. Definitely a good decision to postpone the dental (and I’m sure Brooke would agree…)
Harry, this is almost unbelievable. Your kittens have been through so much, not to mention the family. I would think Brooke is not complaining about her dental cancelation. Hopefully on a good note, maybe, just maybe this might be a stress/happy reaction to all of you coming back home. It is a long shot, but that is the best wish I could hope for and then all will be back to some semblance of normal.
Hope the kitties are feeling better soon. Are you sure it is not something Pearl got from sharing your milk? Do Lawyers have germs ????? 🙂
Sure, but all you’d catch from sharing milk with a lawyer was the ability to bill 28 hours in a day, and an invoice. Brooke seems fine today, Pearl is still a little off her feed but is eating. She gifted me with a lot of semi-digested chicken and a furball yesterday – and I think with that out of her, is on the mend.
🙂
Ingrid King, my very dear and beloved friend, confidante, I was watching the #’s climbing to the 13,000 mark. For some reason, beyond my grade level, the approaching great totals always seem to happen, while your head is on your pillow sleeping softly. I had thought, “um should I call and wake you?” , well no. Should I convince a partner in crime to do the deed, “um no?.”
I must say I am “truly relieved” that you opened your eyes early and was able to bring the blog in to the 13,000 mark. Good grief , as Charley Brown would say, lady you are causing me heartburn while hoping you make the total roll over.
This is a very friendly reminder that when you hit 14,000 I may have to involve the “Torties” to do something to wake you up.
And here I thought nobody cared… 😉 Your “warning” about 14,000 is duly noted!
I just wanted to post and say how much I LOVE torties. Farrah (okay, I changed her name to Evil Baby) has been with me for approximately 4 years. I love her so much. I especially love her ‘tortitude’! Before that, I had my first tortie, Girlie Baby. It has been many years since I lost her, yet it still hurts as I type her name. Girlie Baby was very ‘tortitudish’, but not vocal at all unless very necessary. I remember hearing her meow so seldom that when she did my heart fluttered from relishing the sweet sounds of her voice. Farrah is very vocal. SHE owns the house. One curious aside is that both of my girls love(d) water. Not so much drinking it, as playing in it. None of my other cats have EVER loved being around water.
Thanks for letting me brag!
Tammy
Evil Baby – if that doesn’t scream “tortitude,” I don’t know what does, Tammy! Feel free to brag about your torties here anytime! 🙂 If you’d like to post pictures on our Facebook page, we’d love to see them!
Oh Ok. Maybe I will post some pictures sometime.
Evil Baby, now that is a name that says it all. Even tho you changed it to Farrah, I really like Evil Baby. Isn’t it great when your Tortie is Vocal. I have often said mine are talking to their imaginary friends. If that is the case it is ok with me. Love reading stories about your fur babies. Please keep us up to day on their “Tortitude”. Loving them is so easy.
Welcome Tammy, Some of our little one rarely talk or are soft spoken and that make it so special when we hear them. My Pumpkin was like that. Others hardly ever shut up – my Frankie and some don’t meow but Chirp, bark or hiss. But they all are so special. I know what you mean when you lost Girlie Baby. It hurts so much but we know they just crossed the bridge to get well, play with the others and wait for us to join them. And rescuing another lost kitten help the hurt. Dulls it down so our happy memories can surface and we can cope.
Oh my goodness! I’m so glad to see an article on Torties! I have loved them for many years. My first Tortie, I named Big Girl, came into our lives when she showed up on our porch 2 years after we moved into our brand new house in 1996. We didn’t know her age but estimated about a year or less. Her ears were bothering her and later we found she had an ear infection. After taking her to our Vet and getting the infection cleared up, there was nothing else to do but adopt this baby. She came into a household with 2 Gold Tabby’s and fit right in. She became MY cat and stuck to me like glue. She was like my right arm, impossible to live without. She became sick about 6 years ago and we thought she might leave us, but she found the strength to fight back from a bout of CRF – Kidney Disease. I was able to keep her alive and healthy for another 18 months before she finally became very ill and passed very suddenly one night. It was one of the worst nights of my life and I felt I had lost the dearest thing in my life. I vowed to adopt more cats from a local Rescue Group and found the sweetest Tortie named Nutmeg and her buddy, a Gray Tabby, Chelzey. They were best friends so I could not break them up!! Well now Nutmeg loves us both but is partial to my Hubby’s lap. She and Chelzey tear through the house at breakneck speed and generally live a very comfortable and happy life with lots of love from their Humans! I will always love Torties the best because of their wonderful personality. Thank you for writing this article and telling the world about these beautiful Felines!
Welcome to our tortie community, Danease! They are special, aren’t they?
Hey welcome. Your love of Torties and kittens in general speaks volumes. We all have had one or more forties at any given time. You are so right about Torties and their attitude. I like the way they are tearing throughout the house at breakneck speed. I have that about everyday and just let them go at it. Ingrid calls it the zooms. Please post pics on the Facebook site. I know everyone would like to see you fur babies.
Welcome Danease, Chelzey and Nutmeg. So glad you found Ingrid blog. You will find we all love cats and Torties in particular. We have all types here. Kind, Gentle, Loveable and some crazy and dangerous. And our cats are different too 🙂
And thank you for rescuing kitties that needed a home – you definitely went to the top of Harry’s list. I am on a list of his also but different list. Keep us informed with all that you kitties get into.
Well, tortie family, we did it: this is our 13,000th comment. One of these days, I’ll have to submit this post to Guinness World Records!
Well, torties are known to be more talkative! How nice to have met everyone here and co0mmented on this site for at least three years!
Wow 13,000 comments. This Tortie family has no problem talking and talking and talking. But let’s admit we all love coming onto the site and talking and joking and teasing. Sometimes we actually get serious.
13,000! Wow. I am simply in awe. What a great community this is! (Well, unless you talk to the owner of Ingrid’s server 😉 )
Brooke goes in for a dental cleaning on Wednesday – her first, in almost 9 years. She’s not had anesthesia since she was spayed – I’m not overly concerned, but then again…
Really would have adopted another cat this past weekend, but fortunately Julie retains some sanity. Last summer, when we were in NJ, volunteering at the local rescue, a litter of feral kittens was brought in in several traps. I lifted the cover on one, and was hissed at by a ferocious 1 pound black kitten. When we stopped in over Thanksgiving, I was greeted by and was cuddling with a sleek black cat, and when I asked who he was – that’s right. He was friendly with all the other cats, and liked me holding him – he did the lifted head, nose touch. And his name was Bobbie – same as our black cat Henry when we adopted him. Wonder if he’ll still be there after Christmas when we go back??
Actually, the owner of my server is quite happy with the traffic on this site 🙂 – the more traffic, the more I pay for hosting!
Uh oh. Will the Shubins go back to seven? I was wondering about that when I saw the photo of you with the black kitty on Facebook….
All my best to Brooke tomorrow!
I am pretty certain that we will not increase to 7. Six, on the other hand…
I’m not trying to replace Sabrina. But Piper is lonely (though she was in the kitchen last night, and is able to coexist with Vickie – something Pearl and Brooke cannot do) and Bobbie did definitely like me. And very cool that I first saw him as a feral kitten almost 6 months ago.
I seem to have lost count somewhere along the way!
All Harry wants for Hanacha
OK Let me try this again. Harry Shubin why is it your Holidays are so hard to spell. By the time I seen I was spelling it wrong I hit the enter instead of delete button.
So for just this one time, I will use Christmas in my post to you. Here goes, I would sing it for you but all the animals would leave the forest and run for the highway.
All Harry wants for Christmas is a new black cat, a new black cat, a new black cat. Bobby hold in there until Daddy Harry gets back to you. We are waiting to see if you are coming back to a wonderful forever home with Harry and Julie, Rachel and the child that shall not be tagged. 🙂
I think the Shubins are holding just as the Kazmarski household is. I’m holding at five and a foster plus helping cats find homes, and we’re all pretty happy. I think the Shubins are in the same state of mind. Oddly, I see and have met many cats I’d love to get to know, but I have not been tempted by any. Honestly, I’ve never adopted a cat, all mine have been rescues who ended up not being adopted so they stayed here. I’m not even sure I’d know how to go out and choose a cat. More fun watching everyone else!
Oh, I could give you some lessons on how to “choose” a cat, if you really can call it that. You simply go into the shelter and say, “Okay, which one needs a home the most?” and, there you go…instant choice! Or, pick up several and one of them is bound to choose YOU. You’ll know.
Bernadette, you foster as well as Harry. 5 plus a foster mean to me that you have 6.
Harry is our favorite foster failure but you are running a close 2nd.
Fantastic news Ingrid. 13.000 is a great start. I have shared this on FB to let all those with Torties (or “Stealth Torties”) to come visit. I am so glad I got to meet you and Harry and his Family at the book signing. I (being a gentleman) will not discuss what went on at the hotel room with Bernie, Bernadette and myself.. OK I will – I was sick as a dog and surprised they did not try to put me down.
But it was a memorial weekend.
Jay spent Thanksgiving here with me and his second favorite kitty family. These kittens are all over him when he comes to visit. I tell them their
“Daddy is Here”. I think they believe that. However, they do wake him up in the middle of the night for snacks from under his pillow. Gooooood kitties. 🙂
Bernie, I think you might be a stealth tortie too … ! How did you train the kitties to wake Jay up for treats?
Marg without planning it, I have always put treats under the pillow on the side of the bed I don’t sleep on. Steeler would always wake me up for her treats, then she did it to Jay when he came. Now I continued with the new kittens. All treats are under that side that is almost never used. So Justice, who is Tortie uses claws with just enough pressure to make Jay hurry and grab the treat bags from under the pillow. Once Justice has performed her duty, the other kittens just come running because they hear the treat bag. I, on the other hand, just continue to sleep. Works every time. 🙂
That is NOT the way to wake up. Justice know how sharp her claws are and it starts as a gentle touch and she drops those claws just enuf to bring me wide awake. The first time she did it twice and not so gentle the 2nd time. I am a fast learner.
Good thing Jay Davenport is a quick study in Torties behavior. If he were not, well, he has a shoulder tattoo that would be forever changed to Tortie Tattoo, deep and forever lasting. Marg I like the title for me “stealth Tortie”, yep, that’s me. 🙂
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!! Just a quick update on Misha, the flea market kitty. She has gained a little weight, and, while still very thin, is no longer a walking skeleton. She did have a slight URI with some coughing and weepy eyes, but that has cleared up.
She has an appointment with the vet on Saturday to be checked out and vaccinated, and I’m hoping all goes well. If everything check out okay, she will be out of isolation and joining the rest of the crew. She’s been getting antsy the last few days, and I think she will enjoy getting more freedom.
Gail how did Misha make out on Saturday? I hope all went well. Did you mean a UTI infection? Those are serious in kittens/caats. I hope she checked out with a clean bill of health. It is always a worry when we think something may be wrong with out little ones.
I, for one, an glad the holiday is over, for now. We did not have turkey, for those that are wondering. Jay and had bacon/mushroom portabella steak sandwiches and excellent cake from Dellalos deli. 🙂
Hi, Bernie. She did okay, although now I am convinced that she is a tortie in a black coat disguise. She has been labeled as “Stray Cat With Short Fuse.” LOL
She was fine when they weighed her (5.6 lbs…gained a bit from when she first arrived, but still too thin) and did the basic ears/eyes/teeth check but then became a screaming banshee when they attempted to give her her shots.
She’s about a year old (as I suspected) and is, of course, not spayed. She was treated for fleas and round worms, but the rest checked out okay.
She never had a UTI. She had a URI (upper respiratory infection–basically a cold virus) but there is nothing that they can do to help that. All it needed was time, rest, and good food.
Today she is being allowed out of her isolation room (at her discretion) and I’m hoping things will go well. One of the other cats, Nicky, has already come down to visit, to be met with hisses from Misha. Nicky, though, is very laid back, and he simply ignored her. She’s sitting protectively by her food bowls right now, but there’s so far no fighting.
She has her appointment to be spayed the first week of January.
Stray Cat With Short Fuse … I love that description. May she always live up to it and have a long happy life with you.
They did initially remark on how cute she is and were pleasantly surprised when she just walked out of the carrier without being prodded. By the end of the visit, however, they
decided that nail trimming would wait until she was anesthetized for spay surgery. LOL
They better remark on how cute she is. Some of our kitties know they are adorable and expect others to notice. Others can look cute but don’t touch (Steeler) and others just look like they should be behind very thick bars to protect the unwary. As to the term “Stray Cat With Short Fuse ” That sure does describe some cats I know. And
to us that makes them even more special.
So glad to hear the update on Misha.
Well, of course her cuteness needed to be acknowledged. That’s probably why she allowed them to live!
Gail you really received good news all the way around. I saws surprised to hear that she let out her temperament when she saws being given injections. Best news was that she is being introduced to the others. That will not take long. She will learn to feel safe and secure and the others will show her the way.
Well, unfortunately, the introduction will need to be put on hold for a bit longer. I think I’ll need to open the door for short periods of time to try to get her used to it rather than just allowing complete interaction. She had seemed to want to explore past “her” room a couple of days ago, but this weekend was a bit much for her, I guess..
Misha got overwhelmed with just Nicky in the room. He didn’t do anything except start to amuse himself on my husband’s computer chair, but Misha went from protecting her food bowl to hiding in the corner.
I took Nicky out of the room and closed the door again, but Misha kept warily eyeing the door for quite some time. The weekend was, I guess, a bit overwhelming for her, so we’re going to have to slow things down a bit.
Oh, and I forgot to mention that Saturday morning, when I opened the lid on the aquarium tank to feed the fish, Misha hopped up to see what I was doing and landed right in the tank. Between that, the vet and getting to know the others, she just kind of…imploded.
Well, it will take as long as it takes. I’ll let her decide.
Gail, I am sorry to hear she did not welcome the intro. So I think you are on the right track. Just be patient and let her move into the family at her own pace. I know this is not meant to be humorous, but hopped into the fish tank. I can only have visions of a frightened kitten fish who thought they were going to be dinner.
Sure wish you had a camera recording when Misha hopped up to the fish tank and went in. That will never happen again. My orange kitty Pumpkin wanted to check out the tub and accidently slid in. He did not go into the bathroom for years after. All that gets hurt is their pride.
I had a feeling, just based on your descriptions of her, that slow was going to be the name of the game for the introductions. I’m glad you’re letting things go at her and Nicky’s pace.
Oh, and “cat with short fuse” sounds like something that needs to be added to the description of tortitude!
Definitely looks that way. The way she reacted at the vet’s office, it made me wonder if she somehow thought they were trying to kill her. I have no idea what the poor thing went through in her short life before I found her, but I know that she seemed very, very relieved when I brought her home and she found herself safe in “her” room once more.
I read this yesterday:
New housecat-size feline species discovered in Brazil
Don’t judge a cat by its cover.
Oncillas are housecat-size felines found throughout much of South America, and are also known as little tiger cats, little spotted cats or tigrinas. But not all oncillas are the same: New research suggests that little tiger cats in northeastern Brazil belong to a different species from those elsewhere on the continent, although they look virtually identical.
Researchers analyzed the genetic material of oncillas in northeastern Brazil, and compared them with nearby populations in the south. They found that there was no flow of genes between the two populations of oncillas, and hasn’t been any for millennia, according to the study, published today in the journal Current Biology.
This, along with other genetic differences, led researchers to conclude the two populations do not interbreed and are in fact different species, said study co-author Eduardo Eizirik, a researcher at Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil. [In Photos: Tiger Species of the World]
The study “illustrates how much is still unknown about the natural world, even in groups that are supposed to be well-characterized, such as cats,” Eizirik told LiveScience. “In fact, there are many basic aspects that we still don’t know about wild cats, from their precise geographic distribution and their diets to even species-level delimitation, as in this case.”
Since this population of oncillas is a unique new species, there is an urgent need to learn more about it and its rarity; for example, whether or not it may need protection under conservation laws, Eizirik added.
Both species of little tiger cats live in rainforests and savannahs, and sport yellowish-ochre fur with a black rosettelike pattern. Though the cats primarily live on the ground, they are agile tree climbers, and feed on birds and small mammals like rodents, according to the University of Michigan. They are one of the smallest cats in South America, maxing out at 3 kilograms (about 6.5 lbs.).
Eizirik and colleagues have given the species in the south a new name, Leopardus guttulus, while the species in the northeast shall be known as Leopardus tigrina. The authors found that in the distant past, the northeastern species interbred, or hybridized, with an entirely different species known as the Pampas cat. This interbreeding may have helped the two oncilla species diverge, Eizirik said.
If this is the case, should we get our “special” Torties tested. Kasey, Steeler, Brooke and Stirfry might look like your average Tortoiseshell cat but they sure don’t act like ones. DNA might show they are related to those Sabertooth cats like I suspected all this time.