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
Today at work we had rain at 5 pm and about an hour later I heard Steeler and Kasey going at it. They sure are keeping everyone aware that the Torties are in charge.
Personalities of two different torties;
Gigi, 14 pounds, long haired; a “gentle giant”.
She likes people and attention, and gets along with the other animals.
She is timid about treats and will only eat them if she is a room by herself. She will retreat if Taz or little Tim approaches her when I give her treats, and they are not aggressive.
Kasey was the other end of the scale.
She liked people and attention (and not much else).
In a hypothetical scenario, if there was a Doberman sitting 6 feet away from an operating table saw ripping wood, and you set cat treats between them, Kasey would have;
1.) Attacked the Doberman and run it off (even if it tried to be friendly).
2.) Gone back and eat the treats, oblivious to the table saw.
They sure can be different.
Glen, I can see the same thing in my house. Tabatha, who is 16 is very gentle and now really wants to be left alone. The white on her chest and paws. Harry says the white has a calming effect on Tortitude. She used to be my greater cat but now with arthritis she will wait for others to come to her. She still has a knack for picking out the most expensive jewelry as Bernie can tell you.
Styx who is 6 seems to be the “typical” Tortie as she gets along with the other cats. Will play but the others have learned she can turn and swat for seemingly no reason.
Stirfry is what I consider the “Rare” Tortie as she like Kasey is what others think of when the word Tortitude is used. The Alpha cat in the house that no one dares mess with. Always on a hair trigger and the wrong move can cause her to go off. As to loud noises it doesn’t seem to phase her. Where the others run and hide during storms or when I get the vacuum out, Stirfry will watch it but even when next to her she will not move. I know Steeler was a lot like her in that Steeler would ride on Bernie’s vacuum but we know she would not tolerate other cats or any other animal in her household. But Bernie had 2 rabbits when Steeler has rescued and having lived outside you would think she would look at them as food but she accepted them as her new family as they were Bernie’s. Now my latest family member and what other consider to be the “Rare” Tortie – Diver. He seems to not be phased by anything. He is a lot like Stirfry’s son Pumpkin. His paws are huge and once he fills out he might match Punky and Taz in size. The other cats don’t know how to take him as being the new cat they all keep their distance and observe him with hesitation. But he has a friendly manner and want to play and interact on the 1st meeting. Even Stirfry is not avoided as this morning I watch him walk up behind her as she was eating. No other cat will approach her then and even Frankie might squawk when she takes over the food dish but not bother her. Diver came over and sniffed her tail. His 1st meeting with her was him going back on the bed to look out the window. As he jumped down he spotted her and Stir did not hiss or growl just gave him that look. Diver walked off the bed as far away from her as he could. Not even had 1 interaction he knew. Leave that cat alone. I wonder how the other Male Tortie behave – are they all easy going, big and gentle or do they vary in temperament like most other cats. I would love to discuss this with others who have their male Torties.
So I’ve got a problem with my babies chewing on a large palm plant. Anybody have suggestions?
Time to move the plant out. This is not good for their digestive systems. I know his may sound drastic, but is it worth the risk? I have had to make many modifications to my home for my 4 to be safe.
Well, the plant isn’t poisonous for the kitties. They’re just munching on it like they would do with cat grass but it’s Mom’s plant and she’s getting tired of the babies eating on it.
Some palm leaves are toxic to cats. I can’t find anything specific to palm plants, but I would err on the side of caution and keep the cats away from it. You can try spraying the plant with something like Bitter Apple to deter chewing, but I’m not sure what it would do to the plant.
That’s the part where I say my cats are immune to pretty much everything but vinegar spray. They’re not even phased by citrus!
Be careful with vinegar spray on your Mom’s plant. I put vinegar in a spray bottle and spray and kill the weeds in my walks. It may kill your palm.
It’s diluted but it’s the only thing they can’t stand. This plant has survived multiple cat chewings so it’s pretty hardy.
Today is Bobby Shubin’s birthday.
Happy Birthday Bobby.
Happy Birthday Bobby Shubin 🙂
Bobby says “thank you!”
We got Bobby something *really* special for his birthday… we got him someone who shares his birthday. I can admit this here, because no one other than immediate family reads this… but you know how to tell when you have too many cats? You lie to your family about the exact number. Well, my mother and in-laws are critical of the existing number, they don’t need to know that there’s one more. For Bobby’s birthday, we brought home to Virginia from New Jersey, his sister PHolly (it’s pronounced “Holly”, the P is silent 🙂 ) She’s still in the adjusting phase, mostly hiding, but they’ve touched noses and he’s clearly interested in her, even a little protective – although she hisses at him. I hope that once she adjusts, they’ll play and be glad each other is around.
Well Happy Homecoming Pholly and a happy birthday to you. Harry It is a joy to hear the news that you reunited Bobby with this Sis. She will be fine, as you know, you folks are the true cat whisperers. This kitty kit the kitty lottery with you all and in a short time, she will be just like one of the rest. Maybe the mom and the mom-in-law will never notice.
Here is a hint I found useful when I brought Freedom in. As you know she was feral and the first thing she did was start hiding up in the bed spring box. So I took and fitted sheet for each box spring and put in on the box spring from the under side up. No more hiding up there and she learned to come out and join in, reluctantly of course, but it takes away the hiding spot.
Happy Birthday Bobby and Welcome PHolly! More love to go around …
What a wonderful Birthday present. He gets his sister and she gets a Furever home. Welcome PHolly and Happy Birthday to you too. This is better than Tuna Cake 🙂
And Harry, if family members question the number of cats in your household just mention that it is another “foster”. We know your record on “foster cats” and how they stick around.
Worlds oldest cat is a Tortie.
https://news.yahoo.com/world-s-oldest-cat–poppy-the-tortoiseshell-from-bournemouth-is–feline–her-age-163446848.html
She is truly a wonder. I read the article and I came away with a smile. Among her food groups, she likes KFC. Steeler would be proud.
KFC is the ONLY “human” food that Gracie will sometimes eat! She is a funny little critter!
Steeler was known at our local KFC. I would go in and the kids there would just yell back “2 grilled breasts for Steeler”. She was a local favorite and she loved her KFC
Only now did I look at my calendar. Yesterday was 1 year ago that we lost a famous Tortie. Glen’s Warrior Queen left us to join our others on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. Her and Steeler let us know they are controlling things whenever we hear thunder. I think of Kasey often and wish I could have met her. Stirfry’s equal is Spirit. These are the really rare Torties.
Has it been a year? Glen, we’re remembering her here and thinking of you. Those first anniversaries can be difficult.
Funny, I’m remembering Cookie today–four years ago–wow!–she came to my shop with me for the first time when I had a little room in a friend’s shop, so I decided to post about it.
Guess it’s Memorial Day Weekend coming up.
Thanks for the reminder, Jay.
A year already. I still think of your Kasey, Glenn every time it storms and we have had some major storms around here of late. We did lose to many of our little ones in the past couple of years, but none are forgotten.
I can’t believe it’s been a year already. I’m glad Kasey brought you to this site, Glen.
Goodness, a year already? That year has just sped by so quickly.
Thanks everyone.
It has been a tough year, as Ingrid says, it is especially tough to lose a “soul” cat.
However, there is some deliberation in that I know I was able to extend her years and quality of life for five years. She was fiercely loyal and affectionate, I am sure she knew she had been rescued,
Glen, she knew. She knew. <3
I put a collar on Diver Monday. From the top I was getting him and Styx and Tabby confused. Tabatha has white so I can usually pick up on her but Diver and Styx look alike. Not a problem putting the collar on, taking it off to resize it and back on again. Trying that with Frank would be impossible. Diver loves the attention and is so easy going. Totally un-Tortie
My kittens, Justice, Liberty and Dajudge have kept taking their collars off. They found out the easy way to use their little pays and off they come. So for now they are not wearing any collar. Freedom on the other hand, wears hers proudly. It’s almost like she is saying I have a forever home and if I get lost just read my chip. Freedom is the gentle laid back momma who says “Mom just open the door and get those kids out of here”. Something like Stirfry. I can see Diver leaving the collar on, at least for now, but don’t bet the farm that he will forever leave it there.
A Diver update. Diver is so lovable and seems to get along with everyone. On Monday when I came home (really Tuesday morning at 1am) all cats except Stirfry came to see me. Diver and Frankie were 1st with Tabatha hanging back. They all got head rubs. Then came Styx who waits back a foot. She then went down 2 steps to my living room. Arianrhod came out to see me and as I was scratching her Diver came up behind her and as she is shy , she jumped into the living room on top of Styx and bowled her over. Then ran behind the couch. She peeked out from the space between the couch and end table. Styx was staring daggers at her. Diver being not too smart walked into the living room and past Styx. As he turned to walk away Styx lashed out and smacked Diver on the butt. Not sure if she knew he was responsible or just convenient to take her anger out on. Diver ignored her and walked away. He has been playing with Frankie a lot. Styx and Arian also. Tabatha has stopped hissing at him ( but she does at Styx and Stir – Torties are not to be trusted ). But he has fit in well in my household. He talk a lot and is full of energy. Jumping on cabinets, the bed, couch and then diving off with a loud thump. Stir can jump down from a 6′ ledge and never a sound. Very stealthy like the bigger cats she takes after. Diver will never surprise a deer (maybe those mice ?? but I doubt it). He does remind me of Pumpkin as he is going to be a big cat but very gentle and loves attention. Belly rubs are always wanted. He has fit in well in the last 2 weeks.
I have seen your fur babies in action. Nothing surprises me. Diver spent a week here with me, before I brought him to you. He didn’t need much intro. Mine went to the bathroom door and were playing paws under the door with him (not Dajudge). So he came out and he and Liberty were best buds right away. No hiding, no crying only thing was he would flop over like you said and want belly rubs. It didn’t surprise me one bit that he has brought new life into the other kittens. He is the most energetic and bounding about kitten I have ever seen. He is like the energizer bunny and so darn cute. How could you and the other kittens (except Stirfry) not enjoy him and his playful ways. As for his eating habits, if Frankie keeps showing him how to eat kibbles, he will definitely become a very, very big boy.
Happy Bird’s Day from all of us, Ingrid!
I just wanted to say that I love my son’s tortie Tuesday so much that I think she must have me under some sort of spell!
See, just what I always said – Torties are Wiccans. 🙂
Torties are special there is no doubt. Their “spells” over us if most likely they way they give us their total devotions and unyielding protection. <3
She does come running out if she hears me yelling about something…or yelling at someone. One time I was having a fit over my homework and having a bit of a meltdown, and she looked at me and then ran into the bathroom and looked inside the toilet…maybe she thought the answer was in there.
She could very well be Wiccan…a little Priestess.
Happy Birthday Ingrid. Have a wonderful day.
Thanks, Jay!
Happy Birthday!!!
Sardine cookies for everyone! Well, for the non-vegans. And the non-vegetarians. Maybe just for the cats, actually. But happy birthday, Ingrid!
Thank you, Glen and Harry! Harry, now you’ve got Ruby all excited. She was so disappointed that Allegra vetoed the tuna cake…
I think we have to ask Bernie. Last night she tried something like the Tuna Cake. 🙂
Have a very special Happy Birthday Ingrid. Enjoy the day.
Please don’t pay any attention to Jay and my “tuna cake” fiasco. Only I could have pulled that stunt. I had bought tuna in oil for the fubabies, thinking they might like a change and the oil might be good for their coats. The cats said “what the heck is this stuff, ugh”. Out it went to the outside critters. I had chopped clams and clam sauce in the fridge and decided to make angel hair with it. Well I prepared everything and thought that sauce smelled really bad. Well, long story short, it was clams I put in the sauce it was the oily tuna, again, the outside critters are being fed quite well 🙂 I am definitely not a cook. Steeler, didn’t want my cooking either. She was my KFC angel. 🙂
Hope all is well in the land of Tortitude and those who may not be actual torties but have Toritude anyway 🙂
Just a quicky to say I will be tied up for hte next ten days or so as we will be moving up to VA to be closer to my mom. We are taking two vehicles with my hubby being the one with the cat carriers as I can’t handle their cries and unhappiness in the 12-14 hour drive. Their vey told us to give all except for my tortie children’s benydryl (1mm/lb). I don’t have to give it to Columbia due to her Amitripoline (sp).
Be safe, give lots of furry hugs out to your babies for me and I may have time to read now and then but posting will be sparse until we get settled.
Good luck with the move Betty. Drive carefully and stay safe!
Betty, have a safe trip. Hope the fur babies do well. This move is going to make you feel better, just being closer to your mom. Will be waiting to hear about the trip. By the way, “Is hubby hard of hearing?” 🙂 That is a long time to drive.
I hope everything goes well with the move. If you’re going to give Benadryl, I highly recommend giving it at least once before the move to make sure none of your cats have any reactions to it. You don’t want to have to deal with a medical emergency while you’re en route.
“I hope everything goes well with the move. If you’re going to give Benadryl, I highly recommend giving it at least once before the move to make sure none of your cats have any reactions to it. You don’t want to have to deal with a medical emergency while you’re en route.”
Yes, I cannot recall which cat it was but we administered Benadryl to one of them years ago on advice from the previous vet and it did not go well, no permanent harm resulted but the idea was dropped immediately.
Good luck with the move, Betty! I hope being closer to your mom works well for you. Can’t wait to hear how the cats adjust!
Wish ya luck on the move Betty. Are all the kitties bad travel companions? Stir and Styx would cry a little but my hand in the carrier calmed them down. Punky loved car rides, Arianrhod was quiet mostly. Tabatha and Frank are the ones who should be on a roof rack. Bernie can tell you stories on the trip with Frank. And Diver is a crier. Keep us updated.
Only put your animals on the roof rack if you want to lose a Presidential election, and become the butt of a nation’s worth of jokes about your poor judgment…
On second thought – just never do it, regardless.
🙂
Happy Mothers Day to all from Bernie and I.
A Diver update. Tonight we saw him playing with Frankie and Arianrhod. He was chasing them and they were batting at him and he would run up onto a chair and swat at Frank who was under it. Chased Arian and she chased him. Things are going great.
Good news, it is great to have easy and successful introductions.
Sounds like they are having fun.
Reading back I saw where Terror was a huge cat. Being a male Tortie I wonder if that is a common trait? My new guy, Diver has huge paws and he might grow up to be as big as some orange guys on here – Punky and Taz ( with Taz being the biggest at 22 lbs. I know Doodlebug is another male on here and I know there was a 4th. Any idea Ingrid ? Can we start a study on Male Torties ???
Diver has huge paws, sound like a ton of bricks hitting the floor ( Stirfry takes after the big cats as she is totally silent and stealthy). He is super friendly and gentle and just seems to want to play. Loves belly rubs. Tortitude does not seem to be in his DNA.
I think the sample size may be a bit small to ever do a proper study on male torties, Jay ;-).
Ingrid, I think you have 4 on here ( I have to go back thru the records) and I am sure you know/have contact with more thru your friends blogs. We will never have a sample size of 1oo or more.
Maybe we can get records started now. Gotta start somewhere so why not with you.
Sure that can get in the record books.
Later a study on full blown Torties. We have 4 on here at least. Most know of Steeler and Kasey so Bernie and Glen can give us insight of their know history. I have had Stir since she was less than 1 year old s I have 13 years of history on here.
Jay’s Male Tortie. Diver, is by far the most lovable, gentle, and ACTIVE tortie I have seen. He has paws that are huge and thump when he walks and he walks very tall and slender. He loves all Jay’s other furry babies and their interactions are something to be in awe of. Now you all noticed I left Stirfy out of the mix of interactions. Stirfry doesn’t interact with any other cat. She does love Jay and it shows. She even comes to me and head butts my hands for petting. Stirfry is a special Tortie, unlike any other.
Bernie came down to see me and go to my sisters for Mothers Day dinner. We just went out to feed lettuce and slightly green English muffins to my critters. It looked like rain any minute. As I was cleaning out the barn it started to rain. Right now we can hear Steeler and Kasey talking. Thunder is loud and long. Those Torties really rule on that side of the Bridge.
Steeler and Kasey need to relax a little. We have all had about enough rain for a while. 🙂
I have a Torbie and White named Hauna. She’s definitely got some of the diva from her mother. She’s stubborn as all get out! She wants absolutely nothing to do with other animals, and makes her opinion known when they’re too close for her liking. She only barely tolerates my little orange girl, Honey. She also “complains” when I pick her up and put her somewhere else, or if I squirm around too much in bed while she’s sleeping.
At the same time though, the Tabby in her makes her extremely sweet and laid back around others, especially to me. She’s also ridiculously smart! I taught her Sit, Stay, and Which One? I raise both my hands up and have her tap which hand hold the treat with her paws. 9 times out of 10, she picks correctly with no hesitation whatsoever!
Hauna sounds like a very special girl, Alana!
Welcome Alana and Hauna. Welcome to our wonderful Blog. Ingrid had no idea how popular it would be so many years ago and how it would bring us together.
Sound like Hauna is a lot a lot like my Stirfry with her not tolerating other animals and making her opinion known when her space is invaded. But Stir des not have the Tabby to make her sweet and laid back. Pure Tortie. I tried the hiding food and having her guess which hand. Found out she doesn’t tap but smacks with open claws. She gets her treat and I get bandages for my wounds.
I know you meant this in good fun, Jay, but cat scratches and bites are not to be taken lightly, and rewarding inappropriate behavior is not a good idea.
I was mostly joking about Stir but in all honesty I do get bitten/scratched almost daily. I do keep antibiotic cream/sprays on hand so they do get treated. Shots are up to date. Bernie as far as I know is the only one who has her rabies shots but she will not show me the tag for her collar. 🙂
Well, I can say now that my new addition has a name that fits him. Diver. I like the singer Ronnie James Dio (of the groups Black Sabbath and Dio) an his song Holy Diver which mentions cats. I was thinking of Dio but Bernie was not excited about that. But this cat (really a huge kitten) runs jumps and dives off everything. He is getting along with everyone except Stirfry ( no surprise there). Frankie really seems to want to play with him.
Great name!
MJ I am so sorry for you and your son’s loss of Snickers. I am certain she was an adorable Tortie. By all means adopt another Tortie or better yet 2. I lost my precious Steeler 2 years ago. I swore I would never have another cat. She passed in April and by June I had rescued and adopted a Momma and her 2 babies. One was a Tortie. In August I rescued another kitten, a Tortie. I could not be happier. Having 2 or 3 kittens to watch grow and show their personalities is wonderful. This all happened in 2012. Momma says open the door and let them go :). So by all means adopt a new Tortie and an extra one to keep her company and play with. Glad you found this site and welcome.
Hi. I just came across your website while showing my son some pictures of torti and calico cats. This past Dec, we lost our beloved Snickers. She was the best cat ever! I had no idea that torti’s have a distinct personality different from other cats! Yep, Snickie had tortitude! It was heartbreaking to have to put her down. She was 13 and had a stomach tumor. She went from spunky to lethargic overnight. It was fast, and I guess that is comforting that she didn’t suffer long. We are considering getting another cat and if there’s a torti at the shelter you can bet she will come home with us!
Sorry for your loss ^..^
I’m so sorry about Snickers. Even though no other cat will ever replace her, I hope you’ll find another cat to bring into your life.
So sorry for your loss of Snickers, MJ. We all know how special Torties are and mourn the loss of every one. When the time is right giving a forever home to a shelter cat will not take her place but honor her memory. Many of us on here lost a loved one but were sent a cat needing a home by unseen hands (or paws). Berne lost her beloved Steeler and her son Eric and was heartbroken. Not long afterwards 2 kittens showed up on her front porch. We know they were sent so she would not be alone.
Things are going extremely well on the introductions. He has been near everyone except Stirfry. Tabatha walked into the kitchen and he was laying near a box. She did not see him and only when he batted at her tail did she turn and hiss. But Tabby is a gentle cat and her hiss is just saying “give me some space”
I know Torties can be quick to change personalities because of their genetic trait and petting aggression is common to all breeds of cats (as Harry has written). Stirfry is the rare cat (as a male Tortie is only 1 in 3000) that her Tortitude is the extreme and she has a hair trigger. Petting Aggression in spades and dislike of any other animal. Buell my mini donkey was kindly greeted by Tabatha when she first saw him. Rubbed against his legs even though she was 14 lbs. and him about 300. But the results were not the same when Stir came up to him few days later. He put his nose down and got smacked against the snout. He learned quick that coloring may be the same but personalities are quite different. I know the word Tortitude was coined to describe Torties in general. But I found your blog to find out by way of finding out why my new cat had issues. And learned Stirfry was rare amongst a unique cat color and only Steeler and Kasey had a taste for blood. Kasey for larger animals ( I think Glen said she took down a Elk) and Steeler took out a girl with a badge. And I keep hoping that another with that extreme feature will show up but in 4 years none have. The closest I have seen on the Internet was the cat down south that took on Alligators but I don’t think it was a Tortie.
Great to hear the introductions are going well, hopefully that is a sign of things to come.
Gigi was the easiest introduction we have ever had, even Kasey showed courtesy to her; perhaps some form of tortie sisterhood.
I think Kasey could have settled the question about the existence of the Sasquatch. If she had been taken on a camping trip out west, if she had not dragged one into camp within the first 24 hours, it would have proved they did not. 😉
I will be interested to read more about the new “tortie guy’s” temperament.
The new cat was in the kennel for a couple hours as per Ingrid’s, Bernadette’s and Harry instructions as to new cat introductions. He whined the whole time. Bernie insisted that I let him out. Took him upstairs and her was stalked by Styx who followed him around. He hissed at Frankie and Styx but explored the house. Frank was worried that he would find the food dish.
Stirfry came out and went passed him to her litter box. Gave him the Tortie eye. He came into the bedroom and I opened the windows where he looked outside and the horses. He has not heard Buell bray yet so that should be interesting. Stir came up on the bed and onto my lap. She saw the window was open so jumped onto the back of the bed. New cat was watching her and jumped down. I had the camera ready for a Future Movie deal but he looked at her and decided to not hang around. No hisses or growls but one look and even though he is easily twice her size and I was told not too smart I guess Stirfry’s reputation has reached Ohio.
Folks, I have an announcement to make. As most know Harry has the most cats on here ( that I knows of) at 6. Unless he gets Bobby’s sister Polly. I have matched that by getting a new addition. But even better is that I now have a complete set of Torties.
Tabatha who is a Tortie with White is a gentle cat and gets along with everyone except Stirfry.
Styx is the typical Tortie who loves me and has some Tortitude and the other cats never really turn their back on her as they never know when she might swat at them. She plays with Arian and Frankie and I will see them chasing her or her chasing them. Tabatha ignores her and Styx and Stir do not get along at all.
Stirfry who is a rare type of Tortie. We know male Torties are 1 in 3000 and after much research – (reading Ingrid’s Blog for the last 4 years) 🙂 – Pure Tortitude seems to be as rare. Stirfry is equaled by 3 and surpassed by none as to Attitude and Aggression of other cats and some humans.
Only Steeler was more dangerous to people as she has been listed on the Terrorist Watch list after she took out a DOJ (Department of Justice ) agent when Bernie’s house was visited by a Government team. Bernie’s son Eric was a team leader and visited when he was in he area. Member were told – “Don’t touch the Cat” before they entered the house. But Steeler was so cute that one girl did not listen and reached out. Bandages were needed and a good talking to as to not heading the warning.
Kasey and Brooke are the other Torties that are feared by all other cats and who’s reputations will be talked about for generations of cats and be used as stories to keep young cats in line. Cats can have a Bogeyman also. Kasey was a killer and took out animal many times bigger and had no fear at all and Brooke is the reason why other cats in the Shubin household have to be kept in separate rooms.
And now I have a cat who’s name was Michelangelo but will be changed after I learn more of his personality. He loves to talk and is very affectionate. Bernie picked him up in Cleveland Ohio last Sat and he was delivered to me today. Right now he is in a kennel and crying. Arianrhod has met him and so has Styx. Frankie was eating so a greeting will come later.
But the thing that makes him special and gives me a Tortie set is that he is a Male Tortie.
I will find out how he fits in but have been told he is friendly to all other cats and not very smart. Doesn’t know that other cats don’t want to be buddies. Bernie’s Mom cat Freedom is almost a stealth Tortie and this guy ignored her. But he has not met Stirfry yet. I will tell more later as to how that goes or just watch the Nightly News as they seem to cover Disasters on there.
“just watch the Nightly News as they seem to cover Disasters on there.”
HA! You can bet on it. Being tied with me on the number of cats is probably a disaster in the making.
So, congratulations, Jay. I know you’ve wanted a boy tortie for a long time. It will be interesting to see his personality – but if they say he likes other cats, he’s already different…
PS – you still don’t have a complete set – you don’t have a dilute tortie 😉
I thought of that Harry. My Mom had a Dilute Tortie. Blue/Cream color and no Tortitude at all.
So should I keep looking or ask Stirfry and to what I should do ?
Pretty sure she would say – open the door and let em all out.
Congratulations on the new family member! I hope things continue to go well with introductions even though you decided not to follow a slow protocol.
I want to clear something up: aggression is NOT a typical tortie trait. I’m concerned that some of our newer readers are going to draw that conclusion from some of your comments, Jay. I know they’re meant humorously, and those of us who “know” Stir know how you use the term, but please be aware that this thread gets close to 300 views every day, and out of those 300, only a handful will ever leave a comment. I don’t want people to come away from reading through the comments on this post thinking that torties in general are aggressive. It would be doing torties a huge disservice. Noone loves torties more than you do, and I know that’s not what you intend.
I have to agree with Ingrid – we all landed here because we have a tortie that’s a little crazy, but what really defines tortitude is passion – passion for life, passion for (certain) people, passion for playing, getting the zoomies… sometimes, passion for wanting to be the only cat in the house. But I rather think that Brooke is typical of most torties in that she has never raised a paw against a human (well, we won’t talk about the ONE time I tried to give her a pill!) but is simply a dominant cat – but not aggressive. It’s important to remember that Stirfry and Kasey were both feral cats before they deigned to live with humans – and what you’ve seen in their behavior is more like what you get with a feral – and they come in all shapes, colors and sizes, not just orange and black mottled. I know it’s fun to think that you have the most feared cat in the nation – and Jay, you do! – but I’m with Ingrid when she says that we have to be careful not to give the impression that torties are some sub-species of cats that are hostile and aggressive. Jay, if you thought that box under the Pittsburgh bridge was a rough life, wait until you’re on the lam with a contraband cat in your backpack. Some of my pitbull owning friends have nearly found themselves in that spot.
“but what really defines tortitude is passion – passion for life, passion for (certain) people, passion for playing, getting the zoomies… sometimes, passion for wanting to be the only cat in the house”
I think that’s a great way to defining it.
Kasey showed affection to me and other people with the same fierce passion that she showed while hunting at her former home, or “defending” the house, here.
She has been gone almost a year and I still miss her terribly.
While Kasey did originally live in a building, with human contact (sometime not positive contact) she did live the life of a feral, and I am sure this shaped her character.
Gigi is different; we know she was out on her own when she was found at approx. 8 months of age. She was not doing well by all accounts, perhaps due to being young without having strong feral instincts. She then had a very good home for 5 years.
She is a more timid tortie. However, there is some passion there, this 7 year old large and rather “awkward” quite energetically runs and plays with little Tim. She does some very wild and amazing things on the cat trees, unexpected for her age and size/build.
She has decided I am her person and has assume some of the Kasey traits such as, but not limited to; being the cat that seems to know the time when I come home from work and waits by the door to great me, she fusses at the door when I am outside close to the house, coming out in the attached garage (outside doors are closed) to lay in a comfortable spot when I work on the motorcycle.
I may have rescued her in Feb 2013 when she lost her home, but she sure came along at the right time for me.
I can’t take credit for that observation about passion – I was once describing crazy Brooke to a passer-by at an adoption event, who happened to be a psychologist, and her observation was “she’s not crazy, she’s just passionate!”
Wow! Congrats Jay … he’s a beautiful boy.
My shelter cat I adopted, Belinda, is a true Tortie. Her favorite past time is sleeping on top my PS4. Whenever I pet her, she lets me know when she is done by trying to bite my hand. Whenever I go to bed, she will run to my bed and lay next to me. While she lays there, she will purr like a motor. Much to the dismay of my other cat Seamus Z. Harper… Even though it is a king bed, she will chase Harper right off the bed.
That sounds like a tortie alright!
Welcome DiEx-80 & Belinda. Sounds like Belinda has a touch of Petting Aggression. Not uncommon in some Torties. Pet them until they say “enough”. Then Tortitude shows up. Harry Shubin wrote an article on it and even used my Stirfry as a cover photo. Not sure why as she is the gentlest cat I know.
https://ingridking.com/2012/02/08/petting-aggression-in-cats-biting-the-hand-that-loves/
It is absolutely not true that petting aggression is common in torties. Some cats are overly sensitive to being touched, and the article you linked to explains this phenomenon in great detail.
Sorry, not uncommon in some cats. Torties get a bad rap. Stirfry does nothing to dispel that myth.
Taz is a big, 22 pound laud back orange guy.
If you sit on the floor, he will come over for attention.
He will purr when pet on the head but if you run your and down either side of him, he will try to nip……………….while still purring.
Go back to petting the head and all is well, it has been that way for 16 years with him.
Kasey would ask to be brushed but you had about 5 minutes of brushing, then she would nip. Apparently it was OK if she did that but as Taz found out the hard way, she would not tolerate him doing that and she would “defend” me.
Gigi, on the other hand, has shown no aggression in the 1+ year she has been with us.
Welcome Melanie and Tuesday. We know Torties always dictate their terms and conditions in the house. And like a lot of them talking is common to their personalities. In my case I am glad I don’t know everything she is saying. Mostly 4 letter words I’m sure.
I am sure that most of the things Tuesday says are 4-letter words too, especially when I pick her up and kiss her. She does NOT like to be held! She does like when I say, “Hi, Sweetie,” and she gives a little hop step and arches her back and waves her tail the way they do when they’re being charming.
My 13-year-old son adopted a tortoiseshell cat from our local shelter, and she is the new love of my life! He named her Tuesday. Everything has to be on her terms. She asks questions and comes barrelling out from wherever she is when I call her name. She’s the new star of our family, for sure.
“Everything has to be on her terms.” Yup – that sounds like a tortie, Melanie!
I am telling you, she’s something else. I have had many cats…she is the first Tortie, and she is different from all of them.
She also stole my razor when I was taking a shower the other day, and I found it in the middle of the living room floor. I cannot believe she carried it in her mouth all the way from the bathroom to the living room, but she did.
Wow! There are so many amazing stories that all sound so great.
I’ve got a lovely Tortie too; her name is Leelu. She picked us when I volunteered at a cat shelter that unfortunately shut down. She walked right up to us, rubbed her gooey little face (she had kitty pink eye at the time) all over ours and I was a goner. She was brought home to us late in 2012 as a birthday gift and I have to say it’s been an interesting trip so far!
Leelu seems to be a typical Tortie with her switches between cuddle monster (she tends to fall asleep on you and uses whatever’s closest as a pillow) and absolute heathen. She’s huge at 20 lbs and three feet and she’s still growing since she’s only 2.
She shares a home with an 11 year old European DSH tabby named Stitch. They’re best friends and like to pretend that they’re not in sync with everything they do (eating, sleeping and playing). Leelu’s given Stitch a new bounce to her step and even defers to Stitch even though our old girl is half her size!
Just thought I’d share our story with you!
Cuddle monster is a great description for a tortie!
Hey Mel. Hi and welcome to the world of Torties. Leelu sounds like she has you wrapped pretty tight around her little toes. She meets all the criteria of a Tortie with Tortitude. A lot of us with Torties were chosen by out Torties. She chose you, there is not doubt. Somehow they have a natural instinct to pick the right human to give them their forever home. She seems to have picked up the step for your older girl Stitch. Leelu is truly wise, deferring to Stitch. either as respect of perhaps she knows she is older and wiser. Let us hear more as time goes on. We would love to see pics. You can post them on Ingrid Kings FB page. Do keep your stories coming. Things can get pretty exciting here, so keep checking in. 🙂
Welcome Mel, Leelu sound like a great Tortie. At 20 lbs. she is a very big cat as far as Torties on here. Glen has Taz who is and orange kitty and they tend to be on the big and gentle side. My Pumpkin (an orange guy also) was almost as big at 21.5 lbs. But a big cat in a Tortie body would be a force to be reckoned with if Tortitude comes out as you say. My Stirfry who is only 11 lbs. would be listed as a lethal weapon if she was that big. And I don’t have bandages to cover those wounds. Thank you for sharing your story of how she chose you.
I was picked by Stir because I was feeding local Ferals. Bernie on the other had put out big cat welcome signs on her house. Seems to be working.
Thanks Jay, she’s big but sweet most of the time. When she gets ‘Tude then usually we play it out or we leave her zooming around the apartment.
If she gets a bit too rough, Stitch will tackle her (Stitch is used to big cats and beating them up was her favorite hobby in Europe) and they’ll tear through the place together. If she gets extremely rough then we put her in the bathroom as a cool-off area for a couple of minutes. It usually works and then she’s back to mischief if she’s not cuddling my Mom.
Our story includes the fact that my Mom has had back-to-back spinal surgeries; Leelu helped her through both and continues to do so. They cuddle on the couch and Leelu uses Mom as a pillow so that my Mom can’t get up to do things. My Mom likes to stay busy so Leelu tends to keep her relaxed and happy.
If Mom happens to fall asleep, Leelu gets hugged like a stuffed animal and it’s incredibly adorable, considering the fact that my Mom’s a small woman cuddling this giant of a cat and she’s letting it happen.
You guys are very welcoming!
Hey gang – today marks the 5 year anniversary of Miss Gracie’s adoption from the RSPCA. How quickly time flies. It sure doesn’t seem like 5 years. I was going to say it was 5 years since we “rescued” her, but I really think she “rescued” us! Bless her little cotton socks and feisty nature. Torties rule!
Hi Marg, Happy Birthday to Miss Gracie. I just seen the post. I haven’t seen you around for awhile. Hope Miss Gracie had a good Tuna Cake for her 5th year. Time does fly by. It seems like mine were just babies months ago and look now. They are all grown up. Here hoping you, your mum and Miss Gracie are all doing well. 🙂
Thanks Bernie – it’s been all go here! (Head down, tails up … as Miss Gracie would say). Miss Gracie gets spoiled every day … not just on her anniversary (don’t they all). I had a few extra days off over the Easter break (just because I could!) … and now it’s back to work with a vengence. Hoping to take Mum to Scotland in August for her 70th birthday, so it will be nose to the grindstone till then!
Marg, both Miss Gracie and your Mum are very lucky to have you. A trip to Scotland sound fantastic. I spent time in Europe, but did not make it to Scotland. Maybe one day I will get there again. My favorite place to go is Vienna, Austria. Love the city and the culture. Hope to hear from you more frequently. Work hard, I hear our $ is not as strong over there as it once was. 🙂
Happy belated anniversary to Miss Gracie from me also. I’ve been busy and missed seeing your post the other day. Enjoy Scotland. My ancestors were from there on my Dad’s side. Mom was full Irish (as she tells me every St. Patrick’s Day. I’ve always wanted to see the old castles. Austria would be nice to visit with the mountains, buildings and exotic animals ( Kangaroos and such) 🙂
Hah … Jay, you’re such a tease. Kangaroos in Austria … somebody must have put two in their suitcase at some point!
Marg, ask Bernie. That is where her ancestors are from and I am sure she told me all about it.
Happy belated anniversary to Miss Gracie!
Just an update on “Look out world, we have a new puppy” and “Why is my tortie losing her hair”!!
Good news is that my Rocky cat (male tux) seems to enjoys playing chase with the dog. Bad news is the other 3 cats especially my Brad cat (black male) are still at the hissing and growling phase. We have had him neutered and his shots.
Better news is that we took my tortie Columbia to the vet about her hair loss and the medications the doctor gave her seem to be working as we can already see the return of hair on her sides already. The doctor gave her an antibiotic to take twice a day and an antidepressant to take once a day. The issue seems to have been her licking her hair off by constant bathing.
Other news is that this past weekend we drove up to Virginia where my mother lives and a good friend went with us and purchased a house in the city my mom lives in that she is going to rent to us so I can be closer to my mom. We should be moving in the next two months. She also lent us the down payment to buy a new car yesterday as I was no longer able to lift my legs high enough to get into our SUV which had over 200,000 miles on it. There aren’t enough words to thank a friend like this.
That’s all the news that is the news…..
Betty, so glad you have friends like that! Hope the animals all get along after the move.
Betty, that is great news that your getting a new place and car. And that Columbia is getting better. Stirfry had that problem where she licked her fur off. Luckily the Vet solved that too. It sounds like things are really turning around for you. 🙂
I have a “Tortie” I affectionately call Goofy. She is a furball of insanity and my introduction to this particular breed of cats. She was a stray kitten whom we took in just before Christmas.
This kitty cat is absolutely fearless, as she likes to stir up trouble with our older, bigger cat. She also likes to suck on sweatshirts and blankets as if she were nursing. She has also made it clear that I’m her human.
This sure is an interesting breed of cats and I love my “Tortie!”
“Furball of insanity” – I love it, Catherine! What a great way to describe a tortie! Feel free to post pictures of Goofy on our Facebook page, we’d love to see her!
Welcome Catherine and Goofy. Goofy sounds like a Tortie alright. They pick their human and some have no fear. But you made the mistake that a lot of us did before we found Ingrid’s blog. Tortoiseshell is a coloring of cats but not a Breed. My Stirfry is a Domestic Short Hair (DSH), and my Styx looks like a Siamese . Others here have a Tortie Maine Coon with the long hair. But their Attitude and personality is what really sets them apart. Most are female because of the extra chromosome and that sometimes make them go from friendly to not quite friendly instantly. Others like my Tabatha are gentle and loving. So far I have one of each. Friendly Tabatha, a Typical Tortie- Styx and Stirfry ( who’s parents were probably cats that were thought to be extinct.)
Thank you 🙂
I have 5 cats (spca lovers) but only one is tortie. I also have a Calico, A Tux, A “moo moo cow” (black and white all over ;p) and a fat orange tabby 🙂
I love them all, but Marni Bum as I like to call her is the cuddliest. However she does have I’m going to claw you as you walk by days.
I call her Marni Bum because she will stick her butt RIGHT in my face, as if she is saying ” Check my bum mum” ;p
Cant wait to learn more about everyone’s fur babies!
Love the “I’m going to claw you as you walk by days”! It just keeps the human on her toes, which is a basic rule for cats. Sounds like you have a lovely mixed family!
Bernadette, maybe the basic rule for Cats is to keep their human on their toes. But a Tortie’s rule seems to keep their human on a high ladder. At least that seems to be the rule that Steeler, Kasey, Brooke and Stirfry followed.
Not ever with Cookie or Kelly, or Nikka or Fawn or Peaches or any of my foster tortie-calico varieties! I may have you all outnumbered.
Nor Brooke – she’s wonderfully sweet with humans. It’s felines she’s not so crazy about.
I know not all Torties are the same. They vary from very gentle ( my Tabatha) to slight attitude (my Styx). They get along with the other cats. Stirfry hates any other animal and will only tolerate a few humans. And there is only 1 she trusts. Me. Not saying I don’t get bitten or scratched daily, but she does not bite me like she would anyone else. Teeth on my skin but hardly going to the bone. I am pretty sure she was the reason the word Tortitude was invented. That or her close relatives the Sabertooth Tiger.
“I know not all Torties are the same. They vary from very gentle ( my Tabatha) to slight attitude (my Styx). ”
Yeah, Gigi at 14 pounds with a solid build, large feet and a great deal of strength is a long hair, gentle giant type tortie.
My Kasey was a different story, earning the name Warrior Queen. She had no fear and extreme fighting skill and confidence to back it up.
A lot of cats run away from something, some come back to look at it, some will fight if they must; Kasey on the other hand, sought out and welcomed a fight; and it did not particularly matter what it was.
Just her getting up from laying on the floor would sometimes clear a room of other cats.
However, she was very devoted to and friendly with me, or most people.
Kasey was so feared that those others felt they must have done something wrong the day before and Kasey just now remembered what it was and gonna talk to them about it. And some Tortie talk is mostly 4 letter words. Who knows what Stirfry is saying to me. Before Ingrid she was just feared up in Canada. Now Kasey has a Reputation known all over the world.
“And some Tortie talk is mostly 4 letter words. ”
Yes, Kasey did not meow in the conventional sense.
She had a loud purr but there were a series of eeps and squeaks that passed for meowing.
There was the cougar snarl, full variety of hisses.
Then there were noises that “were not of this world”, far worse than anything on any sci-fi or horror movie.
I have said that if she was dropped into one of those alien planet scenes often depicted in sci-fi shows, in the dark, with horrible cries and snarls coming out of the gloom, she would not have been afraid.
She would have seen it as her next victim making a mistake, giving its position away.
Welcome Chelsie and Marni. You will find that Tortie are so special because of their personalities. They range from Very Friendly to Attitude with a tail and whiskers. I have both. Stick around and learn about a whole group of lovable Torties (plus some non Torties who have to live with them).
I have a 3 yr old torti, who is in love with me! The second I am finally sitting down she is right there, on top of me giving me head butts 🙂 BUT the second I put her down so I can get up, she follows and almost howls at me. Sounds like she is saying “mmmoom, noooo” haha silly little thing. Then last night she got into one of her “run bat shit crazy and knock everything over” moods. She is pretty much nocturnal, hides/sleeps during the day and comes out to love me at night. She must sleep by my head or beside me, beside the dog. She is the friendliest thing ever ! 🙂
Her name is Marni. She was taken away from her mother too soon and would suck on the stomach of the kitten she was caged with (SPCA), needless to say I adopted him too ;).
All in all, I wouldn’t trade her for anything in the world <3
“Run bat shit crazy and knock everything over” mood – if that doesn’t describe tortitude to a T, I don’t know what does! Your Marni sounds wonderful, Chelsie.
Ha ha! Our Tortie has the madly-running-around moods, too; we call it “catching particles.” There’s some important prey there, clearly–we just can’t see it; must be a tiny particle. She has toys as well and likes the feather wand in particular but seems most attuned to those pesky particles. Must run madly into the living room and POUNCE! Got it! Followed by a nap after such exertion. 🙂
“Catching particles” – I love it. At our house, it’s called “the zoomies:” https://ingridking.com/2013/01/23/does-your-cat-get-the-zoomies/
When we had a Maine Coon, who would suddenly howl at nothing and fly down the hallway after something that wasn’t there, in view of his “Down East” heritage, we said he was chasing invisible lobsters.
My dilute tortie Nikka would hurry into the room and stop, frozen in place, and stare with big round yellow eyes at the ceiling over my head, then slowly down to my face, and back up. I could totally picture a huge spider lowering itself to get tangled in my hair–that happened once, outdoors, but I always wondered how she knew my biggest fear–not of spiders, but of one stuck in my hair :). I held off as long as I could, but I always looked.
Ha ha my Tortie definitely has a funny personality. I rescued my Cat Wibby and her sister around 6 years ago. Some kids were trying to light there tails on fire and threw them in the garbage. They were only probably a couple months old, I ended up giving one to my sister. The first few years I had her she was very traumatized and would only let me pet her, she would attack everybody else. Today she is back to her normal self and she is very lovable. She is very loud and demanding of me at times :p, I have always wondered what type of cat she was. Whenever people see her, they think she is a prize winning show cat. Torties are some of the most beautiful cats there are in my opinion.
It’s sickening what some humans can do to animals. Thank you for rescuing Wibby and the others, Logan. I’m glad you were patient with her and helped her heal from her trauma. I think everyone here would agree with you that torties are the most beautiful cats in the world. 🙂
Logan, I too thank you for rescuing those kitties. Wibby had a rough start and I don’t blame her for not trusting humans. Were you able to report those kids to the authorities as people who do that to animals will do that to people who cannot fight back. You do not want to know what I would do to them. Post a pic of Wibby on Ingrid’s FB page if you can. I did not know you could snap a cat’s tail ad imagine it must be painful. My Tuxie Frankie has a kink in his tail and I was never sure if it was a birth defect or something that happened when he was a feral.
No I didn’t end up reporting them or anything. I just went up to them and asked them what the h— they were doing, and took the kitties away from them. I was only 15 at the time and there were a few of them, they also had 2×4’s they were throwing at the cats so I didn’t feel like starting any trouble. These were the neighborhood bullies, so I wasn’t too surprised to find them abusing animals. I have a couple of pictures of her if you click my profile on here 🙂
A quick note. Styx was at the vet last Thursday and had some teeth removed. She is doing well and playing with the other cats. When I took her home Thurs at 5 pm she was groggy and laid on the bed with me. Around 9 she staggered off the bed and I thought she wanted food or water. Nope, she had to use the litter box. I tried to hold her in that but no luck. She got out then back in. She laid there and peed. I took her out and washed and dried her and back to bed. She slept till morning and at 5 am wanted off the bed. Still could barely walk but after some wet food was back to bed for more rest. Within a day and numerous small feeding was getting around. Even smacked Stirfry as Stir was sleeping. Course she left the bed right after she did that. Cat might be brave but not dumb. Now she is back to her normal Tortie self.
To all those that celebrate Easter, Happy a Blessed Easter.
To those like me, see ya at the stores tomorrow for 50% off chocolate.
I think what I’m going to do is feed him wet food (twice as much of the meat only variety) when I’m at work and put dry food out for him at the weekend as a supplement to the wet food, so he’s not rushing into the kitchen every time I go anywhere near it. I’m still going to give him the dried bonito fish flakes as a treat. He loves those? What other treats would you recommend?
The amount you feed him twice a day will depend on his weight, Roger. It may take some time before he gets used to meal feeding. Occasional treats are fine. If you’d like more detailed and personalized recommendations, I’d be happy to schedule a consultation with you.
So if I feed him twice as much two times a day you think he will be ok and not pestering me all the time for food? “Feeding dry food to cats is no different than feeding sugared cereals to kids….” what’s up with sugared cereals? My kids had no problem with them & they’ve grown up ok. My old cat was never obese (anything but in truth ~ she died of old age) and my new one is unlikely to become so judging from the look of him. Are we doing too much here?
Recently I took my male cat (this is not a tortoiseshell question per se) to the vet. She told me that it was not a good idea to give cats dry food because it encourages urinary tract problems. Niether my old calico nor my current tabby have ever had these problems and I have been giving them a mix of dry and wet food for years… decades even. Dry food is good because I can just leave it out and he can snack on it as he pleases. The vet suggested I mix the dry food with water. That way he will get sufficient hydration from his food and be filled up at the same time. He hates this and will only eat it when he’s starving. The rest of the time he is around my feet begging for food. Is dry food really that bad? I have never bought the cheap brands… usually Purina.
Cats should never eat dry food, here’s why: https://ingridking.com/2010/04/05/the-truth-about-dry-cat-food/
With all due respect to your vet, while she’s on the right track about feeding dry food being the cause of urinary tract problems, mixing dry food with water is bad advice. Dry food is too high in carbohydrates for an obligate carnivore like the cat, and mixing water in with dry food is not going to change that. Get your cat used to a meal feeding schedule of a quality grain-free canned food. Free choice feeding is the biggest cause of obesity in cats.
You can find my recommendations of what cats should eat here: https://ingridking.com/2012/03/22/the-best-food-for-your-cat/
I have a female cat name money and she has all the attributes of a tortie…we call her money because we know she’s worth money from the way she is…she has attitude and she meows like she’s talking human language. She follows me all over other….we found her on our porch when she was 1 1/2 years old (according to an animal doc). Money showed us that we needed her too from the looks of things. She watches me get ready for work and she’s all over me when I get home. I can shake her. she’s playful, energetic, and say she’s fat, but she’s the best because i know she gots my back….she’s a beautiful cat. I have had cats al my life, but none like my Money…she’s all the colors too…plus, one paw is tan, and the other is black and she likes to show off her huge claws and fangs….MY MONEY..she’s now 5 and going strong…
Money definitely sounds like a tortie, George. All of us here know that torties are priceless. 🙂
Welcome to the group George. Money sounds like a great Tortie. Possessive, talking , energetic and teeth and claws. And the name can also mean all the doctors bill, bandages and pain killers you will need if you cross her :). So glad you gave her a forever home and she is thanking you by watching out for you. Torties are the best.
Sounds just like my tortie 🙂 I have also had a few cats in my life but none compare to my torties unique personality. She is also 5 years old, I rescued her when she was a few months old. Someone snapped her tail right in half so she kind of has a crooked tail, she doesn’t mind though it still works 🙂
Torties are definitely unique, aren’t they, Logan.
I love it! Money!
Our Torti adopted us last Thanksgiving – her name is Purrdy (she purrs a lot). She showed up at our house a few weeks before the holiday, very skinny and would run when we opened the door to say hi.
My husband had been feeding the wild life for some time, and this skinny little girl was obviously very happy he did so. Well, on Thanksgiving morning, whilst I was cooking our feast, I saw her through the window, there she was sitting next to an empty bowl mewing ….obviously asking my husband to fill it. When he went outside, she didn’t run this time, she stood at arms length and gave him space to refil the food bowl. Whilst he was filling the bowl she decided it was a good time to make friends, rubbed up against his leg…and that was the beginning of our lovely life together.
She’s an awesome addition to our household and definitely has a mind of her own…and loves to be outside and is VERY verbal – but that’s part and parcel of owning these beautiful creatures…what great personalities they have.
Any way, we’ve taken in another cat (previous owner didn’t want him). “Hugo” is a 2 year old Himalayan, has been an indoor cat all his life, he’s gorgious, VERY different personality to Purrdy. AND it’s been an interesting couple of weeks getting them used to each other. We’ve kept them separate for the 1st week, and this Wed we introduced them face to face thru a child gate. Purrdy hissed at him and then (with her ADD personality)…prompty forgot about him and wanted outside.
Purrdy gets along with other cats outside for the most part, she’s good until they either move fast or run away, then she’s after them like they’re prey. So Hugo is very quiet, very shy and is fine at arms length with Purrdy, but if he moves too fast, Purrdy rushes him hissing and slaps him and then takes off. It will be interesting to see if Purrdy will eventually accept Hugo into our household – time will tell. We have many patience and love them both for their very different personalities.
I loved reading all your stories of Torti’s….they are truly a very special mix and we’re very happy Purrdy adopted us. She’s a spitfire. She sleeps on my pillow next to my head at nights and wakes me up promptly at 5 – to go outside, get fed and play….she’s awesome. Can drives us nuts at times with her constant mewing and movement….but I wouldn’t change a thing.
THANKS!
Thanks for sharing Purrdy’s story, Gilly. She sure picked the right home to show up that Thanksgiving Day. Just go very slowly with getting her and Hugo used to each other. Since he’s so timid, you may want to keep a “safe room” for him so he can retreat when he needs to.
Safe/retreat room – for sure. We only let them loose when we’re home, and Purrdy loves being outside most of the time we’re home. Hugo has a few spaces that he feels comfortable in, so I think we’re on the right track. When we’re out, Hugo has the run of the house upstairs where Purrdy can’t access, just smell and play paws under the door and Purrdy has downstairs….so far so good.
Yesterday morning was good (2 1/2 weeks down), we had just fed them both in their separate areas, Hugo ventured out into the hallway and Purrdy walked right by him w/o hissing (what a breakthrough), Purrdy looked at him and just carried on. So things are progressing in the right direction 🙂
Thanks
Gilly, I just read your post about Purrdy. That story is so much like how I got my 1st Tortie, Stirfry. Feeding an outside kitty and finally having her jump up to rub against me instead of running away. That is a sign that they chose you as their protector and to give them a forever home. We all are grateful you did the right thing and rescued a lonely cat and made them happy.
And I also know how fast a Torties personality can change. Stir’s switches back and forth in milliseconds. Be careful letting Purrdy outside. Not sure if your city or country but there are many dangers in both. Cars and mean humans are the worst. Other animals next.
Cat introductions are an exact science. Unfortunately no one on here listens to the way we are told to do it. Mine is to give a few days in a kennel in the basement to smell each other than throw them together in thee house to see how things go. Been lucky so far with my last 3. All get along except with Stirfry.
Actually, cat to cat introductions are NOT an exact science 🙂 That’s why behaviorists and rescue groups generally advise people to go very slowly, and to pay close attention to how cats react to each other. If there’s a problem, back up a step and go even slower. No two situations will be exactly the same, because no two cats are exactly the same. Unfortunately, simply “throwing cats together” rarely works out well.
I’m sure Harry has some stories to share from his vast experience as an adoption counselor.
I’m just getting around to replying to this invitation to tell stories 😉 Been a busy week making money to buy cat food. I’ve tried introductions all ways, and have counseled adopters to do it the right way, for 9 years now – and I can tell you, the ones that don’t listen – sadly, more than 50% – are the ones that end up returning because their cats couldn’t get along. Not that I blame them for rushing intros – it’s so hard to be patient when you want your kitties to be one big happy family, but if it goes poorly the first time – well, it can take years to undo the damage. In my case, 4 years, of having a cat live behind a closed bedroom door, because of a failed into that resulted in another cat – Brooke, my tortie, of course – being a bully. It is only after multiple visits from a behaviorist, gallons of Spirit Essences and probably more patience than any adopter would have that I am sitting here with the bedroom door open, and I don’t know where Brooke is and am not concerned.
Bottom line – you have to listen to what works for your cats, but there is no harm in starting with a slow, staged introduction like the one recommended by Jackson Galaxy on this very website 🙂
Most of my introductions took a couple of months, in part because all my cats were rescues and stayed in quarantine for a full four weeks, but after that together time was minutes at first, and under supervision for weeks. It may not seem like much to us, but it’s huge to our animals.
My torty was named Missy. She had to be put to sleep at 16. I adopted her when she was 9. She was my first female and I thought that had to do with her ‘tude. I just stumbled upon this web page and you described her to a T! Every night, when I came home from work she would chase me to the bedroom, jump on the bed and tell me all about her day. She slept in the crook of my arm and stalked me from morning til night. Oh, and the bed was hers. No other cat better even think about it. I loved her.
RIP “Cat of a Thousand Meows”.
I think torties’ talkative streak is one of their most charming attributes. Missy sounds like she was a wonderful girl, Carrie. “Cat of a Thousand Meows.” I love it!
Carrie your Missy sounds so wonderful. Thank you for sharing her with us. Adopting an older cat, especially a Tortie is just about the best. She stayed long enough to be happy and show you what she was made of. Torties are special and talking is one of their special ways. I love to hear mine talk. I always says they have imaginary friends, because they will walk around talking to no one.
I had Steeler, an adult Tortie that I rescued. She taught me so much about love. She was a talker and I was in total awe of her. She became so very much a part of my life, but she left far to soon.
Love the phrase” Cat of a Thousand Meows”. Steeler did not meow, she just talked. Jay Davenport has Stirfry, that Tortie that actually is the definitions of Tortitude, she also does not meow. Then again she really doesn’t “talk” nice. When she speaks, every other cat leaves the room.
I have been blesses with a Torti. I had never heard of this bread until I watched the show My Cat From Hell. She has been living on my porch for the last year. Think someone has dumped here. I couldn’t let her in the house because I was caring for my girl Rosey. Rosey was 17 years old. Had her since she was born. Was spending all my time caring for her with her meds and special needs. She just got old and I had to put her to sleep about 5 months ago. I was devistated and still miss her soooo much. This kitty never left my front porch. She was very persistant. After Rosey was gone for a couple weeks I let her in the house. Realized how unusual her markings were. She was ready to be in the house and immediately took over. I have named her Bindy because of her brindle markings. She was thin and gained weight quickly. I could tell she was an older cat. Got a closer look at her and realized she had almost no teeth. Think she has been on her own a long time. She is pushy and insists on having things her way. Found out later this is called tortitude. Took her to vet for vaccinations and vet said she is at least 10 years old. It took some time to allow myself to love her because I miss Rosey so much. But think Rosey would approve of me caring for this elderly Torti. She has some special dietary needs because of her age and no teeth. She is now plump and very happy. She curls up on my lap and is exteamly possesive of me. She is very vocal too. I have grown to love her and her tortitude. Can’t imagine why someone would just bump such a loving older kitty. Think God brought her to me with the loss of my Rosey Girl. Bindy is part of my family forever.
What a wonderful story, Debbie! It sounds like there was a greater plan at work, sending Bindy into your life when you most needed her as Rosey was starting to decline. I have a feeling Rosey is smiling, wherever she may be.
Debbie, this story sounds so familiar. Some cats cat tell where their is a safe house and I think our little fur ones that crossed the bridge let them know when to work their magic on you. Rosey was telling Bindy to let you know you should take her in. And I do not ever know how someone could dump a cat for what ever reason out to fend for themselves. Thank you for taking her in. Tortie are vocal and persistent and always get their way. Stick around and you will learn a lot about them. They are not a breed but a genetic mix up that makes them this beautiful color of black and gold. You will find some of us on here follow 2 football teams. The Steelers or the Saints. Not because we like football but more so because our cats are the unofficial mascots of these teams. Read Ingrid’s story of Bernie’s Steeler. A few years ago we had the whole blog cheering on a team because of her.
And there are a few of us on here that have well know Torties that have Tortitude to the extreme. Mine is named Stirfry.
Welcome to the group.
A lovely story from Debbie. It sounds as though Rosey had a plan and that was that! Also, Jay, “Stirfry” is a very cute kitty name. May I ask, how did you come up with such a charming name? 🙂
*Oh, excuse me, got the names mixed up, argh. I meant Bindy had a plan. Sorry for that!
Clematis, many on here know of Stir and how she got her name but some of the new ones do not. Many years ago (2001) I had been divorced and acquired my ex’s cat Tabatha who is a Tortie with White. Harry tells me that the white tames the Tortitude. I was feeding outside feral cats and one who I thought was black was around a lot. She was a small cat and probable under a year old. I had seen her chased up a tree and could not get her down. She came down over night but would never come to me when I was outside. Slowly over a few months I was able to get her to come down the hillside and eat anything I threw out to her. Hot dogs were a favorite. Eventually she came up on my deck and rubbed against me and purred. I reached down and gave her a scratch. That was the start of a love affair. From then on she was always around and followed me when I burned trash, fed my goat or did yard work. Never a bit of attitude. Then one cold winter day decided to take her in. She disappeared for 3 days and I was sure she was dead from a car or wild animal. Then she showed up. I took her in that day and the temp dropped to below zero that night . Tabatha wanted nothing to do with this cat and the black cat without a name definitely wanted nothing to do with Tabatha. I tried to find her a home with family and friends but no one wanted her, especially when she expressed her attitude towards them. I joked to my son that I would give her to an Asian couple at work and they would make Stir-Fry out of her. Well, I fell in love with this cat and she got her Furever name. Well as you know, once you name a cat she (or he) is now yours. A few months later Stirfry had kittens (now you know where she disappeared to) and of the 6, only 3 survived and I kept the only make. He was an orange & white cat and grew up to be a huge, lovable cat that would not hurt a mouse. Stirfry was a terror (nods to Sassy and her male Tortie Terror)and my vet said it was because this black cat was a Tortoiseshell. Not knowing what that was I looked it up and Ingrid’s blog was at the top of the list (Still is) I learned that that color of cat was a genetic mix up and some cats had it to the extreme. 3 others on here had cats that were Stir’s equal (can’t imagine one that could be worse and not a mythical monster). There was Bernie’s Steeler, Glen’s Kasey and Harry’s Brooke. They made up a fearsome quartet and really got the blog talking. Unfortunately Steeler and Kasey crossed the bridge a year ago and now we have 2. But they have been busy and contacted other cats that needed a home and Bernie and Glen have taken in cats that though loveable and spoiled don’t even come close to their former Torties. I am always looking for others on here to bring in a Tortie that can match Stirfry’s attitude. But like the male Tortie they are scarce. Sorry if I talked too long but wanted to bring you up to date.
Well, I’ve told you all about Misha, my stealth tortie, and she certainly has tortitude. She has gone from a starving waif to a diva (aka witch.) Everything is on her terms, and her terms only.
She will lounge on my lap when I’m at the computer and generally lay across one arm so that it is almost impossible to type and be super affectionate. However, if she decides that she doesn’t want to be petted, she will bite me…or whap me across the face (thankfully with claws shielded.)
The computer room, where she recovered from her abandonment ordeal and subsequent vet visits for a checkup and to be spayed, has gone from her recovery room to her castle. The other cats enter at their own risk. Oh, and the vet tech informed me when I picked Misha up from her spay surgery that she would NOT allow them to perform their normal pre-surgery blood testing. In fact she was probably the one who was drawing blood from the vet staff instead of the other way around. She does have the nickname there of “Stray cat with short fuse” and she lives up to it in spades.
My tortie, on the other hand, who was passed over time and again at the shelter because she was thought to be “mean” (basically because she hated a cage and let them know it whenever they tried to put her back in it) is a sweetheart, although she is quirky–very quirky.
She has gotten herself stuck inside a wall and a suspended ceiling and has now decided that she will live in a downstairs bedroom, all by herself. She has her food and water bowls and a litter box and she occasionally graces me with her presence. She will probably stay there for several more months until she decides to take up residence elsewhere–probably on top of the living room windows or on top of the kitchen cabinets (both of which were her previous lairs from time to time.)
Ah, thank you for the explanation, Jay. Sorry for the newbie question; I appreciate your explanation. Steeler and Kasey sound as though they were incredible exponents of Tortitude. My own tortie is named Carolina and she is currently keeping me from doing the laundry (oh, darn) by sleeping on it. Carolina picks Her Favorite Spot It’s Mine, All Mine periodically throughout the house. Does anyone else have a tortie that does this? First it was “my” favorite chair. Or, formerly “my” chair, then the Throne, and now I am being allowed to use it again. Then it was the best spot on the couch, by the window. I like (liked) to read there in the evening. Too bad for me! When her new spot keeps me from doing drudge-work, however, my objections are much weaker. I think I have a brief window of time at dinnertime tonight–6 on the dot, and she will let me know!–to grab the laundry. Our beautiful, headstrong Torties…what would we do without them? (Laundry, on a regular basis). 😀
Debi I am so sorry that Rosey had to cross the bridge. I know you chose what was best for her. Sometimes those decisions have to be made even tho it breaks the heart. Bindy didn’t just show up for no reason. I am a firm believer in some higher reasoning. I took Steeler in after she had been around for a while. It was the best decision I have ever made. She gave me so much and all she wanted was love. She got all the love she could handle. Steeler left me before I had to make that difficult decision. But the hurt is no less for you than for me. She was a beautiful Tortie, but, as with Jay’s Stirfry, Harry’s Brooke, Glen’s Kasey, she had Tortitude enough for 10 cats. All that I have mentioned has passed over the bridge except Jay’s Stirfry. Stirfry should be in the Wikipedia under Tortitude and Tortiseshell cats. She is so full of Tortitude you have to stand back. Sounds to me like Binky has her Tortitude down pretty good, but the love she gives will give you great pleasure. Welcome to the family of Torties.
Bernie – Brooke is still around ruling Harry’s house. Don’t let her cross the bridge for many many years off. Torties never die but cross over to rule another kingdom. Then they wait for us.
Harry, I am sorry for putting Brooke in with Steeler and Kasey. I was thinking about Sabrina at the time. Brooke will be around a very long time, now that she has Henry to keep her young.
Let me try this again. Henry is still with Harry. No doubt about that and hopefully a long time. Now the kitten I wanted to mention here, is Harry’s newest addition. That is his sleek black Bobby. Bobby has brought renewed energy to Harry’s Brooke and Piper. Having a kitten fit in is a great thing. Now if you all are confused, I have did a very good job. LOL
At this point, I don’t even know which cats I have in the house. An update – later.
Harry, “Polly”? 🙂
Po;;y and Charlie. 🙂
Sorry that should have been Polly and Charlie.
Well written Jay. Thanks for the heads up on my stupid error. You really should put your words to paper. You have all you need to write a truly good book.
I will leave the book writing to our experts Ingrid and Bernadette. Someday I hope a book will be written about the extreme Torties along with the males who are so scarce. Terror, Dooblebug (and other male Torties I forget the names of) along with Steeler, Kasey, Brooke and Stirfry who make the term Tortitude something to be feared would make for a wonderful read. For now I am just the caretaker of 5 cats and 3 mini’s and soon will acquire another Tortie with big eyes and was named for me. 🙂
I tried posting earlier but seems we crashed Ingrid’s blog.
Folks just to clarify a part of what Jay has written ” soon will acquire another Tortie with big eyes and was named for me. ” He is referring to my very beautiful, golden eyed, sweet and gentle Dajudge, affectionately nicknamed “DJ”. Jay, DJ stays a part of her family with me. Nice try tho. 🙂
It seems sometimes that cats come along at the right time to help us through a loss.
Just over a year ago we took in a 5 year old, large adult long hair tortie, Gigi from someone who could no longer care for her.
Within 2 1/2 months I lost my “Warrior Queen” rescue tortie, Kasey, so I have an idea of how you must feel about Rosey. It has been almost a year and I still miss Kasey very much.
You gave Bindy a second chance and it sounds like it has worked out very well for both of you.
Glen , some cats come along and others are sent by our Torties. Kasey was letting you know you would want another Tortie around to learn how caring you are and tell her how wonderful and Fierce your Warrior Queen was. I can only imagine what Stirfry will send my way. Since Stir has a mean sense of Humor.
Sorry about your Rosey, it is hard losing our babies. Several of our cats were dumps too. One of them was a pure bred black pointed himalayan, a GORGEOUS CAT! We named him Sammy. He kept coming to eat the food we put out for the ferals and strays, but at first I didn’t know what it was, all I saw was a big bushy tail as he jumped down the side of the ramp outside. The next few nights I saw him and went outside, when I called him he came right over to me so I scooped him up and brought him in the house. He was covered with fleas, ticks and burrs, it took a while to clean him up but he quickly melted our hearts, no one ever claimed him. It became apparent quickly that someone dicarded him because he was sick, so the next year and half we cared for him. He had FL and it went to his brain. He had medicine and incontinence so we put puppy pads wall to wall and when he went we just rolled up the puppy pad and replaced it. He could no longer climb stairs and he became dehydrated often. One day I told my husband he needs fluids bring him into the vet, they kept him over night to give him fluids, it is not a place that is manned during the night. He had a grande mal seizure during the night and we got a call at 7 am, I knew when the phone rang it was bad. We went to see him, he was still alive but they told us we had to put him down, the seizures could happen anytime and he could hurt himself during one or suffocate. We had asked if we could take him home and bring him back if it happened again but due to the severity of the one he had we had to say good bye. It was hard, we held him for a while, then held him while he drifted off. He was a trooper, as sick as he was he still gave lots of love and was happy to be here and cared for in his last days. It angered us so much that someone could throw away someone so precious because he was sick! It was hard knowing the end result was going to come sooner than we wanted but we were blessed to have such a great boy for such a short time, he was beautiful not just in looks but personality also.Bindy is chose your family to care for him, they know instictively I believe and seek us out. So congrats on being that special someone Bindy picked! Also when Sammy had trouble eating, though he had teeth, he loved the meat baby food, the stage 1 I think it is, especially the turkey. I would also mix it with a little of the kitten formula for vitamins for him or mushed up rice with a few left over veggies. You can also take reg cat food and puree it. It is cheaper than buying the specialty stuff. I have a baby food processor, or just a very small food processor would work, just buy your normal brand and puree it!
I see Harry has made a great breakthrough with Bobby sleeping out of the bedroom with Brooke loose in the house. Show that a new black kitten can show a tough Tortie that everyone can get along. Congrats !!!!
I had a great idea as to how to get 2 crutches from 1 level to another. I had bought parachute cord and 2 metal clips. Tied a clip to either end and hook the clip to one crutch as when I went upstairs on the spiral staircase I would just pull the cord up with the other crutch and get around. Worked yesterday. Well today 2 cats (Styx and Arian) thought that was a cute cat toy and I almost pulled 2 cats up the steps. I was just hoping they would not bite all the way thru. Now I will throw treats before doing that again. Kinda like throwing a donut out the window when being followed by a cop.
Am preparing for it to be a very interesting day around the homestead. My husband is on his way to pick up a dog . The dog we lost on Christmas had been in our home for 8 years and Columbia (my tortie) never accepted her. If Lucy got in the same air space as Columbia, hissing and slapping started. This dog is even smaller than Lucy was and much younger. Lucy was thirteen and the new doggie is thirteen months old.. In his current home there are dogs and cats and he tries to play with the cats. I am hoping that my Rocky (male tux) who desperately wants a playmate, accepts the dog, and that Columbia doesn’t harm him.
Good luck, Betty! As I’m sure you know, “slow and steady” is the name of the game when it comes to introducing a new family member.
Good luck also Betty. As much as we try it’s always up to our little ones. So far Bernie and I have been lucky. Harry not so much.
Day 1 was a little shaky. Surprisingly enough it was my Brad cat (black cat, is the only one that goes out) that we had the most problems with. As soon as he saw the dog the hissing, spitting, slapping, and growling began. Those actions of course made the dog more interested in chasing him.
Columbia would hiss whenever the dog (Buddy) go too close, Janet (my other black kitty) just took off for the bedroom and found a hiding spot. Rocky hid for a while then he gave up and let Buddy walk past him which made Buddy ignore him. My other cats need to learn that behavior also so that Buddy would just leave them alone.
It sounds like you may want to slow things down a little. Gradual, slow introductions tend to be more successful as well as less stressful for everyone involved.
My torti has a major attitude. Very possessive of both me and my pillow. She sleeps on my head. I named her Lovi, and call her “Lucky Love” and my little “Love Bug.” She weighs 8 pounds…
Aww, Lovi is a sweet name, Elsadora!
Welcome Elsadora and Lovi. Sounds like a normal Tortie to me. Possessive and Attitude. Typical,
When Terror was a baby he used to lay around my neck to sleep. Thank God he no longer does that, he is HUGE now. It was nice in the middle of winter, we got him in March, but he grew quickly. He used to curl right around my neck like a mink stole. Now he settles for laying near me as long as I hold his paw, but he still likes his face as close to mine as I allow him to get it. He is very lovable, not your normal Tortie from what I have been reading, he is easy going with the other cats, he gets along with them as long as they don’t give him a problem, he will stand up for himself if he has to but he would rather not, he would rather be loveable and snuggle with the others.
Not your “normal Tortie” is right. 1 in 3000 at least. Probable the same percentage as the pure Tortie as Brooke, Steeler, Kasey and Stirfry.
How much does Terror weigh ? I know Glen’s Taz is 22 lbs. and my Punky was 21 and that is a lot of cat.
And I do so love that name.
Terror is prob around 20 lbs at least, it has been a while since I have weight him, I think he was 22 at last weigh actually for his worm meds. He is rare all around, he is a HE first of all, and out of our 13 cats everyone remembers Terror when they come in the house and thank God he is so big or he surely would have been slipped under a coat by now LOL. He is persistent when he wants food, he will come to me and and stare me right in the face and meow. He then waits for me to say what do you want, show me and he will turn around and take me to what he wants, most time it is food, some times it is a toy. He has had two surgeries on his intestines because he ate string from somewhere, we cannot have one little thread hanging anywhere, he WILL find it. You know the ones that hang off your clothes, curtains, furniture, all over the house? He is insured, luckily since we insured him we have not had any more tummy surgeries, now that I am home all the time I intervene a lot when he finds those small threads. One of the cats clawed one eye so he has a cloudy eye, but he is a trooper, still acts like a kitten and he is 11 now.
Not saying my cats are spoiled but Bernie made a dinner of salad, baked potatoes and Delmonico Steak. The 2 Torties (Stir and Styx) waited till we had a little to eat ( Styx hates to wait) and then they both had some cut up in small pieces to eat. Luckily they did not demand wine. I did but Bernie did not like my whine. So Ice Tea for me.
Yes we did. Then all 5 cats had steak pieces. Jay gets to whine enough all day, he is not going to drink wine while on pain meds. He is just going to have to whine. The Torties wanted wine but settled for water. 🙂
Bernie had some broken/cracked nails and wanted to get them fixed. She would not take my advise and just bite them off. She called a local nail place and we decided to go at 3:15. I had a show to watch at 5 so plenty of time – right ? WRONG!!!!!
We got there at 3:30 and there were no other customers. I had taken yesterdays and todays paper but did not take any pain meds. We were going to shop at the discount food store next door and then be home by 5.
While in the nail place another woman came in 15 min later then another 5 min after that. Then a Mom with 4 kids came in and all to have nails done. Meanwhile Bernie had a guy doing her nails. I saw a Dremil tool, a tub of plaster and a bucket of paint.
Well, 1 hour and 2 minutes later she was done.
I told her my leg was in pain and asked what took so long. She said they had to “Build up her nails”.
I have seen houses built in less time.
Did not go to the store but straight home. I hobbled up the steps and collapsed into bed.
Next time we go to the Vet and get those “Soft Claws” easier and faster and they have a choice of colors.
Remember how I talked about Styx smacking Stir for no reason. Well Torties never forget. Tonight I was helping Bernie transfer phone numbers from her old phone to her new one. Stirfry woke up from sleeping at my feet and demander scratches. No problem. Well her tongue was sticking out and Bernie took a picture. Well, that led to taking a typical Stir pic which shows ears back and fangs showing. 4 pics later I put her down and she went down to the pillow at the bottom of the bed next to Bernie’s feet. Styx was sound asleep next to that. Stir laid down on the pillow, looked at Styx and lashed out with a quick right paw and a hiss. Scared the hell out of Styx. I scolded Stir but might as well talked to the lamp for all the good it did. Stir does not listen when in that mood of hers. Typical day at my house.
Yes it was. I moved my feet really fast. Stirfry is like a shaken bottle of pop that explodes when opened. Styx never moved from Stir. She just looked at her, however, Styx was all ready to run like the wind if it came to it. Right now all is calm. Right now that is. 🙂