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
Amber
Our cats don’t go out either.
I have more than enough life experience to know the world isn’t Disneyland. In our area, living on the “edge of town” we have coyotes, other wild stuff, the odd roaming domestic animal, road traffic etc., not to mention a tough climate for at least 4 months of the year. We won’t get into what some sick inviduals will do.
Our guys are quite happy where they are.
Before I rescued her, Kasey beat the odds, going out into bush and farm country outside the company facility where she lived for 8 years. I know she spent some nights outside with little shelter in our rather tough winters at the plant when she was locked out or put out.
She was quite a hunter in her day and is a true, fierce tortie, but those are long odds against health and survial where who knows what close encounters she had for those years. In the last year before she came home, something, someone or too many cold nights injured her and she can’t jump or climb.
She does not seem to miss the outdoors and shows not interest in going out. She is quite happy where she is and she doesn’t “do”winter anymore.
Amber – you’re not being selfish keeping Bubbles inside. I have six indoor only cats and they are very busy with stuff to do. In fact, one time when a door blew open, our recovering barn cat looked outside, turned around and went back in. (“Been there, done that, got the kittens.”) You’re significantly increasing her lifespan keeping her inside – no cars, no preditors (in our suburban DC development, we actually have seen coyotes) and no poisons.
Ingrid – thanks for your kind words about Berta. I hope that people here not on Facebook can click on the link in my previous message and see her photos – if not, I’ll try to find another place to host them. I loved it when it was cold and people would come into PetSmart and say “is that a CAT? In a pink hoodie?”
Bernie – I do believe she knew how much everyone in the rescue loved her. We threw her two birthday parties, complete with strawberry shortcake 🙂
Thanks Ingrid, I feel like I’m being selfish by keeping her indoors, but I’m glad I’m not the only one whos cat doesn’t go outside. As for the spaying, she is in heat now, for the 2nd time. It actually seems like she feels a bit uncomfortable. I’m glad you have filled me in on the health risks, as I was unaware of this and will definately be getting her done soon. GladI found this forum and Thanks Ingrid 🙂
Glen I like the visual of a of taking you cat Taz to the vet and have heavy leather work gloves on her carrier. Steeler is due this month for the annual works at the vet. I have those heavy leather gloves that men wear that go up almost to my elbow. Getting her into the carrier is one thing, getting her out at the vet, well that is up to them. She is not one to accept soft talk from anyone, so I go with dread. When we get back, I know how she will react, like a grouchy little person and pout. Like hearing your stories about the treasure trove of critters.
Amber: I have my Steeler as an indoor cat only. I had her spayed as soon as I rescued her. By the way, spaying did not change her attitude one bit. I will not let her outside. and she seems to have no more desire to go out. So enjoy her indoors, but do get her spayed.
“Glen you have a treasure trove of critters.”
Yeah ,we do.
This isn’t a tortie story but IMHO, it is the male version; Taz, the big, orange tom. I think I read once 2 of 3 orange cats are male.
Yesterday was Taz’s annual vet check and imunization day; it is always a “treat”.
In the fall of 1998, an orange kitten, about 12 weeks old, showed up here, with a mangled tail.
We took him to the vet. he had an infection in his mouth and the tail was a “write-off”. He was shot full of antibiotics and his tail was amputated to the same proportions as a lynx tail.
He has ear tufts and grew to 19 1/2 pounds. He is my buddy but has to share me with Kasey.
Crating for the vet visit is always a challenge.
Then there’s the looks from others in the vet waiting room when you walk in with a heavy cat carrier with leather work gloves on top of it.
Temperature taking produced snarls and hissing. Injections weren’t as bad but there was one attempt to nip me. All in all, a pretty sedate vet vist by Taz standards.
As usual, very shortly after getting home, he is back to being the gentle giant, rubbing my ankles and wanting attention.
He is really very good, except for vet visits and he very quickly retreats from Kasey, apparently, this big orange guy doesn’t like to challenge the tortie “warrior queen”. 😉
Amber, Bubbles sounds like a wonderful cat. It sounds like Bubbles is quite happy being an indoor cat, and I wouldn’t change that if I were you. Indoor cats live longer, and I really don’t think we deprive them of anything by keeping them inside. I do recommend that you get her spayed. She’s going to be much happier if she doesn’t keep going into heat (if she hasn’t already), and you’ll also be doing a good thing for her health. Unspayed cats are at risk for mammary tumors and other health problems.
I’m sure others will chime in on these issues, too.
By the way my keyboard is on its way out so sorry about the typing!
I have a 10 month old Tortie, Her name is Bubbles. I got her as a 14 week old kitten from someone who didn’t want her anymore. After reading this forum I actually understand her a lot more! I grew up with a moggy called Layla and she had such a loving affectionate personality but when I got Bubbles she was totally different! She is independant, doesn’t like many cuddles and can be very moody. however, I love her to pieces and she’s a beautiful cat. It took her a while,but she has become more affectionate and follows me around a lot. I have 3 kids, which it took her a while to get used to,but she is actually very tolerant of them now, and the kids have got really good with her. Like someone else said on here (I’m sorry I can’t remember who it was) She instigates cuddles and lap time, If I pick her up she is not impressed! She has to come to me first. Theother day I fell aseepon our couch when the kids were sleeping and she snuggled up tome which was really nice, she’s never done that before. I have yet to get her spayed (She has not been outside yet). She seems quite scared of the outside. She seems happy to sleepon topof our TV and sit in our window. I am worried that I have left it too long before letting her outside. I sometimes take her outside and walk with her in the garden but she always runs back in. Doyou think I should have got her spayed sooner and let her out a long time ago?
Michael, thanks for the update on Honey. It sounds like she’s settled in completely, that’s so great.
Harry, I’m so sorry about Berta. I love the photos of her on Facebook. That’s pretty amazing that she went from intractable kitten to tolerating wearing all these outfits! How funny that strawberry shortcake was her favorite. What a special little girl.
Michael: It’s good to hear that Honey has taken over. About the early AM wakings. I think if Honey is like her counterparts, you may as well accept this as a part of the Torties tradition. I cannot stop Steeler and I have just give up on trying. I have found if I go put a couple of pieces of cat food on top of the cat food already there, she will let me alone and I can get back to sleeep for awhile.
Harry: I am sorry to hear of the little orphan tortie, that you came to love. But it sounds like she knew how much you all loved her and she responded in kind. If she could she would more than likely tell those who rescue, job well done.
It’s taken me a long time to get around to posting this, as the would is still pretty raw… but I wanted to tell you all the story of a remarkable tortie. She was an orphan kitten, one of the nastiest I’ve seen in rescue. She bit a volunteer, hissed at anything that moved… but she was taken in by a wonderful foster, and in a few months – because she had a thing for Cheez-It crackers – turned around into an affectionate cat who wore clothes, did tricks and sat in a mini pink chair at rescue events wearing a volunteer t-shirt, as mascot and official greeter. Sadly, the kidney disease that apparently claimed her siblings, caught up to her, and she passed away last August. But she taught us a lot – never to give up on an unadoptable little kitten, because you never know when they might turn into a great companion, a fashion model, and a rescue volunteer. It was a lot to pack into a short life – she was a legend and will always be remembered.
I posted an album of her photos on the Conscious Cat Facebook site. This is a link to the photos on my Facebook page, but I don’t know if it’s public if you’re not on Facebook.
-Harry
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2056042&id=1128642792&l=a059abd85e
Been a while since I updated you folks about Honey…
She doesn’t hide under the sofa anymore. When I get home, she’s out waiting for me. I’ve never seen a more independent cat! She is happy to see me, of course, but she has her own mind about what she wants to do and when she wants to do it!
I’ve had to get pretty “tough” with her about begging food. Every time I go into the kitchen, there she is rubbing up against me for a snack, but I rarely give in now, because she wasn’t eating her own food. Much preferred the chicken and Arby’s! Anyway, I think she’s got the idea.
I’ve taken to going to bed earlier than before, because she still wants to wake me up between 4 AM and 6. She is a sweetie though, and I’m so glad she accepted me.
Glen you have a treasure trove of critters. Good for you. I bet Kasey gets first pick of whatever she wants.
Nichole: Your Lean’s antics are really familiar. I have been coping with the hair pulling and the sitting on my chest or shoulder under she wakes me up. But watchout for the paw to hit you or your mom if you don’t waken when she wants you up. I can see your enjoying her antics “especially when directed to Mom”. Good story.
I love your description of Leah’s antics, Nichole – she sounds like a wonderful cat!
I have a Tortie her name is Leah, & it’s funny how you describe the ‘tortitude’ because it’s so similar to Leah’s attitude, you could be specifically describing Leah HERSELF. lol. some of the things she does…we’ve had her for a year, & let me tell you-we’ve had our share of laughs with her. Just 2 of the things she does is: Play with our hair (normal; we have really long hair, my mom & I) & try to run away with it (not quite normal. lmao) & wake us up in the morning by putting her face right close with ours & meowing as LOUD AS POSSIBLE….which she does to my mom, & I just find SO funny for some reason. She also like to get herself wound up in the middle of the night when we’re all sleeping by trying to climb in the cat litter bag. As you see, she’s kept us quite busy….& she’s sure kept us laughing. lol
“Glen, it is really good to see Kasey is going to be OK. Five beds for her, I would say, well you and your wife aren’t spoiling her are you?”
We do have Taz, the big orange guy, Morgan, the little tuxi-girl and Toby, the silkey terrier, so there are other critters that use the beds, too.
But Kasey, a true tortie, takes first pick, of course 😉
Welcome to our tortie lovers community, Belinda. Rosey is gorgeous!
I have a Tortie named Rosey She is a wonderful cat I have a picture of her on my Facebook Page Check it out
Glen, I’m so glad Kasey has completely recovered.
Bernie, hopefully the gremlins will exit soon. My web guy is working on it and thinks he’s identified the problem.
Nan, that’s wonderful that Buttons and Tips (love that name!) are already cuddling together. If you’d like, you can post the photo of them on our Facebook page, we’d love to see it! http://www.facebook.com/consciouscat .
It was rough for the first few days, Buttons would hide or hiss and swipe at the kitten, but she’s starting to get used to her. And they play and cuddle a little bit more each day. I have the most adorable picture of the two of them in one of Buttons’ favorite chairs.
We decided on a name for our kitten, we’re calling her Tipper, or Tips for short. She tends to fall over, usually because she’s distracted, and the very tip of her tail is a light brown when the rest of it is shades of grey. She really seems to look up to Buttons, sometimes mimicking what she does. It’s really cute.
***The article about the cathedral cat was nice. She’s very pretty.
Glen, it is really good to see Kasey is going to be OK. Five beds for her, I would say, well you and your wife aren’t spoiling her are you?
Ingrid, you are right not to blame Allegra, for the web problems.
I have been known by friends to blame those darn gremlins got to my computer again. By the way you really did miss a fun Sunday a couple of weeks ago. See what happens when you go away.
Kasey is loking very good, today.
I think we can call the results from the antibiotic shot a complete success 🙂
I’m so glad Kasey’s abscess healed so quickly, Glen. I’m sure she’s even happier than you are that she’s no longer at that site. She is one lucky girl, that’s for sure!
On the evening of Sept 30, 2010, I returned from the plant shutdown, where I took Kasey from in May 2008.
She was happy to see me but I was concerned because within less than a day before my return, she had developed what looked like an absess in her right cheek. This showed no sign of changing for the better and so I got her into our vet as early as I could on Saturday.
The vet confirmed an absess, likely from her own scratching, the other two cats don’t come close enough to hit her 😉 and she is an indoor cat.
She received an antibiotic injection and I am pleased to say the absess is all but gone. This saved putting her under general anesetic to drain it, which I prefer not to do, if possible.
Anyway, for the five days I was on-site, I just kept thinking how glad I was that she was home and not still there. It was no home for her; industial strength dirty floors, large equipment always on the move, few places of any comfort and at best, indifference.
Here, at home, one of her biggest decisions right now is which of the four new cat beds, that my wife bought last week, does she sleep in.
Hey, tortie lovers – I came across this article today: the new cathedral cat at Washington National Cathedral is a tortie!
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/pawprintpost/post/2010/10/new-cathedral-cat-welcomed-at-blessing-of-pets/1?csp=34
Buttons sounds wonderful, Nan. How is she doing with the new kitten?
I have two torties, one is about 2 and a half, the other is a dilute who’s 6 months old. We just adopted the kitten, so she’s still getting used to us.
But my adult, Buttons (shelter named) will wait by the door for me when she hears my car in the driveway, something she doesn’t do for my husband. She lets my husband pick her up and hold her upside-down, and loves to play with him when she has the energy. She knows when we’re sitting down for dinner as a family, and will usually sit in one of our spare chairs or under me. She loves to eat, anything she can get her mouth on. She’s needy but independent at the same time. She needs to be close to us at all times, but doesn’t really care if we’re petting her or not.
I absolutely love both my torties! They have such strong personalities.
Tana, sounds like your tortie definitely fits the pattern!
My tortie is usually very hyper, but nonstop hilarious.
Very affectionate and smart for a cat.
She is destructive in how she plays with things, has kept me awake many nights rattling plastic bags or trying to take things out of my clothes drawer. She does too many weird things to mention.
Yes we really have to be careful what we leave in her reach, as she tries to eat anything and everything.
Overall, much more affectionate and active than most cats. Makes a lot of different noises too.
Now I think about it, lots of other torties are like her. At first they scare me, but they are in actuality very friendly cats.
Aaron, I love the name Zoo Zazz – what a perfect name for a tortie!
Lloyd, I’m so glad you’re enjoying my site, and welcome to our little tortie community!
Aaron I think this is a first for Torties! You actually have a jail bird Tortie, Zoo Zazz. She sure got the best probation of all. Sounds like she owns a new home and people who really learned to love her a she is. (What crime did she commit?) I know they can pull some real stunts. Just kidding. Enjoy
No thanks needed Lloyd. God forbid i would lose Steeler, I would be more than devastated. Hold onto the memories she left you and your family with. One day you will find yourself smiling to yourself about the antics she got away with.
Bernie & Ingrid,
Thank you so much for your kind words they are much appreciated, as you say she was a special cat and part of our family, it’ll take time to get used to her not being around but one thing for sure is we will not forget her or the joy she brought to all of us.
I must congratulate you on a great blog/web site, I’ll certainly come back and visit. It’s been nice reading about all the Torties, and confirmed my feeling that Torties seem to be unique among cats and have very big personalities.
Thanks again
Hah! I love all these tortoiseshell stories. I have a 4 year old tortie who came from the jail at the Sheriff’s office where my wife works. Her name is Zoo Zazz and she is great! She was feral, but quickly discovered that she likes the domestic goddess life. She’s my buddy and goes on walks with me outside and when I’m in the recliner in the house, she’s my constant companion on the arm of the chair. She is quite vocal and a little skitzo, but fun. Only thing, she’s quite a beggar when I’m eating supper. She’ll sit and look sad ’till I give her a tidbit. At night, she sleeps in a small pillow on top of my chest of drawers. I love her 🙂
I’m so sorry for your loss, Lloyd. Losing such a special cat is never easy, but when it happens at such a young age, it’s even more devastating.
Lloyd I am so sorry for your loss. But it sounds like you gave all the love, someone could give. Keep the memories alive and know I said most men don’t talk socially about their cats. But there are exceptions and you are definitely one of them. I don’t know how I could handle losing my Steeler. Don’t ever forget her. She is part of your family and mourning is normal.
Had a tri colour Torti (long hair & lots of white) from a kitten, a huge cat (not fat just big) who was the most loving cat I’ve ever known, very vocal and social. She would make a point of coming to find you in the house or outside to say ‘hello’, if you were sat down she’d jump up and kneed your chest purring like a manic (I swear she used to think she was giving us a fuss not the other way round !), when the family were sat down she’d spend time with everyone giving us all some fuss. Tragically she recently passed away at only 3yrs old and we’re simply broken hearted, trying to look on the bright side by being thankful we were lucky enough to have had her even if it was for such a short time, but miss her terribly.
I saw a previous comment saying theres not many comments from men, so here’s one from a ‘mad cat man’, theres not a day goes by I don’t think of her.
Looks like I missed all the fun here yesterday while I was off on a day trip! I loved catching up this morning, starting my day with a big smile for all the torties.
Bernadette, as Ingrid once said to me jokingly, Steeler must have hit the wrong key” or something to that effect. So maybe Cookie hit the wrong key for you. ”’
Jay I am still smiling with the image of a tough ex-Pagan holding and loving a Torties. He really did choose the right cat for him. He doesn’t need a tough dog. The Torties will give him all the challenge he can muster.
Folks this has been a really fun day here on the Conscious Cat.
Thanks Ingrid.
What fun! Actually, Bernie, you weren’t one of the “guys” I referred to (you mentioned a husband way back), but there are many men who write on this blog. But “Bernie” can throw people off since most people presume it’s short for Bernard (the male form of Bernadette). And I’m having one of those days where I’m transposing letters in nearly every word. Cookie save me!
Michael sorry my for the mixup between you and Glen. But I still think you guys are great for taking time to let all of us know how precious Torties are to “tough guys” or gentle giants as I would say.
Bernadette: You are right I am wiped out from the game. Steeler just decided enough already and went on her way.
Only one slight correction, my name is Bernie, but I am a she not a he. LOL
Bernie’s just wiped out because the Steelers won, and he and Steeler are celebrating.
I don’t have a TV but I knew because I heard my neighbors cheering up and down the street and the kids came out and ran around and all the dogs barked. The heavens opened up and the sun shone.
But it’s part of the increasing respect our society has for our animal companions that we share stories so freely. I’ve known many men who loved cats though not so many who sahred stories wihtout a lot of questions to get them started and fewer still who adopted their own kitties. Tortitude itself is definitely a topic of conversation!
Bernie,
You got Glen and me mixed up in your post, but that’s cool. It’s sometimes hard for me, too, to keep the owners and the Torties sorted out.
I am not amazing.
I was just lucky enough to be adopted by a tortie.
And telling her story has made her known to all my friends and co-workers. Her picture has helped.
Jay you are amazing. You just confirrmed what we are saying. Once you guys have experienced the Torties a whole new respect for these wild felines takes over even the toughest men. Your brother-in-law is the best example of the draw of the Tortie. More guys should admit how much the Tortie is to them. One thing for sure they are a one person cat and very possessive of that persons time. Give you brother a handshake for me and tell him way to go.
Bernie, not all guys brag about their dogs.
Since a few friends have met Stirfry and seen what an attitude she has they have become fans of cats and especially torties. My brother in law is an ex Pagan and told me that he like her because she doesn’t back down from anything. Because of that he has adopted 2 cats of his own. Before that it all he had was Rotties, Shepards and 1/2 Timberwolf.
Bernadette I am glad to hear how well Cookie is doing. I too was surprised to read about Michael and Glen are taking such a gentle approach to their Torties. I called them the gentle giants.
In a mixed gathering men seem hesitant to speak of their cats, but you hear all about the dogs. This is agreat forum for real men to speak affectionaly of their torties. Glen even gave up his bed to be close to his Honey and Michael found a way to help Kasey get up on his bed. In my book this is the definition of good people. PS: STEELERS WON so the folks will be coming out now.
Bernie, so that’s where everyone is today! My neighborhood is deserted, not even kids outside. Steelers game…
Not to be sexist, but I have to say it’s really wonderful to read loving comments about cats from male owners as well as females–often we ladies are classed as “crazy catladies”, but what would we call the guys? Perhaps it’s another magical quality of the tortie, to bring us all out of our shells.
Glen great minds think alike. Who would have thought two grown intelligent people would be building stepping type stools for a cat to get into bed. I think I might have used those clenched fist when the kick hit Kasey. Sometimes fools never learn how precious a animal can be.
Michael go back to the bedroom and put a little bowl of water and a little feed in the bedroom inside the door. Before you know it Honey will join you. Then you can get awaken like the rest of us at 4 or 5 or 6 AM or anytime Honey wants a little attention. You guys are great for taking such great care and showing your real colors as gentle giants to the little cats.
I can’t sign off today (Sunday-Halftime) and not say from my Steeler and I “‘GO STEELERS'”
Glen, I’m so glad you got Kasey away from that place. There’s always so creep who will kick a cat (or a dog) in that situation. I just will never understand why anyone would kick or abuse an animal. It takes a really twisted mind.
Honey is doing well. She still goes under the sofa at times, but I believe it’s only for a “chill-out” period – she’s not scared anymore.
I talked to her about waking me up so early, and she has adjusted the schedule so that she wakes me up around 6AM instead of 3AM. I am grateful.
Eventually, I’m going to have to move my sleeping quarters back to the bedroom, and I’m not sure how she’s going to take that. Right now, I’m still sleeping on the sofa every night.
Anyway, she’s getting into a routine and makes sure I stick with it. She still won’t use the cat tree (or go much into the other rooms), but we’re making progress.