Last updated November 2025
In August of 2009, I wrote a post titled Tortitude: The Unique Personality of Tortoiseshell Cats. The post describes some of the unique traits that many of these beautifully colored cats seem to share: 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.
The post still gets hundreds of views every single day, and has generated more than 14,500 comments to date. It has become more than just a source of information for cat lovers looking for more about cats with these distinct orange, tan and black colors: it has become a place for people to share stories about the torties in their lives.
As someone who has been owned by four torties at this point, not counting my first office cat at the animal hospital I managed, I’ve become somewhat of an expert on these special cats. And while Virginia, Amber, Buckley, Ruby and Allegra all had or have some degree of tortitude, their personalities were and are also very different. This appears to be true for the torties whose guardians have shared their stories here on the site as well.
What is a tortoiseshell cat?
Contrary to what some people think, tortoiseshell cats are not a breed. They are named for their distinctive coloring – a combination of patches of black, brown, amber, red, cinnamon and chocolate. The size of the patches can range from a speckled pattern to large splotches of color. Tortoiseshell cats have have very few or no white markings, as opposed to calicos, who are tri-colored cats with larger areas of white fur. Sometimes, the colors are more muted. These torties are known as dilute torties. Very dark torties with a lot of black in their fur are often affectionately called “chocolate torties.” Occasionally, the typical tortoiseshell colors are also seen in a tabby (striped) pattern; these cats are referred to as “torbies.” Tortoiseshell is not a breed, the distinct markings appear in many different breeds.
The unique genetics of tortoiseshell cats
In addition to their unique personalities, torties also have unique genetics. A cat’s main color is determined by a primary coat color gene. The tortoiseshell pattern is determined by two co-dominant genes, in other words, two genes that are expressed at the same time and affect each other. In a bi-colored tortie, these two genes comingle to produce the characteristic brindled tortoiseshell pattern. In dilute torties, these genes are modified by a recessive gene, which results in softer coat colors. Black becomes grey, orange becomes cream.
The vast majority of tortoiseshell cats are female, because two X chromosomes are required to produce black, gold and orange coloring. Male cats only have one X and one Y chromosome, so technically it’s genetically almost impossible for a male to inherit the tortoiseshell coloring. A male tortoiseshell has an extra X chromosome, making it an XXY. According to a study by the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri, only 1 in 3000 tortoiseshell cats is male.
A tortoiseshell cat may have a distinct tabby pattern on one of its colors. This pattern is driven by yet another gene. Tabby cats, also referred to as tiger cats, are cats with a coat featuring a pattern of distinctive stripes, lines, dots or swirling patterns. These cats are known as torbies, and, like all tortoiseshell cats, are predominantly female.
Tortoiseshell Cat Folklore
Tortoiseshell cats have a mythical folklore in many cultures, much of it centered around the rare male tortoiseshell. The Celts considered it a good omen if a male tortoiseshell stayed in their home. English folklore has it that warts could be healed if rubbed by the tail of a male tortoiseshell’s tail during the month of May. Japanese fishermen believed that male tortoiseshells protected their ships from storms and ghosts. A Khmer legend in South East Asia has it that the first tortoiseshell arose from the menstrual blood of a goddess born of a lotus flower.
Torties are thought to bring good luck in many cultures. They are sometimes referred to as the money cat.
Tortoiseshell cats were believed to have psychic abilities and see into the future. It is said that those who dream of a tortoiseshell cat will be lucky in love.
Are tortoiseshell cats really different from other cats?
Speaking from personal experience, it appears that no two tortoiseshell cats display the exact same amount of tortitude. Virginia had definitely read the book on tortitude. The first time I met her, during my interview for the hospital manager position, she greeted me by walking over to me, looking up at me, and then digging her claws into my legs to use them as a scratching post. Amber was the “anti-tortie” – she was a gentle, calm, almost shy cat, but she was a bit headstrong. Buckley’s tortitude manifested in her exuberance. She loved everything and everybody. Allegra is highly sensitive to the world around her, and often quick to react to something that she perceives as a threat. Ruby is the most high-spirited cat I’ve ever had. Of all my cats, she is the one with the highest dose of tortitude.
The experts weigh in on tortitude
I decided to check with some other experts to get their thoughts on tortitude. “I often tell clients that torties are the redheads of the cat world,” says feline veterinarian Dr. Fern Slack, who owns Uniquely Cats Veterinary Center in Boulder, CO. “They are beautiful, but short-tempered and quick to wrath. Of course they are not all like that, any more than every redhead is – but I always approach a tortie with a tad more circumspection than any other coat color.” While Dr. Slack takes a cautious approach to her tortie patients, she adds “I’ve always thought that the price you pay in tortitude, you get back tenfold in love.”
“There is no evidence that there is a link between color gene and personality,” says the late Dr. Elizabeth Colleran, a former president of the American Association of Feline Practitioners and former owner of two cat hospitals. “It is true though, that almost all tortoiseshell cats are females, and some people perceive females as being more headstrong than male cats. However, the real determination of personality is naturally a combination of genetics and environment.”
Jackson Galaxy has worked with his share of tortoiseshell cats in his decades of helping cats with behavioral challenges. “In my experience, tortitude is a very real thing,” says Jackson. “And now that there is a a study correlating coat pattern with behavior, our characterizations have been validated. Of course, anyone who knows me, knows I try not to talk about cats in generalities.” Jackson feels that torties and calicos are more energetically sensitive. “I think that’s part of the reason why their personalities are always on full display,” he says. “I’ve always said that cats are energetic sponges. Torties, however, just seem to soak up more, which is why they’ve got so much to say.”
Tortoiseshell cats are special
Those of us who love torties embrace their unique personalities. It is important to remember that every cat, regardless of coat color, is an individual. Not every tortie will exhibit the traits attributed to these beautifully colored cats, but the majority seem to live up to their reputation. As far as I’m concerned, tortitude is real. And while torties may, at times, seem like they have split personalities, going from purring away in your lap to suddenly racing around the house like a crazy kitten, those of us who love them wouldn’t want them any other way.
I found my Pepper at the hardware store I work at. I remember thinking “Here’s your paint, I’ve gotta go see this kitty.” She looked like my “smudgie” I had before. Took her home, not realizing she wasn’t weaned…that was a long couple of weeks, feeding her with a syringe every couple of hours, day and night. As I write this she’s curled up on my lap. She follows me everywhere. Ive learned to lock myself in the bathroom to put on shoes and socks.I imagine soon she will be bouncing off the walls. Tortitude for sure! Love her 🙂
Aww, Pepper sounds like a wonderful girl, Kim!
I’m owned by a tortie named Harley. This is my first cat And she is over a year now. When we first got her, the owners said she was a boy, so Harvey it was (she has the half and half face like Harvey dent)… But we soon figured she was a she. She is definitely a harlequin..like the Batman type: kinda evil but she has her moments. She’s mommys girl. And gives daddy hugs too. But the second any intruder comes in its guard cat on her high horse. She can be hyper but also affectionate. Bipolar as some people have described. I bribe her with her favourite cuddle blanket and occasional tasty treats. She is also quite vocal. But she never goes a night without sleeping on my feet. We call her names cause she is miss independent, own the apartment, do what I want with you kind of tortie. But we love her anyways.. Our friends not so much.
Ps. Any luck with getting a second cat? Would it help at all?
Bipolar seems to be a term that comes up frequently when people describe their torties :-). Unfortunately, there’s never any guarantee that two cats will get along, and it can be more challenging to introduce a newcomer to a cat with a dominant personality like Harvey’s. If you decide to go for it, I’d look for a cat of about the same age, but with a laid back, mellow temperament.
I recently went to a high kill shelter and solve this little itty bitty kittentrying with all her might to get my attention. I walk over and saw the most beautiful markings I had ever seen in my life as well as a little nub for a tail apparently she was born that way. She was up for the chopping block and of course I couldn’t leave her. I have had Luna (fitting for her markings I thought) now for about 4 days and I’m just now reading all the research about Torties. I have never had a cat before so I had to ask around if her constant being vocal was normal… My response I got was its normal for a tortie lol she is so high spirited and loving affectionate and a tad bit crazy. My question is for her being a tortie will she be happy with it just being me and her… I’ve seen a lot of people here have multiple cats.
P.s. I like the Post about giving the cat a middle name lol Lord knows Luna needs one with her little attitude lol Luna Lu maybe…
Congratulations on your new tortie! Kittens tend to like having a buddy, so you may want to think about adopting a second kitten. If you do, just be sure to introduce the newcomer gradually. Here’s some information on how to do it: https://ingridking.com/2011/08/15/cat-to-cat-introductions/
I really enjoyed your article on ‘tortitude.’ I am having my first experience with a tortie. I adopted Roxy from a pet foster home back in May when she was 9 months old. She loves to sleep on my chest or on my feet. She is a little feisty but so funny. She has a lot of black coloring and those beautiful eyes that torties have. You can tell that she’s taken over my heart as well as my house. Lol. I work night shift and Roxy will be sitting in the window waiting for me to come home. I had a cat named Trouble that passed away 2 yrs ago. I had her for 16 years, and I wasn’t sure if I could love another cat, but about 1 1/2 yrs later, I found my Rox and she has helped me heal.
I’m so glad Roxy is helping your heart heal, Linda.
My first tortie, Patches, loved attention. She was very quiet but very affectionate. But she would get angry quick. She really was the sweetest thing usually. After Patches passed, I got Alleria. She is noisy and expresses herself loudly. Her purrs are loud, and she’s purring the second you touch her. She follows me around the house, drags a toy (on a stick) to me when she wants to play then doesn’t stop bossing me until we play. She tips her water. She’s very curious and very sweet.
I always love hearing how different torties express their tortitude in different ways. Both Patches and Alleria sound wonderful, Caitlin.
Our daughter was presented with a baby Torrie in 2008. Her name is petunia. After our daughter left for college in 2010 petunia eventually became attached to me and I just love her. She is a typical Torrie and very possessive of me. Right now Kate is home visiting for Christmas and has decided she wants to take petunia back with her but am worried it might psychologically harm her?? She seems to remember Kate every time she comes to visit and sleeps butted up to her. I would miss her terribly, but we have three other cats that petunia is not particularly fond of. I don’t know whether to let her go or not! Would involve a plane trip and don’t know if she could handle the stress of that.
That’s a very tough call, Barbara, and there’s really no way to predict how this would go. It sounds like Petunia is still bonded to Kate, and she might be quite content being the one and only, but the stress of the move could be tough on her. I wish I had an easy answer for you!
Hi, well I guess I am going to find out about “tortitude” I can honestly say, that just cracks me up. I have had many feline companions and felt the devastation of utter loss when they left this earth. I lost my Barthomew in April 2014, I was destroyed and vowed never ever again. Well turns out this tortie cat’s mom companion died and it made me feel so bad for her and I said maybe we could help each other’s broken hearts. So, I will get her tomorrow and let you know about the “tortitude.” I have always favored black or grey cats, so the Universe is providing me with a tortie something I’d never have considered before. I guess it is true that we get what we need when we need it, least that’s how I think.
I’m sorry about your Barthomew, Kate. Bless you for taking in this tortie – I hope you’ll be able to comfort each other. Let us know whether she has tortitude! 🙂
I will Ingrid, and thanks for your kind words, your avatar actually looks something like Bartholomew Jasper. I really don’t want to give my heart again, it hurts so much, but hells bells, God is love and so I guess I’m okay, I got a lot of love in me, maybe what I need right now is some more cowbell or tortitude (that is Saturday Night Live with that crazy Will Ferral just in case your saying what??????
The cat in my avatar is Amber, the original conscious cat. It seems that cats have a way to find us when we’re ready. I have a feeling you’ll both heal each others’ hearts.
Well I didn’t know what type of cat we had until now. About a month ago we were holidaying in the south of Turkey when this scrawny thing came down the tree outside of our apartment, at first I thought it was a small bat.
The next day it was there outside the balcony, I was hoping the kids wouldn’t see it! But they did and for the last days there the kitten stayed inside and then it was can we take the kitten with us. Well a local travel agent organized a vet for us so we could get the required injections and paperwork so we could take her on the plane back to Ankara, Turkey.
Within a week of having her and the children still hadn’t come on with a name! I was considering Psycho as the cat would run hop skip around the house whilst growling hissing and any other noise that she could make. But then she would walk up to you and talk to you……… It has taken over every room in the house. But I wouldn’t trade her for anything…. Her name is now LILO
I’m kind of glad you didn’t stick with Psycho for her name, Tony – the power of suggestion and all that… 🙂
I have a tortie that was found out in the middle of nowhere and brought to me because we had another cat at the time and so had cat care stuff. She was a feisty scrawny little thing and we called her Little Cat at first, then Tisha (a shortened version of Little Cat in French – Petit Chat) .
When we first got her, I wrapped her in a small blanket and held her tightly to calm her and help her feel secure ( and make sure she didn’t run around and tear up the house!) That was almost a year ago. She is now a well fed, happy loved kitty with the most beautiful full winter coat.
She owns me for sure…I loved that expression – you certainly don’t own a tortie, they own you. When I sit on the couch, she immediately jumps up and bunts my hand but if I only use one to scratch her, she gets right in my face insisting that I use two. If I’m on my phone texting, she will get herself between me and the phone so I can’t see it. If my husband comes and sits beside me while she is not there, she will run and wedge herself between us…I call her the jealous kitty and just realized by reading all the comments here that they are very possessive of their humans. Tisha will tolerate any affection by my husband and daughter but will seek me out when she needs loving. She likes no other animal – cat or dog – and no other humans. I thought that was because of her history of being a neglected stray. I think now that it’s because she has tortitude.
I “tortally” love my kitty!!
Tisha sounds like a wonderful girl, Kate. Thanks for sharing her with us!
I hace four cats and one of them is tortoiseshell. She is as you describe but temperamental and if she gets mad or frustrated, she pee on the floor, over the bed, on the sofa. She knows i dont like it, because she run after pee. I gave her love and understanding but im getting crazy with this. Im trying to understand better her triggers but she still peeing often in front of the sliding door. If you hace any advice i Will appreciate it. Thanks
If you haven’t already done so, you need to take your cat to a vet. There’s often an underlying medical problem when cats pee outside the litter box. Here’s more information about this issue: https://ingridking.com/2011/05/09/how-to-prevent-litter-box-problems/
i have a tortie called Pussy, she is 12 years old today. She is more biscuit on one side of her face and throat (with tortoiseshell markings) and more black on the other side and my vet told me that is called a Cinderelle tortie. She is very vocal, a home cat, and the boss. She guards our front gate and also loves sleeping on our bed. She calls us to bed on colder nights by sleeping on the bed then walking down the passage to us and then back to the bedroom. If we walk down the passage, she runs very quickly in front of us even if we are not going to the bedroom, and then looks at us enquiringly.
I’ve never heard the term Cinderelle tortie, Brenda. Are you in the UK? I’m very curious about the origin of the term.
I am 54 yrs old and have had cats my entire life…from run of the mill yard cats to pure bred Persian and Himalayan cats…..My cousin called me in Oct of 2014 begging me for help with a tiny kitten found abandoned in a wood pile in her yard, that was bellowing to the top of her tiny lungs…It has been 3 weeks to the very day and hour that my beloved ” Fat Boy” Himalayan had passed away from heart failure….this tiny screaming fireball of a tortie entered my life…I have never encountered such a high energy, aggressive,,,,vyet loving and cuddly creature in my life…she is constantly entertaining….and sleeps draped around my neck every night….I truly believe she was sent to me from above…..she needed me…and I needed her….
“Tiny screaming fireball” – now that’s an apt description of a tortie, Merry!
I have a 4 yr old Dilute Tortie named “Rooh” (Name from Kangaroo- the way she bounces around) whom I adore! She is the most loving and crazy cat I have ever experienced! I am feeling some comfort in learning about these “Tortitudes”. She is an indoor cat and we have lots of toys and play time for her. She has become very fearful of anyone coming in the front door. She will come out and walk around and sniff but then comes the hiss or grow when someone decides to pet her or even talk with her. She claims our bedroom as her safe place and will lie on the bed and if anyone comes in the room she will growl or hiss at them!
It is almost impossible to trim her nails! I was taking her to the vet regularly while she was younger until she became impossible to deal with even using anti-anxiety supplements! I don’t understand why she is becoming such a pill! She is the most playful and loving cat to me and my hubby and I do believe she has that bi-polar side which is so hard to understand!
I am wondering if there is anything we can do to help her overcome some of the fear she is experiencing with strangers. We are very social and always have people in an out so it is nothing new! Ideas welcome!!
I love how you chose her name, Char. The word “bi-polar” seems to be quite frequently come up when people talk about their torties 🙂
Here’s some advice from Jackson Galaxy on how to get your cat used to visitors: http://jacksongalaxy.com/2012/07/19/qa-not-afraid-of-strangers/
Char Quandt, Ingrid is right on top. Jackson Galaxy is the one person that can help you. Maybe some of what you are seeing is what we call Tortie-tude. Most people don’t understand Torties till they are exposed to them. I can relate to everything you have spoke of. My Tortie, Malibu can be a pill too. I have her brother also, Bruno. They are the opposite of each other. But he is a Tom and she is a Tortie. My apples and oranges…LOL
We have a Tortie, female, 7 mo. She’s very aggressive,was biting, but we got her out of that, how ever she has a tail as long as her body ; even the vet is surprised. She weighs in at 5lbs 7 oz. and has very large hind feet like a rabbit. Very active & acts like a physco kitty.
Congrad’s on your baby Tortie. Mine is in my lap as I write. Malibu Dancer is my Cat name. What did you name your Tortie? Also if you would like to share pictures of your Tortie, Flickr is a photo site that has groups dedicated to just Torties. I have Malibu’s pic’s in 3 different Tortie groups. Check it, you will enjoy the pictures and stories. Enjoy spoiling your Tortie.. Catman ….Meow to all
You’re always welcome to post photos to our Facebook page as well, we love seeing your torties: http://www.facebook.com/consciouscat
My 5 year old tortie, Muffin rules over the house with an iron paw…..any visitors that come by, she’ll let you pet her for about 5 seconds, then she starts getting agitated, and will growl at you like a dog, or try to scratch your skin off, but my partner and I wouldn’t have it any other way!!! We call her personality “spicy”!
“Spicy” – now that’s a great way to describe a tortie, Marissa!
I have a now 2 year old Tortie, Callie, and I found her when she was about three months old. I went outside on my porch and she came out of no where! I sat down and she jumped on my lap and started to suckle and knead on my neck! I was mind boggled! A random stray kitten getting all close and personal, but she still does it to this day, only my neck ow. Anyways, after that, I opened the door to go inside and she ran in and up the stairs. I ran up after her, never experiencing a stray cat do this before, and she was curled up on the bath mat in the bathroom grooming and purring! So, she chose me and I’m glad she did! She is addicted to my lap and playing, including fetch and doing tricks for treats! She is amazing and I am so glad she chose me, she is quite the individual but the sweetest cat I’ve ever met!
Callie sounds wonderful, Lauren. She clearly knew her mind when she ran into your house.
I was on the couch with my sleeping Chi Weenie Vincent. Ever so slowly a recovering from surgery Foster Tortie named No-No began to peer over the edge of the couch at the sleeping tiny dog – then with almost a smile she bit him, when he awoke crying she happily sauntered off. That is a tip of the Iceberg of her Tortietude
My tortie is definitely short-tempered. Everyone says she’s wild and mean, but now I know it is a tortitude! and to me – it is unconditional love. She definitely has a temper and is bossy. She occupies 3/4 of my pillow at night and thinks it’s ok ! I love her so much! good article, thank you!
“Tortitude … is unconditional love” – what a wonderful way to put it, Monika!
I acquired (at 8 weeks old) Josie via my roommate…she was supposed to be her cat..wellll since I am home all day, Josie and I became fast friends..she sleeps with me, requires that I entertain her…she wakes me up in the middle of the night to play fetch with her (a game we play almost all day)..did not realize she had a temper…WOW she can get mad…she doesn’t play well with my other older cat…but Josie is funny…she just found out she can meow..she usually does the purr talk…blessed to have her
So I have just learned of this word Tortitude today. I adopted an eight year old Tortie rescue and thought I had won the cat lottery. She lives her life out loud. And now, I find out she is a relative to a ton of her running around ruling the world. My previous cat (she passed this last July) was a very mellow Chartreaux. This is the polar opposite of her. My new little fur is simply amazing. Blessed to have her in my life.
“She lives her life out loud.” If that doesn’t describe torties, I don’t know what does!
Our darling adopted girl is a “dilute Torti” and she ticks all the Totitude boxes! We didn’t know about Totitude, just used to say she had “attitude”! Our vet told us Torties are the “red heads of the cat family and I have the scars to prove it! She whacks our mild tempered Shih tzu every chance she gets but moments later she’s playing with him or teasing him. Poor dog never knows where he stands with her so keeps a safe distance at all times! He patiently waits for her to finish eating first. She panics when I visit the neighbours, demanding loudly that I follow her home! I have never had a more affectionate, demanding, chatty, possessive, bossy cat! We love her all the more for her Tortitude!
Sounds like your tortie studied and memorized the book on tortitude, Rhonnie!
Our furmily is graced by both a calico AND a tortoiseshell, and I’ve always known the former to be much more temperamental and headstrong, though she has mellowed and become very affectionate as time goes on. Tort, on the other hand, has always been extremely loving and demonstrative until fairly recently, when she’s started hissing at other cats and even swatting them. She has some Burmese or Siamese ancestry, which is why she’s also known as the “Bat-Eared Whapping Tortle” 😉
Bat-Eared Whapping Tortie – I love it!
I feel as if much of what we see as “tortitude” is what we put on the cats based on what we’ve been told and what we have heard or read. I think it also tends to be somewhat of a self fulfilling prophecy. If our tortie kitten is somewhat fearful, or plays with us roughly, we may say “Oh, isn’t she just like a tortie,” and not do anything to correct the behavior. This, of course, cements that behavior and ensures that as an adult she will continue to be high strung or downright aggressive. People do the same thing with cats in general. Cats are expected to be independent, shy, aloof, untrainable and unpredictably aggressive, and lo and behold, people accept that this is true and raise their and treat their kittens in such a way that it really supports these behavior traits. This in not true of all people, of course, and not true of all cats, but it is for a lot of the cats I see and people I deal with in my job.
I work at a very large animal shelter, and I think that the most telling thing is, if I’m dealing with a naughty cat, the response is very different based on color. If I have a hissing, headwhipping brown tabby, he’s “Overstim, abused, unsocialized, stressed, fearful, etc.” but if it’s a tortie, all of her behavior issues boil down to, “It’s because she’s a tortie!” I think we owe to cats to look beyond color, which even if it does affect behavior, it is certainly not the biggest component of behavior.
What an interesting point of view, Tori. I agree with you that each cat is an individual, regardless of coat color, and should be treated as such.
Currently, I have Lily Olivia (calico), Astrid (chocolate tortie) and Calista Jo (dilute tortie). Lily has the most tortitude. I have always said she is bi-polar. Astrid probably has the next most tortitude. She is very shy and gets picked on, but she can turn on a dime when she has had enough. Calista Jo is laid back and really has no tortitude that I can discern. Excellent post. I totally believe in both tortie and calico distinctions.
Bi-polar seems to be a term that is often used when it comes to torties. 🙂
Our Georgia is a sensitive kitty with a quiet,but determined purrsonality 🙂
Purrs Georgia and Julie,
Treasure and JJ
our human loves Torties. I was at an adoption fair and I found my human. She still needs training! I rule the whole building including my neighbor, Paws and his human. And then a year ago my human allowed another Tortie to come to live with us. I did say she needs more training! Bella came to live here because her human passed away. Bella was sick and my human got her the help she needed and I tried to remain in control…. I tried to let Bella know who us the boss, she thought she should be in charge. Lots of slapping and hissing….now together we are still trying to train our human…. Don’t know if this is what you mean by tortitude.
I think torties are particularly good at training their humans, TyBee and Bella. 🙂
I’ve been ‘owned’ by two torties and well trained by both. Though in reading this article both were probably calicos but I wonder if the UK makes this distinction? The first was Cat who was much darker and the current one is Magic who has a glorious white belly.
I refuse to believe tortitude is a bad thing as both my torties have been absolute little bricks that have claimed me entirely as their very own human. I love the quote that they are energy sponges as I call Magic my heart’s ease as she seems to just such the horrible emotions away and provide comfort.
I love all cats of all coats but maybe torties have the edge as they have the sum total of all natures!
“…they have the sum total of all natures!” I love that description! I don’t think there’s a difference in terminology between the US and the UK when it comes to tricolored cats.
I presently have a “dilute tortie” who definitely fits the profile. In fact, when she came to me as a stray (more likely a “throw-away”), she was probably not quite a year old and barely weighed 5 pounds. Yet she could wrestle my older male cat Mingo, who weighed twice as much, to the ground! That was really funny! But the second cat in my life, Trixie, was a tortie Persian who was the total antithesis of the tortie profile. She was so sweet and non-demanding. In the evenings, though, when I was sitting on my recliner, she would lie next to my feet and tap my leg. That was her signal that she wanted to play what I call the “hide-and-seek” game with a pen that I would stick under my raised knee and move to different places to engage her hunter instinct.
I would generally not believe in things such as “tortitude” as a fact but more of a sometimes silly, sometimes fun and sometimes even as dangerous perceptions. That being said, Ive had many cats in my life, from whites, tabbies, biclored, calico, torties and black and our tortie Romy definitely is the most feisty. They all really do have their own personalities though so, I cant say it is the tortie in her but, I cant say it isnt. I fostered a tortie named Minnie along with her two siblings and she was a sweetheart, always wanted attention, would literally climb up on anyone, while her brother was very shy and easily frightened and her calico sister was friendly but more independent. Romy is not much like Minnie was. She is independant, hard to win over by strangers, loving to those who she has bonded to but will rarely bond with new people. She is the only one of my cats that hasn’t sucked up to the vet, instead she growls, hisses and swats her, sigh. We love her so much, she is one of those cats that you look at her and you cant help feeling a tug at your heart and letting out an “awww”. Almost everything she does is adorable(besides hating the vet and always knocking over the water bowls haha).
I got my first Torties back in 1975, two sisters. I have had 10 Torties thought-out the years. Nothing but Torties and Tortie and Whites. My current Tortie is named Malibu Dancer. I collect classic cars and was working on a Malibu when she came into my life. The first thing she did when coming home was jump in the passenger seat. And when you call out her name, Malibu, she stands on her toes and goes around in circles like a dancer. Malibu Dancer. She is a “one of a kind” . A definite one person Cat. She hides when guest come over. But she has a voice when they leave. You would think someone was pulling her tail or something.I think she likes to hear here meow. LOL
Malibu Dancer sounds like an awesome tortie!
We have a female tortoise we call Quilts (she just looks like a mixed up quilt pattern). and she shows strong affections to everyone. She is literally in your face for loves and attention and she talks back when you talk to her.
What a great name for a tortie!
Ah… so it’s not just my tortie! “Bouquet” set up such a fuss at the shelter I had to get her out of there as her yowling and moaning was disrupting the whole place. Now, if I were to name her again, I’d name her Limit, as she certainly is the feline limit! Very affectionate, but a big, strong self!
Feline limit – I love it, Nancy!
I’d never paid any attention to tortitude until we rescued Samantha. One of the vet techs laughed at our descriptions of her behavior & said she had one too and that it was tortitude. She is headstrong & feisty & has plenty of tortitude! She needed it to survive initially outside and then didn’t know when to quit when indoors when Oscar was trying to be gentlemanly toward her initially. She thought she was adopting an only cat household & Oscar was shocked to find it was no longer an only cat household & she was enough of a kitten still to love jumping & bushwhacking him & he felt he was too old for that….
I also think there is something to black cats being nicer & it may be partly environmental in their cases — harder to see they learn humility?
That’s an interesting theory about black cats, Brenda.
Rags, my 5-year old Tortie, was the last of an abandoned litter to be adopted. I fell for her gorgeous markings. She started out so sweet and then the tortitude came out! She fits your description to a “T”. Possessive, strong-willed, and short tempered. I love every inch of her ungrateful self!
Ah yes, falling for the gorgeous markings. That’s how they reel us in, Katy. 😉
I would submit a photo of Semantha, but I don’t know how to do this.
You can post photos on our Facebook page, George.
I have a tortoiseshell cat. She is laid back and extremely affectionate. She won’t let anyone except me see her. I have a gray male cat. They get along well.
Sisters, sisters, we are two lovely tortie sisters. Our mummy rescued us and took us to her home together as we are never separate. Oh, we may hiss at each other and chase each other but deep down we love each other and fret if we can’t find the other one; who is hiding just to play a trick!
Our mummy is alone now because our daddy went to heaven so we have to take good care of her and make sure she feels loved. That’s not hard to do because she loves us so much. We are so thankful for our lovely home and know that we will be safe and cared for forever.
Signed: Gaia and Uttah in Scotland
I’m glad you’re taking care of your mom. Being loved by two torties is the best!
I lost my beloved 18 years old long haired fur baby 3 weeks ago. She certainly had the tortie attitude. Very very very vocal. She knew what she wanted and would get it eventually. Miss her immensely. She has left a huge gap in my life. Rip Mimi
I’m so sorry about Mimi, Ginny.
I totally understand Ginny, I just lost my girly Rachel 2mos ago suddenly, she was 14…
probably the best animal I ever owned…Also has left a huge gap in me, I elected to have
her ashes. I have never done that with any of the others, hope as time passes it gets a bit
easier for you but I certainly feel your loss. Anne
I enjoyed the article on Torties…I was def owned by a Calico, Rachel was her name…she was the
bomb!!! I miss her much as I just lost her abou 2 mos ago..she had such an attitude, bossing everyone around including her brother who is a Main Coon mix, I was at the Vet one day with her and the Vet said that Calli’s have some of that “Tortitude” , as you put it!! I would get another one
in a minute, she was really my girl 🙂
As Laura suggested above, and I agree with her, some say that calicos have even more tortitude than torties, Annemarie. Your Rachel sounds like she was a wonderful girl.
I had a tortoiseshell cal named Spooky and she was absolutely the sweetest cat I had ever come across. When she, purred and meowed all at the same time then shook her head and all that drool flew around just the happiest cat. Her Tortitude was all positive. She loved her family and made them feel loved back. She was so awesome!
I miss her.
Spooky sounds like she was a joy, Stephanie.
Interesting that Jackson says torties are more energetically sensitive. My Casey-cat (a calico) was extremely sensitive to Reiki. So much so that she usually couldn’t tolerate my doing hands-on Reiki with her. She was very receptive to Reiki offered from a few feet away, though!
Interesting observation, Amy! It makes total sense to me.
Having had a number of torties, I can attest to the fact that their personalities vary widely, from tiny Anastasia, who ruled the household with an iron paw, to Allie and Punkin who were super affectionate, to Tawny, who hated cages at the shelter so much that people thought she was “mean” and, therefore, didn’t get adopted, but who is really affectionate, but definitely quirky. Tawny has ended up stuck in suspended ceilings and inside walls, and has decided that her new “apartment” is one of the downstairs bedrooms and she won’t leave it.
I always love hearing about how different torties can be, Gail.
I haven’t been owned by a Tortie, but working in a shelter environment I can say there is such a thing as Tortie-tude! Varying degrees of course-and every cat is different. Sometimes I do think it has to do with the strong female personalities–my boys are far more laid back than my girls.
Someone needs to name the behaviors of Calico’s! I think they have the largest personalities of any cats I’ve met. And it’s funny-people either love Calico’s and torties or would never dream of owning one. They definitely have their own fan clubs.
I think you’re right, Laura, calicos tend to have even stronger personalities than torties. I’m surprised nobody has come up with an equivalent term for them.
I’m a Tortie and I have Tortitude but I’m also extremely mellow, easy going and never, ever gets mad at my floofy non-Tortie little sisfur! We Torties are certainly special!
Purrs,
Isabella
You are special for sure, Isabella!
What a fantastic piece about these extra special cats! I’ve been owned by two torties now and I can’t imagine life without one!
I’m glad you enjoyed this post, Melissa.
Sweet Love-starved Cee Cee Tortie (who exhibits ALL those Tortitudes!!) says “Mrrr !!!….. Guy Torties are so seXXY !”
LOL!
Such an interesting article! I haven’t met many torties in my life, but I’ve definitely had friends who are owned by them, and they all seem to agree that torties have tortitude! 🙂
I’m glad you enjoyed the article!
We know “Tortitude” in our house. We have three cats and two are torties. Our eldest, Toshiko, and the baby, Kaminari Neko, are always headstrong, challenging everyone for control.
Kaminari, Kami for short, will lay on my husbands arm, lap, just about anywhere, claiming him as hers and not letting him get up or move away from her. When something makes noises that scare Kami instead of running away she goes at the noise ready to stand her ground against it. She might run away after a while but she makes sure the noisy monster (ie: vacuum or rotary tool) knows who is in charge.
Toshiko, Toshi, demands her place in bed with me and is just letting our middle “child”, Nezumi, share a small corner of the bed. Nezumi is a silky long hair silver grey cat. Toshi will meow and headbutt me when she is cold to tell me to lift up the quilt so she can go under it. If I life the blanket too she will refuse to go under until it is just the quilt lifted.
Tortitude times two keeps things interesting, doesn’t it, Cat!
I’ve referred to Coco’s tortitude as “over-the-top” personality. After my gentile Raleigh she was quite an adjustment for me, but I love her spirit and joie-de-vivre, and for the most part just laugh at her brattiness. Interesting article. I’m a believer in tortitude 🙂
Over-the-top is a great way to describe toritude, Pat.
Tortitude- perfect term. My tortie girl Blazie is the Queen of the house. Her brothers outweigh her by over 10 lbs as they are Maine Coon mixes but she sets the rules. They don’t mess with her and she’ll give them a good hard whack if they sleep too close to me- invading her personal space (which is me). I’ve had her since she was an abandoned infant and as she grew I had to give her a middle name -Marie- because when we butt heads I needed the middle name to enforce my ‘mom’ voice. As you already know that doesn’t work 🙂 I love my strong willed girl and 100% agree with Tortitude! I hadn’t read your post before, thank you for writing another about torties, I found this fun and fascinating.
The only tortie I know is Binga, and she could write the book on tortitude if she could spell properly! I had no idea when I moved in here what I was getting into, and I think Sparkle didn’t either when she came to live here in 2002. Binga is some mutation between your Virgina and Ruby and she still gets mad and whappy with me, even though everyone else here is my good pal!
I’m trying to picture a cross between Virginia and Ruby, Summer – I hope some day, I’ll get to meet Binga (and you, too, of course)!