By The tortoiseshell cat is black and orange with a speckled pattern. Today we want to look at what you can tell by the color of a tortoiseshell cat. We will look at the breed’s traits, characteristics, personality, and behavior. He’ll help you decide if a tortoiseshell cat is a perfect fit for your family, home, and lifestyle.
Check out these 33 awesome facts about tortoiseshell cats! Discover the truth behind your favorite cat model and find out why so many people want tortoiseshell kittens. Because the tortoiseshell cat has more to offer than meets the eye.
It never ceases to amaze me that the turtle doesn’t get more press or screen time. Looks like someone had an incredibly creative moment with a pair of Halloween-themed paints. And while they’re uncommon, they’re not so rare that I can’t quickly find one.
This kitten model is so extraordinary that I have very fond memories of everyone I meet. They’re known for being cheeky, but I didn’t find them cheeky at all. Charming, sweet, and with an intense gaze not often found in a cat.
1. Tortoiseshell vs Calico
Although people aren’t always aware of the differences, the tortoiseshell and calico are actually two different types of cats. Calico is the term for a tricolor or spotted coloring that also includes white. In other words, the cat has a random pattern of black, orange, and white spots.
Tortoiseshell cat pelts have a random pattern of two colors: one on a black base and one on a red base. The spots can be small and appear “salt and pepper” or they can be large and dirty.
Although the base colors of the black tortie cat are usually red and black, they can vary, with some tortie cats being yellow or cream instead of red and chocolate or gray instead of black. To create even more variety, one or both colors can be mackerel. Another form of a tortoiseshell cat is the diluted tortoiseshell cat.
RELATED: 10+ FACTS ABOUT TUXEDO CATS [PERSONALITY, HISTORY, Characteristics & Care Health]
2. Dilute Tortoiseshells
Most tortoises are red and black, also known as black tortoiseshells. However, some have muted colors. Instead of bold and noticeable patches of color, their coats are more muted pastel colors. Instead of red and black, diluted Tortoiseshells have orange and gray, yellow and chocolate, or other subtle color variations that make turtles so unique.
These diluted-colored kittens are still tortoiseshells, but their genes have a mutation that results in the muted colors. Blue and cream tortoiseshell cats are a common combination that can be seen, and this species of cat is often referred to as the blue tortoiseshell cat. Here, blue doesn’t really refer to blue, but to a blue-gray color.
3. This sterility can also be observed in humans!
The unique chromosome pattern of the male tortoiseshell is sometimes found in human males as well. The condition in humans is known as Klinefelter syndrome and causes a significant drop in testosterone.
Low testosterone often translates into a calm, easygoing, and sensitive personality, and you can see these traits in your hangover as well. Therefore, a tortoiseshell male can be the friendly and affectionate companion you are looking for. Of course, you have to find one first!
4. But you can occasionally get males!
Are all tortoiseshell cats female? No, there are actually male tortoiseshell cats. However, they are not very common.
Because the color pattern requires two X chromosomes, only tomcats with a mutation in the XX-Y gene look like tortoiseshell. This means the cat may have different color genes on each chromosome, but the cat will have different problems.
5. White Tortoiseshells are the Official Cat of Maryland!
You got us right! The calico or white tortoiseshell cat is the official cat of Maryland. The state cat was officially introduced on October 1, 2001. The cat shares the same color scheme as the oriole, the state’s official bird, so the choice fell on the calico.
6. Tortoiseshells can have white Patches
To complicate things a little, tortoiseshell kittens can have a white bib, belly, and paws and still be tortoiseshells. These cats are officially described as “torties with white markings”.
The difference between them and the calico cats is that their white spots are not scattered randomly over the body: they are well organized and caused by different genes.
7. Male Tortoiseshell Cats Are Usually Sterile
Male tortoiseshell cats with XXY chromosomes are relatively healthy in many ways and can live long and healthy lives. However, a male tortoiseshell cat is sterile due to the abnormal number and pattern of chromosomes in cellular DNA.
About 1 in 3,000 male cats (0.033%) has this disease and their cells can undergo the same X-inactivation process as females. XXY males are invariably sterile and will rarely remain.
RELATED: Are Siamese cats hypoallergenic? Find out the truth!
8. There Is No Individual Tortoiseshell Cat Breed
Many people don’t know, but there is no such thing as a tortoiseshell breed. We call them turtles and most of us know one, but they don’t breed. What is happening here? Tortoiseshell coloring is a variation seen in many different cat breeds and is caused by simple genetics.
The variation is caused by X-linked genes and is called mosaic expression. Although it sounds complicated, the term “expression” means that only one X-linked hair color gene is expressed in each cell. This results in mixed or blotchy staining, depending on which gene stays “on” in each cell. Let’s explain that in more detail.
Like humans, cats have sex chromosomes. A woman has two X chromosomes in each cell, which we call XX. Males only have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome, XY.
In cats, the X chromosome carries much more information, including coat coloration instructions. Because female cats have two X chromosomes, they receive two sets of coat color instructions (genes) in each cell. Tortoiseshell cats do not match these instructions because they have one orange coat gene and one black coat gene.
Now it gets unbelievable: During the early development of an unborn kitten, an X chromosome is switched off in every single cell. This process is called lyonization, and the X chromosome that gets deactivated is completely random in each cell. Thus, some skin cells retain the orange fur instruction and others the black fur instruction. This is how a turtle shell pattern is made!
9. Fertile Male Torties Are Rare, But They Do Exist!
Traditional male torties are sterile, but a relatively old study from the 1980s showed that this is not always the case. Scientists have found two fertile Burmese tortoiseshell tabby cats in the United States. The cats didn’t have two X chromosomes, but the normal XY pattern was seen in most males.
The researchers concluded that their tortoiseshell-like coloring was caused by the instability of some hair color genes. In other words, the genes for orange hair were randomly turned off in some cells, resulting in the turtle shell appearance.
Whether male or female, hair length is another point that owners pay attention to. Some like short-haired cats, while others are fanatical about long-haired cats. Luckily, shorthair cat coats come in all lengths.
10. Most tortoiseshell cats are female
Since this color is linked to the X chromosome, almost all turtles are female.
11. There’s a tortoiseshell butterfly!
The term turtle shell is not only used to describe jewelry and cats. In fact, there is also a Tortoiseshell Butterfly.
Nicknamed the small turtle shell, the Aglais urticae has orange and black wings with yellow and black stripes on top. There is a small white spot on the wing tips. They are beautiful butterflies that deserve the name. Speaking of names, tortoiseshell owners have come up with some fantastic names for their cats.
12. Some Tortoiseshell Cats Appear to be One Color
Some tortoiseshell cats appear to be one color even if the mother is a tortie. If you can’t tell if your cat is a tortoiseshell, examine your cat’s back for differences in hair color.
There are more hair follicles on a cat’s back than anywhere else, so you may be more likely to see patches of orange, black, or white in this area.
13. The word “turtle shell” could have come from turtles, not turtles….
The term turtle shell confuses some people because a turtle’s shell is often a fairly uniform dark brown or green color that varies little.
However, the hawksbill sea turtle has a much more varied shell color with rich shades of brown and orange. Then why do we call them cat shells and not turtle shells? Surprisingly, the answer lies in the world of jewelry.
Yes, you heard right! The ancient “turtle shell” jewelry was not made from turtles but from turtle shells. The term turtle shell actually comes from this jewelry because it resembles the turtle’s fur.
14. tortoiseshell cat’s personality varies
The personality of the tortoiseshell cat varies simply because they can come from a variety of breeds. Consequently, they very often display the personality and temperament inherent in this breed.
However, many people say that tortoise has a personality all of their own that makes them very demanding. They are the divas of the cat world. For this reason, turtle lovers refer to this personality as “torture”. Although most studies have not shown any particular personality traits in turtles, some studies and many owners disagree!
RELATED: Oriental Longhair: Cat Breed Profile
15. One Tortie Lived to 21 Years Old!
One of the most famous tortoiseshell cats in the world, Marzipan was a white tortoiseshell cat who lived in Melbourne, Australia. This cat, who lived to be 21, enjoyed life at the Astor Theater and greeted guests who came to the cinema to watch the movies. He’s not the only famous tortoiseshell cat. The Japanese have upped the ante!
16. Tortoiseshell cat hair can vary in length
Tortoiseshell kittens come in long and short-haired varieties. Whether you are looking for a long-haired tortoiseshell kitten with a lush coat or a short, low-maintenance kitten, you will find the right cat for you.
If you look closely, you might even find a tortoiseshell Persian cat or a tortoiseshell Siamese mix. Have a look around at the local rescue facilities and animal breeders and you will be surprised at what you can find.
17. Some people think tortoiseshell cats are lucky!
According to traditional folk belief, the white or tortoiseshell cat brings good luck. For this reason, they are often referred to as “money cats” in the United States.
18. The Station Master Cat
Tama, a working cat in Japan, is also a white tortoiseshell tabby. This impressive feline was the station master of Kishi Station on the Kishigawa Line in Kinokawa, Wakayama. Her job was to pick up passengers and she was paid in cat food.
This tortoiseshell stationmaster even wore his hat and badge around his neck to mark his position. Like many of our beloved turtles, she had an extraordinary personality!
19. The color of the tortoiseshell cat has nothing to do with health
If you’re worried about the tortoiseshell cat’s health issues, don’t worry. Because tortoises are not a specific breed, there are no health issues directly associated with cats.
However, you should be aware of general health issues and remember that if you have e.g. For example, if you have a tortoiseshell Persian cat, you should be aware of any health issues that Persians experience. As always when looking for a tortoiseshell cat, you should pay attention to the cat’s general health. According to a large Finnish study, the most common cat diseases affect the mouth, kidneys, and skin.
20. Others Believe That Torties Are Mystical!
Turtles are not only considered good luck charms, but according to Japanese culture, they can also ward off ghosts and evil spirits. In fact, the Japanese sometimes kept these cats on their boats for protection when they were out on the water.
21. But it could be a tortoiseshell-like stance!
According to a University of California study, torture may actually be a real thing. According to the study, owners of tortoiseshell and calico cats described their cats as stubborn and strong-willed in the vast majority of cases.
All very interesting and we are sure that many of you will agree. The owners in the study also said their tortoiseshell cat was full of energy and mischief.
22. The life expectancy of the tortoiseshell cat depends on the breed
Again, since tortoise shells aren’t representative of any particular breed, their lifespan can vary. If you know your tortoiseshell cat is of a specific breed, e.g. For example, a Ragdoll, American Shorthair, or Cornish Rex, you should look at the life expectancy of this cat. If you are unsure, you can look at the average cat’s life expectancy to determine the life expectancy of the tortoiseshell cat.
A British study examining the longevity and mortality of over 100,000 cats found an average life expectancy of 14 years. Mixed breed or pedigree cats live longer, so you don’t have to go out and find a purebred cat if you’re looking for a lifelong companion.
23. Tortoiseshells can be energetic
Many people also associate high energy levels with tortoiseshell cat behavior or distress.
Is that true? We don’t know, but be sure to pack plenty of toys just in case. You may want your cat to be active and happy.
24. Mitt Brushes are Great for Long Haired Torties
Glove brushes or grooming gloves are often useful for grooming a long-haired tortoiseshell cat. Maybe she is distressed and doesn’t want to be brushed.
These gloves allow you to brush your cat with gentle strokes without her noticing you’re brushing her.
25. Turtle shell colors are genetic
If you want a specific turtle shell pattern, you can breed for pattern and color.
Color combinations depend on genetics and are not guaranteed, but you’ll be much happier seeing a tortoiseshell kitten if you’re breeding from a tortoiseshell mother. Mating a tortoiseshell to black and red males increases the likelihood that the litter will contain tortoiseshell kittens.
Red tomcats often produce kittens of more than one red color, while black tomcats often produce a black tortoiseshell cat. Speaking of color, did you know that some tortoiseshell cats seem to only be one color? We neither!
26. The Tortoiseshell Goddess
Did you know that some people in Southeast Asia believe the first tortoiseshell cat was of divine origin? She arose from the blood of a goddess born from a lotus flower.
This is truly one of our favorite stories about the origins of tortoiseshell cats!
27. Fortune Telling Tortoiseshells
A final myth, though we don’t know where it originated, is that tortoise shells can see into the future. Even better, you can pass this gift on to a child in the family. While most of these myths are probably not true, we don’t care because we love our tortoiseshell cats anyway!
28. WE LOVE TORTOISESHELL CATS!
Tortoiseshell cats are among the most beautiful models of all and are simply wonderful cats!
29. A tortoiseshell tabby cat is called a Torbie
Sometimes tortoiseshell cats can have tabby patterns in one or both colors. A gray tortoiseshell or tortoiseshell tabby cat called a torbie can sometimes have a unique color pattern called a mackerel.
This unique name refers to the narrow, continuous stripes that run vertically down a tabby’s body. The mackerel pattern makes the cat look like a tabby cat, but the term mackerel suggests the appearance of a tabby fish.
So if you see this type of pattern on a turtle, you have a tabby turtle. Turtles are just another wonderful variant of the tortoise, but can you breed tortoiseshell?
30. Muted Tortoiseshells can be Described as Brindle
cats, such as B. the muted tortoiseshell cat, are sometimes referred to as tiger-like. The tiger’s fur is brown, fawn, or light-haired with a mixture of other colors. Since tiger skin is the most commonly used description of a dog’s color, tortoiseshell is a more appropriate term. However, you may want to use the term tigerish to describe the pattern of your tortoise shell’s different colors.
I think we’ve talked a lot about colors. What about the turtle shell personality, if you’re not already convinced?
31. Breed has more Influence on Personality than the Tortie Color
If you’re looking for a specific personality for a tortoiseshell kitten, then you should do some research on the different cat breeds. For example, Ragdoll, Persian, and Siamese cats are generally very affectionate and make good companions.
You can then ask a breeder to let you know when a tortoiseshell kitten will be born that will display the typical tortoiseshell coloring. We are almost at the end. Why don’t we take a break from the cats and talk about beautiful butterflies?
32. Tortoiseshell cats can inspire surprising names
Tortoiseshells often have unique names like Isis, Nubia, or Nefertiti.
These traditional Egyptian names are perfect for cats, as tortoiseshell can be traced back to the Egyptians. If you have a great idea for a tortoiseshell kitten name, let us know in the comments.
33. Tortoiseshells as a Love Charm
Another big myth about Tortie Cats is that if you dream of a tortoiseshell cat, it means you are lucky in love. Who knows? It might work for some of you!
34. Some Breeds have Tortie Points
On some cats, the nose, ears, and paws are a different color than the rest of the coat. This color pattern is known as tortoiseshell. It is probably best known for the Siamese cat. The dots come in a variety of colors, from blue-grey to seal to dark chocolate. But did you know that you can also have tortoiseshell cats? This includes the Siamese tortoiseshell. And they are incredibly beautiful!
Tortoiseshell cats
Our favorite tortoiseshell cats are indeed one-of-a-kind cats with vibrant color patterns, unique personalities, and rich histories. Hardly any other type of cat is surrounded by so many myths and old wives’ tales.
If you’re looking for a unique kitten with a twist (or “tortoiseshell”), then look into a tortoiseshell kitten at your local shelter or breeder. Not only can you find a cat with beautiful colors, but also one with long or short fur, or a Persian or British Tortoiseshell Shorthair. Hardly any other cat has such a variety of colors and personalities.
Do you have a tortoiseshell cat that you love, or do you have a cat with a unique tortoiseshell pattern? Let us know in the comments below.
FAQ
Why are tortoiseshell cats special?
Tortoiseshell cats are sometimes associated with strong-willed and short-tempered personalities. Cat lovers believe these temperamental traits are related to the cat’s unique coat pattern. The vernacular also dictates that turtles bring good luck to their owners.
How rare are tortoiseshell cats?
Turtles are not a specific breed, but a mixed breed of American Shorthair. How rare is a tortoiseshell cat? Tortoiseshell cats are not uncommon and can be found in animal shelters, from adopters, and in rescue groups. Rare is a male tortoiseshell – about one in 3,000!
Are tortoiseshell cats friendly?
The results of the survey show that similarly colored tortoiseshell and calico cats exhibit challenging and aggressive behavior more often than many other cat colors. Specifically, the study found that these kittens were more likely to strike, hiss, chase, scratch, or bite when interacting with humans.
Why are tortoiseshell cats rare?
This is because two X chromosomes are required to produce the typical tortoiseshell coloring of black, orange, and yellow/gold, while tomcats only have one X and one Y chromosome. Male tortoiseshell cats have an extra X chromosome, making them a very rare XXY cat.
Are tortoiseshell cats calicos?
appearance. Tortoiseshell cats are often confused with calicos, but they have distinctly different appearances. These cats are generally bicolor, their two colors are black and brown, tan, or orange. It is possible for black to appear in a diluted form and appear blue or tiger-colored.
Are tortoiseshell cats worth money?
Due to their unique coat and general rarity, tortoiseshell cats can be quite expensive. If you are unlucky and find a turtle at the shelter, a turtle will cost you around $1000-$2000. The more pronounced or striking the color combination of the tortoiseshell, the more expensive the cat is usually.