Thinking of owning a Tortie? please read on:
Tortoiseshell is a colouring found in cats caused by a combination of specific genetic traits. It is a mix of (red) and (black, chocolate and cinnamon). The pattern results in a cat with patches of red and patches of black, chocolate or cinnamon. The size of the patches can vary from a fine speckled pattern to large areas of colour. Dilution genes may modify the coloring, lightening the fur to a mix of cream and blue, lilac or fawn. Occasionally silver or ginger tabby patterns are also seen (sometimes called "torbies"). The description "tortoiseshell" (also called "calimanco" or "clouded tiger" in North America) is correctly reserved for cats with coats that have no white markings, while those that are largely white with orange and black patches are described as calico (in the US) or tortoiseshell-and-white (in the UK). Tortoiseshells and calicos are not specific breeds of cat. The tortoiseshell markings appear in many different breeds.
Temprament: All the female Tortoishell cats are known as excellent mothers and companions.
Interesting Facts: Torties almost always have copper or yellow eyes. (Except kittens). People often talk about the "tortie temperament," which says that torties tend to be very nervous and jumpy, sometimes have an 'attitude,' (commonly referred to as "tortietude") and are prone to hyperactivity. They are also very sweet and loving when calm, but are easily riled up and very high strung. Torties are almost always female. This is because the genes for color reside on the X chromosome, so for a cat to have multiple colors (i.e., black and orange), they must have two X chromosomes, therefore making them female. The few male torties are technically genetically defective and are sterile.
Tortie History: The Celts believed that a tortoiseshell cat was good luck in a home. The English believed that torties could remove warts if you rubbed their tail on the wart during the month of May. In Scotland and Ireland, a stray tortoiseshell cat settling in one's home is a good omen. To dream of a tortoiseshell cat means luck in love. In Normandy, seeing a tortoiseshell cat foretold death by accident. Edgar Allen Poe was devoted to his tortoiseshell Catarina. She inspired his story "The Black Cat". She sat with his wife during her illness and frequently sat on his shoulder when he wrote.
