Characteristics of Tortoiseshell Cats

Tortoiseshell cats are named such due to the coloring of their coats. Their unique coloring is the result of a mixture of genetic factors, such as the crossing of dominant genes for black and orange coat colors. Cats of this coloration are believed to be good luck and are sometimes referred to as money cats.

  1. Tortoiseshell Color Patterns

    • The tortoiseshell cat typically has a coat of orange, amber brown and black patches. The color patterns vary from large patches to small flecks or speckles of color. The tortoiseshell rarely has any white patches. Cats with similar color patterns and large white, lilac or cream patches are referred to as calicoes. Some tabby cats also display the colors of a tortoiseshell in stripes, and these stripped cats are sometimes called "torbies." Torbies, calicoes and tortoiseshells all have amber or yellow eyes.

    Gender

    • Tortoiseshell cats are almost always female. This is because the orange or red pigmentation of cat fur, known as the "O" gene, is carried on the X chromosome. Because male cats have an XY make up, they need only inherit one "O" gene to be orange and red in color, while a female must inherit two "O" genes. If a female cat inherits only one "O" gene, she will have a tortoiseshell color pattern. A male tortoiseshell is the result of a genetic mutation and is extremely rare. An article in "The Telegraph" states that of millions of pet cats in England, only a few are tortoiseshell males. The veterinarians interviewed stated that they saw only one male tortoiseshell in 30 years of practice.

    Communication

    • Tortoiseshell cats communicate more actively than other breeds. They tend to be more vocal using meows, purrs and even hisses to make their owners aware of their presence. Some may purr or meow almost constantly. They may also bat or paw at their owners. These traits seem to be more prominent in tortoiseshell cats than in torbies or calicoes.

    Personality Traits

    • Tortoiseshells are known to have a unique set of personality traits in addition to their colorful coats. Tortoiseshells are feisty and independent and possessive of their owners and personal space. They may chase or hiss at anything that encroaches on their personal space. This assertiveness in tortoiseshells is sometimes referred to as "tortitude." Despite their attitudes, they are said to be good companion animals once comfortable in their environment.