Tortie & Himalayan Cat Behavior

Purebred Behaviors

• Purebred cats, including Himalayan Persian cats, have a specific genetic profile that classifies them as a particular breed. These genetic profiles help determine all of their traits--everything from color to size to markings to temperament. Because of this, purebred cats such as the Himalayan have much more predictable behaviors and personalities than non-purebred felines.

Non-purebred Behaviors

• Torties are not purebred cats. "Tortie" is simply a term used to describe a color pattern. Because this tortoiseshell pattern is not necessarily linked with specific behavioral tendencies or personality traits, a tortie cat's behavior is harder to predict. Some owners, however, believe that certain characteristics do accompany this patterning. So generalizations about tortie cat behavior are based on owner testimonials.

Tortitude

• Personalities believed to be associated with tortie cats have been known as "tortitudes," and many owners believe these cats display a unique combination of characteristics. These include strong will, hot tempers, independence, feistiness, unpredictability and possessiveness of their human families; they also are considered affectionate, talkative and generally good companions. Females are described as good mothers, and the rare male tortie is thought to be less territorial than other male cats.

Himalayan Personality

• Persian cats of all varieties, including the Himalayan, are known for their sweet, gentle and pleasant dispositions. According to The Cat Fanciers' Association, they are playful but not demanding, are very responsive to human interaction and love to pose, draping themselves across furniture and window ledges. Persians, including Himalayans, generally do best in secure and serene environments but can adapt to louder homes with love and attention. Their short legs make jumping difficult, and their quiet voices have been described as melodious.

Interesting Facts

• Himalayan Persians developed as a result of breeding Siamese with Persian cats to achieve Siamese coloring on an otherwise Persian feline. After years of crossbreeding, The Cat Fanciers' Association accepted Himalayans as a color variation on Persians.

  Tortoiseshell cats are rarely male because the two genes required to produce the tortie pattern are on the same part of the X chromosome, which means an individual must have two "X"s to be born with that pattern. Males usually have one X and one Y. A genetic mutation, however, can produce a male cat with two Xs and one Y. This rare combination of sex chromosomes also explains why male torties may be less territorial and less interested in females compared to other male cats.