“Tortitude” – The Unique Personality of Tortoiseshell Cats
Tortoiseshell cats are named for their distinctive coloring – a combination of patches of black, brown, amber, red, cinnamon and chocolate. The size of the patches varies from a fine speckled pattern to large areas of color. The term “tortoiseshell” is used for cats with brindled coats that have few or no white markings. Cats of this coloring with larger areas of white fur are called calicos. Sometimes, these colors present in lighter versions such as lilac or cream. Torties with this lighter coloring are called dilute torties. Occasionally, the typical tortoiseshell colors are also seen in a tabby (striped) pattern, and these cats are sometimes referred to as “torbies.”
Tortoiseshell cats are almost exclusively female. Tortoiseshell and calico coats are the result of the interaction between genetic and developmental factors. The occasional and very rare male tortoiseshell cat is the result of a genetic mutation.
In addition to their distinctive coloring, torties also have a reputation for unique personalities, sometimes referred to as “tortitude.” 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. These traits are stronger in tortoiseshell cats than in calicos – it seems as though these traits are somewhat diluted with the addition of more white to the color scheme.
As of the writing of this post, I share my life with Amber*, and those of you who’ve followed this blog for a while have gotten to know her in her Amber’s Mewsings posts. You will soon be able to read all about Buckley in Buckley’s Story – Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher. The photo above shows Buckley in the front, Amber behind her.
Prior to Amber and Buckley, there was another tortie in my life. Virginia was the first office cat at the animal hospital I managed. She was my introduction to torties, and my love affair with this particular type of cat began with her. She, too, had the “tortitude” I so love about these particular cats.
Do you have a tortie or calico in your life? Does she have “tortitude?”
*Sadly, Amber passed away on May 13, 2010, after a sudden, brief illness. I now share my life with Allegra and Ruby, two tortoiseshell cats who have their own columns here on The Conscious Cat, titled Allegra’s World and Ruby’s Reflections.
Photo ©Ingrid King, all rights reserved
So,FB is down, but I was planning on sharing this anyway, because it’s too funny! A guy I work with’s father had a barn cat who was a tortie. He’s a sci fi geek and, and he thought it was cool that it was a “Mutant” He was going to adopt her, but then his mother died and left 5 animals he has take care of….Fast forward a year. Today he asked me if “Your torti exibits any abnormal behavior. I asked “What abnormal behavior? He said, well, I was sitting there petting her, she’s SO friendly, and all of a sudden she bit and scratched me! I told him that was called tortitude
Lynn that sounds Normal to me. I see that every day. The sci fi geek needs to learn about “Tortitude”.
Definitely tortitude, but not reserved for torties only. This behavior is also known as petting aggression, and our own Harry Shubin wrote a great guest post about it: http://consciouscat.net/2012/02/08/petting-aggression-in-cats-biting-the-hand-that-loves/
This morning, I heard the sound of the toys and cat tunnels in the sun room having the daylights beat out of them.
My first thought was Tim, second thought was possibly Tim and Gigi.
However, Tim was out in the living room.
Gigi was by herself, running wild in the sun room, this dignified looking, 5 year old long hair torti has definitely found her “inner kitten”.
Glen that sounds like Gigi is one happy kitten. She knows she is safe, loved and has a forever home.
My Freedom, the feral 3 to 4 year old cat, mom to Justice (Tortie) and Liberty (grey tiger tabby) started acting like a kitten and learning to play too. It makes me happy to see her grow into a real indoor cat and she show her happiness the same as Gigi. The only difference is that every so often she will up and smack Liberty or Justice up side the head as a reminder of who is in charge.
Aww, that’s wonderful! And how cute that she did it when she thought nobody was watching.
Today I have to take Arian to the vet to be spayed. Hope she is easier to catch than last time.
Last night I tried to put Arian in my kennel downstairs by putting a dish of food in there. Caught 2 cats that way. Frankie was in there first. I told Bernie about that and she mentioned that Arian should not have food the night before. So I took it out but left them both in there. Figured that Arian would be easier to catch in the morning and Frank would keep her company at night (if one did not eat the other). I: saw Arian putting her paw thru the bars and acing the cage as if looking for a way to escape. 30 minutes later I went downstairs to check on them. The cage was empty. I looked in the big box inside expecting to see Frankie and Arian cuddled together. Nothing. I then saw Arian near my gun safe and Frankie coming down the steps. Now Arian I can see squeezing thru the bars or climbing out. But Frankie ??? Can’t picture her pushing him thru.
Success. I put food out 5 minutes ago (I had taken ALL food away last night) and I blocked off the bathroom and put a cage in there. As I put food out all the cats showed up. I grabbed Arian as she was beside Frank at the food dish. Got her into the cat carrier and now getting ready to leave. I thought Frank would wonder were his kitten was but he is still eating.