Tortie or Tortoiseshell cats are known to be a very popular type of cat, which is found in many homes. One of the most attractive things about these cats is their multicolored coat, consisting of colors like black, white, orange, and ginger. And above all, the Tortie cat personality is one of the most unexpected features we find in their nature.
If you already have a Tortie cat at your home or are planning to get one, be ready to hear a lot of appreciation for your choice because there’s barely anyone who wouldn’t notice the extremely beautiful appearance of your tortie cat.
However, keeping their appearance aside, tortie cats are also famous for the personality traits they hold. After their coat color, their personality is precisely what makes them one of the most unique cats in the world and sometimes, they are also considered ‘divas of the cat world’ Sounds interesting, right?
If you are also drawn towards them, this article is for you. Read on to find out everything about the tortie cat’s personality.
Tortie Cat Personality Explained
What's in this article...
1. Unpredictable and Indepenedent
Tortie or Tortieseshell cats are known to have a unique personality, which is adored by many. The most common characteristics that tortie cats display are unpredictability and being independent on their own, which is also confessed by many owners.
2. Curious
Tortie cats are primarily active and like to explore new things. As a tortie cat owner, you may often find her roaming around and observing their surroundings to feed their curiosity, especially when exposed to unknown people.
3. Chaotic and Seeks pampering
Tortie cats can be messy, chaotic, and very demanding sometimes. They have a very high perception of themselves and want everything to be done exactly as they desire and love to be pampered.
4. Often very Moody
Tortie cats also experience mood changes without any particular reason. At one moment, they can be frisky and may get aggressive in the next one. Due to this personality trait, vets are also cautious when dealing with a tortie cat.
5. Playful and affectionate
Tortie cats also have an affectionate side and you will definitely notice it if you regularly spend some quality time with your cat. Hence, make sure to take out sometime and play with your cat to build a strong loving connection between both of you.
It’s noteworthy that Tortie or Tortoiseshell is not a cat breed. Instead, it is just a name that is given to them because of the unique color of their coat. There are a number of breeds capable of giving birth to a tortie cat, for example, Maine Coon, British Shorthair, American Short Hair, RagaMuffin, Cornish Rex, etc.
The Origin Of Tortie Cats
There are many beliefs circulating about the origin of the Tortie cats. The most popular one comes from the Khmes, an ancient kingdom of Southeast Asia, where they believe that Tortie cats originated from the blood of a young goddess, making them a godlike creature.
There are also many other cultures having different beliefs around tortie cats, including:
- In Ireland, it is believed that tortie cats are known to bring good fortune to their parents.
- Japan is believed that tortie cats protect their owners from ghosts, storms and shipwreck.
- Tortie cats are considered as ‘money cats’, in the United States.
- In England, if a woman sees a tortie cat in their dream, it’s a warning to be careful of her friends.
Why Are Most Tortoiseshell Cats Female?
If you ever encounter a tortie cat, chances are high that it will be a female. According to the statistics, there is only one male in every 3000 tortie cats. That is mainly because a female cat carries the chromosome (X), which contains the genes that can result in orange or black fur.
When two XX chromosomes are combined, the cat’s fur can result in both colors. On the other hand, male tortie cats can have an extra X chromosome too, but it is very rare and also impacts them negatively.
Almost every male tortie cat suffers from sterility and lives around 30% less than the female tortie cats. If you have a male tortoiseshell, monitor the food they eat because they are also prone to obesity. Health experts recommend not to allow your male tortie free-feeding and always make sure that the food you feed your pup is for the betterment of his health.
Final Words
Tortie cat’s personality is fantastic, whether in appearance or overall behavior. If you spend enough quality time with your tortie, then she can definitely become your incredibly energetic and loving furry friend.
However, if you plan to bring a tortie cat to your home, ensure you behave appropriately do not cause them any discomfort. Because these types of cats are more likely to hiss, chase, bite, or scratch – claimed by many tortie cat owners.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are tortoiseshell cats difficult?
Yes, tortie cats are more likely to have sudden mood swings and unpredictable behaviors, making it quite challenging to interact with them.
Do tortie cats like to be alone?
No, they demand attention and love from their owners and never like it when left alone.
How long do tortie cats live?
The average lifespan of a tortie cat lies between 12-16 years. Keep in mind, this is just an estimated number, you can increase your cat’s lifespan by initiating an overall healthy lifestyle.
Till now, the longest tortie cat lived was around 26 years, setting the world record of being the longest lived cat yet. Read more on it here.
How big a tortie cat can get?
It depends on the breed of your tortie cat. You can take the help of a vet to determine the breed and find out how far your tortie cat can go in size.
Do Tortie Cats Require Any Extraordinary Care?
No, there is no need for extraordinary care for tortie cats in most cases. You can use grooming and caring methods that are used for regular cats.
Ansh Sharma is a content writer who possesses the skill of describing different topics in a simple and creative manner. He has a vast interest in crypto and finances, but is also well-versed with many other niches like pets, health, technology, gaming, etc. Apart from writing, he loves to read non-fiction books to continually learn and grow.
