What is a tortoiseshell cat?
The name tortoiseshell refers to one of the color manifestations of cats' fur. Specifically, it involves the combination of three colors, which are white, orange and black. It is, therefore, a tricolor pattern that can appear in many feline breeds and responds to purely genetic criteria and sex chromosomes.
Tortoiseshell cats They are also called "tortoise", due to the similarity of their fur tones with the colors of the shells of hawksbill sea turtles, which have scales colored with streaks of orange, brown, red, and gold. These turtles live in tropical areas and, unfortunately, are in danger of extinction.
You won't see two identical tortoiseshell cats Each one is unique and unrepeatable. Not even resorting to cloning can two equal tortoiseshell be achieved. It is known because in 2001 an attempt was made to clone Rainbow, a tortoiseshell cat, but her clone, called CC, turned out to be tabby and white, despite having been created from her genetic material.
Characteristics of the tortoiseshell cat
In tortoise or tortoiseshell cats, the black background color predominates with mixtures of orange and white distributed throughout the fur, very intermingled, while being distributed harmoniously. Many of these cats have an orange or flame spot on their heads. The coat of tortoiseshell cats must present, together, the three basic colors of cats and their combinations, that is, white, orange and black with shades of cinnamon, red, cream, blue, gray, dark brown, etc.
Therefore, even if a cat has different shades of black or orange in the same coat, it cannot be considered tortoiseshell, since they are only variations of two essential colors and not three. Continuing with coloration, the eyes are copper or dark orange and the pads and snout can be pink, mottled or black, depending on distribution and predominance of each color in the cat set.
Character of tortoiseshell cats
Being only a color, being tortoiseshell does not determine the cat's temperament Thus, tortoiseshell cats can have very different personalities depending on to the race they belong to and their own characteristics. However, we can say that, as a general rule, they are active, strong, independent, affectionate and somewhat unpredictable, which makes them fun and great life companions.
Are tortoiseshell cats always female?
No, all tortoiseshell cats are not females, but the vast majority are, being calico or tortoiseshell tricolor males always infertile. Now the question that arises is: why does this happen? Well, the answer can be found in the genetics of the color of cats, in their connection with the sexual chromosomes and in the Klinefelter syndrome
While the white color is independent of the sex chromosomes, given by the S gene, the black and orange colors and their derivations are linked to the X chromosome, each with an X chromosome, hence the vast majority of females, which are XX, can be tricolored by having orange on one X chromosome and black on the other X chromosome. On the other hand, males are genetically XY, so it is impossible for them to present the colors black and orange together, as they have only one X chromosome.
The exception is Klinefelter syndrome, which makes cats XXY, so they have two X chromosomes, one orange and one black, combining with white and being able to be, thus, tortoiseshell or tricolor. However, due to this genetic anomaly or aberration, these cats are infertile and cannot have offspring. It is estimated that there is only one male hawksbill for every 3,000 female hawksbills.
Tortoiseshell cat breeds
It is possible to find tortoiseshell cats in practically all the feline breeds that we know, since they are not a breed in themselves, but a combination of the main essential colors due to genetic and not racial issues. Therefore, tortoiseshell cats can be mestizos, as well as breeds: European, Persian, Maine Coon, British Shorthair, American Shorthair, Cornish Rex, etc.
In addition, there are tortoiseshell cats with short, semi-long or long hair. All of them will have a similar life expectancy and predisposition to diseases as each breed in question, requiring the same care and attention as any other cat, regardless of the external appearance of their coat.
Legend of the tortoiseshell cat
For many, tortoiseshell cats attract good luck, fortune in the home and even in the United States they are considered to attract money. In addition, a legend circulates that adds even more charm to these different, enigmatic and even magical cats. Legend has it that, centuries ago, the Sun was tired of observing what was happening on planet Earth without participating. To do so, he asked the Moon for help. She wanted her to cover her absence so that the inhabitants of Earth would not notice her. On a hot day in June, the Moon covered the Sun in its entirety, giving him the opportunity to be absent and fulfill his wish. The Sun decided to become the most perfect, discreet and agile being on Earth, that is, a black cat. However, the Moon got tired and left the place, forcing the Sun to run from the cat's body before her absence was discovered. As the flight was so fast, it left behind some rays, which made touches of gold appear on the black coat of the cat. When she had offspring, the thousands of golden and orange hues that the Sun had given her were passed on to her offspring. These kittens were called tortoiseshell and were attributed magic properties and attract positive energy, luck and money
Despite this legend, the reality is that tortoiseshell cats are not usually the favorites when it comes to adopting. Although they are unique and good-natured individuals, they tend to be the last to be adopted, inexplicably and unfairly. We encourage you to adopt one of these beautiful cats, as they are incredible and unrepeatable, as well as magnificent companions at home. All cats deserve a responsible adoption and tortoiseshells are not going to be less.
