Tortoiseshell cat

Tortoiseshell Cat

A tortoiseshell cat is a feline with a distinctive coat pattern characterized by a mottled or patchy combination of black, red, and orange fur, often with white. This pattern is named after the tortoiseshell material, which has a similar appearance. Tortoiseshell cats are often affectionately referred to as "torties."

Genetics

The unique coloration of tortoiseshell cats is due to a genetic phenomenon known as X-inactivation. The gene responsible for the orange color is located on the X chromosome. Since females have two X chromosomes, they can express both black and orange colors, resulting in the tortoiseshell pattern. Male tortoiseshell cats are rare and usually sterile, as they typically have an extra X chromosome (XXY), a condition known as Klinefelter syndrome.

Characteristics

Tortoiseshell cats are known for their "tortitude," a term used to describe their feisty and independent personalities. While this is a stereotype, many owners report that their tortoiseshell cats exhibit strong-willed and spirited behavior.

Variations

There are several variations of the tortoiseshell pattern:

• Dilute Tortoiseshell: This variation features softer, muted colors such as gray, cream, and light orange.
• Tortoiseshell and White: Also known as calico, this pattern includes large patches of white along with the tortoiseshell colors.
• Tortie Point: Found in Siamese and other pointed breeds, this pattern combines the tortoiseshell colors with the pointed pattern.

Related Pages

• Calico cat
• X-inactivation
• Cat coat genetics

Gallery

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  Short-haired tortoiseshell cat
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  Dilute tortoiseshell feline
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  Tortoiseshell shorthair
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  Blu tortie point
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  British shorthair with calico coat
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  Stray calico cat
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  Tortie point
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  Speckled paw pads of a tortoiseshell cat
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  White color progression in tri-color calico cat
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  Baby Ragdoll

References

• Roy,

 Genetics for Cat Breeders, 
  
 Butterworth-Heinemann, 
 1999, 
  
  
 ISBN 978-0-7506-4069-5,

Calico and Tortoiseshell Cats(link). {{{website}}}. Cornell Feline Health Center.

Accessed October 10, 2023.

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