Tortoiseshell cats are cherished around the world for their striking and distinctive appearance. While not a breed of their own, tortoiseshell cats are defined by their unique coat pattern, featuring a blend of colors like red, black, orange, and brown. Known for their fiery personalities, they’re affectionately described as having “tortitude.”
Despite their captivating looks and lively nature, tortoiseshell cats often don’t receive the recognition they deserve. They’re just as worthy of admiration as any other feline breed, which is why Tortoiseshell Cat Appreciation Day is celebrated annually on April 17th.
What Is Tortoiseshell Cat Appreciation Day?
Tortoiseshell Cat Appreciation Day was created by award-winning author and former veterinarian hospital manager, Ingrid King. The day was created in 2020 in memory of Ingrid’s tortoiseshell cat, Ruby whom she adopted on April 17th,2011. Unfortunately, Ruby passed away in 2019, just a year before Ingrid created Tortoiseshell Cat Appreciation Day. This appreciation day is not officially designated yet, but Ingrid encourages owners of tortoiseshell cats to spread the word about it.
Who Is Ingrid King?
Ingrid King is the award-winning author of Buckley’s Story: Lessons from a Feline Master Teacher, Purrs of Wisdom: Conscious Living, Feline Style, and Adventures in Veterinary Medicine: What Working in Veterinary Hospitals Taught Me About Life, Love and Myself, Tortitude: The BIG Book About Cats With a BIG Attitude, and Purrs of Wisdom: Enlightenment Feline Style.
Ingrid is a former veterinary hospital manager. Her popular blog, The Conscious Cat, is a comprehensive resource for conscious living, health, and happiness for cats and their humans. The Conscious Cat has won multiple awards, including DogTime Media’s Pettie for Best Pet Blog in 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014, and About.com’s 2012 Readers Choice Award for Best Website About Cats.
Find her books here https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/61783.Ingrid_King
What Is Special About Tortoiseshell Cats?
1. Most Tortoiseshell Cats Are Female
Most tortoiseshell cats are female because of the X chromosome that carries the genetic code responsible for this coat type. It is very rare to find a male Tortoiseshell cat and they are usually sterile and unhealthy. It’s estimated that only 1 in every 3,000 tortoiseshell cats are male, hence their rarity. Tortoiseshell is a sex-linked trait in cats and can affect various breeds.
This means that most domesticated cat breeds can have a tortoiseshell coat with either long or short fur. Some common cat breeds with tortoiseshell coats include the American shorthair, Persian, and Ragdoll.
2. They Have Fascinating Temperaments
There’s a clear reason why so many tortoiseshell cat owners refer to their cats as having “tortitude.” These cats are known for their unpredictable personalities, often exhibiting sassy, independent, and even regal traits. A study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Davis, examined the potential connection between tortoiseshell coats and aggressive behavior. However, the study found no significant difference in aggression during veterinary visits or handling compared to cats with other coat types.
3. They Are Associated with Good Fortune
In many cultures, tortoiseshell cats are considered to be good luck, such as in Ireland, where they’re said to bring their owners good fortune. In Japan, torties are thought to protect ships from bad storms and shipwrecks, and even ghosts. Since male tortoiseshell cats are so rare, ancient Celts believed it was a good omen if a male tortie stayed in their home. English lore holds that warts could be healed by rubbing a male tortie’s tail during the month of May. Some believe that if you dream of a tortoiseshell cat, you’ll be lucky in love!
In conclusion, while tortoiseshell cats may not be a distinct breed, they certainly make their mark with their stunning coats and spirited personalities. Though their appreciation day on April 17th is not yet officially recognized, it provides the perfect opportunity to celebrate these extraordinary felines. Tortoiseshell cat owners can honor their pets by sharing pictures on social media, raising awareness, and indulging in some extra playtime and cuddles. After all, these feisty and lovable cats truly deserve to be celebrated!