Persian tortoiseshells are unique breeds of cats that are popular for their multicolored coat. Every cat has different facts and figures but in this article, we will discuss interesting facts about Persian tortoiseshell.
These cats have long luxurious hair but have different radiant colors in their skin coat that make them wonderful creatures. These cats were bred after the 1620s and are now present in the worldwide.
Let’s dive deep into the article and learn fascinating facts about Persian tortoise shells.
1. Tortoiseshell Cats Are Lucky
Persian tortoise shells are known as good luck cats, and money cats. In the legends and folklore of different countries Persian cats are considered as good luck cats. Different people have different thoughts on tortoiseshell cats.
In Ireland, Tortoiseshell cats bring luck to owners, and in the US, these cats may be referred to as “money cats.” In Japan, they’re believed to bring good luck against shipwrecks.
Although the origin as to why people believe the Tortoiseshell cat can bring wealth is unknown that doesn’t stop the Americans from fighting over these cats because they believe that somehow the cat will make them rich beyond their wildest dreams.
Other cultures interpret the Tortoiseshell cat as a sign of bad luck, however, such as England.
2-Most Tortoiseshell Persian Cats Are Females
Tortoise Persians are most likely to be female due to their genetics. If you are searching for a Persian tortoiseshell Male, it is highly difficult because there is 99.6% of female tortoiseshells. It is incredibly hard to find a male tortoiseshell cat.
The reason for this is caused by chromosome variation. Two X chromosomes are required to produce the signature tortoiseshell coat colors and patterns. Just like humans, female cats have two X chromosomes and males have an X and a Y chromosome.
To give you an example of how rare a male torte is, out of 3000 tortes there will be only 1 male.
You may also like: https://persiancatinfo.com/tortoiseshell-persian-cat-facts-history-origin/
3-Tortie Persian Males Are Rare
Very rarely (approximately 1 in 3,000) a male tortoiseshell or calico is born; these typically have an extra X chromosome (XXY), a condition known in humans as Klinefelter syndrome, and their cells undergo an X-inactivation process like in females.
4. Most male tortoiseshells are sterile.
As we know tortoiseshells are 96% female and you can find 1 male out of 3000 tortoiseshells cats.
Unfortunately for the male Tortoiseshell, they are more than likely born unable to reproduce. However, there are male Tortoiseshell cats out they that are fully capable of reproducing. This however is extremely rare you happen to find one I’m sure it will make you rich!
5-There isn’t a single tortoiseshell cat breed
Although torties and their instantly recognizable multicolored fur are in a class of their own, there is no such thing as a tortoiseshell cat breed. A Maine coon kitty might turn out to be a tortie, a Persian fur might be born with the tortoiseshell look, and Cornish Rex cats have been known to put tortoiseshell-colored coats on display too.
6. Torties Are Demanding!!
These cats are extremely picky and have high standards for their owners. Generally speaking, tortoiseshell cats do not want to be left alone and adore attention. They are demanding, and I mean it.
To give you an idea of how picky my Tortie can be, check out how wild she gets about Temptations cat snacks. She makes sure we are aware when she needs a fix. She would roam around our heads, jump on us, meow at us, and try to pull the tasty treats down from a location.
I thought she couldn’t reach me when we were trying to go to sleep and she needed to be fixed. Despite this, she doesn’t stop. She will howl nonstop if I throw her out of the room.
7. Why Are They Called Tortoiseshell Cats?
Their multicolor coat and the marble structure on their skin coat resemble the actual turtle of this similarity, they were named after tortoiseshell. They have the same color combination as black, brown, and light orange.
These radiant color combinations make them more demanding and good luck cats also.
8. Your Own Personal Ghost Buster
Ancient people thought that tortoiseshell cats could stave off ghostly attacks. These cats were thought to prevent ghosts from attaching themselves to ships, therefore sailors would take them fishing. For whatever reason, the ancient people thought that being near the sea increased your risk of encountering ghost attacks compared to being on dry land.
Given all of the historic shipwrecks that have imprisoned ghosts at sea, I suppose this makes sense. As strange as it may sound, some individuals still keep these cats in their houses in an attempt to ward off ghostly activity. The reason the Tortie is thought to frighten ghosts is unknown, however, some people think it has to do with the energy these cats can have.
9. Tortoiseshell Owners Believe Their Cats Have “Tortitude”
Tortoiseshells are considered to be more aggressive and prey-driven breeds. Mostly Tortoise Persian are hiss, bite, slap, chase, and scratch.
One study found that tortoiseshell owners frequently believe their cats have an increased attitude (“tortitude”), affectionately described as “the divas of the cat world” because they typically like things done their way and have a quick temper when crossed.
10. Famous Tortie Folklore
In Southeast Asia, it was believed that the first Tortoiseshell Cat was created from the blood of a young beautiful goddess. In England, it is believed that rubbing the tail of a tortie could cure warts.
As already mentioned, Japanese fishermen would bring these cats on their boats because they believed it would protect them from ghosts.
11-Tortoiseshell cats can have a feisty personality
The term fortitude was described as tortoiseshells having strong personalities. And it also seems that lot of attitude comes with their beautiful multicolored coat.
In reality, the tortoiseshell cat personality has more to do with their particular breed, their environment, and even their gender than the shades adorning their fur. Not all tortoiseshell cats live up to the reputation of a ‘naughty tortie’, and if you choose one of them as your companion, expect a personality that is as unique as their multicolored looks.
12. The official cat of Maryland is the White Tortoiseshell
The white tortoiseshell also called the calico is the official cat of Maryland. On October 1, 2001, this became official. Maryland loves its Torties. Why is it the official cat of Maryland? The reasoning is that the Tortie has the same color pallet as Maryland’s state bird, the Oriole.
Conclusion
Tortoise Persian cats are popular for their multicolored long luxurious coat and are considered as good luck and money cats in different cultures. These cats were named as tortoiseshells due to their resemblance with the marble pattern of tortoise.
Leave any comment about your Persian Tortoiseshells, and whether they are good luck or bad luck for you.
