Elizabeth Stelow, the study lead, said that while the same genetics that dictates a cat’s coat color may play a role in aggression, more studies need to be done to explore the theory. In an interview with the Sacramento Bee, Dr. However, when researchers closely analyzed the possible differences between male and female cats and differences among coat colors, they found little difference in aggression. Black and white, gray and white, and female calicos and torties were reported to be more aggressive towards people during veterinary visits, while being handled, and just during everyday interactions. The study collected information from cat guardians via an online survey, and over 1,200 people responded. In a 2015 study conducted by the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, researchers looked at whether there was a direct link between a cat’s behavior and their coat color, with a focus on tortoiseshell cats and their infamous reputation. Many people believe torties are much more high-strung, feisty, and loud compared to other cats, and have an independent and unpredictable nature. You may have heard the term “tortitude” to describe a tortoiseshell cat. Some believe that if you dream of a tortoiseshell cat, you’ll be lucky in love! English lore holds that warts could be healed by rubbing a male tortie’s tail during the month of May. Since male tortoiseshell cats are so rare, ancient Celts believed it was a good omen if a male tortie stayed in their home. In Japan, torties are thought to protect ships from bad storms and shipwrecks, and even ghosts.

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. There are many myths about tortoiseshell cats. Since this occurs due to a genetic anomaly, male tortoiseshell cats are also usually sterile, making them even more rare! Male torties have an extra X chromosome, making them a very rare XXY. This is because two X chromosomes are needed to produce the trademark tortoiseshell coloring of black, orange, and yellow/gold, while male cats only have one X and one Y chromosome. Almost all tortoiseshell cats are female! About 1 in 3,000 tortoiseshell cats are male, making them quite uncommon.

If you’ve ever met a tortie, chances are, they were female. If a cat with a tri-colored coat comes to mind (most commonly white, orange, and black), you’re actually thinking of a calico cat! Since calicos can have tortoiseshell patches, it’s completely understandable if you’ve been mixing up torties and calicos. The most common coat style of tortoiseshell cats is probably the one you’re thinking of when you picture them: mosaic, with the colors randomly mixed together. Torties with the tabby pattern are often called “torbies.” Several different types of breeds can exhibit tortoiseshell markings, such as Maine Coons. The “red” patches can sometimes be cream, orange, yellow, or gold, and the “black” can sometimes be gray, chocolate, or tabby. The pattern combines two colors - and never white - and is typically described as ginger-red and black. Tortoiseshell cats aren’t a specific breed but are cats with a distinctive coat pattern, similar to tortoiseshell material. Tortoiseshell cats aren’t a specific breed.

Whether you’re interested in adopting a tortie or just want to learn more about these magnificent cats, here are a few fun facts about them. All cats are unique and beautiful in their own way, but there’s something special about tortoiseshell cats, nicknamed “torties.” Their coats are certainly eye-catching and their reputation for being a bit feisty is infamous.

Calico tortoiseshell cats