As of: April 6, 2024, 5:45 a.m
By: Sandra Barbara Furtner
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A tortoiseshell cat enchants with a very special fur pattern. Where the pattern comes from and what makes it so unique.
Tortoiseshell cats are fascinating pets that win the hearts of many people with their unique features. However, this is not a breed of cat - rather, the name refers to the distinctive color of the fur. The attractive and fascinating pattern can occur in different breeds.
British Shorthair:
The good-natured British Shorthair can have a variety of coat colors, including tortoiseshell.
Maine Coon:
The Maine Coon, one of the largest cat breeds, can also display the tortoiseshell pattern.
Persian:
The tortoiseshell pattern can also be found in the Persian cat, which is known for its long, silky fur and gentle personality.
American Shorthair:
The American Shorthair is a versatile and robust cat breed and can also have the characteristic pattern.
Turkish Van:
Known for their love of water, this breed can also exhibit the tortoiseshell pattern, especially when combined with white.
Where does the name tortoiseshell come from?
A tortoiseshell cat with a typical red and black fur pattern. (Symbolic image) © Imago/Wirestock
The term “tortoiseshell” is derived from the similarity of the fur pattern to the colors and patterns of a tortoise shell. It refers to the material of the shell, which has a similar patterned appearance to the fur of tortoiseshell cats.
Unique appearance
The coat pattern is extremely diverse and can be marbled, spotted or tabby. It gives every cat an individual and breathtaking look.
What differentiates a tortoiseshell cat from a calico cat?
Tortoiseshell cats and tricolor calico cats may look similar at first glance, but there are some differences between them:
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Tortoiseshell cats:
Tortoiseshell cats have a pattern of two colors: black and red. This pattern is created by the activity of genes on the X chromosome. Therefore, almost all tortoiseshell cats are female.
Tri-colored calico cats:
Tri-colored calico cats have a pattern of three colors: black, red and white. This pattern is determined by the activity of genes on both X chromosomes. Calico cats are also usually female.
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Charming personality
Aside from their striking appearance, tortoiseshell cats often have charming personalities. They are considered loving, playful and intelligent and can build close bonds with their people.
The editor wrote this article and then used an AI language model for optimization at her own discretion. All information has been carefully checked. Find out more about our AI principles here.