02/01/2026
Meet these two gorgeous long-haired beauties I’ve had the pleasure of sitting lately!
Known as “Tortoiseshell”, while it isn’t a specific breed (it actually refers to the coat pattern), these cats are legendary among cat lovers for several fascinating reasons.
Whether they are a Domestic Longhair like these sisters or a specific breed like a Maine C**n or Persian, if they sport that mottled black and orange coat, they belong to the exclusive Tortie club!
Fun Facts About Tortoiseshell Cats:
1. The “Tortitude” is real: Ask any cat sitter or vet. Torties are famous for having “Tortitude.” They tend to be strong-willed, a bit sassy, and very talkative. These ladies definitely knows how to tell me exactly when it’s time for dinner!
2. Almost all torties are female: The coat pattern is linked to the X chromosome. Since a cat needs two X chromosomes to display both orange and black/brown colors, roughly 99.9% of Torties are female. A male tortie is a genetic rarity (about 1 in 3,000)
3. Symbols of good luck: In many cultures, these cats are seen as “money cats” or good luck charms. In Ireland and Scotland, it’s believed that having a Tortoiseshell cat in the home brings good fortune to the owners.
These sweet girls spent our sessions lounging on the patio and showing off their magnificent floofy tails. Swipe to the end to see that “bottle brush” in all its glory as well as some of that Tortitude!
Sitting for high-personality cats like this makes my job so much fun. Every tortie has a pattern as unique as a fingerprint, no two are ever the same!
Do you have a tortie at home? Does she live up to the “Tortitude” reputation? Let me know in the comments!
