Cats Cat Breeds Short-Haired Cat Breeds

Tortoiseshell Cats: 7 Facts and Photos

From extremely rare kitties to presidential owners.

Tortoiseshell cat laying down with black and brown patterned coat

The Spruce / Kristie Lee

Tortoiseshell cats are named for their bi-colored coats that look like the shell of a tortoise. Affectionately referred to as "torties," these colorful kitties—who are almost all female—are favorite pets in many homes.

Watch Now: Facts About Tortoiseshell Cats

Much like calico cats, tortoiseshell cats are the results of interesting genetics, and they've become mainstays in folklore all over the world. Thanks to a number of genetic mutations, their coats develop with almost marbled patterns. Whether you're considering adopting a tortoiseshell or just want to learn more about these fun and frisky cats, these facts and photos are sure to delight.

  • 01 of 07

    Tortoiseshell Isn't a Breed

    Black tortoiseshell cat staring into the camera.

    @juliusandsadie / Instagram

    A tortoiseshell breed of cat doesn't actually exist. The name refers to their distinctive feature: a patterned coat. Several breeds can exhibit tortoiseshell markings, such as American shorthair, British shorthair, Cornish Rex, Persian, and Maine Coons.

    Although tortoiseshell coats are most commonly a combination of ginger and black, they can also have hints of cream, orange, or gold. The colors in their coats are either "bridled"—which looks like they're woven together—or "patched"—which means the colors form in large patches all over the body.

    Continue to 2 of 7 below
  • 02 of 07

    Most Tortoiseshell Cats Are Female; Males Are Extremely Rare

    Tortoiseshell cat looking directly ahead.

    @cats_eyes_nounette / Instagram

    Like calico cats, you'll find most tortoiseshell cats are female. That's because the same chromosomes that determine their sex also determine the colors in their coats.

    The female sex chromosome (X) also carries the genetic code for orange or black coat colors; the male sex chromosome (Y) does not carry information on coat color.

    Because females have two X chromosomes, they have two sets of genetic information that can determine their coat color. The embryo shuts off one X chromosome in each cell, resulting in orange and black color variations in their coats.

    Because a male cat has one X chromosome and one Y chromosome, he'll only be orange or black—not both.

    In very rare cases—about 1 in 3,000—a male tortoiseshell cat can be born with two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome. In 2014, a Scottish cat rescue welcomed tortoiseshell kitten Harry into the fold—a feat so rare it made the news.

    Unfortunately, male cats with XXY Syndrome are sterile and often have serious health issues, resulting in significantly shorter lifespans than female torties.

    Continue to 3 of 7 below
  • 03 of 07

    Torties (Perhaps) Have a Distinct Temperament

    tortoiseshell cat

    @simjohanna / Instagram

    Tortoiseshell cats aren't a specific breed, but some believe they have a specific temperament.

    In a study conducted by the University of California, Davis, Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, researchers pondered the link between a domestic cat's coat color and her behavior. Tortoiseshell cats (along with calicos and "torbies") were the main focus of the study.

    After the study was published, speculation spread that tortoiseshell cats have a distinct, somewhat sassy temperament, which was quickly coined "tortitude." Anecdotally, many tortie parents agreed that their cats were high-energy, sassy, and even slightly aggressive.

    But the study's researchers actually didn't find a distinct link between coat color and behavior, temperament, or personality.

    Maybe "tortiude" was just confused with regular old cases of catitude.

    Continue to 4 of 7 below
  • 04 of 07

    Tortoiseshell Cats Are Considered Good Luck

    Tortoiseshell cat sleeping on the couch.

    @kiekiecat / Instagram

    Across the internet, you'll find plenty of auspicious legends about tortoiseshell cats. They're considered to be signs of good luck in several countries, though the backstories are mostly mythical.

    • In Japan, people believe tortoiseshell cats can protect ships from ghosts and shipwrecks.
    • English folklore says rubbing a tortoiseshell cat's tail on a wart will cure the affliction, but only, potentially, in the month of May.
    • In the United States, tortoiseshell cats are believed to be "money cats" that will bring good fortune into the home.
    • An extremely rare male tortie joining your home? That's more good luck in Scotland and Ireland.
    Continue to 5 of 7 below
  • 05 of 07

    They're Named After Tortoiseshell Material

    Close-up of tortoiseshell cat's face looking upward.

    @acampb122018 / Instagram

    Tortoiseshell—from real, live tortoises—served as material to produce high-end jewelry, eyeglasses, and home decor prior to the 1970s. Tortoiseshell cats were named after this material because their coats are reminiscent of the colors and pattern.

    Because tortoise populations were decimated worldwide because of such high demand, the use of the material was banned by the CITES treaty and synthetic tortoiseshell was developed.

    Continue to 6 of 7 below
  • 06 of 07

    Tortoiseshell Cats Can Also Be 'Torbies'

    Tortoiseshell cat lounging near a pillow.

    @misskelzbellz / Instagram

    When you cross a tortoiseshell cat's coloring with a tabby's stripes, you get a "torbie." You may also hear them being referred to as "tortoiseshell tabbies" or “striped torties.” They have gorgeous, colorful coats with distinctive stripes with lots of variation.

    Continue to 7 of 7 below
  • 07 of 07

    President Ronald Reagan Owned Tortoiseshell Cats

    ronald and nancy reagan hold two tortoiseshell cats

    jean-Louis Atlan / Getty Images

    President Ronald Reagan and First Lady Nancy Reagin didn't keep tortoiseshell cats Cleo and Sara at the White House in the 1980s. Instead, the two kitties stayed at the Reagan's California ranch.

FAQ
  • Where can I buy or adopt a tortoiseshell cat?

    The good news here is tortoiseshell cats aren't rare (except for male ones, of course). Let your local shelter or rescue know you're looking for one, and they can probably find one for you to adopt.

  • What is the difference between a tortoiseshell and a calico?

    They do look alike, but tortoiseshells usually sport two colors instead of the calicoes' three. Torties' coat colors are usually more blended together while calicoes' feature more patches.

  • What do I do if my cat has tortitude?

    If your tortoiseshell cat seems to have a little more attitude than other cats, ask your veterinarian if you should care for her any differently. You can also try to eliminate stress and set aside plenty of time for play and exercise.

The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. Are There Male Calico CatsVetstreet.

  2. Centerwall, WR, and K Benirschke. An Animal Model For The XXY Klinefelter's Syndrome In Man: Tortoiseshell And Calico Male CatsAmerican Journal Of Veterinary Research.

  3. Elizabeth A. Stelow, Melissa J. Bain & Philip H. Kass (2016). The Relationship Between Coat Color and Aggressive Behaviors in the Domestic Cat. Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science, 19:1, 1-15, doi:10.1080/10888705.2015.1081820

  4. Fascinating facts about tortoiseshell cats. Cat Town.