Tortoiseshell cats are believed to bring good luck in many cultures from Far East to U.S. We listed the most stunning long haired tortoiseshell cat breeds.
Tortoiseshell actually refers to a color pattern, not a breed so you can expect to see a lot of breeds with tortoiseshell color pattern but long haired tortoiseshell cat breeds are so spectacular that I could not stop myself from listing the top 5. These kitties are considered to bring good fortune all around the world. Some examples include U.S., Ireland, Scotland, Japan, Khmer People of South East Asia. I will write about the folklore and the good fortune these kitties bring in another post with the details of the beliefs of each culture.
Are All Long Haired Tortoiseshell Cat Breeds Female?
It is true that vast majority of tortoiseshell cats are female but not all of them. 0.033% or 1 in every 3000 tortoiseshell cats are male. This amazing phenomenon is caused by their genetics.
As you know, females have two X chromosomes while males have one X and one Y chromosome. The orange and black colors are on the X chromosome and although it is hard to say which one is recessive, we know that unless both X chromosomes have orange and black, you can not get a tortoiseshell cat. Then why do we have male tortoiseshell cats? Now this is the interesting part!
Some male cats have 3 chromosomes instead of 2: two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome. This genetic condition is known as Klinefelter’s syndrome. Cats with this genetic condition are generally sterile but there are two exceptional cases that are registered by scientists where the cats could breed.
If you want to know more about the science behind the coloration you may have a look at this article by the University of Miami.
1 – Long Haired Tortoiseshell Persian Cat
The first officially registered Tortoiseshell Persian was blue vixen which was registered with Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA) in 1908 by a breeder named Mrs. F. Thompkins. Tortoiseshell Persians are probably the shortest of the Persian cats but their colors are more than enough grab people’s attention.
These kitties are generally sturdier than other Persians and can also be more demanding at times. They like to be the center of attraction and tend to show off their skills. They can get physical if they don’t get the attention they seek.
2 – Long Haired Tortoiseshell Ragamuffin
Like other Ragamuffins, Tortoiseshell Ragamuffin is a docile and very outgoing cat that enjoys the company of its human. It loves to take naps on its humans’ lap with its soft and long coat and purrs loudly giving joy to whoever is lucky enough to experience its companionship. It also gets along well with other pets and kids.
These kitties are known with following their humans from room to room and greeting them at the door when they arrive home. So you can say that they have dog-like personalities. Ragamuffins are considered a relatively new breed as they were recognized by CFA only in 2003 and can be hard to find.
3 – Long Haired Tortoiseshell Maine Coon
Studies on Tortoiseshell Maine Coon performed by UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital has shown no behavioral difference between Tortoiseshell Maine Coon and other Maine Coons. So it is safe to say that the famous temperament of tortoiseshell cats known as the “tortitude” does not exist in Maine Coon.
These kitties are gentle and sweet. Due its size it can be a little loud when it runs but it has a soft and quite voice that reminds you how loving it is. Maine Coon is considered the only long hair breed that is native to the United States. So it deserves to be the official state cat of the state of Maine.
4 – Long Haired Tortoiseshell Japanese Bobtail
Japanese Bobtail is an ancient breed that is known to exist for at least 1,000 years. It makes these kitties certainly one of the oldest cat breeds. A tri-colored Japanese Bobtail with a beckoning paw is considered a good luck charm since the ancient times.
These are active, talkative, playful and intelligent felines that are good with other pets and very loyal to their families. They enjoy a good game of fetch and a nice, long conversation with their humans after a long day apart.
5 – Long Haired Tortoiseshell Ragdoll
The name of the Ragdoll is given due to its tendency to go limp and slack when it is held which is one of the reasons why Ragdoll owners love their kitties so much. Ragdoll is an affectionate and loving breed that definitely devotes itself to its humans.
They are very calm felines that welcome even kids and enjoy passing time with them. They also enjoy laying on their humans’ laps and show their affection. They are good with other animals, too so they can easily be called perfect family kitties.
