Evrything You Need too Know About Tortoiseshell Cat Health!

Hey their fellow cat parents! If your blessed with a gorgeous tortie in you’re life, than this guide is definitely for you. Tortoiseshell cats (or torties as we luv to call em) are super special with there amazing multi-colored coats and spunky personalities. But just like any kitty they got some health stuff we should keep an eye on lets dive in and learn how to keep are tortie fronds happy and healthy!

What Even is a Tortoiseshell Cat Anyway.

So heres the thing about torties – there not actually a breed at all! There special because of they’re totally unique coat patterns which has all these beautiful black and orange patches mixed together sometimes with white spots two. Fun fact: almost all torties is female because of some crazy genetic stuff with the X chromosome (dont worry we’ll get into that later)!

Most tortie parents will tell you about something called “tortitude” which is basically you’re cats way of saying “Im the boss around here and dont you forget it!” These cats got personality for days but we gotta understand how there special genetics effects there health.

Genetics and Stuff: The Science-y Part?

K so heres where it gets interesting – tortie cats get there cool colors from having to X chromosomes. Thats why most of them is girls (because females got XX chromosomes)! Male torties are super rare like finding a unicorn rare and when they do exist its usually cause they got an extra X chromosome which can cause some health problems poor little guys.

Health Problems to Watch Out For!

Bladder and Kidney Issues (ugh)

Lets be real: nobody wants to deal with kitty bathroom problems, but are tortie friends can sometimes get whats called FLUTD (fancy doctor talk for bladder problems). Watch out for these warning signs:

• When you’re cat keeps trying too pee but not much comes out
• If theres blood in the litterbox (super scary but dont panic)
• If they seem like be in pain when doing there business

Pro tip: Make sure you’re tortie drinks tons of water! Maybe get one of them fancy cat fountains—cats love running water; its like they’re own personal waterfall!

The Chonky Cat Problem

We all know chunky cats are adorable but being overweight isnt good for are furry friends. Some torties can get a bit… fluffy… if we dont watch they’re diet! Being overweight can lead too:

• The diabetes (yeah cats can get it to)
• Joint problems that make it hard to do epic cat jumps
• Heart issues nobody wants that!

Boy Tortie Problems

Remember those super rare male torties we talked about? Well if you got one of these special boys they might have something called Klinefelters Syndrome (try saying that 3 times fast)! Watch out for:

• If they seem super tired all the time
• Getting really chunky even if there not eating more
• Not growing as fast as other kittys

Keeping You’re Tortie Healthy and Happy!

Food Stuffs

You’re tortie needs the good stuff when it comes too food! Look for:

• Lots of protein (cats are meat eaters after all)
• Not to many fillers (that’s just garbage ingredients)
• Wet food is great for keeping them hydrated

Exercise Time!

Even though are torties think there the queens/kings of the house, they still need to get they’re Exercise! Try these fun ideas

• Get some of them crazy laser pointers (cats go nuts for these)
• Feather toys on strings are basically cat crack
• Hide treats around the house so they gotta hunt for em

When to Panic (and When Not Too)

Its important to know when somethings really wrong versus when you’re just being a worried cat parent! Here’s some stuff that means you should definately call the vet:

• If they stop eating for more than a day
• When there throwing up alot (not just normal hairball stuff)
• If they start hiding away all the time when they usually dont

The Golden Years

Are tortie friends usually live between 12-16 years but lots of them make it even longer! As they get older they might need:

• Special old lady/man cat food
• Super comfy beds (because arthritis is no fun)
• Extra love and snuggles (ok they always need this)

Wrapping It All Up!

Taking care of a tortie is basically like having a tiny rainbow colored boss living in you’re house! They need lots of love good food and regular checkups at the vet. Remember – every tortie is unique just like they’re crazy beautiful coat patterns!

Time to take action! Go check you’re cats food bowl schedule that vet appointment you’ve been putting off or buy them a new toy (we both know they deserve it)! You’re tortie will thank you with extra loud purrs and maybe even less attitude (but dont count on that last part)!!!