Are you a passionate cat lover? If so, I’m sure you’ll be fascinated with blue torties, so get ready to fall head over paws for them!
Read on to see some fun facts about these beauties, and if you don’t fall in love with them by the end of the article… What am I saying – that’s impossible! These kitties will become your new favorites, I’m sure of it.
Let’s get started!
1. The Dilute Gene Is To Blame For Their Unique Coat Coloring
The dilute gene is a result of a genetic mutation that affects the intensity of a cat’s coat color. Therefore, this gene is responsible for producing lighter, “diluted” versions of certain colors.
The dilute phenotype is caused by a deletion within a gene named MLPH. When a cat has two copies of the dilute gene, it is very likely that that the cat’s coat will be diluted! In cats, two copies of the dilute gene are commonly associated with the blue (and fawn) coat color.
This is why you may see a blue tortie – it’s because the dilute gene has caused a lighter blue color in the tortoiseshell pattern.
2. It’s Unlikely You’ll Run Into A Blue Tortie On The Street
You might already know that tortie cats are rare, but blue torties are even more rare!
Blue torties are one of the rarest kitties in the cat world, and spotting one on the street is like finding a four-leaf clover – super rare!
These kitties are prized for their unique coloring and coat pattern, but because they’re so uncommon, they’re not as likely to be seen lounging on your neighbor’s windowsill.
So, if you’re lucky enough to cross paths with a stray blue Tortie, consider yourself blessed!
3. They’re A Cat-Enthusiasts’ Favorite Kitties
Not that you know blue torties are rare, you can conclude they are in high demand by cat enthusiasts! These cats stand out from the crowd, and their rarity adds to their allure.
Many cat enthusiasts enjoy the challenge of owning rare kitties, and blue torties are just that. Considering how one-of-a-kind these cats are, it’s understandable that some people will appreciate their uniqueness and feel passionate about owning them.
4. They Just Might Bring You Some Good Luck
With their unique and vibrant coloring, it’s said that tortie cats, including blue torties, bring a touch of good fortune wherever they go. Some folks even believe that these kitties have special powers and can chase away evil spirits and bad vibes! We all need a bit of that, right?
As you can guess, there is no scientific proof of this, but we don’t need one!
Ultimately, the love and companionship that a blue tortoiseshell cat can provide is the real source of good luck for the owner.
5. Female Blue Torties Run The World
You might already know that female torties greatly outnumber male torties, and the same goes for female torties. Hence, it’s safe to say female blue torties run the world!
There are more female tortoiseshell cats because the tortoiseshell pattern requires two X chromosomes in order to be expressed.
Female cats have two chromosomes, while male cats have only one X chromosome. Therefore, the tortie pattern, including blue tortie, is far more common in female cats than male cats!
If you encounter a blue tortie male, know that he is extremely rare!
6. There’s No Kitten Duty For Blue Tortie Gentlemen
Yes, you heard that right, male (blue) torties will have no kitten duties, as they’re sterile. How come?
An ordinary male cat possesses one X and one Y chromosome, and an ordinary female cat possesses two X chromosomes.
For a cat to be a tortie, it needs to have two X chromosomes. As ordinary male cats only have one X chromosome, but for them to be torties, they need to have two chromosomes. How can this be?
Well, it is possible for a male cat to have two X chromosomes, and one Y chromosome. However, the presence of the extra chromosome usually means many health issues for the cat, including being infertile.
7. Many Breeds Can Rock The Blue Tortoiseshell Look
Many people think torties are a distinct breed, but that’s a common misconception! Torties, or blue torties, are not a cat breed, but rather a cat coat color and pattern variety.
The blue tortoiseshell look is a unique and stunning coat pattern that is not limited to one specific breed.
Cats of the following breeds can be seen rocking the blue tortoiseshell coat color and pattern:
• British Shorthair
• British Longhair
• Persian
• Maine Coon
• Himalayan
• Devon Rex
• Oriental Longhair
• Ragamuffin
• Manx
Whether you’re a seasoned cat owner or a first-timer, a blue tortoiseshell cat is sure to steal your heart, no matter which breed it is!
8. Blue Torties Have A Lot Of Fur-tastic Variety
Whether you prefer a short or long-haired blue tortie, there’s a fur-tastic variety for everyone to enjoy.
Blue torties come in both long-haired and short-haired varieties, both of which proudly flaunt their unique pattern and coat color.
Long-haired blue torties proudly show off their stunning fur, which is soft and luxurious, and is sure to turn heads wherever they go. Their longer fur accentuates the beauty of their distinctive tortoiseshell pattern, making them true showstoppers.
Short-haired blue torties also have their own unique charm. Their sleek, smooth coats show off their bold coloration, making them a chic and stylish addition to any home!
9. There Is Such A Thing As A “Blue Tortie Personality Palette”
Dilute tortoiseshell is not a distinct breed, but rather a type of coat color and pattern. In fact, many cat breeds are known to have members rocking the blue tortie coat!
This raises the question – do blue torties have any distinct personality traits? The answer is no.
A cat’s personality traits are dependent on the cat’s breed. Considering many cat breeds have blue tortie members, that means there is a blue tortie personality palette.
Therefore, there are both lazy and energetic, feisty and loving, cuddly and cuddle-unenthusiastic, intelligent and not-so-intelligent blue torties!
10. There Are No Two Blue Torties Alike
No two tortoiseshell cats are exactly alike! How so? Well, each blue tortie has a unique shade of its coat color, and a unique coat pattern!
Each tortoiseshell cat has a unique mix of blue, orange and yellow, resulting in an entirely different pattern from one cat to the next.
Just like human fingerprints, the pattern of black and orange fur in each tortoiseshell cat is unique and can never be duplicated.
Even if you take a look at several blue tortie kittens of the same litter, you’ll see no two kittens share the same coat coloring and pattern!
There’s Someone I’d Like You To Meet – Stormi
Stormi is a beautiful blue tortie who has become Insta-famous! She has more than 4500 Instagram followers and is quite the beauty!
I highly recommend checking out Stormi’s Instagram for a closer look into her world!
FAQ
How Much Is A Blue Tortoiseshell Cat Worth?
The price of a regular tortie cat can range anywhere from $300-$2000. The price really depends on the person you’re buying the cat from. However, considering how rare blue torties are, it’s possible for their price to be higher than that of a regular tortie cat.
How Long Do Blue Tortoiseshell Cats Live?
The lifespan of a blue tortie depends on the cat’s breed. The average lifespan of a cat is from 10-15 years, depending on the cat’s overall health and environment. Therefore, you can expect a blue tortie to live around 10-15 years as well.
Can Blue Tortie Cats Have Health Issues Related To Their Coat Color?
Whenever people hear that dilute tortie pattern is a result of a mutation, they tend to think that the kitties themselves are somehow sick due to the mutation. Luckily, this is not the case.
No health-related problems have been reported in cats with this mutation, so there’s nothing to worry about!
The mutation affects only the cat’s coat color, and nothing else.
How Can I Adopt A Blue Tortie Cat?
If you’re passionate about adopting a blue tortie cat, I suggest first checking in with your local cat shelter to see if there are any blue torties in need of a home.
Considering how rare these kitties are, it’s unlikely that you’ll find a blue tortie cat in the shelter.
What I recommend doing is posting on social media that you’re looking to adopt a blue tortie cat, and see if there’s anyone that can help you do so. I’m sure someone will aid you in your search for a new feline friend. Good luck!
Wrapping Up
That’s it folks! You’ve seen 10 fun facts about blue tortoiseshell cats. If you’re out and about searching for a new feline friend, I would strongly recommend looking into getting a blue tortie! Just imagine looking at them all day!
There are countless reasons to love blue torties, but I’ve listed the 10 most interesting ones. Do you have a fun fact you want to share? Please, write it in the comments section!
Until next time, goodbye and happy cat-admiring!
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