What To Consider Before Adopting A Tortoise
We are happy that you have decided to adopt a Tortoise. Tortoise adoption is a wonderful way to provide a Tortoise a second chance and caring environment. Most pets arrive at shelters because the owner had to move, could no longer afford the pet, had a death in the family, or simply gave up the responsibly of being a care taker for a Tortoise. Before bringing home a Tortoise, make sure you have considered the full impact of your decision. Below is a brief overview of the type of needs a Tortoise might require and what you will need to consider for the life time care of a Tortoise.
First most, understand that no matter what, even if you buy a Tortoise for sale, or adopt, as a new pet owner it is your responsibility to care for the Tortoise its entire lifespan. Part of that responsibility is taking time to understand the basic needs of a Tortoise. At the top of that list should be getting know the diet of a Tortoise. Find out how often and what a Tortoise needs to eat. Next, what shelter do you need to provide? Get to know what habitat a Tortoise is accustom to, what temperature will the Tortoise need to maintain, and what range of temperatures are acceptable for a Tortoise to survive.
Adoption A Smarter Option Than To Buy A Kitten
No matter how “reputable” you think your local pet store is, they are almost surely getting their kittens from a “backyard” kitten breeder. The majority of purebred kittens are the product of irresponsible “backyard” kitten breeders. These are people who make some easy cash by breeding their purebred cats and they often also sell kittens through the newspaper classified ads. Remember that most of these backyard kitten breeders don’t know about breeding for favorable health and temperament qualities, and they don’t know how to raise a properly socialized litter. Many of these little kittens are weaned from their mothers way too soon. Sometimes, a backyard kitten breeder turns into small-time kitten mill to increase their supply so you can buy a kitten from a pet store and they can make a higher profit. How can you stop kitten mills? There is only one way. Take away their profits. Remember before you buy a kitten, keep in mind adoption is the most humane option!
What Is A Tortoiseshell Cat
A tortoiseshell cat, also known as a tortie, is a cat born with a fur pattern resembling the mottled red and black tortoiseshell material. Even the paw pads might have some spotting. Tortoiseshell is usually reserved for multicolored cats that have rather small or no white markings.
The ones that are mostly white and have tortoiseshell patches are known as tricolor. In the UK they are known as tortoiseshell-and-white. This pattern is simply called calico in the United States and Canada.
You May Like: Kittens For Sale Akron Ohio
Do Tortoiseshell Cats Shed
Torties can be one of many cat breeds, so they shed just like normal cats. They come in both long-haired and short-haired varieties that shed according to the tendencies of their breed. If you want a light shedding tortie, the Cornish Rex breed is a good choice because they have short, thin hair that you barely notice.
Initial Setup And Supplies
Whether you get a free kitten or a purebred Tortoiseshell cat, you will have additional upfront costs for supplies to bring your cat home. Your must-haves include a carrier, litter box and litter, a collar and ID tag, scratching posts or mats, and cat food and bowls. You may also want to get toys, cat shelves, beds, and other supplies, which raises the price.
Read Also: How To Care For Kittens
Tortoiseshell Cat Breed Guide: The Rare Eye
Theyre eye-catching, unique, and frankly used to the attention. What are they? Tortoiseshell cats! Known for their mesmerizing bi-color coats, tortoiseshell cats get all the oohs and ahhs because very few cats look like them. But why is their coat like that? Where did they come from? Im sure you have questions about this enigma of a cat, but dont worry we have answers!
Owning A Tortoiseshell Cat On A Budget
If youre on a tight budget, that doesnt mean you cant bring home a Tortoiseshell cat. These cost ranges include a lot of optional expenses that you can reduce or remove completely, such as litter box liners and subscription cat toy boxes. Other expenses, such as the cost of getting a cat, can be reduced by going to a shelter.
Don’t Miss: Norwegian Forest Cat Kittens Sale
Total Monthly Cost Of Owning A Tortoiseshell Cat
- $50$250 per month
As you can see, the total monthly cost of owning a cat varies significantly. Your cats health costs, like food, vet care, and insurance, are the most expensive. If your cat is ill, you may have higher monthly costs for vet care, medications, special diets, or pet insurance coverage.
After these expenses, your maintenance costs vary depending on what you choose for environmental maintenance and entertainment. For example, litter box liners make cleaning the litter box more convenient, but theyre not necessary for cat ownership. The same applies to deodorizing sprays.
How To Look After Your Tortoiseshell Kitten
First of all, you want to make sure you are not getting your kitten from a mill. If you aren’t shown the mother or the rest of the litter, it’s possible you’re being sold a mill kitten who may be dead in a few days.
A reputable animal shelter may be the best place to go. In any case, take your new kitten to the vet for a full check-up.
Finding out what breed you have will be instrumental in monitoring her health. Feed her a healthy, high protein diet. Show off that beautiful mottled fur by having it regularly groomed and cleaned.
There are cat shampoos that are better suited for dark fur or light fur. Buy accordingly. Meet both her physical and emotional needs and you will have a healthy and happy cat!
You May Like: Purina Pro Plan Kitten Food Dry
Medications And Vet Visits
- $25$150 per month
Veterinary care for cats is often cheaper than it is for dogs, but its still expensive. Most of the expenses occur during annual visits, but cats may have health conditions that need to be monitored more frequently throughout the year or sick visits for sudden injuries or illnesses. Kittens and senior cats may have higher expenses as well, though this is temporary.
Breeds That Can Have A Tortoiseshell Coat
Tortoiseshell is a coloring, not a breed. Many breeds carry the tortoiseshell coloring. The American and British shorthairs are the most common.
Siamese and Burmese cats may not meet breed standard if they exhibit calico markings, but it has been known to happen. The Japanese bobtail with calico or tortoiseshell markings is said to be particularly lucky.
Persians and Maine coons make for beautiful longhaired torties. The Scottish fold, American curl and both Cornish and Devon rexes can have tortoiseshell coats.
Even the hairless Sphynx may have patches of color on her skin.
There was a wild feline species from Brazil known as Felis bracatta said to have the tortoiseshell pattern. Sadly, this beautiful and elusive species is believed to be extinct.
To this day, the only specimen of Felis bracatta is a mounted skin and a sketch dating from 1897. If there are any left, they’re good at hiding!
Don’t Miss: How To Train Your Cat To Be An Esa
Most Tortoiseshell Cats Are Females
Females make up the vast majority of tortoiseshell cats because two X chromosomes are needed to create the coloring of black, gold and orange.
As male cats have only one X and one Y chromosome, that means that it is technically almost impossible from a genetic standpoint for a male to inherit the gene for tortoiseshell coloring.
The rare male tortoiseshell would have an extra X chromosome, making it an XXY, a symptom of Klinefelter Syndrome.
A study by the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri shows that only 1 in 3000 tortoiseshell cats is male. On the rare occasion that a calico is male, he will typically be sterile.
Tortie Cats In Culture And History
In Among the Khmers of Southeast Asia, it is believed that tortoiseshell cats were created from the blood of a goddess born from a lotus flower.
Said goddess may well have been Nang Kwak, a Thai goddess of fortune who dresses in red and gold and often takes the pose of the Japanese maneki neko. Perhaps this was to explain why torties were almost always female and had a rather imperial attitude.
A Turkish myth says the cat was created by a wizard using smoke, fire and two bright stars. In America, they’re called money cats because it’s believed having one around will make you luckier in financial matters.
In the painting The Courtship of Washington by Jean-Leon Gerome Ferris, a calico can be seen washing her paws under the table in the far right corner. As calicos tend to be female, this was probably not the feral tomcat Martha Washington was said to have named after Alexander Hamilton.
Writer Edgar Allan Poe had a tortie named Cattarina who died mere weeks after he did. One of the most famous tortoiseshell cats was Marzipan, who lived to be 21 years old. Marzipan lived out her unusually long life at the Astor Theatre in Melbourne, Australia where she welcomed the movie patrons.
A torbie named Tama was stationmaster for Kishi Station in Kinokawa, Japan. The Star Trek: The Next Generation episode The Bonding featured a rare male calico named Patches, who turned out to be an illusion created by an alien entity who wanted to console a boy who had recently lost his mother.
Recommended Reading: Best Flea Collar For Cats With Sensitive Skin
How Much Are Tortoiseshell Cats Worth
Because of their unique coat and overall rarity, tortoiseshell cats can be a bit pricey. Unless you get lucky and find one at the animal shelter, a tortie will cost you approximately $1000 to $2000.
Also, the more distinct or striking the tortoiseshell color combination is, the more expensive the cat usually is. If the tortie is a male , they can cost even more. Sorry to say, but the beauty and allure of torties come at a steep price!
What Kind Of Personality Do Tortoiseshell Cats Have
Well, theres a name for it: tortitude. Tortoiseshell cats are believed to have a stronger, fiercely independent personality, strong-willed attitude, and be generally feisty. This means they have a greater inclination to hiss, bite, chase, and scratch humans.
However, the presence of tortitude might be a stereotype because its scientifically unproven. Some studies say that there is no link between coat pattern and how tame the cat is. A 2015 study at the University of California, Davis established a link between the tortie coat pattern and increased attitude. Because of these mixed results, the verdict is still out on whether tortitude actually exists. Your best bet is to get a tortie and find out!
Don’t Miss: Why Is My Cat Suddenly Pooping Outside The Litter Box
We Want To Spread The Word
If you have contact info for a shelter in one of these places that does not have pets posted with us, please e-mail us and we’ll contact them.
California Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, San Francisco, Irvine, San Bernardino, Riverside, Fresno, Oakland, Sacramento, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Bakersfield, Ontario, Walnut Creek, Santa Cruz, Northern, Southern, Central, Concord, Hanford, Los Angeles County, Long Beach, Santa Ana, Riverside County, Mission Viejo, Yolo, San Bernardino County, San Francisco, San Jose, San Rafael, Novato Santa Clara County, San Fernando Valley, Simi Valley, San Gabriel Valley
Texas Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Waco, Austin, El Paso, Corpus Christi, Abilene, Amarillo, Western Texas, Eastern Texas, San Marcos, Dallas County, Harris County, Galveston, Brazoria, McAllen, San Antonio
New York New York City, Manhattan, Brooklyn, Long Island, Syracuse, Rochester, Buffalo, Albany, Niagara Falls, Kings County, Queens County, Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, Staten Island
Florida Miami, Tampa, Orlando, Gainesville, Tallahassee, Pensacola, Fort Lauderdale, Daytona Beach, Jacksonville, Broward County, Miami Dade County, Sarasota, Bradenton, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, West Palm Beach, Boca Raton
Illinois Chicago, Springfield, Peoria, DeKalb, Bloomington, Cook County
Pennsylvania Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, Lancaster, Allentown, Erie, Bethlehem
Ontario Toronto, Ottawa, Windsor, Kingston
Quebec Montreal, Quebec City
Halifax
Turtle Shell Kittens For Sale
Pet’s Age: Microchipped: Modified on: Location:
Advert Details
These kittens are litter trained and are comfortable with new people and homes. They are surprisingly not too scared of loud objects such as hoovers, washing machine etc. They can be viewed before the purchase and will be give with some food and other things on purchase.
Safety Notice: NEVER send a payment or deposit online before viewing the Pet to confirm the advert is genuine. Read our Covid-19 safe buying guide.
Contact Seller
Be extra cautious with online transactions!We encourage you to read these guidelines before buying or adopting a cat.
Have you done your research?
Carry out the research so you have the necessary knowledge of the pet you are getting. Since owning a cat is a big commitment, you should research about the breed fully to make sure it fits your current lifestyle and budget.
Have you seen the kitten?
Take time to visit the advertiser’s home to confirm if they are genuine. Do not settle for online communications and photos. UK Pets does not verify the authenticity of all advertisers. The advertiser should allow you to personally see the kittens with their mother. If they keep on giving you excuses why you could not visit their home or the address stated in the advert is not the accurate and permanent location of the kitten, consider this a red flag.
Avoid online payment
Documents & Vaccinations
Responsible Advertiser
Read Also: Best Weight Loss Food For Cats
How Much Does A Tortoiseshell Cat Cost Per Month
Based on information from the ASPCA, cats cost around $634 annually, which is around $53 a month. This not only includes your upfront costs for the cats and one-time supply purchases, but recurring costs like food, treats, and veterinary care. Once your cat is spayed or neutered and vaccinated, you will need to keep up with annual checkups, vaccinations, flea and tick medication, and heartworm medication.
If your cat has health problems or requires regular medication for a chronic condition, those costs can go much higher. For example, diabetic cats can cost $50 or $100 extra per month for prescriptions like insulinon top of the other expenses.
Find Out What’s Happening In Redwood City
“At first we couldnt believe the kitten was indeed male, but after several thorough examinations, much to his dismay, our Veterinarian services staff confirmed he is indeed a male,” Tarbox said.
Tortoiseshell tabbies are not a breed, rescue officials said. That name refers to their patterned coats, which typically resemble the shell of a tortoise and are typically black and orange.
Don’t Miss: What Age Is Considered A Kitten
Additional Costs To Factor In
Health care, entertainment, and maintenance are all routine expenses you can expect to pay throughout the year, each year of your cats life. There are other costs that may come up that youre not expecting, however.
If you travel often, you may need a pet sitter to care for your cat while youre away. Your cat can also have an injury or serious illness that requires emergency care, which is more expensive that vet care at a regular vet office. If you dont have pet insurance, you should have an emergency fund to cover unexpected vet expenses.
Another thing to consider is expenses related to behavioral issues. Intact male cats can spray, and you may need to treat carpeting or furniture for odors. Cats may also scratch curtains, carpets, couches, bedding, and other surfaces in your home, which may need to be repaired or replaced. Severe behavioral problems may need to be addressed with the help of a veterinary behaviorist, the cost of which varies across the country.
A Male Tortoiseshell Tabby Kitten Described As A Genetic Anomaly Just Arrived At A San Francisco Peninsula Adoption Center
REDWOOD CITY, CA Veterinarians and animal rescue officials could hardly believe their eyes when a certain stray kitty arrived at the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA. The male kitten was identified as a tortoiseshell tabby an “extremely rare” combination.
“Tortoiseshell Tabby cats, known for their black and orange coloring are almost always exclusively female, so we were quite shocked when a Tortoiseshell Tabby kitten who was found as a stray in Redwood City, CA was male,” said Buffy Martin Tarbox, communications manager for the rescue society.
Mateo, the two-month-old kitten, was named after the county he was found in and is considered a “genetic anomaly.” He was slightly underweight when he arrived and placed in the shelter’s kitten nursery until he reached at least two pounds, the minimum required weight for adoption.
You May Like: Cat Hasn T Peed Or Pooped In 2 Days
You Can Not Breed Them
Sorry! Can’t be done! This sort of thing is totally random. Even an attempt to clone a calico resulted in more of a calabbie. Male calicos and torties cannot sire kittens.
Tortie and calico females may be more likely to have tortie and calico kittens, but it will still be completely random. Fortunately, this pattern is not at all rare and you are sure to find one or maybe even a dozen at your local animal shelter.
Sweet Female Long Hair
Sweet beautiful long hair almost 5 months. I am so allergic! Love her but cannot keep her,rescued her 2 months ago. She’s a good little girl, Loving,never been out side.i just want someone to have her and love her.She likes to hang out on the edge of the tub when I’m in the tub! Fell in a few times but always is back the next evening!I can meet you in OlympiaBuy Now
Read Also: How To Make Homemade Cat Treats
Considered Good Luck All Over The World
In many parts of the United Kingdom, it is believed that torties will vanish your warts. The cat’s gender and the month you do this in seem to vary.
In the Far East, it is believed torties will chase off ghosts while bringing in money. In fact, it’s believed that the darker colored torties will bring in gold while the lighter colored ones bring in silver.
To have a dream about a tortoiseshell cat means love is on the way. One wedding superstition states that if a bride hears a tortie sneeze on her wedding day, good luck is sure to come.