Is it true tortoiseshell cats can be mean

[Sunflower6]

I am considering taking on a second cat and have seen a young tortoiseshell cat that needs a new home, someone told me that tortoiseshell cats have a reputation for being mean is this true? I had never heard this myself before.

[Madbengalmum]

I had a rescue cat from our local rescue years ago, she was deaf and blind. Nobody was good enough for her to be rehomed to! The staff were very taken with her and loved her to bits. However, the manageress knew us from our previous rescues and when i asked if we would take her,she said we could. She was the most loving and sweet creature,gentle too. So no meaness here.

[mypropertea]

In the same way chestnut horses are and don't get me started on humans with xxxx colour hair. Don't be silly!

[Fluffycloudland77]

Feisty is more apt

[Allergictoironing]

Meanest cat I ever knew was black (my aunts), had a reputation for miles around. The dog was a real softy, but the cat was EVIL.

But the ginger & white tom that prowls round near my house is pretty nasty too & has sent nearly all the local cats to the vets.

[Vinorosso74]

Ignore them. They are being cat racist. Never had a tortoiseshell myself but think they are very pretty cats.

[NaffOffMartha]

No, it's not true.

[villainousbroodmare]

I have a tortoiseshell who is the nicest cat I've ever met. She has become friends with neighbours' cats and several dogs also. She runs to the car to greet you when you come home.
Any colour of cat can have any personality. Judge her when you meet her. But remember that many adult cats don't especially love each other, certainly at first, so take introductions slowly if you decide to take her.

[pinkrosexxoxxx]

I have a tortoiseshell and she is lovely ... I mean she is very feisty but she's not mean. And she's very playful also

[SpareHead3]

I can't see how cat fur markings can denote personality any more than human hair colour can. All just old wives tales

Good advice from villain regarding introducing cats to each other. That can take time.

[ifcatscouldtalk]

I haven't heard the term mean but I use to help at a cat rescue and the manager called 2 torties there "the naughty torties" said affectionately as they were mischief. My most tempremental cat was a pure white beauty. She was deaf and only liked my husband. Still remembered fondly. I love all cats.

[Equiem89]

My tortoiseshell is 15 years old, she's never once scratched, bitten, hissed etc. She is the most affectionate cat I've ever met.

[Wolfiefan]

We have two one year old tortie sisters. They are definitely characters and really entertaining but certainly not "mean".

[Wolfiefan]

I put pictures. Where did they go?!
One cat

[Wolfiefan]

Cat two. Um mean?!?!

[Wolfiefan]

Unless you are a scratching post. Then you're done for!

[nennyrainbow]

We have a tortoiseshell that just turned up one night last year and never left! She's lovely and affectionate to people. Mean to mice though.

[ifcatscouldtalk]

wolfie they are gorgeous!!!

[Hassled]

Not mean as such, in the way some cats can be bastards, just aloof. The tortie I used to have was the cliche "treat the house like a hotel" cat. Didn't give a flying fuck about anyone - I quite admired her for it.

[hugoagogo]

I grew up with a gorgeous if slightly proud tortoiseshell kitty and then went on to have the softest, cuddliest, fluffiest torbie puss who I miss every day.

I never really met a cat who is 'mean' feisty yes people do talk a lot of rubbish.

[CMOTDibbler]

My dad had a bit of a thing for torties, so they had a few (and in fact their sole remaining, vvv elderly cat is tortie). Some were lovely, but one was the most horrid cat they ever had. She was absolutely stunning though - long haired, white tortie.

Of my three current cats, its the tabby that is spiteful

[Wolfiefan]

I may be biased but they really are aren't they?! Rescues turned down by someone else because they weren't young enough! They were just kittens when we got them. Very naughty attacking moving feet and climbing into the sofa and shredding it from the inside! But they were kittens. A year on and they're much calmer. Still daren't move in bed though!

[flumpybear]

No way - I've had two both skitty and playful (for a girl cat) - my toughest was two make black and whites

[fastdaytears]

Mine's a little cow but I don't think it's because she's a tortoiseshell. It's just her personality!
I luffs her millions though

[TroysMammy]

I knew one that would terrorise a neighbour's dog. It would jump on it's back and dig it's claws in and enjoyed hearing the dog scream.

[Puzzledandpissedoff]

My Holly is a tortie and white - don't know if that counts? - but she's genuinely the gentlest cat I've ever had; affectionate doesn't begin to cover it