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The litter tray

Join our community of cat lovers on the Mumsnet Cat forum for kitten advice and help with cat behaviour.

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Original poster

Is it true tortoiseshell cats can be mean

90 replies

Sunflower6 · 27/07/2016 19:25

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.

OP posts:

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SalemsLott · 29/07/2016 01:31

I have a rescue tortie and she's a gentle soul

Broken1Girl · 29/07/2016 01:34

I have a tortie and white overlady Madam. She's certainly feisty, but not mean at all. She can be very affectionate.

Broken1Girl · 29/07/2016 01:40

Love the many posts about 'tortitude'. Definitely true. Madam definitely lets her feelings and wants be known.

Is it true tortoiseshell cats can be mean

BummyMummy77 · 29/07/2016 01:43

Oh my cat loved me to bits. She was a sweetheart to me. Just every other living thing on the planet....

Yoghurty · 29/07/2016 08:37

Mine's a cow. But she's my cow
She's mean, has given our vets permanent scars and will never be accused of being a people-cat. But she's a soft, lovely muffin with me (and occasionally with DH) and I wouldn't want her any other way

Yoghurty · 29/07/2016 08:38

Here she is

Bogburglar75 · 29/07/2016 08:39

Gosh no - my gran had an amazing tortoiseshell. Not mean in the slightest, just shall we say strong minded? She lived to be a grand old lady who ruled my gran, the dog and the neighbourhood with a rod of iron. Highly intelligent, extremely vocal and very 'bonded'. We always wondered if she was part Siamese, but maybe just the tortie thing. But never mean!

kooki14 · 30/07/2016 18:47

I have a rescue tortoiseshell and white. She hates everything apart from me. But I would argue that it isn't her coat markings that have made her like this but that fact that she was a stray and had been previously abused.

However her vet, the neighbours, my family and my DP would definitely argue that she is just a vicious 'naughty tortie'.

LikeDylanInTheMovies · 01/08/2016 10:39

Our Tortoiseshell is vocal (boy is she vocal) and demanding and can be aloof, but she is also the most gentle cat I've ever met. She has never bitten or scratched and that includes brushing her teeth and trimming her claws. The only thing I've seen her be aggressive to is the vacuum cleaner. I adore her and her character quirks beyond all reason.

She has a special bond with my wife, who was previously neutral towards cats and will ignore anyone but us. She's certainly a single minded wee thing and I recognise the 'cross with the world's expression on many of the cats I've seen here. So yes, she fits some of the 'Tortitude' characteristics bit not all by any measure .

I also suspect there's some confirmation bias going on when it comes to Tortoiseshell cats in that people (me included at times) and have met just as many soppy, easy going torties as I have yowling, spitting hellcats, so my advice would be to ignore the stereotypess , meet the cat and see how you get on with her.

AGirlsNameIsAryaStark · 02/08/2016 13:07

They're not "mean", they just have big personalities. Very playful and definitely know what they want! But on the other hand ours is the most affectionate kitty I have ever had, and is VERY protective of me and DP. Every morning when the alarms go off she comes bounding up the bed licking my face to get me out of bed :)

TheBitterBoy · 02/08/2016 21:15

wordsaremything she is a very pretty cat, and she knows it! So many gorgeous torties on this thread.

GRW · 02/08/2016 22:31

Here is my naughty tortie, she is 19 years old and frail, but still hissed and spat at the vet yesterday, and it was quite a challenge to get blood from her. She is older than my DD who is about to go to university. She was five when we adopted her from a rescue centre, and my DD adores her and says she can't imagine life without her.

cozietoesie · 02/08/2016 22:38

The vet gave up even attempting to take blood from my own boy when he reached about 19. I think she decided that it was easier, given his age and his dicky heart, to judge things by other means. (And she preserved her own sanity as well! )

Wolfiefan · 02/08/2016 22:44

Sooooo mean!

cozietoesie · 02/08/2016 22:47

Has she a poorly paw, GRW?

StillMedusa · 02/08/2016 23:03

Mine is feisty!!
17 years old, as sprightly as a chicken, still chasing birds. She isn't a lap cat but sit next to us, purring and waiting for a neck scratch (left side preferred!)

However when she wants something..ignore her at your peril! She stalks up, purrs and pats my face, If I don't get up immediately I get a second pat.. with claws out. She has also been known to bite my nose to get me up in the morning!

She is a challenge to the vet I adore her!

LikeDylanInTheMovies · 02/08/2016 23:06

Purr Majesty mid-meow.

LikeDylanInTheMovies · 02/08/2016 23:19

Fur Ladyship having a nice sit down and looking mildly irked (default state)

cozietoesie · 02/08/2016 23:25

'Mildly irked'? She looks near homicidal to me.........

CattDamon · 02/08/2016 23:32

I had a tortie growing up. She lasted until 21.

She was the runt of the litter, 6 claws on each paw, cross eyed & a total psychopath. Next doors dog had to be sedated after she used him as a horse one time & went for a little ride. She used to take on cars in the street & often came home missing tufts/ bits of her ear/tail.

But I bloody loved the thing.

whathaveiforgottentoday · 02/08/2016 23:33

My 2 Torties have been real sweeties especially my 2nd who was very affectionate, probably a little too much at times.

monkeywithacowface · 02/08/2016 23:38

Hmm not mean exactly but definately a bit "street". Very loud and vocal but far more affectionate than the aloof tabby

Fozzleyplum · 02/08/2016 23:46

We adopted a tortie kitten last year. She has plenty of tortitude but is not at all vindictive.

cloudjumper · 02/08/2016 23:56

My 15-year-old tortie is the sweetest, most affectionate and sociable cat at home. Take her to the vet (or anywhere in the carrier box), and she turns into the demon cat from hell. Notes at the vet include phrases like 'wrapped in blanket' and 'had to use crush cage' I'm considering a home visit for next year's booster vaccination... The vet barely hid her relief when I asked about it

At home, she will climb into your arms to get cuddles!

thatwouldbeanecumenicalmatter · 02/08/2016 23:58

Neighbour has a gorgeous friendly tortie, she's an absolute sweetheart I'd steal her if I could get away with it but actually thinking about it now, she's friendly but very confident with it and god forbid if you stop stroking her before she's had enough following you down the street loudly shouting at you to come back!

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