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Tortoiseshell cat health problems to worry about, according to experts

Concerning issues for tortoiseshell cats and how to address them

Paige Cerulli
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A tortoiseshell kitten rests on the couch
PublicDomainPictures / Pixabay

Tortoiseshell cats, aka torties, are gorgeous, trendy cats that many pet parents prefer. But whenever you bring home a kitty, it’s essential to be familiar with some of the common concerns associated with that cat’s breed or color. There are many cat breeds that carry predispositions for specific health issues, and when you’re aware of those problems, you can watch yours more closely. You’re prepared to help if those issues occur. Whether you plan to bring home a tortoiseshell or already have one in your home, here’s the information that you should know about tortoiseshell cat health problems.

Tortoiseshell cat against a blue sky
JPVasc / Pixabay

Understanding the tortie

The good news? Almost no health issues come with your cat being a tortoiseshell, and that’s because tortoiseshell is a color, not a breed.

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Good Housekeeping explains that torties have multicolor fur of black, reds, and oranges. The tortoiseshell type occurs in multiple breeds like the Persian, Maine coon, British shorthair, American shorthair, and Cornish rex. Torties can have long or short hair, depending on their breed.

Close up of a tortoiseshell cat
StockSnap / Pixabay

Tortoiseshell cat health problems

The bad news is that one health issue can occur because your cat is a tortoiseshell, but it’s rare. The female chromosome X has two versions. One carries the gene for black fur and the other form codes for orange fur. Females, who have XX chromosomes, can display both black and orange colors in their coats. Males, on the other hand, have XY chromosomes, so their coats can either be black or orange.

That is, unless a rare condition occurs. According to ASPCA Pet Insurance, very rarely, males are born with XXY chromosomes. They present as male cats but can have tortoiseshell coats because they have two X chromosomes.

This condition can cause Klinefelter’s Syndrome, which can lead to developmental issues, behavioral problems, bones that break easily, and increased body fat that can contribute to diabetes and heart disease. These cats are sterile, and many experience shorter lifespans.

It’s important to note that if your tortie doesn’t have Klinefelter’s Syndrome, she should have a normal life expectancy. Cats can live 15 years or longer, so you can enjoy having her around for many years.

A closeup shot of a tortoiseshell calico licking her lips in the sun.
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How to keep your tortie healthy

While tortoiseshell cats typically aren’t predisposed to health issues because of their color, it’s still important to understand any health issues that may come with your cat’s background. If you know your cat’s breed, ask your veterinarian or do a little research into their common health problems so you’re aware of any symptoms that you should look out for.

Beyond that, your tortie will benefit from the same quality healthcare that you’d provide any other cat. That healthcare starts with a good diet and a lifestyle designed to keep your kitty entertained and active.

Obesity is a common concern in cats, and it can lead to many other health issues, including joint problems and heart problems. Focus on keeping your cat at a healthy weight by feeding her quality cat food and by making sure she gets plenty of exercise. You can experiment with different toys to pique your cat’s interest, and make sure to schedule playtime each day — ideally multiple times per day. If your cat tends to scarf down her food, think about feeding her several small meals per day. There are also many feeding toys and bowls designed to slow down your cat’s food intake, so she eats more gradually and feels full longer.

A brindle cat on white sheets
George Becker / Pexels

Are tortoiseshell cats difficult?

Outside of health challenges, torties have a reputation for being a bit more difficult than the average feline. In fact, there’s a name for this condition: tortitude. If your multi-colored cat has a larger-than-life personality, you may have to look into cat behavior training. However, before you shell out the big bucks to bring in an expert, try to focus on making her home life as good as possible. This means regular exercise, plenty of toys, and a wide variety of places to sleep and scratch. Like all animals, a solid routine goes a long way toward reducing behavior problems.
Tortoiseshell cat sitting in front of a vase of flowers
ron5001 / Pixabay

Final thoughts on torties’ health

Don’t forget to make your vet a close partner in caring for your cat. Annual vet appointments offer opportunities to monitor your cat’s weight, and your vet may even spot symptoms of health issues early on before they become too severe. As your cat ages, increasing the frequency of these appointments can help your vet to diagnose any of the many health issues often present during the senior years. Your cat doctor can also advise you on choosing a diet appropriate for your pet to keep her as healthy as possible. With this careful focus on your cat’s health and care, you can increase her chances of living a long, happy life.

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Paige Cerulli
Paige Cerulli
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Paige's work has appeared in American Veterinarian, Business Insider, Healthline, and more. When she's not writing, Paige…
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