Want to add a furry friend to your family? Check out the lilac tortoiseshell cat! Its beautiful colors will make heads turn. Before welcoming one home, find out about its origins. Plus, learn about its special personality traits. Don’t miss out on having this pet!
The lilac tortoiseshell cat is special and wanted. Their coat is grey and lilac, with bright yellow eyes, or green or blue. It looks like a tortoise shell! They were bred on purpose.
These cats are friendly and curious, so they make great pets. They like new places and exploring. They are rare compared to Siamese or Persian cats, but they’re worth it for their love and personality.
If you’re hunting for a unique pet, the lilac tortoiseshell cat could be the one! Learn more about them, and find out if they’re right for you.
Physical Characteristics
| Height | 12-16 inches |
| Weight | 8-12 pounds |
| Coat | Short and dense, with a mottled black and orange |
| Eye Color | Blue or green |
| Vocal | Moderate |
| Activity Level | Moderate to high |
| Temperament | Paired, loving, and devoted to their family. |
| Grooming | Weekly brushing to remove dead hair |
| Life Expectancy | 12-16 years |
Lilac tortoiseshell cats are of medium size. They have short to medium fur, with light brown, dark grey, black, and a special pink-purple hue called “lilac.” The fur often has a marbled pattern and shines in the sun or under bright lights.
These cats have apple-shaped heads and green eyes. Markings may be of different shades, or even two colors, like one gold and one green eye. They have large legs, earning them the nickname “gypsy cats.” In adulthood, their weight is usually 8-12 pounds.
Origin & History
The rare Lilac Tortoiseshell cat was bred, combining physical traits and color points. Its history is unknown.
During the 16th century, the Lilac Tortoiseshell cat was brought to Europe from what is believed to have been Asia.
It’s easy to recognize them by their lilac and tortoiseshell coats. Recessive genes are responsible for this color.
How they came to be is unclear. One theory is they descended from street cats that mated with two cats with diluted black coats. Another popular explanation is two different breeds, Siamese and British Shorthair, were mixed to highlight the color-point markings.
Today’s Lilac Tortoiseshells have an even temperament and friendly demeanor. They make beloved companions. Whether you own a cat or not, you won’t regret adding one of these captivating cats to your family!
Behavior & Temperament
Lilac tortoiseshell cats are known for their sweetness and loyalty. They’re friendly with strangers and other pets and have an amiable attitude. They need lots of companionships and don’t like to be alone for long. These cats will often help you with chores or be moral support in tough times.
Though these cats are usually gentle, they get playful when they get to exercise in a safe area. Don’t punish it; instead, distract it with play or teach it commands like ‘sit’ and ‘leave it’. Each cat’s behavior is individual so it’s important to observe it before adoption. This helps you and your pet form a strong bond.
Health & Care
Having a Lilac Tortoiseshell cat can be a truly gratifying experience. These cats are known for being very friendly, energetic, and loving. However, like any pet, there is a need to guarantee that your cat is given the proper care and attention.
Nutrition is the most important concern when it comes to caring for your Lilac Tortoiseshell cat. Make sure they have access to a quality, nutritiously balanced diet with omega-3 fatty acids, taurine, and other minerals. Annual vet check-ups and immunizations should also be part of their routine.
For cats with longer fur, grooming can be tricky. Regular brushing and combing will help keep their coat healthy and free from knots. To maintain a clean litter box, scoop at least once daily and change the litter as needed. This will also help keep your cat’s living space fresh and odor-free.
Finally, it’s essential to give your Lilac Tortoiseshell cat plenty of mental stimulation. Offer toys such as scratching posts or interactive toys with food dispensers, so they can be active indoors. When playing outside, try out some new games or explore different areas of your garden to stimulate their curiosity or to provide them with a safe way to act out instinctual behaviors like stalking and hunting!
Lilac Tortoiseshell Cat Breeds
The Lilac Tortoiseshell cat is a hybrid. It has black and gray hues, coming from two cats – a Tortoiseshell and a Blue-Cream dilute gene. The grey coloration comes from an additional Grey gene.
This cat is known as an affectionate companion that gives lots of love. It looks big but has a gentle temperament, making it suitable for families with kids and small apartments. They need activity throughout the day to tire out their energy. Then they make wonderful companions!
Popularity & Price
The Lilac Tortoiseshell cat is a unique breed, due to its unique coloring. It’s still quite rare. But, more and more people are starting to like these cats. Their fame is rising.
The price for these cats may be higher than for other breeds. Top-quality specimens can range from $1,500 to $6,000. That said, you’ll have more expenses:
- Food
- Litter supplies
- Vet bills
- Grooming supplies
- Toys
- If there are any health issues due to genetics
| Country | Price in $ |
|---|---|
| USA | 1,500 – 6,000 |
| Canada | Not for sale |
| United Kingdom | 1,500 – 3,500 |
| Australia | 2,200 – 4,500 |
| Germany | 2,000 – 3,500 |
7 Interesting Facts About Lilac Tortoiseshell Cat
1. The Mutation Behind the Beautiful Coat
The lilac tortoiseshell cat’s beautiful coat results from a mutation in two genes, OCA2 and TYRP1. Unfortunately, this mutation also increases the likelihood of deafness, which is why some breeders refuse to sell lilac tortoiseshell kittens to homes with young children. According to Cats International, about 22% of blue-eyed tortoiseshells and calicos are deaf in one ear, and approximately 8% are deaf in both ears.
2. Lilac Tortoiseshells are Also Known as Dilute Tortoiseshells
Check out these cool lilac tortoiseshell cats, aka dilute tortoiseshells! Their coat color is caused by partial pigment loss, which gives them a unique “diluted” look. Plus, this same mutation affects other animals, like horses, dogs, and rabbits.
3. Not as Common as Other Tortoiseshell Cats
Are you aware that lilac tortoiseshell cats are a rare breed? This is because their coat color is caused by a recessive gene, which makes it difficult for two cats carrying the gene to mate and produce lilac tortoiseshell offspring.
4. Personality Traits Vary by Breed
Lilac tortoiseshell cats are known for their stunning coats, but it’s essential to remember that their personality traits can differ depending on the breed. For instance, British Shorthairs, with their stocky build and round faces, are a placid and relaxed breed. Meanwhile, Siamese, with their striking blue eyes and sleek build, are known to be active and vocal. If you’re considering adopting a lilac tortoiseshell cat, be sure to research their breed’s personality traits thoroughly to find a cat that matches your lifestyle.
5. Folkloric Animals in Many Cultures
Did you know that tortoiseshell cats are considered good luck charms in many cultures worldwide? For example, Native Americans see them as symbols of strength, endurance, and longevity, while in Japanese culture, they are one of the four guardian beasts of the Chinese constellation that bring good luck. Even in Celtic mythology, the goddess Brigid is associated with these cats, making them even more interesting and cool.
6. Lilac Tortoiseshells Are Usually Female
You won’t believe which cats are more likely to have a stunning lilac tortoiseshell coat – it’s the female! And it’s all because of their two X chromosomes compared to males’ one X and one Y chromosome, where the gene responsible for this coat coloration is located.
8. Lilac Tortoiseshell Is Not A Cat Breed
Like the Bengal and the Savannah, the lilac tortoiseshell is not a recognized species of cat. It’s a common pattern seen in several various cat breeds, including the British and American shorthairs, Persians, and Siamese.
Additionally, black, blue, chocolate, and cinnamon are the four most common tortoiseshell colors. And lilac is a light purple color that is between blue and lavender.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we have explored seven fascinating facts about the Lilac Tortoiseshell cat, including their history and price range. These unique felines are beloved by many for their stunning coat patterns and affectionate personalities. This breed is famed for its pleasant personality, intelligence, and healthy genetic makeup. Although popular abroad, it is still very hard to locate a pure-bred Lilac Tortoiseshell Cat elsewhere. However, if you are fortunate enough to find one, you will surely appreciate the beauty and companionship of this great pet.
