CATS

Tortoiseshell cats: symbols of good luck in different cultures and traditions

Cats are loved all over the world for their beauty, grace and unique personality.

Among all varieties of cats, tortoiseshell cats have a special importance in different cultures and traditions. Their multicolored coat has been considered a symbol of good fortune for centuries in many parts of the world. In this photo gallery we will explore the cultural significance of tortoiseshell cats and how they have become symbols of good luck in different traditions, from Celtic legends to Japanese culture. We will also look at some of the most popular breeds of tortoiseshell cats and how their beauty has been celebrated in popular culture.

If you love cats and are fascinated by their history and importance in different cultures, this photo gallery is for you. Let's discover the fascinating world of tortoiseshell cats together!

By Sbharris - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=25532157
Tortoiseshell cats: symbols of good luck in different cultures and traditions
Cats are loved all over the world for their beauty, grace and unique personality. Among all varieties of cats, tortoiseshell cats have a special importance in different cultures and traditions. Their multicolored coat has been considered a symbol of good luck in many parts of the world for centuries. In this photo gallery we will explore the cultural significance of tortoiseshell cats and how they have become symbols of good luck in different traditions, from Celtic legends to Japanese culture. We will also look at some of the most popular breeds of tortoiseshell cats and how their beauty has been celebrated in popular culture. If you love cats and are fascinated by their history and importance in different cultures, this photo gallery is for you. Let's discover the fascinating world of tortoiseshell cats together! (Source: feliway.com)
By CharlieSauer - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=106717729
The tortoiseshell
Tortoiseshell is a special cat coat coloration that resembles turtle shell material. Tortoiseshell cats, like calico cats, are almost always female, while males with this coloration are rare and often sterile.
Di Rehman Abubakr, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=85830390
Breeds
Tortoiseshell coloration is found in many cat breeds such as British Shorthair, Cornish Rex, Ragamuffin, American Shorthair, Persian, and Maine Coon. Both purebred and mixed-breed cats can have this characteristic, and the coat can be short- or long-haired. Cats that have three colors (black, orange and white) are called "Calico" in the United States of America and Canada.
By Coffeeguy101 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=129306703
Coloring
Tortoiseshell cats are so called because of their multi-coloured fur consisting of black, red, brown and orange. Sometimes their colouring may be less intense, but can turn to chocolate if the fur is darker. Tortoiseshell cats may have a tiger or mottled coat.
By Spongeworthy93 - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=12136307
Symbol of luck
Tortoiseshell cats are associated with luck in several cultures. In Ireland and Scotland, they are believed to bring good luck to their owners. In the United States, they are called 'money cats'. In Japan, they are considered to bring good luck against shipwrecks. In Turkey, there is a myth that tortoiseshell cats were created by a magician using smoke. The ancient Celts believed that it brought good luck to have a male tortoiseshell cat in the home, while in Cambodia the Khmers thought they came from the blood of a young goddess. (Pictured: cat with a diluted tortoiseshell coat)
Di Bapreiss - Opera propria, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=100472935
Tabby pattern
When tortoiseshell cats have a tabby pattern, they are called "torbies". It is not breed specific, but a characteristic found in many different breeds. Tortoiseshell cats are very beautiful and popular animals all over the world, but cat owners should always be aware of the possible risks related to their health.
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