Are you a fan of longhaired cats? Maybe you’re a fan of unusual cats that are often a bit rare. If this describes you to a tee, a long-haired Tortoiseshell cat might be a great choice of pet for you.
Tortoiseshell cats tend to have a mishmash of different colors, which has earned them the Tortoiseshell name. They have been described as being aloof and standoffish and have what is known as “Tortitude” in certain circles. They are compassionate, clever, cheerful, and even curious.
No two Tortoiseshell cats are the same, but there are six breeds to choose from. We’ll discuss six Tortoiseshells in our guide below to help you decide which is the best Tortie for you and your family.
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The 6 Breeds of Long-Haired Tortoiseshell Cats
1. Domestic Longhair Tortie
| Lifespan: | 10 to 20 years |
| Weight: | 6 to 16 pounds |
The Domestic Longhaired Tortie weighs between 6 and 16 pounds and lives 10–20 years. This is the most common type of Tortie and is a standard mixed breed cat.
These aren’t available very often, but with a standard mixed breed cat, you know that you’re probably getting a healthy kitten because they aren’t purebred cats, which often have health issues to watch out for more often than mixed breeds do.
While this breed is no different from other cat breeds regarding height, weight, and lifespan, they have quite a bit of Tortitude. They are said to be a bit sassier than most, but usually, smaller females are more likely to lash out to protect themselves. However, they still make good pets for someone who can deal with the sass.
2. Longhair Manx Tortoiseshell
| Lifespan: | 9 to 13 years |
| Weight: | 8 to 12 pounds |
The Longhaired Manx Tortoiseshell cat breed weighs 8 to 12 pounds and has an average lifespan of 9 to 13 years.
These cats originated from the Isle of Man and are most identifiable by their short or nonexistent tails. Manx are considered loyal pets and ideal if you’re looking for a cat to hunt rats and other pests. They make great family pets and have gorgeous coats. While they aren’t considered the best lap cats, they will hang around close to you and your family, though they might not want to be touched all the time.
3. British Longhair Tortoiseshell
| Lifespan: | 10 to 20 years |
| Weight: | 6 to 18 pounds |
The British Longhair Tortoiseshell cat has a lifespan of 10 to 20 years and weighs 6 to 18 pounds. Sadly, this cat isn’t recognized by all associations and is a pretty new breed.
This is a medium-sized cat that’s very close in appearance to the British Shorthair. This breed can be standoffish and aloof, but they will also be fiercely loyal to their families. You can get this breed in blue and other varieties of colors, so it won’t be hard to find the right one for you. While they are aloof and standoffish, they can be quite friendly with those they love.
4. Persian Tortie
| Lifespan: | 12 to 15 years |
| Weight: | 8 to 14 pounds |
The Persian Tortie reaches 8 to 14 pounds at full growth and has a life expectancy of between 12 and 15 years. These cats have been said to be around for thousands of years, and the flat-faced Persian cat is one of the most popular breeds. They’re very laid back and fond of sleeping all day if you let them.
They are loyal, friendly, and prefer to be on the ground than climbing a tree, making them a bit different than most breeds. They are excellent pets but aren’t very active, so if you’re looking for a Tortoiseshell cat that will play with you, this one might not be it.
5. American Bobtail Tortie
| Lifespan: | 13 to 15 years |
| Weight: | 6 to 16 pounds |
The American Bobtail Tortie lives 13 to 15 years and weighs 6–16 pounds by the time they are full-grown. This breed comes from a natural mutation found in the Domestic Shorthair cat.
This is an intelligent, playful cat that is moderately active, meaning they don’t need a whole lot of exercise to be healthy and happy. It isn’t easy to find the American Bobtail Tortoiseshells outside of America since it is a regional species.
6. Maine Coon Tortie
| Lifespan: | 9 to 15 years |
| Weight: | 8 to 18 pounds |
Last but not least on our list of longhaired Tortoiseshell cats is the Maine Coon Tortie cat breed. They weigh 8 to 18 pounds and have a life expectancy of 9–15 years.
Maine Coon Torties are not strictly longhaired or shorthaired cats. Instead, they are shaggy felines requiring frequent grooming regardless of their coat types. These cats also don’t mature fully until they are 5 years old. They can also reach up to 3 feet long, making them quite large compared to other cats.
They are great family pets and do great with children and other animals.
Tortoiseshell Cat FAQ
Now that you know the different breeds of Long-Haired Tortoiseshell cats you can choose from, we’ll try to answer a few of your questions in the guide below.
How Much Do Longhaired Tortoiseshell Cats Cost?
The price you pay for a Longhaired Tortoiseshell cat will depend on the breed and what the breeder includes in the adoption fees. You can expect to pay as low as $60–125 for a rescue Tortie; on the upside, you may spend up to $2,500.
Are Longhaired Torties Rare?
Longhaired cats are rarer than shorthaired cats since the longhair gene is recessive. Only one in every ten cats will have the recessive gene that results in long hair. If you get a longhaired cat, consider yourself lucky, especially if it’s a Tortie.
Conclusion
There are six breeds of Longhaired Tortoiseshell cats on our list, and you can find these cats from breeders at different price points. It’s important to note that these cats are rare, so ensure that the breeder is reputable and experienced before making the final decision to purchase a cat from them. If you give one of these adorable cats a forever home, you can be sure you’ll get plenty of love and loyalty in return.
Featured Credit: Jenna930, Shutterstock
