Tortoiseshell cats aren’t a separate breed. Instead, they are a color that can span quite a few cat breeds. They are gorgeous cats that have long been popular. However, when bringing home any cat, you need to know what health problems to look out for with your new feline companion. Health concerns are associated not only with the breeds themselves but with the colors of some breeds.
Some cats are predisposed to have health problems due to their genetics. While the Tortoiseshell cat doesn’t have many health problems, there are a couple you’ll want to look out for. We’ll discuss them in the guide below.
The 3 Common Health Issues in Tortoiseshell Cats
1. Klinefelter Syndrome
One of the biggest yet rare conditions you have to watch for with Tortoiseshell cats is Klinefelter Syndrome. This condition only affects males born with XXY chromosomes. Healthy males should only have one X chromosome. Cats suffering from the syndrome are sterile and have shorter lifespans.
Though rare, this disease has been known to occur in male Torties. The condition puts the male at risk for developing behavioral issues, diabetes, heart issues, developmental issues, increased body fat, and fragile bones.
In most cases, these cats are sterile and live shorter lives than other Tortoiseshell cats.
2. Obesity
Obesity is common in many cat breeds, and the Tortoiseshell cat is no exception. It can also lead to other health issues, such as diabetes and heart-related problems. It’s best to keep a close eye on your Tortoiseshell cat and feed it only high-quality food.
It’s also best not to allow free feeding with your Tortie, but instead, feed the cat twice a day at specific times for the best results. Treats are okay to give the cat, but only in moderation and not in place of a normal meal.
3. Problems Associated With the Breed
Since Torties aren’t a breed but a color that spans many species, the health problems your Torti is vulnerable to will depend on its genes.
Eye problems, obesity, and heart issues are some of the problems you’ll want to look out for with your Torti. Below we’ll give you a list of the possible breeds your Torti could come from.
These are only a few of the breeds, but each of these comes with its own set of health concerns that you need to watch out for. If you notice any troubling symptoms with your Tortie, it’s best to contact your vet for an appointment. They can diagnose and set up a course of treatment for your little friend.
How to Take Care of Your Little Tortie
As with any breed, there are several things you can do to take care of your little Tortie. Make sure that you feed the cat a balanced diet and avoid overfeeding since Tortoiseshell cats can be prone to obesity.
It’s also essential to take your cat to the vet for regular checkups so that any problems with your cat’s genetics can be discovered early on and hopefully treated. In fact, you might want to ask your vet about the specific breed your Tortie is so that they can tell you what to look for regarding health conditions. DNA testing is not cheap, but you can spend less on a commercial testing kit. However, the take-home kit is not as accurate as a test from your vet.
Conclusion
Tortoiseshell cats are not a specific breed, and most of their health problems are related to their parents’ lineage. One particular health issue, Klinefelter’s Syndrome, is rare, but you still need to watch out for it if you have a male Tortoiseshell cat and get the cat to your vet right away.
Tortoiseshell cats are adorable, fun, loving, and loyal, so if you’re considering adopting one as a pet, you’ll be in good company.
Featured Image Credit: Didi S, Pixabay
