Every cat is unique and special, there’s no denying that. But scientifically speaking, a male tortoiseshell cat is very special. And why is that? Well, because the genetics that control their coat pattern also controls their gender, and those chromosomes are what causes them to be female 99.9% of the time.
But just like Jeff Goldblum said as Dr. Ian Malcolm in Jurassic Park, well…
And in this case, it’s in the form of an extremely adorable male tortoiseshell kitten named Cresta who just so happens to be a boy. The Cats Protection – Wrexham Adoption Centre is currently housing the five-month-old kitten, who needless to say found a furever home in no time flat.
So, exactly how unique is little Cresta? Well, it’s believed that only 1 in 3,000 tortoiseshell kittens are born male. And this little diamond in the rough was found wandering the streets of Colwyn Bay in the UK by the RSPCA.
Manager for the The Cats Protection – Wrexham Adoption Centre Suzan Kennedy said:
We couldn’t believe it when we discovered Cresta was a boy. Certainly none of us here have ever seen a male tortoiseshell before, and it’s been many years since Cats Protection has had one in care, despite us helping 200,000 cats a year.
It wasn’t difficult to find Cresta a home, and his new owners realise how special he is and are looking forward to him becoming part of the family.
Male tortoiseshell interesting fact: Male tortoiseshells are usually conceived as a result of an extra chromosome being present, and are usually sterile as a result (same with male calico cats).
Colwyn Bay, UKAbout the Cats Protection:
From humble beginnings in 1927, Cats Protection has grown to become the UK’s leading feline welfare charity.
We help around 200,000 cats and kittens every year through our network of over 250 volunteer-run branches and 36 centres.
Our work doesn’t stop there, however: we also provide an array of cat care information via our publications, help and advice section and National Information Line; promote the benefits of neutering to prevent unwanted litters from being born and becoming the abandoned cats of tomorrow and seek to educate people of all ages about cats and their care.
The Cats Protection is certainly doing their part to make the world a better place for homeless cats, and we thank them for all that they do year after year. If you’d like to learn more about them, you can visit their website here.
All Images Courtesy of The Cats Protection
REMEMBER: ADOPT, DON’T SHOP; FOSTERING SAVES LIVES & SPAY AND NEUTER!
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I have just found a stray, male Torti and after reading that he may be sterile, would you recommend neutering anyway. He is about 2 months old now.
By the way, thank you for all you do for animals, we need more people like you.
Hi Celeste – I would absolutely recommend. They will spray and act normal, their swimmers just don’t work… 🙂 (Been doing rescue 25 years)
I was always taught 3 colors were female and males two. But not surprised at yur male tortie i have a huge male mostle white with dabs of tabby
Cats Protection are like other charities – pushing the adopt don’t buy mantra. But they only allow people to adopt if they meet certain criteria, like you must have a garden. Well not everyone has a garden, but can still be a good owner. They say then you have to have an FIV cat, but not everyone wants one of those. Unkind and unfair. Had my last cat for 19 years, mostly indoors but not always as went to stay with friends with gardens. So I bought an 8-month old kitten and she’s lovely. Registered at vets within two days, operation and chipped and vaccinated all done within a week or so. Settling nicely.