Tortoiseshell Persian
This very rare Persian is difficult to breed and consequently carries a higher price tag than most of the others. The genetic make-up necessary to produce the Tortoiseshell Persian also guarantees that the reulting cat is always female.
The cat was produced through the accidental crossing of Persians with nonpedigree, and probably shorthaired, tortoiseshell cats, tortoiseshell cats. Those individuals with a red or cream facial blaze from nose to forehead are much sought after.
Apart from its wild-looking coat, the Tortoiseshell Persian is a typical “Persian”. Affectionate and good natured towards most other creatures that treat it kindly and gently, the cat forms attachments to the family as well as frequent-visiting friends. Life indoors is acceptable to this calm cat that enjoys the comforts of home.
The coat is silky, thick and dense. The customary Persian frill about the neck and shoulders might appear a bit “wilder” in this cat than in other Persians. The body is solid, broad and powerful. Short, thick legs end in rounded, large paws. A bushy, short tail ends in a plume.
The rounded, broad head can have a false heartshape appearance in those individual cats with facial blazes. Otherwise, the features are full cheeks, a short nose, round and large eyes and relatively small ears that are rounded at the tip and tufted.
Intensive brushing with a soft-bristle bush is needed daily to prevent matting of the fur. Particular attention must be paid to the tail, where fleas can gather.