The Empress Took Her Seat. The Court Went Very Quiet.
Nobody could accuse this empress of rushing. The tortoiseshell cat sits very upright in a heavy robe of blue brocade stitched with gold paisley, edged with a thick collar of brown fur, and a string of pearls rests against her chest. A little jeweled crown perches between her ears. Behind her, a pair of candle flames flickers against the dark drapery, and her amber eyes seem to be reviewing the viewer with mild disappointment.
Tortoiseshell cats, with their swirled patches of black, orange and brown, are almost always female, because the coloring is tied to genes carried on the X chromosome. Fans of the pattern often describe a strong personality, sometimes nicknamed tortitude, though that is folklore more than science. What is certain is that every cat benefits from a perch of her own. Cats feel safer when they can watch a room from somewhere slightly elevated, so a sturdy shelf or a cat tree near a window gives an empress the vantage point she deserves. Fresh water, quiet rest spots and predictable routines go a long way, and your vet can help with any questions about her health or diet.
Her court is small and the audience is expected to stand. A slow blink from her would be the highest honor. Visitors are advised to bow, or at least to bring snacks, and to avoid sitting in her favorite spot near the candlelight.
