The Tortoiseshell Queen Had Opinions and a Very Tall Crown
The crown is a great gold circlet topped with points and jewels, and it sits at a slight angle over the tortoiseshell queen's brow. Her coat swirls in black, orange and cinnamon, and she wears a thick white ermine collar spotted with black over a burgundy brocade robe fastened with a gold pin. Behind her, the Renaissance landscape of rivers, forests and a distant lake rests under a pale sky. Her amber eyes are sharp and steady, and her mouth is set in a thin line that says she has opinions.
A tortoiseshell cat's coat is a patchwork of dark colors, often mixed in a brindled or swirled pattern, and nearly all tortoiseshells are female. Owners frequently describe them as spirited and feisty, which is called tortitude, though every cat has her own personality. What matters most is respect for a cat's body language: a twitching tail, flattened ears or a sudden swat all mean she has had enough, and it is kinder to give her space. Offer play with wand toys, a high perch and a quiet spot to retreat. Learning to read a cat's signals makes living with her more peaceful, and your vet can offer advice if she seems stressed or unwell.
The queen has listened to your request. The answer is probably no, but it is a very beautiful no.
