Captain Maple the Tortoiseshell Took the Helm With One Fierce Stare
Captain Maple has taken command of the quarterdeck, and her stare could stop a storm. A tortoiseshell cat looks out with fierce yellow-green eyes, her fur a swirl of orange, black, and caramel. A black tricorn hat edged in gold braid sits low over her brow, and her navy coat is stitched with golden vines and decorated with big gold epaulettes and buttons. A single candle burns on a ledge behind her, and the old paint is lightly cracked, giving the whole scene a sense of salt and age.
Tortoiseshell cats get their patchy, swirled coats from a combination of genes, and almost all of them are female. Many owners talk about their spirited, sassy personalities, sometimes called tortitude, though each cat is an individual. Whatever the coat, a happy cat needs daily play, scratching posts, a quiet place to rest, and a clean litter box. Fresh water and a balanced diet are important, and your vet can help with any questions about behavior or health.
The hat is the largest thing in the picture, and the captain wears it with absolute authority. The crew, wherever they are, will surely follow orders, or at least pretend to. She looks ready to sail anywhere, as long as there is a warm spot near the galley for the voyage, and a saucer of cream waiting at every port.
