Tortoiseshell cats are the queens of the feline realm. Their dark and coppery coat, along with their typically unique yellow-orange-green eyes, sets them apart from any other cats. Have you ever wondered what these gorgeous cats represent in the spiritual world, in dreams, and whether there are any superstitions about them?
How To Recognize A Tortoiseshell Cat
Tortoiseshell cats are frequently mistaken for calico cats, but we should not mix up perceptions with terminology. Tortoiseshell cats have a combination of black and orange fur (you’ll never see white color on them), while calico cats always have three colors – white, orange, and black – which gives them a very distinct appearance and are very prominent.
Torties typically have this coat that is predominantly black with patches or stripes of orange, resembling a canvas splattered with orange paint. Their unique coat makes them easily recognizable, and distinguishing them from calico cats is extremely easy.
Tortoiseshell and calico cats share one common characteristic, though – the overwhelming majority of them are female, with only a 0.01% chance of encountering a male cat from these breeds.
Why Are Tortoiseshell Cats Called “Tortoiseshell”
Tortoiseshell cats are called “Tortoiseshell” because their coat pattern resembles the colors and patterns seen on a tortoise’s shell.
Spiritual Meaning
From a spiritual perspective, tortoiseshell cats symbolize harmony, hope, and illumination during times of darkness. The inclusion of orange amidst their predominantly black fur serves as a symbol for a guiding light or celestial body within the vast expanse of the nighttime sky.
Interestingly, Torties are sometimes called feline goddesses. They represent feminine power and motherhood. Much like Calico cats, most Tortoiseshell cats are females. So, if you see a Tortie furball, it could be telling you to embrace your feminine side more. And for single men, it might be a sign that they’ll soon meet a nice lady!
Harmony
The combination of black and orange represents the union of opposites, yin, and yang, up and down, sweet and salty—creating a harmonious whole. This balance is often associated with the natural world and the cyclical nature of life.
Tortoiseshells are here to teach us that every situation has two perspectives, and even in darkness, there is always a glimmer of light, just like their black coats adorned with vibrant orange spots.
Good News
Tortoiseshell cats are often regarded as symbols of good luck, happiness, and achievement in various societies. It is widely believed that encountering one of these felines is an auspicious sign, indicating the arrival of something fortunate.
If you happen to see a tortoiseshell cat before an important interview or making a big decision, it could be a sign that you will receive positive news. And if you’ve been debating whether to try your luck in the lottery and then you run into a tortoiseshell, maybe that’s the universe telling you to give it a shot! What do you have to lose?
Feminine Energy
Similar to calico cats, tortoiseshell cats are often associated with feminine energy due to their predominantly female population. In ancient Egyptian mythology, cats were highly respected and associated with the goddess Bastet. She represented fertility, home life, and protection.
The term “feminine energy” does not always refer to women. Each person, regardless of gender, has both feminine and masculine energies. So, if you are a man who experiences difficulties with anger or aggression, having a Tortie pet could aid in finding peace and harmony. Likewise, for women who tend to display aggression or feel more traditionally “masculine,” owning a Tortie would be an ideal choice.
Good Luck
Tortoiseshells have long been seen as luck charms. This ancient belief has persisted throughout history, although the precise reasons behind it remain unknown.
For example, back in the old days, Japanese sailors would take calico and tortoiseshell cats on their ships. They thought having these cats around would keep them safe from things like sea spirits or other scary creatures out on the open water. Good luck back then wasn’t winning the lottery, it was making it home in one piece after sailing who knows what on the high seas.
Intuition And Sensitivity
Tortoiseshell cats are believed to be some of the most intuitive cats (along with calico cats.) They are thought to be in tune with subtle energies and capable of perceiving things beyond the ordinary human senses. While all cats, as well as other animals, possess intuition, Torties are thought to have an exceptionally developed intuition.
Superstitions
Superstitions aren’t always grounded in reality, but there’s usually some story behind them:
- Pregnancy Foreteller: Due to their strong association with femininity and maternal instincts, it is believed that when a tortoiseshell cat suddenly appears or approaches someone, it signifies the announcement of a pregnancy. This superstition suggests that the presence of a tortoiseshell cat brings news related to impending motherhood.
- Bringers of Good Luck: Tortoiseshell cats are believed to bring prosperity, good fortune, and luck. In Japan, they are believed to bring good fortune to their owners and are especially cherished as pets (along with tri-color cats.)
- Guardians Against Evil Spirits: In Celtic folklore, tortoiseshell cats were believed to have the ability to ward off evil spirits. They were often kept in homes as protective guardians.
- Weather Forecasters: An old Slavic superstition suggests that if a tortoiseshell cat washes its face with its left paw, it is a sign of impending good weather.
Dream About A Tortoiseshell Cat
Dreams that involve animals, in general, hold symbolic significance. It’s not solely our affection for animals that drives this, but rather their innate connection to the spiritual realm.
When it comes to these beautiful creatures with black and orange coloring, seeing one of those torties in your dream is telling you to quiet down that ego and pay more attention to your gut feelings. It’s trying to say you should soften up a bit and rely more on your intuition than always going with what you think you know.
Change And Transformation
With the orange and dark colors, it’s like they have day and night right in their fur. Spiritually, the colors represent change or transformation. If you dreamed about one of those cats, it could mean some changes are coming your way. Or maybe it’s telling you that you should shake things up a bit in your life.
Embracing Balance
Dreaming of a tortoiseshell cat could be a reminder to seek balance in your life. It may encourage you to acknowledge and integrate opposing forces or energies within yourself or in your external circumstances.
Trust Your Intuition
Given the association of tortoiseshell cats with heightened intuition, encountering one in a dream may be a message to trust your gut and inner voice.
Final Words
When Tortie comes to my mind, I imagine a beautiful cat with a stunning two-tone coat resembling a masterpiece. This cat embodies the epitome of femininity, motherhood, and sensitivity. She is like a divine entity, bestowing upon us not just love but also joy and prosperity in abundance.
If you desire to attract abundance into your life, achieve emotional balance, or simply have the pleasure of living with an enchanting companion, consider welcoming a tortoiseshell cat into your home. You really can’t go wrong by taking one home. You might even find yourself feeling lucky beyond belief!