Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Do Tortoiseshell Cats Meow a Lot? Breed Facts & Main Causes

tortoiseshell cat

If you have recently adopted a Tortoiseshell cat, you might know the Tortie is a color pattern, not a different breed. Tortoiseshell cats can fall into several breeds, including Domestic Shorthair, Domestic Longhair, Persian, Ragdoll, and more.

Torties have been said to meow a lot and quite aggressively at times. We will discuss the Tortie’s vocalizations, a few reasons felines meow a lot, and more in the article below.

divider cat faces 2 oct 2024

Do Tortoiseshell Cats Meow a Lot?

In general, Tortoiseshell cats meow a lot, but so much of this depends on the breed and personality of the cat. However, it is said that if a Tortie has something to say or wants something from their pet parent, they have no problem speaking up and letting them know.

Are Tortoiseshell Cats Rare?

While Torties are a bit rare, male Torties are extremely rare. A rough estimate has shown that only one in every 3,000 torties are male cats. Females, though rare, are much easier to find and adopt.

Tortoiseshell cat looking out of the window
Image By: Michaela Filipcikova, Unsplash

divider cat faces 2 oct 2024

The 3 Main Reasons Your Cat Is Meowing

A cat meows for several reasons, and some breeds and colors vocalize more than others. Torties typically meow when they need something or are trying to tell you something.

1. To Say Hello

Many times, your Tortie is just meowing to say hello. If you have been gone all day, your cat might meow and rub against your legs when you walk in the door. This could also mean they are hungry and want to be fed, or they may be happy to see you.

Tortie Maine Coon
Image Credit: Nynke van Holten, Shutterstock

2. To Get Attention

Sometimes, your feline friend only wants your attention. Their meows are to tell you, “Hey, I’m here; remember me?” You see this most often when a cat emerges from somewhere they have been hiding or sleeping.

They alert you to their presence and demand that you pay them attention. Talking to your cat in a gentle, loving manner when they come out for attention can help them destress and may cause them to quiet down.


3. To Make a Demand

There’s one vocalization that all Tortie parents need to learn. It is the demanding meow. This is to tell you that the cat needs something immediately.

Here are some of the common things that your Tortie might be demanding:
Tortoiseshell Turkish Angora
Image Credit: Natalie Rose Bainbridge, Shutterstock

divider cat faces 2 oct 2024

Final Thoughts

Tortoiseshell cats can meow a lot, but it depends on their breed and personality. Most cats meow, but some are more vocal than others. Like other cats, the Tortie has different meows and reasons for meowing at you.

As a Tortie pet parent, you must learn the different meows and keep your cat healthy, happy, and loved for the best results. Your Tortie will return your affection and understanding with undying love and loyalty.


Featured Image Credit: Mrdidg, Pixabay

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything cat

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.


How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.


Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

12 Cat Breeds That Shed the Least (With Info & Pictures)

Cat hair is always a concern when welcoming a new kitty into your home, and some people with allergies might require a low-shedding...

Can Cats Die of Old Age? Vet-Approved Facts & Care Tips

Our beloved cats give us a lifetime of love, laughter, and joy, but aging will ultimately take its toll on all of us....

Ragdoll British Shorthair Mix: Info, Pictures, Temperament & More

Have you ever wanted a big and beautiful cat that resembles and acts like a teddy bear? You’ve probably never heard of the...

Do Cats Eat Less in Summer? Vet-Approved Seasonal Feeding Guide

Have you ever noticed that when winter comes, you start to eat more and crave heartier foods, while when summer rolls around, you...

More related

Salt Lamps and Seizures: Another Home-Grown Lesson from Clutch

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and...

Could Vegan Cats Help Feed 70 Million People? Exploring the Veganuary Debate

Have you heard of Veganuary? Each January, millions of people worldwide embrace vegan diets as part of the Veganuary campaign. In 2024, approximately...

Can Cats Have Purple Eyes? Vet-Reviewed Facts

Cat eyes come in all shapes, colors, and sizes. Not only are feline eyes striking to look at, but the intriguing colors seem...

Litter Robot 4 Review 2026: How It Measured Up in My Multi-Cat Home

Litter-Robot gives you the upper hand on cleaning cat litter. As a matter of fact, the Litter-Robot 4 takes your hands entirely out...

Keep reading

Why Are Cats’ Noses Wet? Vet-Approved Feline Anatomy Facts & When to Worry

A cat’s nose can occasionally be used as a reasonable indication of their health, but this can be quite variable and should not be fully relied upon. It depends a lot on outside environmental conditions, as well as the cat...

pink cat nose closeup

Why Are Cats Afraid of Water? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Useful Tips

Many cat owners have witnessed the displeasure that some cats derive from getting wet or being doused in water. While some cats like and even love water, for most owners, we really only see whether a cat loves or loathes...

cat staring at water

Do Cats Masturbate? Feline Behavior Explained

Sometimes, being a pet owner means dealing with awkward situations. Many dog owners complain about their pet’s tendency to hump objects, but did you know that cats can also display similar behavior? Obviously, this can be an uncomfortable and unpleasant...

brown cat licking grooming its genital

Why Is My Cat Shedding All of a Sudden? 8 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

When it seems like your cat’s fur is coming out in clumps or you’re finding little fluffy tumbleweeds everywhere all of a sudden, it can be worrisome. In most cases, shedding is just part of being a cat. It’s a...

Persian cat and a pile of shedded cat hair

Is It True That All Cats Shed? Vet-Reviewed Facts

If you’ve noticed a ton of hair around the house and your cat is shedding non-stop, you might be wondering if all cats shed. The answer is yes, all cats shed to some extent unless they are hairless. Cats shed...

white cat shedding

Why Do Cats Scratch? 4 Vet-Reviewed Reasons for This Behavior

Have you lost count of how many times you’ve had to stop your cat from scratching your couch, carpet, or curtains? While cat scratching is nothing new to their owners, you may be left wondering why your feline participates in...

cat scratched leather

Why Is My Cat Peeing in Weird Places? 9 Vet-Reviewed Reasons

A cat urinating in inappropriate places is a dilemma for pet owners. One of the reasons some opt for a kitty as a pet is because they use the litter tray. You can keep them inside without the need to...

cat-peeing-on-door-rug

Why Does My Cat Keep Going to Their Litterbox (But Nothing Happens)? Vet Approved Advice

Over 37% of households in the United States have invited a cat into their homes; that is over 45 million households! About 63% keep their pets indoors exclusively. That’s a good thing, too, since it gives owners a heads-up if...

orange cat beside litter box