Description:
This is one beautiful and mellow lady. She has been nothing but sweet since we got her. Her family could no longer keep her as they were moving over seas and so they asked if we could take her and find her a good lifetime home. She is sweet as can be as long as she is not picked up. She is not the type of cat that appreciates that but as long as you let her come to you she is fine. We haven't been able to try her out with other cats as she is declawed and there is no way for her to defend herself so we don't know how she will be in a family with nore than one cat.

Now, I have to tell you, the first time someone told me a we had gotten in a Tortoiseshell, well, I kinda was wondering what happened to the tortoise! I'm sure you know exactly what a Tortoiseshell is, but juuuuust in case you don't, let me show off for a moment. A Tortoiseshell is not a breed but is, instead, a referance to the coloring of their coat. According to the book "For The Love Of Cats"Tortoiseshell cats have a coat with a combination of any one solid color and red or cream. These colors may be completely mixed as in brindled tortoiseshell or separate as in patched tortoiseshell. The solid color may be black, brown, blue, chocolate, lilac, cinnamon, fawn, or golden."

"Torties" are almost always female. See how smart we are now!?!


How do you introduce a cat and dog?
According to the ASPCA, the majority of homes with, dogs and cats share living quarters quite amiably. In fact, it is often more difficult to introduce a second male cat or a second female dog to a household than it is a member of the other species. There are exceptions, of course. Socializing stray cats who border on feral presents a serious health risk to resident dogs, even friendly ones. Dogs with strong prey drive (the desire to catch, shake and kill) can put the family cat in considerable danger.

To make a successful inter-species introduction in the average household, one needs little more than a dog who understands a few rudimentary commands and a sturdy baby gate. A canine who has learned to respond to basics such as "Leave it," "Down" and "Come" can most likely be controlled around a new cat while indoors. Outdoors is another matter completely. Many otherwise cat-friendly dogs view outdoor cats as prey to be chased down and dispatched—a strong case for keeping dogs on a leash when out for a walk and keeping cats indoors (particularly when the dog is out in the yard)!

If the resident dog lacks basic manners or is the newcomer, a four-foot house leash and buckle collar can give the caretaker control over the situation. If he shows the slightest interest in chasing the cat, growl "Leave it" at him and reward him when he looks away from the cat. When the dog rushes past in a raucous game of "catch the cat," step on the end of the leash. As the dog brakes and turns to look at you, utter your "Sit" or "Down" command. Don't forget to reward the dog when he complies.

The baby gate is crucial in providing the cat with a dog-free sanctuary. A nervous feline can hop the gate to find a safe haven, and the food bowl placed behind it will be untouched by canine slobber. First, you may have to teach the dog to respect the gate—or invest in an extra-tall one. In some situations, a gate will not be a viable solution. If this is the case in your home, creative thinking will play a crucial role in household management. Is your bathtub tall and your dog small? If so, then a litter box at one end and a food dish at the other will adequately meet your cat's needs.

Placing the litter box behind the gate will insure that cat feces stay right where the cat leaves them. You may be thinking, "Ugh, how tasteless!", but the dog's response is more likely to be, "Yum! How tasty!" Anticipate this eventuality and prepare for it. A covered litter box prevents thievery in some cases, but beware! More than one dog has managed to lodge his head in the box and run hither and yon trying to break free. In one household, the cat was actually in the litter box whe