Tortoiseshell vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison

Tortoiseshell vs American Polydactyl - Breed ComparisonBoth American Polydactyl and Tortoiseshell are originated from United States. Both American Polydactyl and Tortoiseshell are having almost same weight. American Polydactyl may live 4 years less than Tortoiseshell. Both American Polydactyl and Tortoiseshell has same litter size. American Polydactyl requires Low Maintenance. But Tortoiseshell requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

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United States
United States
Weight Male:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
3 - 7 kg
6 - 16 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
10 - 20 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
Hemingway cat, Big-foot cat
Tortie
Colors Available:
All colors and patterns
black, fawn, tan and organge, Cream
Coat:
Short or long
Short to long haired
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

american polydactylIt is believed that this unusual cat came to the United States on ships – kept by sailors who thought of them as a good luck charm and to keep the mice population under control.

These unusual cats became popular in the 1800s as ship cats but the cats soon began to be seen in port cities on the Eastern coast of the United States as well as Canada, and their numbers began to increase.

It is also believed these interesting cats were brought specifically to the Boston area.

tortoiseshellThe Tortoiseshell isn’t a cat breed but rather a coat coloring of cats. It just happens that most tortoiseshell cats are females.

Known as Torties, these cats always have a couple of colors such as red and black as well as some fawn.

Tortoiseshell cats with the tabby pattern are referred to as Torbie cats. Tortoiseshell markings appear in many different breeds.

Description

american polydactyl kitten - descriptionThe Polydactyl cat is unusual in that the cat has been born with something odd about it. It has more than the regular number of toes on just one or more of its paws.

Normal cats have a sum of 18 toes, with 5 on the front and 4 on the back but with Polydactyl cats you may find as many as 9 digits on their front and back paws.

American Polydactyl cats are medium to large in size with strong, muscular bodies. The cat can weigh up to 6kg. The head is broad, the ears wide-set and pointed and the coat can be any color, pattern and length.

Temperament:

These cats are easy-going, relaxed, and social. They’re hardy too and they’re able to enjoy being outdoors and indoors.

They’re affectionate with their human family and are also playful and energetic. It is prepared to be friendly with dogs and children too, but it is also able to act independently and get on with things. The Polydactyl cat is distinctive but also a very popular cat breed.

tortoiseshell kitten - descriptionTortoiseshell cats are your regular-sized cats. They can be medium-sized to large and weigh anything between 3 and 7kg.

They come in different colors and patterns. The colors are essentially cream, fawn, black, tan, and orange. Tortoiseshell markings appear in all the different cat breeds.

Because the tortoiseshell cat is a color and not a cat breed as such they can be different sizes and shapes.

Temperament:

Tortoiseshell cats aren't a specific breed, but there are people that believe that just the color of the coat is indicative of the personality – feisty and lively.

People who have owned these cats say they have a sassy temperament and can even be just a wee bit aggressive sometimes with their strong-willed attitude.

Characteristics

american polydactyl cat - characteristicsThe American Polydactyl cat is such a down-to-earth kind of cat that you can welcome him into your home with ease.

Easy to look after, this lively and interesting cat will fill your home with love and companionship, and just a few extra toe nails to clip!

tortoiseshell cat - characteristicsYour Tortoiseshell is a beautiful cat and fondly referred to as a Tortie. It has a coat similar to the coloring of a tortoise, but the temperament of the cat will rely much on your own personality and the lifestyle you provide him with.

They are fairly vocal, but because this cat isn't a breed but rather a coat color, nobody can say precisely how it will turn out in personality.

One thing is sure, if you offer your Tortoiseshell lots of love and care, you can be sure of a wonderful feline friend.

Health Problems

american polydactyl kittens - health problemsWith good care, these cats can live to be between 14 and 16 years of age. You need to be diligent with keeping this cat’s nails trimmed because depending on the placement of the toes, the nails could become a nuisance, growing in the wrong direction and cutting into he cat’s flesh.

Keep the nails trimmed as necessary. To avoid possible injury to your pet, your veterinarian can safely trim your cat’s claws.

Always pay attention to your cat's behavior as well as taking note of your cat when you groom him as both are good ways to discover whether anything is amiss with your polydactyl cat.

tortoiseshell kittens - health problemsYour cat's health depends on good food. If your finances allow, choose a high-quality food. Check the label for the feeding guidelines.

Always remember that your cat's age - kittens, adults, and senior cats have different nutritional needs. Sick cats will require a different type of food. Watch your cat's weight because being overweight can bring on a host of illnesses such as diabetes.

A cat has to have access to fresh drinking water every day and night to remain healthy.

Ensuring your feline friend is exercised both mentally and physically is important for good health.

Speak to your vet about the vaccines your cat needs as well as flea prevention.

Caring The Pet

american polydactyl cats - caringKeep an eye on your cat’s paws as their extra toes can make it that they are at a higher risk of hooking on a carpet or some other material, but this can be managed with regular nail trimming.

Daily needs:

Provide your cat with all the things he needs to make his life pleasant while in your care. He’ll need feeding and drinking bowls, a nice warm, dry bed, a litter box, stimulating toys, and things such as a scratching post and cat climbing tree.

Diet:

Cats are meat-eaters, and they need protein from meat for health. Some cooked chicken and beef can be a real treat for your pet. Grains and carbohydrates should only play a very small role in your pet’s diet. Too many grains can lead to malnutrition and obesity as well as problems with your cat's organs.

Always take into account your cat’s age because different life stages mean different energy levels and therefore different nutritional needs.

Take your sick cat to the vet when you see he is not his usual self. Make sure you keep up to date with all his vaccines and anti-parasite treatments.

Spaying and Neutering:

One of the most important health decisions you’ll make for your Polydactyl cat is to have your pet spayed or neutered. The procedure is common and performed in your vet’s office every day.

It offers lifelong health benefits. It improves your pet’s behavior and keeps them close to home too. Spaying a female cat will prevent uterine infections and breast cancer, and for males, it can prevent testicular cancer.

Best of all, it helps to prevent yet more kittens into a world overrun with stray cats and rescue centers jam-packed with unwanted kittens and cats.

tortoiseshell cats - caringCats are known to be independent but they still need your care and attention. Before you take a Tortoiseshell into your home, prepare for his arrival.

Make sure you have food and drinking bowls ready, a comfortable bed, a stylish cat collar and tag of identification, cat accessories such as a brush, toys, and some top-quality cat food.

If you work all day, maybe it would be a good idea to get 2 cats as some cats can get very lonely during the day, and adding a companion can be an excellent solution for his loneliness.

Always be in touch with the vet if you see that your cat isn’t behaving in his usual way.

Your cat will need to be taken for check-ups and also all the necessary cat vaccinations required to ward off deadly cat illnesses.

Provide your cat with a litter box and make sure you remove the cat feces every day.

Provide your cat with toys. Choose them carefully to keep your cat happy and amused. Buy a scratching post too as all cats want to scratch and you want to save your furniture from your cat using it to scratch on.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. American Polydactyl vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  2. American Polydactyl vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  3. American Polydactyl vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  4. American Polydactyl vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  5. American Polydactyl vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  6. American Polydactyl vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  7. American Polydactyl vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  8. American Polydactyl vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  9. American Shorthair vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  10. American Wirehair vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  11. Applehead Siamese vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  12. Ashera vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  13. Asian vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  14. Asian Semi-Longhair vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  15. Australian Mist vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  16. Balinese vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  17. Bengal vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  18. Bicolor vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  19. Birman vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  20. Blue Russian vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  21. Bombay vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  22. Brazilian Shorthair vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  23. Bristol vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  24. British Longhair vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  25. British Shorthair vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  26. Tortoiseshell vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. Tortoiseshell vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  28. Tortoiseshell vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. Tortoiseshell vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  30. Tortoiseshell vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  31. Tortoiseshell vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  32. Tortoiseshell vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  33. Tortoiseshell vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  34. Tortoiseshell vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  35. Tortoiseshell vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  36. Tortoiseshell vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  37. Tortoiseshell vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  38. Tortoiseshell vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  39. Tortoiseshell vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  40. Tortoiseshell vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  41. Tortoiseshell vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  42. Tortoiseshell vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  43. Tortoiseshell vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  44. Tortoiseshell vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  45. Tortoiseshell vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  46. Tortoiseshell vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  47. Tortoiseshell vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  48. Tortoiseshell vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  49. Tortoiseshell vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  50. Tortoiseshell vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison