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We have an #adoptionupdate from Mattilda and Zach who adopted Lottie (now Minerva Moon or Minni) in August! They weren’t searching for a specific cat. Earlier this year, they had unexpectedly lost their senior tortie to bladder cancer. Since then, they kept checking the Cat Care Society page and visiting us, hoping to find their perfect new fur baby. After some time, they saw Minni online, went to meet her, and instantly knew she was the one!
“It took a little bit to get Minni to come out from under the bed and feel comfortable exploring the whole house but after a couple of weeks it’s like she’s always been here!
“Minni is doing exceptionally well. She’s gained some weight, her fur is shiny and soft, and you can just see how happy she is. She’s a great eater and LOVES her wet food treats. She loves her human brother (my step son) and is obsessed with playing with all of her mouse toys! Minni snuggles up and sleeps with us every night.
“After losing our last kitty so suddenly I never thought we would be this happy again. Minerva Moon is truly the most loving cat I’ve ever seen in my life. All she wants is cuddles and kisses and to love and be loved. I truly believe our last cat sent her to us. We are so glad we found her and she picked us. Thank you Cat Care Society!”
Have you adopted from CCS in the past? We’d love to hear how it’s going! Send us your adoption success stories (and photos!) to be featured in our #adoptionupdate series on social media or on our website.
We have an #adoptionupdate from Emily who adopted Butterscotch (now Whisky or Ski for short) in July of this year. Emily had been grieving the loss of two cats and had stopped in to donate supplies and give some attention to the special needs cats in particular. Whisky jumped right up and sat next to Emily, and even bonked another cat who got in her way! She did the same thing during another visit, so Emily figured she’d made up her mind.
“She settled in faster than any cat I’ve ever seen. She’s chatty and affectionate and loves visiting when friends come by.
“She loves playing fetch! She’ll carry a little catnip toy up to me and meow and trill until I toss it for her over and over again. She also runs around like wild chasing feather toys, and likes to stretch along with me when I roll out my yoga mat.
“I did a lot of research on caring for FIV+ cats before adopting her, and CCS staff helped dispel the myths. She’s healthy and happy and I’d encourage others to not be scared off by the diagnosis!”
Have you adopted from CCS in the past? We’d love to hear how it’s going!
Send us your adoption success stories (and photos!) to be featured in our #adoptionupdate series
on social media or on our website.
We have an #adoptionupdate from Camila who adopted Cake Pop (now Potato) this past July! They originally went to the shelter with an orange cat in mind, when they met him, he was a bit fearful. However, once he saw them playing with a wand toy, he cautiously approached, and they noticed his adorable yellow eyes. It was love at first sight for their whole family.
“The day we adopted him, my daughter heard the story of a 16-year-old cat named Potato who had also been adopted that week. She loved the name and the idea of our kitten living a long, happy life like that other Potato.
“We took him home and by the second day, Potato had completely transformed. The fearfulness was gone, and he became a confident, playful kitten, quickly settling in with us. Within a few weeks, he started showing interest in going outside, and before long, he was joining our family on short hikes. Now, he’s officially an adventure cat!
“Our vet says he’s in excellent health, eats well, has good litter box habits and is doing great with his leash training. We’re so happy to have him as part of our family and excited for all the adventures to come!”
Have you adopted from CCS in the past? We’d love to hear how it’s going! Send us your adoption success stories (and photos!) to be featured in our #adoptionupdate series
on social media or on our website.”
We have an #adoptionupdate from Allyson, who adopted the 1-year-old June in June (what a fortunate name and timing)!
Allyson came in looking for a cat with a chill temperament who could adapt to the unique lifestyle of living in a bus with their new owners. “We chose June because she was super relaxed when we met her, and she climbed into my lap immediately when I knelt down,” she said. “She is still the sweetest and we’re so glad we chose her!”
June, who is now mostly called Junie, adjusted to her new home almost immediately. “We made sure to give her her own cozy corner with a bed and toys, and she loves sleeping in the dash of our school bus. She does really well in the car and either sleeps in the passenger seat or in my lap.
“She eats and drinks well and doesn’t make any messes or scratch anything she’s not supposed to. June had a cold and was sneezing a lot when we adopted her, but is doing much better now and is in perfect health. She is so snuggly and loves to be in our laps, go for walks outside with her harness, and watch chipmunks from the window. She is perfect 🙂
“We’re thankful for you all and how well you take care of your cats! We would definitely adopt from you again in the future! We are also so grateful that you allowed us to adopt a cat even though we live in a bus.”
Have you adopted from CCS in the past? We’d love to hear how it’s going! Send us your adoption success stories (and photos!) to be featured in our #adoptionupdate series on social media or on our website.
We have an #adoptionupdate from Lauren, who adopted the 2-year-old black and white Serena in April!
Lauren renamed her Emmy for her green eyes and say she’s “my little gem!” When Lauren first came in, they were open to any and all cats and planned to wait for a cat that she connected with and wanted to bring home. “I loved Emerald right away and knew she was special. She was playful and cuddly. I applied for adoption right away and I couldn’t wait to take her home. Emmy came in to my life at the perfect time!”
Now, “Emmy is doing amazing! She seems really happy and playful. She loves my big bernadoodle, Ollie. She has found special places in the home that are hers – like a window perch and many beds. Sleeps with me most nights!”
“I took Emmy to the vet within the first couple days to establish care and ensure good health. They said she is in great health after being through so much. She is closer to 1 year. Excellent teeth. Provided guidance on food and care. Eating well – loves food – and gained some good healthy weight. She loves toys! Got some KONG ones! Her favorites are balls she can chase around and the teaser toys. I spend quality time playing with her everyday. She is an EARLY riser at 4 am. She loves cuddles and giving kisses and nibbles. She loves a cat scratcher.
“I’m so fortunate to Cat Care Society. I’ve fostered through Cat Care and quickly learned the quality of life and health they provide to their cats. I knew exactly where I would find my new furry companion. Emmy has positively impacted my happiness and my new home. I can’t believe I found such an incredible match in Emmy. I’m going to provide her a happy, healthy and fun long life.”
Have you adopted from CCS in the past? We’d love to hear how it’s going! Send us your adoption success stories (and photos!) to be featured in our #adoptionupdate series on social media or on our website.
We have an #adoptionupdate from Bruce, who adopted bonded pair Cleo and Phoenix (formerly known as Cleopatrick) last October. This kitten duo was only at the shelter for about a month and were treated for ringworm before finding their new home.
Bruce says he saw the two online and immediately fell in love. “Cleo and Phoenix have adjusted extremely well. They are such a joy to have, and provide plenty of entertainment. I can’t imagine life before them.
“I work from home, and they enjoy spending time in my home office while I’m working. They can be found under my desk, on top of a pirate chair, under the pirate chair, in the middle of the floor, or taking my office chair when I get up to go do something. They also have easy access to the window sill to observe the world outside. They love boxes, so I have several scattered around my apt for them.
“At night, Phoenix likes to sleep on the edge of the bed, like he’s keeping guard. Cleo tends to sleep up against my legs or next to my chest. Phoenix loves to be held and lick my nose. Cleo is a typical cat and doesn’t like to be held much. She likes to play a game where she meows at me and then walks away when I try to pet her.
“June 1st was their birthday, and I made them catcakes, but they didn’t eat them.”
We thank Bruce for offering these two a loving home!
Have you adopted from CCS in the past? We’d love to hear how it’s going! Send us your adoption success stories (and photos!) to be featured in our #adoptionupdate series on social media or on our website.
We have an #adoptionupdate from Angelia, who came in with her family to adopt two kittens in May! Dill and Squirrel are now named Crybaby and Coraline.
“We were looking for a friendly cat to join our family. We were only looking for 1 but fell in love with both kittens! They’ve adjusted great, they love to run and play and explore the house.
“Both cats have been great, they did get sick a couple days after adoption but got taken to the vet and have been great since. They love you eat, they will both meow very loud to let you know they are hungry. Crybaby loves his tunnel and Coraline loves her toy balls to chase! They both love their naps in the cat tree! Their favorite thing has to be being awake early mornings and playing on us while we sleep. Crybaby will start his job at 5am making biscuits in your neck while asleep while purring and meowing very loudly every morning 🙂 And coraline joins him by jumping on our hair. They are both so playful and sweet.
“They have been the perfect addition to our family!”
Did you know that two kittens are better than one? If you’re interested in adopting, we hope you consider bringing two home together!
Have you adopted from CCS in the past? We’d love to hear how it’s going! Send us your adoption success stories (and photos!) to be featured in our #adoptionupdate series on social media or on our website.
We have an #adoptionupdate from Dorothy, who adopted Tinder (now Pepper, renamed for her spicy personality that matches her fur color) last April!
Back in November 2022, 10-year-old Gopher came in as a transfer from another area shelter with degenerative joint disease, feline herpes virus, chronic conjunctivitis and upper respiratory disease. She was immediately treated for ear mites and badly needed dental work.
Gopher was sweet and loved pets but did not like other cats. She went into a foster home for a calmer environment and regular medication schedule. After some health ups and downs, she unfortunately was returned after her first adoption.
While Gopher struggled to find her perfect home, she quickly was growing on the CCS team. Our lead veterinarian, Dr. Cecily Palamara, called her “one of her favorites.” “She is a spunky but beautiful old lady that has a lot of love in her! I had the pleasure of working with her for many months. She had a life-threatening kidney insult while in care, but responded very well to intensive IV treatment. She haaaated to see us in the clinic, but we all love her so much!”
Finally, one full year after coming through our doors, Gopher — who now goes by Elise — found her forever home.
Her adopter Ed was happy to share this update: “Elise is doing well. Her favorite spot is probably my lap! Or in front of the fireplace. True to form, she likes a food for a while then opts out and I have to change. She loves treats and, surprisingly, likes the kidney support kibble my vet gave me to try as treats. I continue to give her Hydra Care as she likes it. I have a wand with a bee she likes to play with.
“She slept with me one night but seems to prefer the living room. I have a fuzzy cat bed she latched onto and sleeps in when I’m gone or it is cool overnight.
“I’m so glad I found her. She hasn’t had a great life and really needed and deserved someone to be her champion and give her a good, safe home where she’s loved and taken care of. She’s got that now. I think she struck gold!”
Have you adopted from CCS in the past? We’d love to hear how it’s going! Send us your adoption success stories (and photos!) to be featured in our #adoptionupdate series on social media or on our website.
With Halloween approaching, it’s the perfect time to spotlight a particular type of cat—and no, we’re not talking about black cats! Instead, we’re focusing on tri-color cats, whose coats feature a mix of black, orange, and white in varying patterns and ratios. While “tri-color” and “calico” are often used interchangeably, calico cats have a distinct coat pattern. Tortoiseshell cats are also considered tri-color, even though they usually lack white and have their own unique pattern. It’s important to remember that “calico” and “tortoiseshell” refer to coat patterns, not breeds. These color combinations are the result of genetics and can appear in any breed, though they are more commonly found in breeds like American Shorthair, British Shorthair, Japanese Bobtail, Maine Coon, and Persian.
There are also diluted and tabby variations of tortoiseshell and calico cats—so many colorful kitties to love! In the rest of this article, we’ll explore the different markings and patterns that define each type of tri-color coat. By the end, you’ll be able to recognize the unique beauty of every tri-color cat you encounter.
Tri-color cats are almost always female, with approximately one in 3,000 being male. This is because two X chromosomes are needed to have a distinctive tri-color coat. Typically, if a cat has an XX pair, she will be female. Male cats have an XY chromosome pair, so they’re not tri-color unless they have at least one extra chromosome (XXY). Unfortunately, these males often suffer from Klinefelter’s Syndrome, a condition that can negatively affect their health and longevity.
Calico cat coats feature patches of solid orange, black, and white. The white color is a result of a genetic condition called piebalding, which occurs in a range of other domestic and farm animals. In a diluted calico, the colors are more muted to cream, gray, and white, due to a gene inherited from one of the parents that diminishes color intensity.
“Tabico” is a term for cats that have a combination of tabby and calico markings. These cats have large patches of orange and black on a white background, with tabby stripes overlaying some of the black and orange areas. When tabby stripes cover the forehead, they form the distinctive “tabby M.” A diluted tabico’s coat features cream, gray, and white fur.
Tortoiseshell, or “tortie,” cats have brindle patterns (irregular stripes or streaks) of orange and black with little to no white. A diluted tortie has gray and cream colors and is a result of both parents carrying a recessive gene that impacts the intensity of the colors.
A torbie cat exhibits both the multi-colored brindle pattern of a tortoiseshell cat and the characteristic stripes or spots of a tabby. Like the tabico, if there are tabby stripes on the cat’s forehead, they will display the “tabby M.” Diluted torbies usually have a cream, gray and white coat.
A “tortico” is a combination of classic tortie and calico markings, featuring large patches of orange and black brindling on a white background. A diluted tortico is relatively rare, and will be gray and cream, and white.
As you can see, there are many variations of tri-color cats but you can still count yourself lucky if you run into one! In many cultures tri-color cats are connected with good luck and good fortune, and in the U.S., they are sometimes called “money cats.”
People who have tri-color cats often report that they’re equally sweet and sassy and tortoiseshell cat owners often refer to their feisty side as having “tortitude.” However, since tri-color cats aren’t a breed, research hasn’t been able to confirm that this extra feistiness is a distinct trait related to their coat pattern. That said, if you haven’t taken our “Whats Your Cat Purrsonality” quiz on our Just Fur Fun page, now’s your chance! Discover which cat breed or color pattern best represents you—maybe even find out if you have a bit of tortitude!”
About the Author: Beth Dokolasa is a volunteer for Cat Care Society and serves on the Board of Directors. She is an instructional developer for Natural Grocers and lives in Indian Hills, Colo., with her husband, daughter, and two cats, Techno and Digit.
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