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- Is Tortitude Real? (What the science says)
Is Tortitude Real? (What the science says)
Find out why your tortie has so much attitude
In partnership with
Is Tortitude Real?
We see dozens of posts about it every day in our Facebook group. We see it when our cats demand breakfast at 5.00 AM with a specific ‘tone’ of meow, or when they decide that this specific spot on the rug is now a restricted zone.
But is “Tortitude” a real biological thing, or are we all just imagining it?
We’ve been diving deep into the research and the answer is….fascinating.
Lizzy is on our Tortie Club - she has Tortitude!
The UC Davis Study
Back in 2015, researchers at UC Davis surveyed over 1,200 cat owners. They wanted to know if coat color actually linked to "feline aggression" (or what we more affectionately call sass).
The results? Owners of tortoiseshells, calicos, and "torbies" reported significantly more frequent "feline-to-human" interactions involving hissing, nipping, and "attitude" compared to other colors
It’s in the X Chromosome
Because the genes for black and orange fur both live on the X chromosome, and nearly all Torties are female (XX), they are a genetic mosaic. Some experts believe that the same complex genetic layering that creates their beautiful coats might also influence their brain chemistry.
In short: They are literally "wired" differently.
The "Grand Duchess" Mindset
In Tortie Catz HQ, it’s not just about "aggression"—it’s about intent. A Tortie doesn't just do something; she decided to do it. Whether it's the "Tortie Stare" or the way they choose their "One Person" to bond with, there is a level of personality there that is hard to find anywhere else.
Does your cat have tortitude? Let us know on our X or Facebook pages. We love hearing tortitude stories!
Look out for the next Tortie of the Week on Sunday!
The Cozy Winter Ritual Behind My Energy and Glow ✨
Winter calls for rituals that actually make you feel amazing—and Pique’s Sun Goddess Matcha is mine. It delivers clean, focused energy with zero jitters, supports glowing skin and gentle detox, and feels deeply grounding on cold mornings. Smooth, ceremonial-grade, and crave-worthy, it’s the easiest way to start winter days clear, energized, and glowing from the inside out