I’ve lived with a tortoiseshell cat for over three and a half years now, and as you know, it is not easy! But I think I’ve learned enough to explain how to control a tortie. Here is the first lesson: the title of this post! It would have sounded better to call it “How to Tame a Tortie,” but we all know that is not possible! It is all you can do to try to control them.
So here we go.
Always be the first one in the sun puddle! Otherwise, you will never get to have it.
Never let them on the set when you are doing a photo shoot. They will never leave and will constantly bother catering.
Tortoiseshell cats must always be carefully supervised. They are not as helpful as they think they are. Even though they think they know everything.
Tortoiseshell cats will photo bomb you every time, so don’t let them. You are only asking for trouble if you are lenient.
As you can see, controlling a tortoiseshell cat can be complicated. But it can be done! I think I’ve gotten pretty successful over the years.
Or maybe not.
Yes you did sweetie….sort of mol
I miss Binga. Seeing her in all of her Tortietude is just great. I have a tortie, Granny Anatelli, and she just does whatever she wants. Don’t bother telling her no.
Miss Binga photobombing you <3
Systems normal all torted up! MOL!
Summer I love your rules for tortie control.
Torties have such strong personalities, but not nearly as beautiful as you Summer Samba!
Aww, sweet baby Binga!
Summer, Binga is quite the character and I love how you try to be her manager…well, after your human. MOL!
Maybe life would be boring without Binga showing up in your photo shoots… Embrace the power of the tortie!
Love
Gato Avocado
I think you do a very good job of being TOLERANT of your resident Tortie – controlling or managing might be tougher than tolerating though. We can usually tell from your expression if Binga is even in the room with you during a photo session much less photo bombing! LOL
Hugs, Teddy
Well done, Summer. So what you’re saying is that you can just sort of contain a tortie like Binga, right?
Hmm… I have two Tortie neighbors, but I’ve given up trying to figure them out. I throw my paws up. I think I need your help, Summer! Tee hee hee!
You think you have it under control! Binga has other ideas.
MOL, from my experience, ya just can’t.
I’m not sure how successful you were. Maybe distracting the tortie would work better?
Tee! Hee! Binga is just too funny! Mom says Queen Penelope was just like Binga…
Purrs
Marv
we think Binga will always hold something back just to keep you on your paws, Summer 🙂
pip, minnie, hollie, sharpie, ditto, TL
Wonderful advice, I will pass this along to my kitties so they know how to deal with Penny. Is there any advice to keep Penny from peeing in boxes? 🙂
Why would you WANT to control a tortie?!? They’re perfect just the way they are. Not as perfect as you, Summer … but pretty darn close 😉
Mudpie takes offense at this post! She insists torties can’t and shouldn’t be controlled 😉
Hmm, I’m not sure our definition of controlling a tortie are the same.
There’s no way to control a tortie…or a torbie for that matter. We know. ~Wally & Ernie
She sure likes to help you.
Mew mew mew mew mew mee-you…..
LadyMum iss rofwl….
This iss one of yur funniest postss EFURR!!! Wee finkss Binga iss anyfing butt controllabull…..mee comes frum a Tortie Mumma an shee runss thee barn!! 😉
Keep on tryin Summer!! You can do this!
~~head rubsss~~ Siddhartha Henry~~ an ((hugsss)) LadyMum
Binga has lived long enough to know she can get her own way 🙂
How does Binga get along with the Little Red Kitty figuerine?
Binga has very nice fur!
MOL MOL Oh, this made all of us giggle.
Control a tortie, MOL ! That was a good one, Summer ! Purrs
Yeah, we’re thinking no on that, Summer. Sorry.
there is no winning this battle Summer, I know
I LOVE that last PICTURE! I just LOVE it. I love them all but that last one…killed me. I love the secret thoughts too. Summer, you are so mature. Binga..you are so Tortie and I love you.
Ummm…. Summer, we are huge admirers of yours but we think you should just give up here. She’s a tortie…. Plus she has many years of experience on you.
MOL MOL Summer I think my nephew Frisco the Gingerman would 100% agree with you on your tips.
I think he has given up on controlling Mia the Tortie with a Tude. He is a big ginger close to 14 lbs…she is an itty bitty Tortie maybe 8 lbs but she has the attitude of all the big wildcats rolled up into her 8 lbs.
Hugs madi your bfff
Oh Summer, we think Binga is just trying to pull the wool over your eyes. She’s just trying to spread sisterly love. LOL, ok maybe not…She’s a tortie! They are so full of purrsonality it’s crazy. We think you have everything under control at your palace. Except maybe the photo bombing. But you gotta admit, she’s a beauty who’s photogenic too. Thanks for all the tips we will definitely try them. Love the pics! Purrs
Well, you’re doing darn good pretty Summer, it’s a tough task!
we hear closed doors might work too 🙂
Oh Summer, silly girl, you can never control a tortie! Good try though!
Love,
Mia, Mosby, Angel Cosmo & Angel CJ
MOL! Torties cannot be controlled. Just ask our dog, who gets scared every time our Paisley looks at her! 🙂
Oh Summer. You should know by now that you can’t control a tortie, no matter what you think! 🙂
Two of my cats have lived with three different torties. Their secret to a somewhat peaceful life: just yield to the tortie.
Managing a tortie is hard work. We feel the we are the only kitties on the planet! Sharing is not easy for us.
Well, you have to admit, she’s a very cute photobomber!
Summer, the way you’re laying in that sun puddle! Oh my gosh, so cute! Look at those adorable back footsies!!!
Go, BINGA!!!! Sorry, that wasn’t very nice to you, Summer, but we think you might rename the post “How to work around a tortie” because we can’t see much control going on there!!!!!
Purrs,
The Chans (yes, we are all Binga fans!)
You have your work cut out for you, Summer!