Lilac Tortoiseshell Cat: 7 Interesting Facts & Price! (with video)
Did you know that lilac tortoiseshell is not a cat breed, but rather a color combination that can occur in several different breeds? The most popular lilac tortoiseshell cat is probably the British Shorthair, but this coloring can also be found in American Shorthairs, Persians, and even Siamese!
Tortoiseshell refers to the mottled black and orange or brownish-red coat, and lilac is a pale purple hue. While the coloring is considered very beautiful, it does come with some genetic health concerns that potential cat owners should be aware of.
For example, because the coat color is caused by a mutation in two genes, it is linked to an increased risk for deafness. So, if you’re considering adding a lilac tortoiseshell cat to your family, be sure to do your research and find a reputable breeder who can answer any questions you might have.
All About Lilac Tortoiseshell Cat
| Height | 12-16 inches |
| Weight | 8-12 pounds |
| Coat | Short and dense, with a mottled black and orange |
| Eye Color | Blue or green |
| Vocal | Moderate |
| Activity Level | Moderate to high |
| Temperament | Paired, loving, and devoted to their family. |
| Grooming | Weekly brushing to remove dead hair |
| Life Expectancy | 12-16 years |
The lilac tortoiseshell cat is a beautiful and unique feline. Its coat is a delicate mix of gray and lavender, with splashes of black and brown. And like all tortoiseshell cats, no two lilacs are exactly alike.
The lilac tortoiseshell cat is thought to have originated in Asia, and it was brought to Europe in the 16th century. Since then, these lovely cats have been prized for their beauty and their sweet dispositions.
Besides, lilac tortoiseshell cats are relatively rare and are often highly prized by cat lovers. In addition to their stunning appearance, these cats are also known for their amicable dispositions and loving personalities.
If you’re lucky enough to share your life with a lilac tortoiseshell cat, you’re sure to have a loyal and affectionate friend for many years to come.
7 Interesting Facts About Lilac Tortoiseshell Cat
The lilac tortoiseshell cat is a gorgeous feline with a unique coat color. This shade of tortoiseshell is created by a recessive gene and is quite rare. In fact, lilac tortoiseshells are sometimes born to two non-lilac parents who are carriers of the lilac gene.
Here are seven more things you should know about lilac tortoiseshell cats:
1. Lilac Tortoiseshell Is Not A Cat Breed
In the very beginning of the post, I mentioned that lilac tortoiseshell is not a cat breed like Bengal or Savannah cat. It is actually a coat color combination that can be found in several different breeds, such as British Shorthairs, American Shorthairs, Persians, and Siamese.
Besides, there are four main tortoiseshell colorings: black, blue, chocolate, and cinnamon. And lilac is a pale purple hue that falls somewhere in between blue and lavender.
2. The Coloring Is Caused By A Mutation In Two Genes
The beautiful coat of the lilac tortoiseshell cat is created by a mutation in two genes: OCA2 and TYRP1. This particular mutation is linked to an increased risk for deafness, which is why some breeders won’t sell lilac tortoiseshell kittens to homes with small children.
According to the Cats International website, about 22% of blue-eyed tortoiseshells and calicos are deaf in one ear, while approximately 8% are deaf in both ears.
3. They’re Also Called Dilute Tortoiseshells
Lilac tortoiseshell cats are also known as dilute tortoiseshells. This is because the coat color is caused by a partial loss of pigment, which makes the colors appear “diluted.”
A study published in the journal “PLoS Genetics” in 2009 found that the mutation that causes lilac tortoiseshell coats is also responsible for dilute coat colors in other animals, such as horses, dogs, and rabbits.
4. They’re Not As Common As Other Tortoiseshell Cats
Because the coat color is caused by a recessive gene, lilac tortoiseshell cats are not as common as other tortoiseshells. In fact, they’re actually quite rare.
So, if you’re lucky enough to find a lilac tortoiseshell cat, consider yourself fortunate!
5. Their Personality Traits Vary By Breed
While all lilac tortoiseshell cats have beautiful coats, their personality traits can vary depending on the breed.
For example, British Shorthairs are known for being calm and relaxed, while Siamese are known for being active and vocal. So, if you’re looking for a particular type of personality in a cat, be sure to do your research and find a breed that matches your needs.
6. Tortie Are Folkloric Animals In Many Cultures
Tortoiseshell cats have been connected to luck and good fortune in many cultures throughout history. In some Native American cultures, the tortoise is a folkloric animal that represents longevity, endurance, and strength.
In Japanese culture, the tortoise is one of the four guardian beasts of Chinese constellation and is said to bring good luck.
And in Celtic mythology, the tortoise is associated with the goddess Brigid, who is the patroness of poetry, healing, and smithcraft.
7. Lilac Tortoiseshells Are Usually Female
Female cats are much more likely to be lilac tortoiseshells than males. In fact, the vast majority of lilac tortoiseshell cats are female.
This is because the gene that causes this coat coloration is located on the X chromosome. Females have two X chromosomes, while males have one X and one Y chromosome.
Blue Lilac Tortoiseshell Cat
Blue lilac tortoiseshell cats are an incredibly rare and beautiful sight. Though their coats may appear to be a pale blue at first glance, a closer look reveals a myriad of other colors as well, including lilac, cream, and chocolate.
This stunning color combination is the result of a genetic mutation, and only occurs in about 1% of all tortoiseshell cats. Because of their rarity, blue lilac tortoiseshell cats are often sought after by cat fanciers and can command high prices.
Fortunately, they are just as healthy and hardy as their more common cousins, and make wonderful pets for families who appreciate their unique beauty.
Lilac Tortoiseshell Cat Price
The Lilac Tortoiseshell is a very rare color mutation of the cats belonging to the tortoiseshell coat pattern family. The Lilac Tortie has a pale silver-blue coat with chocolate brown patches. Because of their rarity, they are one of the most expensive cat breeds, with a price tag that can range from $1,500 to $6,000.
Here, I’ll try to provide a price table for all of the countries, including the United States (few state), in order to better clarify things.
| Country | Price in $ |
|---|---|
| USA | 1,500 – 6,000 |
| Canada | Not for sale |
| United Kingdom | 1,500 – 3,500 |
| Australia | 2,200 – 4,500 |
| Germany | 2,000 – 3,500 |
As you can see, the price of a Lilac Tortoiseshell cat varies greatly from country to country. In some countries they are not even for sale, while in others they can fetch a very high price. However, on average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,500 to $6,000 for one of these beautiful cats.
My Final Thoughts
The lilac tortoiseshell cat is a beautiful, unique feline with a coat that resembles a butterfly’s wings. Unfortunately, this exotic-looking cat is actually quite rare. In fact, there are less than 100 lilac tortoiseshell cats known to exist in the world today.
While the lilac tortoiseshell cat’s coat is truly one-of-a-kind, its rarity makes it a coveted prize among cat fanciers. If you’re lucky enough to own one of these rare felines, you can expect to pay upwards of $6,000 for the privilege.
