Cats with tortoiseshell fur are truly special. The genetics of all torties will never allow them to be the same, even if some may look quite alike. They have a lot of charms apart from their infamous tortitude. Many people love tortoiseshell cats, but two from Maryland are particularly fond of this breed.
The Five Torties got popular because of Instagram were rescued by a couple who wanted to do something to help homeless cats. Their efforts are also helping to raise awareness about Chloe Bear, their beloved tortie cat who left pawprints on her parents’ hearts forever. Their story is perfect for anyone who loves tortoiseshell cats.
What was the story behind Karma, Chloe Bear, Chelsea, Lila, Lola, and Ducky?
Our first tortie was Karma, 12 years old. A kitten named Karma took shelter in my boyfriend Nick’s row home during a blizzard in Baltimore in the winter of 2009. Attempting to find out if she had a home of her own, he opened her door the next day. She sat down on the couch after getting in from the opened door..
Nick and I married a few years later. Karma was not happy when Nick and I moved into a suburban house as husband and wife.
Chloe
A couple of years later, I came across an adult tortie whom a local pet store was fostering. I was tickled to see a tortie, as I had never seen one before. Her name was Chloe Bear. It had been five months since she had been in foster care, and she was about nine years old. The way she kissed my cheeks and was so kind made me fall in love with her. She became our daughter. Now Nick and I had torties. I slept under the blankets with Chloe Bear every night, and she sat on me every day. It was love at first sight. Karma didn’t like it.
Chelsea
A year later, we found Chelsea, who was eating leftover burgers.
Lila & Lola
Within a few days of moving into our new house, we received an Instagram notification that two tortie kittens, Lila and Lola, needed a new home. Our application was approved, and we got them from Miami. Our family grew to seven.
Ducky
Finally, we read about a kitten named Ducky who needed to be adopted two weeks ago.