Join the Rusty Tabby Cat Swamp! The Charms of Living with a "Sabineko"

It is said that no two "tortoiseshell cats" have exactly the same fur pattern. They were once even insultingly called "rag cats," but that's far from the truth. When you live with them, there are many moments when you suddenly think, "Tortoiseshell cats are really something..."

This time, as the self-proclaimed president of the Tortoiseshell Cat Charm Promotion Committee, I will introduce the "charm of tortoiseshell cats" as I see it. Please, let yourself drown in the "tortoiseshell swamp."

Charm of Tortoiseshell Cats ① Accidental moments are artistic

It's amazing how a tortoiseshell cat can make an ordinary everyday scene look artistic. For example, just sitting on a cat step can be picturesque!

Look at this beauty! (Snorts) Just by being there, the usual space suddenly looks stylish. The amazing thing about tortoiseshell cats is that they bring color just by existing! (Emphasizes)

Behold. Even just looking down from the catwalk, there's this beauty. (By the way, this is when I'm being watched while eating ice cream.)

Huh? Was my house always this wonderful? Every time I take a photo, my head is filled with question marks. The "tortoiseshell cat effect" is incredible.

Charm of Tortoiseshell Cats ② They offer new discoveries depending on the viewing angle

It is said that the fur pattern of a tortoiseshell cat is difficult to describe, and there are many moments in daily life when I feel that this is indeed true.

Even within the "tortoiseshell pattern," there is a wide variety of individual characteristics, such as a predominance of black or distinctive facial markings. When I first saw Jiji, I thought the highlight-like pattern on her nose was unique, but then a follower said, "She has eyebrows!" and I was surprised.

When I looked closely at her face, she really did have eyebrows, and I thought, "She's practically human..."

For some reason, the eyebrows I noticed long after bringing her home sometimes appear in photos and sometimes don't... Perhaps it's a pattern that can appear at will. I'll do my best to unravel this mysterious mechanism and let you know if I discover any new facts!

Oh! Right. This time, I'll reveal one of Jiji's closely guarded fur pattern secrets. It's that she has white fur only on a part of her belly.

Perhaps because it's a delicate spot, she runs away saying, "Absolutely not!" when I try to take a picture, so it's a shame I can't show you...

Since she has white fur, could she be like a "calico cat in training"? The more I learn, the more the mystery of her fur color and pattern deepens.

Charm of Tortoiseshell Cats ③ A "raccoon dog" resemblance that isn't very cat-like

Our cat has such a strong raccoon dog resemblance that followers call her "tanupon" or "tanuchan." This raccoon-like quality is irresistibly cute to us humble servants!

The raccoon-like quality is particularly strong in her striped tail. Every time I catch a glimpse of it, I feel delighted, thinking, "Still being a raccoon dog today."

On X, my followers and I sometimes playfully debate the "Is Jiji a raccoon dog or a cat?" question. Jiji might be unhappy about such a scene, but I love everything about my "gray zone" beloved cat.

Also, Jiji is a bit slow and doesn't have very cat-like athleticism, which makes me wonder even more, "Is she really a cat...?" (She won't tell me even if I ask her.)

Oh! That reminds me. If she really were a raccoon dog, I wonder if she'd share a leaf with me. I'd love to transform into a cat too and communicate with everyone by rubbing! ...Jiji probably thinks I'm annoying for always making such requests.

Charm of Tortoiseshell Cats ④ They have a diligent nature that puts themselves last

This is purely subjective, so some of you might disagree, but when I interact with Jiji and other tortoiseshell cats at cat cafes, I often feel that many of them have a kindness that prioritizes others.

They do assert themselves to some extent. However, it seems tortoiseshell cats possess a gentle nature that allows them to step back, rather than pushing others aside to insist on their own opinions or feelings.

What particularly moved me about Jiji's gentleness was when a friend brought her baby over. When my friend laid the baby down on the chair where Jiji usually sleeps, Jiji scurried over to the baby and sniffed her.

Perhaps she instinctively felt the baby needed protection, as she would occasionally stretch to check on the baby or stand guard by the chair, displaying a truly "big sister" demeanor.

Also, Jiji is somewhat philosophical, calmly observing the actions of her fellow cats and us humans. She's what you might call "slyly clever."

For example, when I take out treats, the other two cats hear the sound and immediately come to my feet, happily exclaiming, "Yay! Treats!" But Jiji never comes near until I open the package...

Every time I see her attitude, which seems to say, "You're really going to give them to me, aren't you? I'll come once I know for sure," I can't help but admire her cleverness.

It's been 10 years since I started X. Lately, I've often heard people say, "I learned how cute tortoiseshell cats are by seeing Jiji-chan," or "Jiji-chan was so cute that I adopted a tortoiseshell cat too."

For me, who started X hoping to "convey the charm of tortoiseshell cats" and wishing for "more tortoiseshell cats to find happiness," such words are treasures.

I want to continue increasing the number of tortoiseshell cat lovers, telling Jiji, "Many cats have become happy because of you." Let's all get stuck in the "tortoiseshell cat swamp" that we can never escape! (laughs)