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Tortoiseshell cats are known for their unique coat patterns, which consist of black and orange or black and red patches. Dilute tortoiseshell cats have the same type of coat pattern, but their patches are muted to a blue-gray and cream color.
This coat coloring is caused by a genetic mutation that results in the production of less pigmentation in the hair shafts. The coat patterns of a dilute tortoiseshell cat can include a mix of black, orange, and cream-colored fur.
You should feed your dilute tortoiseshell cat a high-quality, complete, and balanced cat food. Look for a food that is formulated for cats and labeled as “complete and balanced.”
Dilute tortoiseshell cats are generally healthy, but they can be prone to certain health issues, such as obesity, dental problems, parasites, urinary tract issues, and renal failure.
For a cat to be a dilute tortoiseshell, it must be female with standard tortoiseshell patterning. There can't be a “male dilute tortoiseshell cat” in terms of coat pattern, but they could carry the gene and pass it to their offspring.
Dilute tortoiseshell cats are considered to be a rare variation of the traditional tortoiseshell cat. So, the chance of finding a dilute tortoiseshell cat is lower than finding a traditional tortoiseshell cat.