Peninsula Animal Shelter Receives Two Genetically Rare Kittens

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — A Peninsula animal shelter received quite the shock this week when not one, but two genetic anomaly male Tortoiseshell Tabby kittens entered their care.

According to the Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA, Tortoiseshell Tabby cats are considered around the world to be lucky cats and are almost always female. But within a few days, the shelter picked up both Mateo and Francisco in Redwood City.

“Having one male Tortoiseshell Tabby at our shelter is a once in a lifetime occurrence,” said Buffy Tarbox, the communications manager for the Peninsula Humane Society/SPCA. “We are still in complete shock that another genetically rare kitten has come through our shelter doors.”

The shelter has never before received a male Tortoiseshell Tabby, who are identified by the black and orange patterned coat that is similar to that of a tortoise shell. Tarbox explained that male Tortoiseshell cats must have three sex chromosomes — two XXs and one Y — which is highly unusual because the gene that controls the orange and black fur color is found on the X chromosome. Since females have two X chromosomes and males have an XY combination, the only way for a male Tortoiseshell cat to exist is if he has three chromosomes and two Xs.

Mateo was adopted this week, and Francisco will be available for adoption on Friday. Francisco is described as a sweet and energetic, two months old and neutered.

Potential adopters should call 650-340-7022 to schedule an appointment to meet Francisco.