Statistically, it is almost impossible for a male tortoiseshell cat to be born. This is because male cats have only one X chromosome in their DNA, and since the X chromosome inherits the cat’s colour, it means it is impossible for them to inherit multiple colours (as is the case with tortoiseshell cats).
So vet Karen Horne was amazed when a litter of tortoiseshell kittens was brought into her surgery in Harpenden, Herts by local charity Cat and Kitten Rescue and one of them was male.
So amazed was Horne that she decided to adopt the kitten and has named him Eddie after cross-dressing comedian Eddie Izzard as she considers her kitty to be a male cat in female clothing!
Read the full story (with pictures) at the Daily Mail website.
