The newest family member at a Northam animal rescue centre is just about as rare as they get.

A male tortoiseshell - the little guy doesn't yet have a name - is likely to be the most sought-after kitten in the Wheatbelt.

The yet to be named 'tortie' boy defied odds by being born a male. Credit:Eliza Wynn.

Tortoiseshell cats are generally always female. It's a part of their DNA.

They need two X chromosomes to get that particular fur pattern, but they also need a Y chromosome to be male.