American bobtail - breed description and cat character

American bobtail is called a breed of cats with long hair and a short tail. They have a special hunter look, a specific, slightly staggering gait. These characteristics, together with external data such as a short tail, make the animal look like a wild cat.

Representatives of this American animal breed are very attached to their master, and they are also quite smart. And these are not just words, because their level of intelligence is noted above the average, if we talk about cat intelligence in general.

Breed history

The birthplace of cats of this species is North America. American bobtail lived there for many years before they were noticed. Therefore, the history of this breed begins in the sixties of the last century, after one married couple discovered and took such a cat with them. The animal found was in Arizona, in an area that was controlled by the Indians. Bobtail was named Yodi, he had the same short tail, and his coat was brown. So the first representative of this species moved to Iowa.

The first kittens that were born to this cat and an ordinary yard cat were with a short tail. After that, the neighbors of the couple became interested in this cat. Then the owners of the animals crossed the kittens from the yard cat and bobtail with a long-haired color point. And as a result we got kittens of the well-known breed American Bobtail. Animals of this species also had long hair and a short tail. In 1989, TICA recognized this species.

Key Features of American Bobtail

Representatives of the American breed grow medium and large cats. Their average weight can reach from four to seven kilograms. Cats are naturally smaller in weight and size.

This breed has its own standards by which animals are attributed to this species. The listed features have been approved by TICA:

1. The head of a bobtail has a small and rather big size, because it must be proportional to the body of the animal. In shape, this part of the body resembles a wedge with rounded edges, no bulges are observed. The muzzle of the cat is slightly wide, if we compare the ratio of its length and width. The zygomatic part and the area of ​​the whisker pads has expressive outlines.
2. The ears of the animal are larger than average. Their ends have a rounded shape, and representatives of this breed can and it is even a desirable condition to have brushes on the ends. The location of the ears is proportional, the distance between them is not narrow and not wide. Ears continue the shape of the head, blending harmoniously into the overall look.
3. If we talk about the eyes of a cat, then they are always quite large and expressive. Their shape is almost almond-shaped. Their feature is that they are located at a certain angle. Basically, the color of the eyes harmonizes with the color of the color, but this is not always the case. This rule applies only when it comes to specific sepia colors with mink and color point.
4. The shape of the nose is quite wide when comparing these representatives with cats of another breed. If you look at the cat in profile, then on the nose you can see a slight bend.
5. Body length, despite the weight and overall size of the cat, is average. They do not have elegance, their body resembles a rectangle, where the hips of the animal and its chest are considered the more expressive part. American bobtail has a developed muscle system, so his body looks athletic and powerful.
6. The limbs are of medium length, sometimes more.They look quite powerful, but despite this, they are proportional to the total body weight of the cat. Since some representatives of this species have long hair, there should be tufts of wool on the legs and between the pads on the legs.
7. The tail of this breed is short, but it is quite flexible. 2.5 centimeters are considered its shortest length, but if we talk about kittens, it can be even less than the presented figure. The maximum long tail at the bobtail can reach 8 centimeters, but there can be no more. Its shape can be curved, or maybe straight. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the animal.

As you already know, American bobtail can have both long and short hair. But speaking of both those and other representatives, we can note their common feature, which consists in elastic and thick wool, which has a double layer. If the representative has a long coat, then he noted an increased degree of shaggy. This applies to the thoracic part of the animal, as well as its tail, and legs with a stomach. But, if the cat is short-haired, then its hair does not fit snugly against the body.

Wool color

When it comes to American bobtail, it is difficult to say exactly what color they can have, because it can be varied. But when buying an animal, people mostly prefer the tabby color. And this is all because many people associate it with the color of a wild cat.

But bobtails can be with color point color, as well as solid with cake. Animals of all colors black and brown, as well as cinnamon, are also allowed. There are also chocolate, lilac, as well as red and cream species.

Animal character

The advantage of cats of this breed is considered their lovingness. They do not distinguish someone specifically from the family in which they live, but they can adore everyone who is part of it. Therefore, they are considered real favorites. This is evidenced by many who once decided to take an American Bobtail to their home.

Despite their appearance as a wild cat, they are quite gentle creatures. They can’t be called lazy and bedding, but you can’t also call hyperactive. So it is worth considering this fact when buying an animal. It will not annoy the owners with excessive activity, and run around the apartment, but you also need to play with it from time to time.

Fact! These cats are easy to train on a leash, so they can run and walk along the street.

As already noted, the representatives of this breed are quite intelligent creatures, so they will be able to show their wit if they arrange some kind of quests for him. For example, to close the animal in a cage or room, which implies a way out that you need to find.

The wild nature of the animal implies the presence of hunting instincts. American bobtails love to catch insects, as well as play with objects and toys that look like prey.

American Bobtail Care

Representatives of this species were originally bred through natural selection, which made them fairly strong and healthy individuals of the animal world. The wild world dictates its own rules, so cats have not only good health, but also absolutely no diseases, even those that are transmitted genetically. But, despite this, animals live a little less than individuals of other breeds, namely, from 11 to 15 years.

To maintain good cat health, you need to take care of the pet. Caring for an American bobtail does not imply the performance of complex actions, so keeping it pretty simple.

1. The long hair of the animal does not get tangled up, but still the cat should be combed at least once a week so that it is not shaggy. Shorthair animals should also be combed.
2. In addition, the animal needs to brush its tooth. If the owner does not know how to do this, you can turn to a specialist for help.Once a month it will be enough so that the teeth do not cause problems to the animal.
3. Do not forget about the ears and eyes. Check their cleanliness once a week and clean if necessary. As for the eyes, they should be wiped, if necessary, with a clean cloth. But at the same time, wiping each eye, you need to use different corners or sides of the napkin. This will prevent the spread of infection, if any.

Feeding

As for food, this has its own nuances. American bobtail is not recommended to feed ordinary human food, and especially sweets. Because this food can negatively affect their health.

Cats of this breed need to be fed mainly with proteins, that is, meat. Because fats with carbohydrates in the animal’s body are very poorly absorbed. Feeding carbohydrates can cause weight gain. But this does not end there, because the cat may develop diabetes.

To avoid such problems, you can give preference to dry high-quality feed, which is saturated with all the components necessary for the animal.

American Bobtail Cost

Where can I buy

As already mentioned, the main nurseries that sell kittens are located abroad, namely in the USA. The countries of the post-Soviet space cannot boast of the presence of such nurseries, so you can buy an animal exclusively from breeders.

But in Russia and Ukraine you can find an alternative, which is the Kurilian Bobtail. It can also be purchased from breeders. Find them really, if you search the Internet on bulletin boards. But, if someone still manages to find a purebred American Bobtail, then he will have to pay a decent amount of money for him.

Video: American Bobtail