The name of the breed speaks for itself - the history of this special breed began in the 1960s in Southern Arizona, when the Sanders couple fell into the good hands of a special kitten with a short tail, whose ancestors were likely lynxes and wild native cats.
The first thought was that the poor guy had been beaten by life and part of his tail had been “frayed”. But after further mating with a Siamese cat, it became clear that the mutation was random, but dominant.
Origin of the breed
There are practically no blank spots in the history of the appearance and development of the American Bobtail. If desired, the origin of this relatively young breed can be traced from its very beginnings to the present day. In the 60s of the last century, there was a very interesting kitten in the American state of California. It differed from its fellows in its wild striped colors and unusual shortened tail. The people who found this baby thought that this feature appeared as a result of the trauma he had suffered. But later it turned out that the short tail is a gene mutation.
Professional felinologists became interested in the unusual kitten. It was they who decided to use the grown cat for further breeding. The offspring obtained from him also had short tails. Three decades later, American Bobtails were recognized as an independent breed.
Appearance
The American Bobtail is a massive, rather squat animal with a muscular, compact body and a voluminous chest. On a proportional wedge-shaped head with a wide, slightly flattened muzzle and well-defined round cheeks, there are slightly slanted eyes and small ears, the tips of which have tassels.
These cats reach their final size only by the age of three. The average weight of an adult varies from 3.5 to 7.5 kilograms. Moreover, cats are much smaller than cats. A distinctive feature of the American Bobtail, a photo of which can be seen in today’s article, is a short, fairly flexible tail. According to the standard, its length should be from 2.5 to 8 centimeters.
Purchasing a kitten
The main nurseries for breeding the American Bobtail are located in its homeland - the USA. In Russia there are only private breeders of this breed.
A pet-class kitten costs an average of $500, while the cost of show cats and cats for breeding starts at $1,300.
In Russia, you need to look for short-tailed kittens at exhibitions and message boards on the Internet. The latter method is quite risky; with a high probability you can buy a mongrel kitten with tail defects, so when choosing, you must be guided by the following criteria:
- good health;
- pedigree or metric;
- vaccinations and veterinary passport;
- healthy pure breed parents;
- the opportunity to conclude a purchase and sale agreement with the seller.
Unscrupulous sellers may sell kittens with tail defects, passing them off as American Bobtails
Kittens can be safely weaned from their mother when they are at least 3 months old. When buying a new pet, be sure to ask previous owners about its habits, including preferences regarding the use of a tray and the choice of food.
In order to create more comfortable conditions for the kitten to move, it is recommended to take a sample of the used litter (if the animal is accustomed to it) and put it in the new litter box. This way, the pet can easily find a new place by smell.
Coat and color
The entire body of representatives of this breed is covered with beautiful thick fur. Depending on its length, the American Bobtail is divided into short-haired and long-haired. In the first case, the animal’s body is covered with elastic, silky fur. In the second, cats have increased shaggyness in the paws, abdomen, chest and tail. This variety also has a beautiful dense collar.
Since the first American Bobtails were crossed with representatives of many other breeds, the standard allows for several color options. The most preferred color is considered to be wild tabby. But cats of brown, black, red, cream, chocolate, blue and lilac shades are allowed for breeding. Colorpoints and torties are no less popular. The color requirements are the same for both long- and short-haired American Bobtails.
Castration and sterilization
There is an opinion that sterilization or castration is a lot of stress for animals. However, in reality it is quite the opposite. Of course, surgical intervention is a serious thing, but if the animal is not planning to reproduce, ailments associated with the cat’s search for a partner, or the cat marking its territory, will become much more stressful for both the pet and the owner.
A castrated or sterilized animal pays great attention to its owner and seeks his affection.
Castration, that is, cutting out the genital organs, of cats is carried out between 7 and 12 months, and sterilization - a more gentle way of performing the operation - after 8 months. Cats, regardless of the type of intervention, are operated on at the age of 10 months to 1.5–2 years. To determine the exact timing of the procedure, you must contact your veterinarian.
After the operation, it is necessary to provide increased attention to the pet and take care of its comfort by doing the following:
- During recovery from anesthesia, place the cat on the floor, having previously laid a soft bedding on this place. You need to choose a place close to the heat source, but not too close. This measure is due to the fact that the animal, upon waking up, may lose orientation in space and fall from the chair or other elevation on which it will lie at that moment.
- Rub your pet's paws to improve blood circulation and speed up recovery from anesthesia.
- Massage the animal’s eyelids every half hour. The fact is that during anesthesia, cats' eyes remain open and this causes them to dry out.
- Monitor your pet to catch the moment of recovery from anesthesia.
- Give food and water after the cat wakes up. Be prepared for the animal to refuse food; this is normal.
- The cat will have to wear a bandage for 3 days that will cover the seam. This is a hygienic measure, which, as a rule, does not require any additional actions from the owner, since the blanket is put on immediately in the clinic.
Cats wear a blanket after surgery to protect the suture.
Character
Representatives of this breed are distinguished by a calm and affectionate disposition. They are very smart, balanced and moderately active. If desired, you can train them to a leash and take them on walks. Often the hunting instinct awakens in them, manifested in the desire to chase insects.
American Bobtails are cats that do not tolerate loneliness well. They are absolutely not jealous and get along well with other pets. These sociable animals do not feel attachment to one person; they love everyone at once. They are not afraid of strangers and immediately go to get to know each other.
How much does it cost and where to buy
Those who are eager to purchase a cat like the American Bobtail will have to face the unfortunate fact that there are no official catteries in Russia and the CIS countries.
The only chance to buy a real representative of the breed is to contact US nurseries or purchase at one of the international exhibitions.
In America, pet-class kittens cost from $600, and animals suitable for breeding will cost even more, the cost ranges from $1,000.
Despite the fact that there are no official breeders in Russia, you can find a lot of American bobtails on ad sites, which they are often willing to give away for nothing. Unfortunately, in this case you have to buy a pig in a poke in the literal sense of the word: such a purchase does not guarantee either the purity of the breed or the health of the pet.
Care instructions
Representatives of this breed are quite unpretentious. They adapt perfectly to any living conditions and do not require special care. Caring for these cats comes down to regular vaccination and treatment against external and internal parasites.
The animal’s fur coat requires no less attention, especially if we are talking about a long-haired bobtail. You need to brush your cat several times a week. This can be done using a special slicker, sold in any pet store. It is recommended to bathe your four-legged friend no more than twice a year. For this, it is advisable to purchase a special shampoo, since human hygiene products are absolutely not suitable for animals. About once every ten or twelve days it is necessary to trim your cat's claws.
American Bobtail Contents
Due to their activity, these felines are well suited for private homes or large apartments. To be kept, a bobtail must have personal food bowls, a tray, a bed, and hygiene products.
Bobtail cats love outdoor walks
Bowls are selected from heavy materials, such as metal or ceramics. They can easily be trained to use a scratching post; they show no interest in furniture, wallpaper or curtains.
These cats need to purchase toys that perform specific tasks; gadgets for active games are suitable. They are well involved in the game and have good endurance.
It is necessary to create conditions on the site of a private house for the cat to leave freely or periodically take it for a walk if the pet lives in an apartment.
Nutrition
A natural diet should include lean meats (poultry, beef, lamb) after cooking. Replace with liver or low-fat sea fish.
To ensure a balanced diet, soft porridges with sufficient cooking or chopped boiled vegetables, whipped into puree, are added to the meat.
Dairy products for ambob: cottage cheese, sour cream, yogurt, kefir. Milk should not be given often, as it will have a bad effect on digestion; the fat content of the drink should be low.
Quail eggs in raw or boiled crushed form are suitable as a delicacy and natural beneficial substances.
Premium dry food
Ready-to-eat dry food is selected from the premium class (AATU Cat with Chicken, Now Natural Holistic Adult Cat, Carnilove Duck&Turkey, Hill's Science Plan Feline Adult Optimal Care with Rabbit, Acana Wild Prairie).
Feeding frequency
For 1 kg of adult cat weight - 20 g of food. It should consist of half meat, and the second part of the portion is filled with porridge or vegetables. Boiled meat should be chopped in a meat grinder or into small cubes. Dairy products are not served more than 3 times a week, eggs - no more than 4 times, fish and liver are recommended for the diet - up to 2 times a week.
To remove hairballs from the stomach, the cat must be given a paste (Beaphar Malt Paste, Nutri-Vet Pet-Ease, Beaphar Duo Active Paste, Gimpet Multi-Vitamin Paste Extra, selected according to the doctor’s recommendations).
To fully obtain the elements necessary for the pet’s health, the cat is given vitamin complexes (AniVital FeliDerm, Polidex Immunity up, Agrovetzaschita Radostin - in tablets; Beaphar Laveta Super.Petvital Energy, Nutri-Vet Probiotics Salmon Oil, VetExpert VetAminex, VitOkey - in liquid form).
Fresh grass and sprouted oats will be useful in digestion.
Appearance care
Regardless of the length of the coat, it is necessary to comb out fur and clumps using a slicker brush, a rubber brush or glove, a furminator and an iron brush.
Grooming will allow you to remove excess fur, especially during the molting period, and avoid large volumes from entering the stomach when licking.
Washing is carried out at least 2 times a month for long-haired cats, and no more than 1 time in 1.5 months for short-haired cats. At a water temperature of 39 degrees. Bath procedures are carried out using cat shampoos (Jerob Herbal shampoo, BioGroom Proteine-lanoline, Royal Groom, Tropiclean “Papaya”, Rolf Club, Veda Fitoelita, Iv San Bernard Banana).
Grooming
When purchasing shampoo, you should consider the length of the coat and follow the recommendations on the packaging.
Ear cleaning should be done once a week, thoroughly cleaning the auricle with a lint-free piece of cloth or a thin cotton pad.
The eyes are wiped with lotion or chamomile solution daily.
Teeth brushing is carried out with a silicone brush once every 2 days. If the cat does not allow thorough cleaning, oral hygiene is supplemented with toothpaste for cats.
Claws are trimmed as they grow. Only the transparent part is cut with special scissors without damaging the shape.
Castration and sterilization
Kittens of this breed are not sold for breeding, or there are strict rules according to which the American Bobtail can breed in the nursery itself. Representatives of this breed are sold already spayed or neutered and have a corresponding mark in the pedigree.
Exhibition participant
The operation is performed at 8-10 months of age by the breeder.
In order to maintain the purity of the breed, self-breeding of bobtails is prohibited, at least their kittens cannot be registered with TICA as purebred.
Nutritional Features
This is a fairly unpretentious breed of cat. The American Bobtail can be fed both commercial and natural food. In the first case, preference should be given to trusted manufacturers that have proven themselves in the world market. Industrial cat food should not contain any artificial colors or preservatives. It is important that it contains a sufficient amount of meat or fish components and vegetables.
Those who plan to feed their pet natural food need to remember that the basis of the cat's menu should be beef, chicken, turkey or lamb. In addition, your furry pet should be regularly given lean sea or ocean fish, cleaned of bones. Also, the American Bobtail's diet must include boiled eggs, fresh cottage cheese and some vegetables. Since the cat's body needs dietary fiber, the animal should be given access to grass. This could be alfalfa, spinach, fenugreek, thyme, chamomile or fennel.
How to choose a kitten
The American Bobtail is a favorite of many cat lovers. This is a very beautiful, interesting and playful species. Seeing a photo of this cute pet, many immediately fall in love with it. But how to choose a kitten, and what to look for?
First, you need to decide on the sex of the cat; the behavior and care of your pet will depend on this. In addition, it is worth deciding on the type and class of the cat. Today there are several classes: breed, pet and show, which differ in the principle of breeding.
The important thing is why exactly you want to have a pet. If just for home living, then you can choose any of the classes. If the cat attends exhibitions, then the owner better pay attention to the show class, this is a special species with a full set of striking characteristics of the breed. The breed class is intended for breeding purebred kittens and is best suited for those who want to breed pets for themselves or for sale.
The American Bobtail is a very independent and intelligent cat. But it is worth noting that the best period for purchasing an animal is about three months old. It is better to make a purchase exclusively in specialized nurseries; the pet must have a passport with all the data about it.
Sources
- https://hvost.news/animals/cats-breeds/amerikanskiy-bobteyl/
- https://catfishes.ru/amerikanskij-bobtejl/
- https://zooclub.ru/koshki/porody-koshek/amerikanskiy-bobteyl.shtml
What should you not give to your cat?
Since the enzymatic pathways of these animals are not adapted to break down plant protein, their diet should not contain corn, wheat and legumes. You should not give your American Bobtail fresh milk. This product often causes diarrhea and other digestive problems. Although some dry foods contain grapes and raisins, these berries should not be on your furry pet's menu. Regular consumption of these products is fraught with kidney failure.
Sweets and chocolate are no less harmful to the cat’s body. They contain large amounts of glucose and carbohydrates, which are not absorbed by the animal’s gastrointestinal tract. Onions and garlic often lead to poisoning and anemia, so they should be permanently excluded from the American Bobtail menu.
Care and maintenance of purebred cats
Every week you need to examine your cat's ears and eyes and wipe them with a cotton swab. Long-haired representatives should be combed regularly to prevent the hair from matting and forming tangles.
It is recommended to brush your animal's teeth every month with a special brush and special toothpaste. If the owner cannot carry out the procedure on his own, then such services are offered by a veterinary clinic.
Note! There is no need to cut your nails. Immediately after purchasing a pet, he is taught to use a cat scratching post.
Possible health problems
With proper care, representatives of this breed can live from thirteen to fifteen years. American Bobtails are distinguished by good health and excellent immunity. They are not prone to genetic diseases. However, the absence of tail vertebrae can cause certain problems with the musculoskeletal system. Sometimes they are diagnosed with hip dysplasia. As a rule, this hereditary disease is accompanied by arthrosis and lameness.
Some individuals are prone to food allergies and skin dermatitis. Improper feeding can be a trigger for the development of diabetes. This is due to the fact that carbohydrate foods predominate in the animal’s menu. To avoid the occurrence of this disease, the cat’s diet should consist mainly of meat and fish.
Advantages and disadvantages
The Yankee cat is a wonderful companion and a very beautiful pet, with whom you will always have a huge space for games and entertainment in your home. The breed has much more advantages than disadvantages, but we will still highlight some of them:
- The shedding of long-haired bobtails is very often of interest to future owners who are concerned about the abundance of hair in the house. In the absence of allergic reactions and regular care, your pet's fur can cause minimal discomfort.
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system appear with age and in the absence of good living conditions. Well-groomed cats that lead an active and mobile lifestyle, as well as regularly visit the veterinarian, live long and happy lives.
- The high cost of kittens is justified by the fact that the breed is relatively young and rare. Cats of the breed are bred in North America; outside its borders it is extremely difficult to find an individual of the breed.
Advantages of the breed:
- Loyalty is a pronounced trait of the American Bobtail breed. For such a cat, the owner is the whole world, and he will follow him everywhere.
- The character of the American Bobtail is very friendly and loyal to everyone who comes his way. Children, pets, guests - everyone will love the bobtail, especially if they show themselves in games or treats.
Pets of this breed get along easily with their own kind, children and other family members
- These cats are very smart: they can fetch things in their teeth, open doors and pull objects out of hard-to-reach places. They will always try to surprise you and can even be trained.
- Representatives of this breed really do not like mess, like many cats, they are very clean and always keep their fur in proper condition.
