American Bobtail - description of the breed and character of the cat

American Bobtail is the breed of cats with long hair and short tail. They have a special look of the hunter, a specific, slightly wobbling gait. These characteristics, along with external data like a short tail, make the animal look like a wild cat.

Representatives of this American breed of animals are very attached to their owner, and they are also pretty smart. And these are not just words, because their level of intelligence is noted above average, if we talk about feline intelligence in general.

Breed history

Homeland of cats of this species is considered North America. American bobtails 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.Found the animal was in Arizona, in an area that was under the control of the Indians. Bobtail was named Yodi, he had the same short tail, and his coat had a brown color. So the first representative of this species moved to Iowa.

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

The main characteristics of the 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 belong to this species. The listed features were 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 a cat is slightly wide, if we compare the ratio of its length and width. The zygomatic part and the area of ​​the whisker pads have expressive outlines.
2. The ears of the animal are larger than average. Their ends are rounded, and representatives of this breed can and it is even a desirable condition to have tassels at the ends. The location of the ears is proportional, the distance between them is not narrow and not wide. The ears continue the shape of the head, harmoniously fitting into the overall look.
3. If we talk about the eyes of a cat, they are always quite large and expressive. Their shape is almost almond-shaped. Their peculiarity 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 only applies if we are talking about specific colors like sepia with mink and color point.
4. The shape of the nose is quite wide, if we compare 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. The length of the body, despite the weight and overall size of the cat, is average. They do not have elegance, their body resembles a rectangle, where the thighs of an animal and its chest are considered to be the most expressive part. American bobtail has a developed muscular system, so his body looks athletic and powerful.
6. Limbs of medium length, sometimes more. They look pretty powerful, but despite this, they are proportional to the total weight of the cat. Since some members of this species have long hair, there should be tufts of hairs on the legs and between the pads on the legs.
7. The tail of this breed is short, but it is quite flexible. His minimum length is 2.5 centimeters, but if we talk about kittens, it may even be less than the figure presented. The longest tail of a bobtail can reach 8 centimeters, but can no longer be. Its shape can be curved, and maybe straight. It all depends on the individual characteristics of the animal.

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

Wool color

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

But bobtails can be with color-colourpoint type, as well as solid with a cake. Animals of all colors black and brown are also allowed, as well as the colors of cinnamon. There are also chocolate, purple, as well as red and cream types.

Animal character

The advantage of cats of this breed is their loving nature. They do not single out someone specifically from the family in which they live, but can adore all who enter it.Therefore, they are considered real pets. This is said by many who once decided to take the American bobtail to their homes.

Despite their kind of wild cat, they are pretty gentle creatures. They can not be called lazy and lazy, but also hyperactive also can not be called. So it is worth considering this fact when buying an animal. It will not annoy the owners of excessive activity, and run around the apartment, but also play with him from time to time.

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

As already noted, the representatives of this breed are quite clever creatures, so they will be able to show their ingenuity, if for him to arrange a kind of quests. For example, to close an animal in a cage or room, where the exit is meant to be found.

Wildlife of an animal implies the presence of hunting instincts. American bobtails love to catch insects, as well as playing with objects and toys that look like prey.

American Bobtail Care

Representatives of this species were originally bred through natural selection, which made them quite strong and healthy animals of the animal world.The wild world dictates its own rules, therefore cats have not only good health, but also have 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 the good health of the cat, you need to care for your pet. Caring for an American bobtail does not imply performing complex actions, so keeping it simple is enough.

1. The long hair of an animal does not go astray into mats, but nevertheless the cat should be combed at least once a week so that it is not shaggy. Need to comb and short-haired animals.
2. In addition, the animal must clean the tooth. If the owner does not know how to do this, you can contact a specialist for help. Once a month it will be enough that the teeth do not cause problems for the animal.
3. Do not forget about the ears and eyes. It is necessary to check their cleanliness once a week and clean if necessary. As for the eyes, they should be cleaned, 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 the usual human food, and, especially, sweets. Because this food can negatively affect their health.

Cats of this breed should be fed mainly with proteins, that is, meat. Because fats with carbohydrates in the body of the animal are very poorly digested. The result of feeding the animal carbohydrates can be weight gain. But this does not end there, because the cat may develop diabetes.

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

American Bobtail Cost

Where can one buy

As already mentioned, the main nurseries that sell kittens are located abroad, namely in the USA.The countries of the former Soviet Union can not boast of the presence of such nurseries, so you can buy an animal only from breeders.

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

Video: American Bobtail