[ad_1]
Over the years, breeders have selectively bred house cats to display and pass on a wide variety of unique traits, from patterned long fur to specific eye colors and face shapes and much, much more. Perhaps one of the most unique features of all types of bobtail cats, however, is their cute little “sniffer” tail. This trait is observable in breeds such as the Manx and the American Bobtail, among many others.
Interestingly, the bobtail trait originally resulted from a totally random genetic mutation in domestic short-haired cats. Beginning in the 1960s and 1970s, however, breeders began selectively breeding these individual cats to create a diverse array of different bobtail breeds. Let’s take a look at the many breeds of bobtail cats below! We’ll explore how and when they came to be and what makes them so special!
1. Japanese Bobtail
While most bobtail breeds only gained popularity quite recently, historians believe that Japanese bobtails have been around since the 17th century! The breed is generally regarded as a lucky guy in Japanese culture. In addition, these handsome cats are thought to bring good luck, happiness and prosperity to their owners.
The Japanese Bobtail comes in many coat colors and patterns. These range from solid white and brown to unique patterns such as van, tricolor, two-tone, and harlequin. As you might imagine, its most defining trait is its short, knobby tail. By breed standards, the Japanese Bobtail’s tail must have “at least one curve, kink, or angle” in its structure. The breed is recognized by almost every major organization that registers purebred cats. Currently the only exception is the UK Governing Council of the Cat Fancy.
Incredibly, each individual Japanese Bobtail cat has its own unique, specific tail shape. No two are exactly alike! However, the tail (again, by the breed standard) should not extend more than two inches from the cat’s body.
Japanese Bobtails are among the oldest surviving cat breeds in the world. Japanese artists have depicted the Japanese Bobtail in ancient works of art such as paintings and prints for centuries. Strangely, however, these cats did not arrive in America until 1968.
2. Manx
Hailing from the Isle of Man off the coast of the United Kingdom sometime in the early 1800s, the Manx is a short-tailed cat that is one of the many descendants of the African wildcat. Although the bobtail trait is just a natural genetic mutation, urban legends and folktales suggest that this type of bobtail cat was somehow brought to the Isle of Man across the Irish Sea.
Other common names for the Manx are “stubbin” and “rumpy” cats. Both names come from the Manx language native to the Isle of Man. Because the island is so small and biodiversity is so limited, the Manx and its tailless trait spread very quickly among the native cat populations in the area.
The main characteristic of the Manx is its close-cropped tail, although many cat lovers also admire the breed for its playful and “dog-like” temperament. These energetic, curious cats can present themselves in a variety of eye colors, coat colors, and coat patterns. They can also have long or short coats, although short hair is more common. Manx cats are also loved for their short, stocky bodies and round heads with wide, also round eyes, giving them a cuddly, round appearance.
3. American Bobtail
The result of another random genetic mutation, the American Bobtail breed was officially developed by breeders and recognized by various organizations in the US starting in the 1960s. American Bobtails have a similar appearance to typical American Shorthair cats, apart from their bobbed tails. They can also have a wide variety of coat lengths, colors and patterns. However, long haired individuals with color points are considered more desirable.
In particular, the cropped tail of this particular breed tends to be slightly longer than many other well-known bobtail breeds. Individuals can have tails that range from small nubs one inch to four inches long. All kinds of bends, bends and kinks in the cats’ tails are also quite common.
In terms of their temperament, American Bobtails are energetic, athletic and alert. They are also highly intelligent and curious, and the breed is especially a good choice for families with children or other cats and animals. In addition, they are very adaptable and welcome sudden changes in their environment. This trait makes American Bobtails great pets for travelers or those who tend to be always on the move.
4. Pixie Bob
The roots of the Pixie bob breed are quite recent! This breed originated in Washington in the mid-1980s and was created by Carol Ann Brewer.
Incredibly, the kittens from the first litter of Pixie-bobs were direct descendants of “legend” cats, which are naturally occurring cats with wild american bobcat and house cat parents. Over time, breeders carefully developed the breed to make these cats resemble wild bobcats as closely as possible. Fortunately, however, no captive American bobcats were used to produce this type of bobtail cat.
After Brewer successfully bred the first litter of Pixie bobs, she started a breeding program for them in 1986. The breed’s name comes from the name of one of the kittens of the first litter, a bitch named Pixie, who was the basis of the breed. Over time, Brewer introduced other cats to the breeding program, and what we now know as the Pixie bob was born.
Beginning in 1993, the International Cat Association officially recognized the breed, and several other organizations eventually followed suit. The American Cat Fanciers’ Association finally recognized the breed in 2005.
Like their bobcat ancestors, Pixie bob cats are heavily muscled and athletic with distinctly spotted coats. Interestingly, polydactyly is common in Pixie bobs with some individuals having up to seven toes on each paw!
5. Highlander
ea
rs to their bobbed tail and lynx-like appearance.
Also commonly known to breeders as the Highlander Shorthair or the Highland Lynx, the Highlander breed is very new. The International Cat Association (TICA) did not recognize the breed until 2008. Highlander cats are a unique mix of the Desert Lynx and Jungle Curl breeds, resulting in a distinctive bobtail cat with curly ears.
The Highlander breed was originally developed in 2004 by breeders who wanted to create a small, domestic breed with the aesthetics of a wild, large cat such as a lynx or a bobcat. Over the next decade, a small group of breeders further refined the Highlander cat, and in 2016 TICA moved the breed from the preliminary new breed class to the advanced new breed category.
Highlander cats have a strikingly unique appearance, with their ears resembling those of a american curl and their faces have great, distinct features. Coat colors range from tabby to different types of color points, although most registry organizations do not consider two-tone cats to be a breed standard. Both shorthair and longhair variations are common. Like their parent breeds, Highlanders are muscular, athletic and have the general appearance of a “big cat” in a small, cuddly package.
In temperament, Highlander cats are extremely friendly, outgoing, and confident. They are more active than most domesticated breeds and enjoy swimming, human interaction and lots of outdoor activities.
6. Cymric (Long Hair Manx)
The Cymric breed is unusual, as many cat registry organizations simply consider it a long-haired variant of the Manx breed. Aside from the length of his luxurious double coat, this particular type of bobtail cat is almost identical to the Manx. Interestingly, it’s common for Manx cats to produce both long- and short-haired kittens, sometimes even within the same litter!
Like Manx cats, Cymric cats have short, bobbed tails, slightly plump, rounded bodies and rounded heads. Some individuals known as ‘rumpies’ can be completely tailless while those with very short bobbed tails are also affectionately referred to as ‘stumpies’.
These bobtail cats have an odd gait due to their unique body shape, which makes their rears sit slightly higher than their front legs. Funnily enough, this makes them look like fuzzy, round fur balls when they run in a run.
The Cymric’s personality is also very similar to that of the Manx. Sweet, friendly and pleasant to people, these “dog-like” cats make a great addition to any home, especially those with children or other cats.
7. Kurilian Bobtail
Originating from the Russian Kuril Islands, the original short-haired Kurilian Bobtail has been around for over 200 years! Other names for this breed include the Kuril Bobtail, Kuril Islands Bobtail, and the Curilsk Bobtail. The breed has evolved naturally for many generations without human intervention. However, in recent years, breeders have further spread the breed around the world and solidified breed standard characteristics.
Like the Manx and Cymric breeds, the Kurilian Bobtail also has very long, muscular hind legs compared to its front legs. While this quality gives the Kurilian Bobtail an odd, uneven gait, it also means the cat is a strong jumper. It is also quite common for individuals to have spiral tails with kinks or curves.
Because of their unique athletic build, these types of bobtail cats are very active and enjoy a lot of exercise, especially outdoors. In fact, Kurilian Bobtails love water and swimming, as their thick, water-resistant coats keep their bodies well insulated.
Affectionate, friendly and highly energetic, Kurilian Bobtail cats make excellent pets that can adapt to a variety of households and lifestyles. Make sure you keep a pet rodents, birds, or fish away from them, as they have a strong natural hunting instinct.
[ad_2]
Source link