About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 43-48 cm

Height range  : 23-25cm

Weight range : 3.2-8.2kg

Coat : Longhair and shorthair / double coat / resilient / non-matting / semi-dense in shorthair and medium-long slightly shaggy in longhair.

Life expectancy years : 13-15 (depends on health situation)

Colors: black, brown, gray, cinnamon, chocolate, blue, lilac, red, fawn, cream, white, tabby, smoke, pointed, lynx point, mink, bi-color, parti-color.

Activitity Level : Moderate

Origin: United States

Similar Breeds : Bengal, Japanese Bobtail, Pixie-Bob

 

History

The breed concept began in the late 1960s with a brown tabby bobtailed stray named Yodie in Arizona that was bred to a seal point Siamese. Breeders then used feral bobtailed cats from across the United States and Canada to develop a diverse breed selected for its slightly wild appearance. The breed is considered a mutation breed because of its short tail and gradually matures over about three years.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

Affectionate

Personality

loving, intelligent, easygoing, adaptable, interactive, gentle, affectionate, independent, tolerant, friendly, calm, playful, loyal, sociable

Needs

Moderate grooming / indoor life / regular play / hunting-style games / companionship / leash walks / environmental enrichment / fresh water.

Social Needs

Forms strong bonds with the whole family and is usually patient with children and compatible with dogs. It is easygoing / tolerant / interactive / and does not tend to be highly vocal though it may trill or chirp.

Grooming 

Weekly brushing or combing is usually sufficient even for longhair cats. Occasional bathing may help with shedding but is not essential. Shedding occurs to some degree with all cats.

Nutrition

Fresh clean water should be available daily. Good weight control and appropriate portion management may help because obesity increases diabetes risk. No breed-specific nutrition beyond balanced cat nutrition and hydration was stated.

 

Breed Standard

The breed standard describes a medium to large naturally bobtailed cat with a rectangular, substantial body, a broad chest, a muscular, athletic appearance, a broad, modified wedge head, large, almost almond-shaped eyes, and a short, flexible, expressive tail. The use of any genetically feasible color or pattern is permitted, with a preference for those that accentuate the wild appearance.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Hip dysplasia / Spinal issues related to bobbed tail / Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy / Dental disease / Diabetes mellitus

 

Symtoms

1. Limping or stiffness 2. Reluctance to jump / bunny-hopping gait 3. Clicking or popping at the hip / hind limb muscle loss

1. Incontinence 2. Chronic constipation 3. Stiff or awkward gait / rear-end soiling

1. Often no early signs 2. Lethargy / rapid or labored breathing / open-mouth breathing 3. Sudden hind limb pain or paralysis from thromboembolism

1. Halitosis 2. Red / swollen / bleeding gums 3. Tartar / drooling / dropping food / chewing on one side

1. Increased thirst and urination 2. Weight loss despite appetite 3. Lethargy / weakness / dull coat / plantigrade stance

Onset of symptoms

 

Hip dysplasia

1. The condition is present from a young age 2. Signs may appear at 1 to 2 years or later with arthritis

Probability Of Onset:

Moderate

Spinal issues related to bobbed tail

1. Congenital 2. Symptoms may appear within the first weeks to months as kittens walk and use the litter box

Probability Of Onset:

Very low

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

1. It can be diagnosed as early as 1 to 2 years 2. Clinical signs often appear in middle-aged to older cats around 5 to 10+ years

Probability Of Onset:

Low to moderate

Dental disease

1. Gingivitis may start as early as 1 year 2. By age 3 many cats have some dental disease

Probability Of Onset:

Very high

Diabetes mellitus

1. Typically middle-aged to older cats 2. Often around 8+ years especially with obesity

Probability Of Onset:

Moderate to high in risk

Reasons

Hip dysplasia       

1. The text indicates this is genetic and lifestyle influenced rather than caused by a simple deficiency 2. Lean body mass support and omega-3 intake may matter for joint support

 

Spinal issues related to bobbed tail:

1. This is structural and not caused by nutritional lack

Spinal issues related to bobbed tail:

1. The content suggests this is structural and not caused by nutritional lack

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy 

1. The text indicates HCM is primarily genetic 2. Taurine deficiency is linked to a different cardiomyopathy rather than HCM

Dental disease

1. Plaque and oral bacteria are the primary cause 2. Abrasive action and dental-supportive nutrients are mentioned in supportive discussion

Diabetes mellitus

1. The text indicates this is a disease of excess rather than deficiency 2. High carbohydrate and calorically dense diets may contribute to obesity and insulin resistance

Normally Treament Methods

Hip dysplasia:

  1. Weight management may be the most important approach
  2. Joint supplements / pain medication / and environmental modification may be used
  3. Femoral head ostectomy may be considered in severe cases

 

Spinal issues related to bobbed tail deficiency :

  1. There is no cure for congenital structural defects
  2. Supportive care may include hygiene management / constipation care / and quality-of-life review
  3. Severe cases may have euthanasia discussed

 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

  1. Echocardiography may be used for diagnosis
  2. Medication may be used to control heart rate / lung congestion / and clot risk
  3. HCM has no known cure but quality of life may improve with management

 

Dental disease:

  1. Daily tooth brushing with feline toothpaste may help prevent disease
  2. Professional dental cleaning under anesthesia may be needed
  3. Extractions may be needed in severe periodontitis

 

Diabetes mellitus:

  1. Insulin and dietary therapy may be used as main treatment
  2. Low-carbohydrate diet and weight control may help
  3. Oral SGLT2 inhibitors may be used in some newly diagnosed cats
  4. Monitoring with blood glucose curves or fructosamine may be used. Ask professional vets for detailed information.

 

Supplements

Hip dysplasia :

  • Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate can/might be helpful for cartilage and joint fluid support.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids EPA/DHA can/might be helpful for reducing inflammation.
  • Green-lipped mussel can/might be helpful for joint support
recommend product

Spinal issues related to bobbed tail

  • B-vitamins especially B12 can/might be helpful for general nerve support.
  • Fiber such as psyllium can/might be helpful for mild constipation support
recommend product

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

  • Taurine and L-carnitine can/might be helpful for supporting heart muscle metabolism if a veterinarian recommends them.
  • Coenzyme Q10 can/might be helpful for cellular energy support.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids can/might be helpful for inflammation support
recommend product

Dental disease

  • Seaweed extract Ascophyllum nodosum can/might be helpful for plaque and tartar support.
  • Water additives can/might be helpful for plaque control.
  • Dental probiotics can/might be helpful for oral bacterial balance
recommend product

Diabetes mellitus

  • Chromium can/might be helpful for insulin sensitivity support.
  • B-vitamins can/might be helpful for nerve support if neuropathy is present
recommend product