AMERICAN BOBTAIL

The American Bobtail is a relatively new and uncommon breed of cat most notable for its stubby "bobbed" tail about half the length of a normal cat's tail. This is the result of a genetic mutation affecting the tail development, similar to that of a Manx . The cat is not related to the Japanese Bobtail despite the similar name and physical type — the breeding programs are entirely unrelated and the gene causing the mutation is entirely different.

American bobtails are a very sturdy breed, with both short or longhaired coats. Their coat is shaggy rather than dense or fluffy. They can have any colour of eyes and fur, with a strong emphasis on the "wild" tabby appearance in show animals. American Bobtails are of above average intelligence as they were developed by nature to survive rough and feral environments. The American Bobtail is a medium to large, naturally occurring, bobtailed cat. It is a noticeably athletic animal, well muscled, with the appearance of power. The body is moderately long and substantial, with a noticeable rectangular stance.

ORIGIN: In the late 1960s a young couple discovered a bobtail brown tabby male kitten on an Indian reservation in Southern Arizona. They fell in love with this unique cat and subsequently bred him to a long tail female; the resulting offspring were born with bobtails. Thus the American Bobtail breed was born. According to this legend, bobtails are the result of a crossbreeding between a domestic tabby cat and a bobcat . Although this IS genetically possible, the unusual tail is believed by scientists to be actually the result of a random genetic mutation, how to explain other feral components found in this breed still remains to be explained.

STANDARD: Any genetically possible color or combination of colors is allowed. Preference shall be given to colors and patterns that enhance the natural wild appearance of the breed.

Other links: CFA TICA ACFA FBRL

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