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Story of American Shorthair Cat Breed
The American Bobtail is a relatively new cat breed that is said to have originated from a spontaneous gene mutation. The history of the breed is as follows – the American couple John and Brenda Sanders, while traveling near an Indian reservation in Iowa, found a stray kitten.
Its distinguishing feature was the almost complete absence of a tail. Naturally, the couple was extremely interested in such a characteristic, and they decided to take it with them. The kitten was named Yodi, he showed himself to be a good, smart, affectionate cat. Later, the pet was crossed with an ordinary domestic cat (she had a tail of normal length), but the short tail gene remained. Accordingly, the kittens also had a short tails.
A friend of the couple, named Mindy Schultz, saw the potential for a new cat breed and crossed several female kittens with a long-haired male. We can say that this moment is considered the beginning of the American Bobtail breed. Somewhat later, Mindy added to the crossbreeding of the Himalayan, Burmese, and a cross between Siamese and Himalayan cats. Around 1970, she also drew up the primary standards for the new breed.
However, later breeders, in the eighties of the last century, made significant adjustments to the breeding program and standards, as significant inbreeding was observed, which was unacceptable and could adversely affect the health of future generations. Following this, cat fancier organizations gradually began to recognize the American Bobtail breed. Although there are exceptions that exist to this day, for example, in Germany, the American Bobtail breed is not fully recognized and is not allowed to be shown.
Description of American Shorthair Cat Breed
Despite the fact that the breed is considered tailless, the tail is still present, and it is rarely the same length. Buying this breed of cats in your native country is quite simple, but in Ukraine, it is more difficult.
These are large cats with a mass of variations in shades, the American Bobtail is black, cream, and white or tricolor, they are equally common. They have a proportional head with ears of medium size, and limbs of medium length.
If you want to give yourself and your children a wonderful gift for many years to come, this is one of the best family breeds. The average life expectancy is 15 years.
The personality of the American Shorthair Cat Breed
In general, these are good cats who have adopted the best features from their ancestors participating in the breeding program. Their kindness and affectionate nature are manifested literally in everything, including in relation to children – we can say that this is an excellent breed of cats for a family with a child.
They love to play, and they are active, although at the same time they can lie on their knees for hours. On the one hand, the American Bobtail loves each member of his family, on the other hand, he is likely to choose one person to whom he will be selflessly devoted.
Love for games, excellent reaction, and coordination of movements allow these cats to even catch objects on the fly. The American Bobtail is devoid of the painful perception of lack of attention. That is, he will not strive to lie down on your keyboard if you are carried away by the game or work and forgot about your pet a little. Also, he will not meow loudly, on the contrary, this can be said to be a very intelligent cat.
Nature has endowed him with a sharp mind, thanks to which he is well versed in the situation around him, understands when they are talking about him, and is sometimes able to defuse a tense family situation. Balance and good disposition allow you to get along well with other pets.
Common diseases in the American Shorthair Cat Breed
Modern cats, the American Bobtail breed, do not have any predispositions to skeletal diseases associated with the short tail gene. As well as other specific health problems, that is, in general, these are healthy and strong pets.
An exception is the heightened perception of raw cow’s milk – it can cause a slight intestinal upset. However, this is rare and not systematic.
Care of American Shorthair Cat Breed
This breed of cat is both shorthaired and longhaired, which implies different care. A short-haired cat is enough to comb out a couple of times a month, while a long-haired cat needs more frequent and thorough care, at least once a week.
In addition, do not forget to clean your ears from deposits and dirt in time, brush your teeth (this can be done every other day), and trim your nails. Remember to bathe your pet, which can be done a couple of times a month.
