The cat is one of the most common pets. There are many different breeds of these charming pets. Today we will talk about the unusual tailless seals that have a non-standard appearance.
History of origin
Before delving into all the characteristics of the original tailless cats, you should learn about the history of their origin.
Stories associated with the appearance of cats without tails, shrouded in a huge number of different legends, tales and conjectures. For example, there is a belief that once a cat was late for planting animals in Noah's ark, and the tail was pinched by the door. In Thailand, there is another interesting legend, which says that there were Thai beauties who used short cat tails to preserve jewelry and jewelry.
There are other unusual and fabulous stories about the appearance of tailless baleen pets.
Modern studies suggest that changes in the length of the tail of such individuals are due to the mutation of certain genes. It was secured by a number of breeding works, because people liked such unusual animals.
All species of tailless cats can be divided into two main subgroups:
- menksy;
- bobtails.
All other existing varieties of these animals arose precisely on the basis of these groups. Most likely, these lines developed in parallel to each other, or could be imported into a certain time interval from one area to another. Currently, it is impossible to establish this fact exactly.
Bobtails originate in Japan. For the first time these individuals got there on merchant ships in 530-540 BC. According to the legends, in those days they still had tails. However, the fear of the evil forces that are enclosed in the forked tail of the divine cat Nekomats, which brought people sickness and death, led to the fact that they were soon cut off.
The animals, which had no tails, began to be called Maneki-neko. It was believed that such pets carry their owner wealth, luck and happiness. Such actions with respect to tails for many years eventually led to a particular gene mutation, and kittens with a very short pompon tail began to appear. The Japanese were extremely happy about this phenomenon. They believed that by a similar method they managed to defeat the evil god with the help of their pet talismans.
There is an opinion that cats at the instinct level bite their kittens off their tails to protect them from unpleasant consequences. Another version states that the mutation occurred on its own, without external human influence. The Japanese only secured it with breeding methods.
As for the Manx breed, it was born on the Isle of Man, which is located next to the UK. From there representatives of this subspecies were distributed throughout Europe and America. It is believed that the ancestors of these animals are British short-haired cats, in which the tailless mutation was preserved selectively.
The first mentions of cats without tails were made in 1750. Because of their compact size and isolation, such animals interbred with each other. Due to such actions in the future, other representatives of the breed with very short tails were born. From the very beginning, all these animals had short hair, but the long hair was considered a deviation from the norm.However, over time, the long-haired Menksy began to be bred in Canada as representatives of a separate breed.
Popular breeds
As you can see, the history of unusual tailless cats is very eventful and fabulous. Currently, there are many interesting breeds represented by animals with such an external feature. Let's get to know them better.
Cymric
This is a beautiful British tailless kitty. The first mention of it dates back to 1750. The birthplace of these animals is the British Isle of Man, mentioned above. Cute-looking Cymriks have the following external features:
- the average weight of adults varies from 4 to 6 kg;
- they have a very delicate and silky fur of impressive length and characteristic “pants” on the legs;
- the color of these animals is widely varied: there are white, blue, cream, silver, smoky, red and many other individuals;
- the Cymrika's body is of medium size, and the paws are distinguished by a muscular structure;
- the ears rounded at the tips are wide and have an average length;
- Cymric eyes are large and rounded (the color echoes the color of the fur);
- instead of the tail there is a small prominent cartilage.
Cats belonging to this breed are characterized by a very soft, friendly and docile character. They get along well with people and other animals with which they live on the same territory. Cymric is not afraid of water, so easily tolerates any bath procedures.
The intelligence of this animal is well developed. Cymric quickly masters new teams and understands the intonation of the host.
Pixie bob
Cats of this breed are not so common. Their average weight is usually from 5 to 10 kg. They are distinguished by their powerful physique, broad chest and rather heavy bones. The head of the pixie-bean has a large size, there is a large chin in width. The eyes of the animal are set deep and differ in medium size. Pixie-bob ears grow with rounded tips and tassels on them.
Cats of this breed belong to the long-haired category. However, standards allow shorthair individuals. The chopped off tail of these animals is no more than 5 cm. The tip of this part is blunt and has creases.
These pets are very devoted to their owner. They are curious and do not know what aggression is. In addition, purebred pixie bob usually behaves actively. These animals do not require complicated care, but they are big fans of food.
A person should always follow the diet of these pets, so that they do not suffer from obesity.
Manx
Manx is the cat from Noah's Ark. Most of all these animals are common in America and Scandinavian countries. On the territory of the CIS and Europe Manks can be met extremely rarely. These animals are distinguished by a perfectly developed hunting instinct, but at the same time their character is friendly and pleasant to man. Manx really likes active games.
True, we must remember that these cats do not know how to climb trees.
The external data of these animals are as follows:
- wide chest and head rounded;
- middle nose with a neat transition from the forehead line;
- large eyes without slanting, may have different colors;
- wide ears with rounded tips;
- medium sized round body with slightly square silhouette;
- powerful paws with round pads and well-developed muscles;
- the tail is either not at all or it protrudes slightly from several vertebrae with a slightly curved end;
- wool long and plush, any color.
Kuril Bobtail
There was this beautiful breed in the Kuril Islands. Seals related to it have the following basic external data:
- strong body of medium size;
- a large head with a rounded profile and a large chin;
- big eyes, shaped like a nut;
- the ears are medium in size, triangular in shape;
- powerful paws, round pads;
- the tail is very small - in the form of a pompom or a fluffy tassel;
- hair is semi-long, may have different shades;
- the average weight of individuals is from 4 to 7 kg.
Representatives of this breed differ playful and inquisitive character. They have a wonderful memory and well-developed hunter instinct. Kuril bobtail very quickly masters new teams. These cats easily get along in families where there are children.
Another important advantage of a cat of this breed is the lack of fear of water. Kuril bobtail can be safely washed. In most cases, these animals calmly respond to such hygienic procedures. Individuals of this breed shed little, do not mark the territory.
American Bobtail
This breed is relatively young. American bobtail has a very attractive and pretty appearance, as well as a short but movable tail. Today there are no specific norms and standards of this breed, because its representatives are still at the stage of improvement. If we consider the description of such cats briefly, it is worth highlighting the following basic data:
- strong and muscular large body;
- wedge-shaped head with pronounced cheekbones and wide-set straight ears;
- middle length chunky legs;
- oval or almond-shaped eyes, the color of which most often coincides with the coloring of the coat;
- rather thick and stiff undercoat, wool may have different lengths and colors;
- The average weight of an adult individual is from 3 to 5 kg.
American Bobtail perfectly feels the mood of the owner. Cats of this breed rarely single out only one owner - they are equally strongly attached to all family members. These pets behave calmly and appeasably. They like to walk in the fresh air and play a lot.
American Bobtail boasts well-developed hunting instincts.
Japanese bobtail
This is an ancient breed of cats. These pets have a tail of a unique shape - it has unusual bends and creases. Externally, the tail of the Japanese bobtail looks more like a pom-pom, but if you straighten it, it will be 7-9 cm.
Standards of representatives of this breed are as follows:
- slender physique with well developed muscles;
- powerful and long legs;
- the average weight of adults is from 3 to 5 kg;
- the head has characteristic angular bends, the muzzle is slightly elongated, and the nose is elongated;
- the ears are not very large, have rounded tips with a wide base;
- the eyes are expressive and very cute, oval;
- Wool cover is short and can have very different colors.
The character of these charming pets is friendly. They should be educated from an early age. Since such a bobtail has a fairly well developed intellect, it quickly learns everything new, but at times it can be a little naughty.
A pet cannot be physically punished under any circumstances; instead, competently conduct explanatory conversations. Often, it is these methods that help wean the animal away from bad habits.
Content Features
If you decide to acquire an unusual cat or cat without a tail, then you should take into account that such pets must be kept in optimal and comfortable conditions for them. Only with the observance of this requirement can we talk about the quality of life of the animal.
Create for tailless pet ideal conditions of detention is not difficult. Arrange for him a good place to sleep. In the pet stores you can pick up a beautiful "cot" for a cat of any age. There are also designs combined with game mazes and claws. It is possible to choose the perfect option for every taste, color and budget.
Buy quality bowls and drinkers for the cat. It is advisable to purchase containers that are made of safe and environmentally friendly materials.It is best to put food and pour water into two separate bowls so that they do not mix, turning into porridge. Keep your bowls clean. Both the water tank and the feeder should always be washed.
Pick the right tray. You can buy an open or closed option. The latter are expensive, and not all cats agree to use such a unit. For a little kitten it is better to buy an open tray and low sides. For an adult individual, it is necessary to buy a model with high sides, so that the area around is not littered with the remains of the filler.
It is necessary to choose a filler that absorbs smell well and is easy to clean. In addition, the filling tray should suit the pet.
What to feed?
Seals that do not have a tail, it is necessary to provide a balanced and proper nutrition. Experts recommend giving such pets natural food, but not the one that people eat, but cooked separately. Food for animals should not contain sugar, salt, seasonings, spices, marinade, sauces (mayonnaise, ketchup and the like) and other additives.
In the food must be present meat, but not fat, and diet: beef, veal, turkey, chicken. You can give a variety of offal. In addition to meat, in the diet of such pets should be added cereals, such as buckwheat, oatmeal and wheat. It is necessary to give the cats eggs, cottage cheese, fermented baked milk, fat-free kefir. Allowed vegetables, crackers, rye bread.
If feeding a pet with natural products seems to be too troublesome and troublesome, you can turn to ready-made industrial feeds. It can be either a dry product, or a paste or pieces in a gravy. However, we must not forget that the finished cat food should belong only to the premium or super premium class, but not lower. Budget products, especially if given to a cat often, can provoke a large number of different health problems, so their use should be abandoned.
For thoroughbred tailless seals, it is recommended to purchase feed, which contains only natural ingredients of high quality. It is advisable not to take options that contain flavorings, flavor enhancers, preservatives of unknown origin and other dubious components. Before buying feed, it is better to familiarize yourself with its composition, which is usually applied to the original packaging.
Small kittens should not be given dry granular feed, since their teeth are not yet prepared for this. An exception can only be products that are designed for baleen and tailless pets at an early age.
How to care?
Kittens who do not have a tail, you must provide proper care. Consider what to do.
- If the pet is long-haired, its coat must be regularly combed with a medium comb.
- It is necessary to clean the eyes and ears of a pedigree cat as they become dirty. To do this, usually use cotton swabs dipped in boric acid or other suitable means.
- It is very important to monitor the health of the cat's teeth. You should brush your pet's teeth with a special brush and paste. You can visit the vet from time to time so that he removes the stone formed on the teeth.
- It is equally important to take care of the claws of the animal. Watch them grow. As soon as you notice that the claws have grown up, they should be carefully cut off using a special claw cutter.
- Do not forget to visit the vet. He will tell you what vaccinations should be done and identify the disease in the early stages.
- Kota must be promptly bathed. Water should be warm. Too hot or too cold liquid to float cannot be. It is necessary to use only special shampoos for animals that are sold in many pet stores. It is advisable to buy high-quality branded shampoos.
- If you notice that a tailless animal is behaving strangely or is not feeling very well, a yellowish discharge has appeared from the peephole or nose, you should visit the vet as soon as possible. You also need to pay attention to the state of the anus of tailless cats - these individuals most often have inflammation of this area. In this case, you must immediately go to the veterinarian.
About cats breed Kuril Bobtail, see the following video.