Bobtail cats: characteristics, colors and care

Bobtail is a breed of cats that is distinguished by its characteristic features and is unlike any other species. So, one of the characteristic features of a bobtail is the fact that this breed of cats is endowed with hunting abilities. In addition, the described animal species is quite devoted to its owner. What other features are characteristic of the cat's bobtail breed, what are the animals by nature, in what conditions should cats be kept? Find answers to these and some other questions in our material.

The history of the bobtail cat is covered with a veil of mystery. Therefore, it is impossible to say with certainty which country is home to the cat, as well as which breeds became the ancestors of the bobtail. If we talk about the approximate date of appearance, then modern scientists point to the end of the XX century.

Due to the fact that bobtail - This is a breed that possesses pronounced hunting abilities, and also has a peculiar color that is similar to the coloring of a lynx, this cat is popularly called the "home lynx". Animals do not have large sizes - their body is rather compact, however, the body of bobtails is distinguished by well-developed muscles and strong bones.

The distinctive anatomical characteristics of an animal include the structure of its paws: cats have wide paws of medium length that are able to withstand intense loads. The shape of the head of the animal breed bobtail in its outlines resembles a triangle. The cat has a rounded forehead, rather massive cheeks, a prominent chin and a straight nose.

The ears of a bobtail are not large in size, according to this indicator they can be attributed to the average, but they are rather widely divorced and have a slight inclination forward. The eyes also differ in their shape and cut - they are almond-shaped. Their color can vary in a fairly wide range, but the most common is considered yellow-green color.

Special attention should be paid to the cat's wool. It is distinguished by high density and a rather thick undercoat. In addition, a unique feature of the animal's coat is that it is not exposed to moisture, does not get wet.

In nature, there are several varieties of cats bobtail breed. Consider the characteristics of each of them in more detail.

• American. Most often, American bobtails are painted in a unique in nature coloring tabby. Because of this, in appearance they resemble a wild lynx. This species was born in the 1960s in the United States of America thanks to the efforts of breeders. Despite the fact that very little time had passed since that time, the breed managed to spread throughout the world and win the love of many.

• Kuril Already by its very name, you can guess that the Kuril Islands are the birthplace of this animal.This breed was officially registered in 1991. A distinctive feature of animals is the tail - it is rather small in size, but very fluffy. Most often, animals have short hair and are smooth-haired, the undercoat is also quite weak. From the anatomical point of view, the structure of the head is of interest - it has a trapezoidal shape. The most pronounced traits of an animal are loyalty and loyalty.

• Japanese. The Japanese bobtail cat is an animal with a very short tail. It is believed that in ancient times such a cat lived in the palace of the Japanese emperor and was considered there as a real decoration, revered by all. By Japanese standards, this animal looks very attractive, so it was wound up in many houses of the country. In addition, they were very useful to their owners - animals guarded the home from rodents. As for the nature and behavior of animals, they are distinguished by playfulness, activity and affectionate disposition. Among the representatives of the Japanese species of breed bobtail can be found both long-haired and short-haired cats.

• Mekong (or Thai). The Mekong type of bobtail is distinguished by a high level of intelligence, sociability and contact with people, as well as a rather long period of its life. The color of the Mekong variety of cats resembles the color of Siamese cats and is specifically named color-point.

• Karelian. This breed is considered originally Russian. The tail of the animal, like other representatives of this breed, has a very short length, which ranges from 4 to 13 centimeters. Karelian Bobtails adapt well to the most diverse environmental conditions, so they can be wound up and maintained in almost any climatic region of the globe.

Among the most popular colors of Bobtail cats are the following colors: red, black, white.

The nature and habits of animals of the bobtail breed are similar to the behavioral characteristics of dogs. The thing is that this breed is loyal and loyal to its owner. Cats are quite calm and docile, they quickly and forever become attached to their owner.

Bobtail cats will make good contact with other cats and dogs, so if you already have pets in your home, the representative of the described breed will be a great friend and partner, but not a competitor in any way.

Representatives of the Bobtail breed get along well with children, animals will happily and willingly play with your kids, without showing aggression and anger in relation to them. Generally speaking, by the nature of this breed has a high level of playfulness, as well as "talkativeness" - cats constantly meow and purr.

First of all, it should be said that veterinarians, scientists, and also owners of animals of this breed point out that a bobtail is a variety of cats that is simple in maintenance and care. They do not require any complicated treatment procedures and, by their nature, are quite unpretentious. In this regard, do not be afraid to start this breed at home, you just cope with it.

If we talk about the preferences of the animal, then it should be noted that it loves large spaces.Therefore, if you are the owner of a small city apartment, then you should know that such conditions may hamper the bobtail and create uncomfortable conditions for the breed. The best option for the maintenance of the animal will be a private house with a garden plot, in such conditions the animal will be able to walk in the fresh air, and he will be provided with active pastime.

If we talk about the arrangement of a place for a cat, it should be noted that it should be equipped with such necessary and integral elements as: a sleeping place, a tray, bowls for food and water. Ideally, the bed should be equipped in the form of a gaming complex, such cat houses are sold everywhere in zoological shops and markets. Do not forget to also purchase a scraper (this element will save your furniture and household appliances), as well as toys for entertaining your pet.

Particular attention should be paid to the tray. Pick a cat toilet, which will have high bumpers. As a filler, you can use any of the tools on the market: wood, silicate, etc. The only necessary condition is regular replacement of your chosen filler and keeping the tray clean.

A necessary element of care for a furry pet is regular combing (2-3 times a week). This should be done using specially designed combs and brushes. Besides, the list of hygienic procedures must include bathing, which must be carried out at least once in 3 months. In the process of bathing do not use detergents designed for humans. It is necessary to purchase products made specifically for cats.

Hygienic care of the ears is carried out by wiping them with a damp cotton swab, and the eyes should be cleaned with a specially designed lotion. (such a tool you can buy in a veterinary clinic). In order to avoid various diseases of the oral cavity, as well as inflammation of the gums, plaque and stone, the cat should periodically brush its teeth. To do this, you should also use special tools for animals.

Peculiarities of breeding bobtail animals may vary depending on the specific species. For example, many breeders report that breeding the Kuril subspecies is a rather difficult task that not every (even experienced) person can handle. On the other hand, Japanese bobtail breeding is simple.

One way or another, but the process of breeding animals of a given breed requires strict selection. The thing is that special attention should be paid precisely to the purity of the breed, as any (even the smallest) deviations can cause the cat to not meet all the necessary standards.

Feeding and dietary preparation is an integral part of the process of keeping and caring for a pet. Bobtail cats, like any other domestic animals, can be fed using 2 types of food: dry or natural. If you prefer ready-made mixtures and formulations, then take care so that they are released by reputable and reputable manufacturers.

On the other hand, if you decide to feed the cat with natural food, it is important to ensure that so that the diet of the animal was complete and balanced. Nutrition in its composition should contain all the vitamins and trace elements necessary for the normal functioning of the cat's body.

The following foods can be included in the diet of a bobtail cat:

• beef without fat;
• chicken;
• turkey;
• sea ​​fish without fat;
• cartilage;
• chicken stomachs;
• porridges;
• vegetables;
• dairy products;
• fresh grass.

In addition, do not forget that the animal must be provided with unhindered and constant access to clean drinking water.

There are no restrictions for choosing a pet name. In this sense, you should be guided only by your imagination and creative inclinations. As for the most popular names for bobtails, according to statistics, the following names are most often distinguished:

• Bonnie;
• Billy;
• Kitty;
• Teri;
• Teddy;
• Aida;
• Obi;
• Sweetie;
• Archie;
• Chad;
• Nessie;
• Ollie.

Obviously, this list is not exhaustive, and you can choose any other nickname at your discretion.

In the next video you can get acquainted with the peculiarities of the Kuril Bobtail breed.