Tailless cat breeds: miniature lynxes and bright personalities

What will you learn from the article?

1. List of cat breeds without a tail
2. Characteristics and classification of tailless breeds
3. Cymrics and Manx cats Manx cat
4. Cymric

Among several dozen breeds of domestic cats, representatives that are born without a tail stand out. Most of these breeds are called bobtails - from the English. "short-cropped tail." Cats without tails look unusual and have found their admirers.

Tailless cats: history and their types

Felinologists even today cannot agree on how tailless cats appeared. Several versions have been put forward:

1. During research work, scientists have repeatedly confirmed the fact that most wild cats gave birth to ordinary babies, but chewed off the kittens’ tails within 24 hours. It is believed that the instinctive ridding of babies from the “weak spot” eventually led to a natural mutation and the animals became short-tailed.
2. A natural mutation without prerequisites such as biting off the tail, which led to short tails.
3. The third version applies only to American bobtails and pixie bobs. Many believe that these cats descended from lynxes themselves.

A distinctive feature of all tailless cats is their short tail.

Types of tailings

Conventionally, all tailless cats can be divided into two groups: Manx and Bobtail (except for the Pixie Bob and American Bobtail, whose tails should be as close as possible to a lynx). Each of them has its own tail classifications:

1. Manx: Rumpy or Dimple Rumpy are the most highly prized cats. Their tail is completely absent; in the place of its growth there is a small hole. Usually it is cats like rumpy that receive titles at shows.
2. Riser or rampy riser - their tail consists of 1-3 vertebrae. Such cats can participate in exhibitions if the tail does not exceed 2–4 cm in length.
3. Stumpy - from 4 to 14 vertebrae, often lumpy and knobby.
4. Longs or tails. The tail is almost the same length as that of tailed cats. Often the tail has to be docked, since the vertebral discs of long-haired cats can ossify.

Photo gallery: types of tails

Cats with a retracted bobtail do not participate in exhibitions

Cats with a tail (or rather, lack thereof) like rumpy are valued the most

The tail-broom looks like a big fluffy pom-pom

The stump tail is characteristic only of bobtails.

The riser-type tail is almost invisible

A stumpy tail is considered a fault.

The longi tail type is similar to a regular tail.

The spiral tail should be well feathered

Mr. Cat warns: diseases and vaccinations

Any artificially bred breed has mutations. This statement is also true for bobtails. Despite the fact that selection was carried out not by man, but by nature, the change in the genotype led to its consequences.

It is believed that the structure of the tail has a direct effect on diseases typical of a cat of this breed: hemorrhoids, inflammation of the anus, intestinal prolapse.

A common illness is urolithiasis (UCD). If there are problems with the cat’s kidneys, it is necessary to switch from food for the prevention of urolithiasis to a special one that restores kidney function.

The first vaccination of cats is done at the age of 6-8 weeks. Recommended vaccine against rhinotracheitis (FVP), calicivirus (FCV), paleukopenia (FPV). After 4-6 weeks, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay is performed. Based on the results, further vaccination is performed. The rabies vaccination is carried out at the 16th week. Further booster vaccinations are required annually, and screening for parasites (helminths) is also necessary.

Caring for tailless cats

Tailless cats do not require special care. However, owners should remember a few nuances:

• Tailless cats are prone to infections of the anus and may have difficulty going to the toilet, so the owner should not only closely monitor the well-being of the pet on the tray, but also wipe the cat’s area around the anus after each visit to the tray;
• care for the coat of these cats varies depending on the variety (long-haired/short-haired): each cat will need a rubber brush, a combination comb, a furminator and a bristle brush; short-haired dogs are combed 2 times a week (during the molting period - 4-5 times and 1 time with a furminator), long-haired dogs - 3-4 times a week (during molting - every day and once with a furminator);

  Tailless cats are easy to care for

• Regular cleaning of the ears (every 5 days) and daily wiping of the eyes with a natural damp cloth are mandatory, as is trimming the nails.

Manx (Cymric)

Unlike bobtails with a small rudiment, Manxes are more often classified as “rumpy” cats - cats without a tail. Cymriki is a subspecies of Manx, characterized by long hair. These breeds have the same standard and include:

• wide-set ears with pointed tips;
• large head;
• large and slanted eyes;
• short but muscular neck;
• stocky and spherical body;
• long hind legs that maintain balance when jumping without a tail.

Manx are not aggressive and always try to be patient when playing with their little owners. With the help of their high intelligence, cats easily open doors and overcome other obstacles on the way to their goal. Such pets are very affectionate, loyal and playful, and their increased activity requires a large space.

Genetic diseases of Manx cats include pathologies of the vertebral discs, which manifest themselves before 1 year of age. Healthy kittens with proper care live up to 12-15 years.

Health Features of Tailless Cats

In general, tailless cats are in good health: they rarely get colds and are not susceptible to heart disease or infections. But some risk areas are still present.

Bobtails are susceptible to some diseases, but they rarely occur.

Diseases and defects

Genetic diseases are unfamiliar to tailless cats, but acquired ones occur due to the structure of the body and the characteristics of the organism:

1. Proctitis (inflammation of the anus) occurs due to the structure of the tail, under which dirt and fecal particles can accumulate, leading to inflammation. It is treated with medications or surgery, depending on the severity and depth of spread.
2. Urolithiasis disease. Mostly, Kurilian and Karelian bobtails get sick due to the different acidity of their urine. If your pet frequently urinates bloody urine, experiences pain when going to the toilet and refuses to eat, this is a sure sign of illness. Stones are removed surgically.
3. Manx syndrome, or Manx syndrome. Manx and Cymric cats are susceptible to it. In the first 4 months of life, tailless kittens may develop abnormal spine development. This is followed by spina bifida, hernia, difficulty moving and other problems. The defect cannot be treated.
4. In general, tailless cats are prone to spinal problems such as lordosis. But, fortunately, they happen rarely.

A feature of all tailless cats is their elongated hind legs (always longer than the front ones). They developed this unusual feature to maintain body balance without a tail.

Japanese Bobtail

The famous “maneki-neko” figurines are a tribute to the Japanese bobtail, which saved the Japanese from a mouse invasion several thousand years ago. Representatives of this breed have a small tail with elongated hair, resembling a pompom, and long hind legs that are longer than the front ones. Any colors are considered acceptable except:

• lilac;
• Abyssinian;
• chocolate;
• colorpoint.

The Japanese are inquisitive, talkative and friendly. These cats quickly get along with small family members and love to chase balls. They show devotion like samurai, choosing only one most beloved master.

Japanese cats without a tail are a native breed without genetic diseases. With proper care and maintenance, their maximum lifespan is 16 years.

Tailless cat breeds

As already mentioned, all tailless cats can be divided into two types: Manx and Bobtail, on the basis of which various breed variations arose.

Manx

The Manx cat is native to the Isle of Man in Great Britain. There are several versions of the origin of this breed:

1. The Manx cat became tailless when it was the last one to run into Noah's Ark: the closing door cut off its tail.
2. The Manx cat is descended from the Norwegian Forest cat, which was brought to Maine to kill mice.

   Manx cats are originally from the Isle of Man.

3. Cats chewed off the tails of their kittens so that the Vikings would not cut them off: for them, a cat's tail was a talisman in battle.
4. Manx is the result of crossing a rabbit and a cat.
5. The most likely version: Manx taillessness is the result of a gene mutation.

It is believed that Manx cats are the progenitors of all tailless cats.

The breed standard was adopted by the CFA in 1920. Distinctive external features of Manx:

• cheeks round and saggy;
• the head is round;
• the body is massive;
• the coat is short, with a dense undercoat;
• the tail is absent or present in the form of a stump of 2–4 cm;
• If there is a tail, small creases and knots are allowed on it.

The psyche and character of the Manx are formed before the age of 5. This is a loyal and affectionate cat, loves games, is active, but not mischievous. Manxes love children and even protect them from danger. The price for Manx starts at 60,000 rubles.

Video: about the Manx breed

Cymric

The breed originated in Canada and was recognized by the CFA in 1976. The Cymric was originally considered a long-haired version of the Manx. These cats were taken from Maine to Wales, then to Canada, where their selection began. During selection, it turned out that in Cymrics the tailless gene is recessive, while in Manx it is dominant. Therefore, they cannot belong to the same breed. The Cymric is considered Canada's national breed. The main difference from the Manx is the long, shaggy coat with a denser undercoat. Also, the cheeks of the Cymric are even more saggy and resemble lynx “whiskers”.

Previously, the Cymric was considered a long-haired version of the Manx.

Due to the lack of a tail, Cymrics do not exactly run: their movements resemble the jumping of a hare.

The character of the Cymric is influenced by the fact that these cats previously served as guards. They are ready to literally do anything to protect their owner; because of this, Cymrics do not get along with other animals at all. Cymrics love to climb tall objects. They are friendly to children and love affection and sleep. Price - from 100,000 rubles.

Pixie bob

In 1985–1986, an American breeder found two kittens with short tails. One of them was close to a lynx in color and size. Their mating resulted in a cat named Pixie. She became the ancestor of pixie bobs. The breed was recognized by TICA in 1993.

Pixie Bobs were created to look like miniature bobcats

Pixie Bob is a polydact breed (individuals are born with extra toes on their paws). The standard is 5 to 7 toes on the front paws.

The need for movement is very high, the pixie-bob must be walked on a leash. They are very smart and cunning and love to learn. External data:

• shoulders, arch of the back and shoulder blades are clearly visible;
• tail no lower than the hock joint and no shorter than 5 cm, with a tassel at the tip;
• there may be extra toes on the paws, the cat does not rely on them while walking;
• on the ears there are black tassels;
• The color is as close as possible to lynx.

The price ranges from 20,000 to 100,000 rubles.

Kurilian Bobtail

The Kuril Bobtail is an indigenous breed that was formed in the harsh conditions of the Kuril Islands. In the early 1950s, the military brought Kuril shorttails to mainland Russia. There, breeders became interested in them and carried out a minimal selection of the breed. In 1995, the WCF adopted a breed standard. External characteristics:

• long or semi-long thick coat with sparse undercoat;
• tail no shorter than 3 and no longer than 9 cm;
• the muzzle is wedge-shaped, wide and short;
• The body is massive, there are small tassels on the ears.

Kurilian Bobtails are relatives of the Siberian cat.

A self-confident, independent and self-sufficient pet does not consider a person to be the master or a higher being. The key to warm and friendly relations with representatives of this breed is mutual respect and communication as equals. The Kurilian Bobtail is a cat with a reinforced concrete psyche, calm and fearless. They calmly tolerate loneliness and are not inclined to impose themselves.

The Kurilian Bobtail calmly tolerates loneliness and demands respect for itself.

The price of Kurils is from 10,000 rubles.

Video: features of Kurilian Bobtails

American Bobtail

Tourists vacationing in Southern Arizona near a former Indian settlement discovered a kitten with a short tail, which was taken in by a young couple. In their family there lived a Siamese cat, with which he was crossed. The offspring included several kittens with short tails. They were given to professional breeders. As a result of crossing them and their father with Ragdolls, Siamese, Manx, Burmese and mongrel cats, the American Bobtail was developed.

The American Bobtail may well be a descendant of the lynx

There is a high probability that the ancestors of the kitten found in Arizona included a bobcat.

However, by the 1980s the breed had almost disappeared. To restore bobtails, they began to cross them only with cats that had a natural mutation of a shortened tail.

In 2000, when the breed was recognized by the CFA, there were only 215 American Bobtails. External features of American Bobtails:

• eyebrows are expressive and protruding;
• eyes are deep-set, yellow or green;
• tabby pattern, the main color of the coat is from cream to brown-red, tabby stripes are black or brown.

They are very active, can be mischievous if there is a lack of movement and play, and they need a lot of different toys. An interesting feature is that they easily learn to open locks and do not like locked doors. They are usually friendly towards other animals, but often fight for dominance in the “pack”. They do not tolerate loneliness and moving well. Price - 10,000–30,000 rubles.

Video: about the American Bobtail

Japanese Bobtail

The true origin of the Japanese Bobtail is unknown. The first mention of this aboriginal breed dates back to the 12th century. In 1968, several kittens were taken from Japan to the United States. A selection was carried out there and three years later the breed was recognized.

In Japan, tailless cats were considered symbols of happiness and good luck. Bobtails were immortalized in figurines called maneki-neko. And tailed purrs were considered servants of dark forces and underwent tail docking surgery.

Japanese Bobtails bring good luck to owners

Japanese Botails are unusually good-natured, they are people-oriented, devoted to their owner and his entire family. Cats love traveling and can withstand stressful situations. External features:

• light and refined body;
• long thin paws;
• short, thin coat with almost no undercoat;
• the tail is well furred;
• the ability to bend and straighten the tail, when bent it is no longer than 8 cm, when straightened it is no more than 15 cm;
• Van, bicolor and tricolor colors are preferred.

The price of Japanese bobtails is 15,000–75,000 rubles.

Video: about the Japanese Bobtail

Mekong Bobtail

Short-tailed cats were often found among the cats that lived in Thailand in the 15th–19th centuries. After the future Siamese were brought to Europe, these cats were considered “rejected” and decided not to be allowed into selection. In Russia, they became interested in unusual cats and, through selection, developed a new breed, which was recognized as native Russian. The breed received WCF recognition in 2004.

Mekong Bobtails are relatives of the Thai and Siamese

It is said that the tails of the Mekongs became curled and shortened when they guarded ancient vases in palaces and temples with their tails wrapped around them.

Mekongs are very curious, they are the main “activists” in the family, they are very talkative and open cats who love affection. They have a negative attitude towards strangers and do not like other animals, but provided they are friendly, they get along quite well with them.

Mandatory external characteristics:

• only color-point colors;
• Thai cat body type;
• exclusively blue eye color;
• the tail must be wrapped in a donut shape.

Price - from 4,000 to 20,000 rubles.

Video: Mekong Bobtails

Karelian Bobtail

Karelian Bobtails are an indigenous breed that has lived for a long time on the shores of Lake Ladoga. They were noticed and brought to St. Petersburg in 1987. The selection lasted 7 years, after which the breed was recognized by the WCF.

They are very social, get along easily with children and animals, but can be demonstratively offended. Karelians often take on the role of guard and “head of the family.”

Unfortunately, the Karelian Bobtail is an endangered breed

Male Karelian bobtails do not mark, and females go into heat almost unnoticed.

External differences:

• the hair on the tail is longer than the hair on the body, creating the appearance of a pompom;
• the head is round and massive;
• the forehead and cheekbones are high, and the cheeks are “flat”.

Price - from 35,000 to 70,000 rubles.

Table: comparative characteristics of tailless breeds

Purchasing a kitten

If your goal is to participate in exhibitions and breed Siamese cats, choose your pet carefully. The future winner must be of high blood, from titled parents and reliable breeders. The owners of a mother cat or cattery are required to issue a certificate indicating the date of birth of the kitten, the names of its and its parents, breed and color. Later this document is exchanged for a pedigree. The price of Siamese kittens, which will become participants in exhibitions and producers, reaches 800 euros and more. The more titles parents have, the more expensive their offspring will be.

The future champion must have high-born ancestors

If you need a cat for the soul and games, the costs will be much more modest and the choice will be easier to make. You can buy a kitten from a breeder or in a nursery, then it will definitely have all the characteristics of the breed. But you have the right not to be given documents if the animal will not be exhibited. The price of a small Siamese in this case will be 10–15 thousand rubles, and sometimes less.

There are nurseries in Russia where they seriously study Siamese and other oriental breeds. A list of some and their coordinates can be found here.

Criterias of choice

The potential winner and prize-winner of cat shows is meticulously chosen

It is important to exclude any grounds for disqualification. Already at a young age it is clear what the baby will become

By this time, dark markings should appear, whether the tail is straight, the number of fingers, what color of the eyes - everything is visible. When choosing a kitten, check the criteria for compliance with breed standards. And, of course, the future pet should evoke sympathy from the owner. It is difficult to raise a champion without mutual love.

When purchasing a kitten, you need to understand what your goals are.

A kitten that is bought for pleasure does not need to be subjected to strict inspection. The main selection criteria will be character and health. Do not choose a pet at the market, only at home. There you will see how a cat is kept, take a good look at the babies and their mother

Pay attention to the condition of the kitten's fur, eyes, and ears. If something worries you, refuse to purchase

The Siamese cat was our first pet. In the apartment of the mother cat's owners, we saw kittens hanging in a bunch right on the wall (thick vinyl wallpaper was in fashion at that time). It seemed funny. But a day later the little Siamese began to hang on our wallpaper. And we had no time for fun. It took a long time to wean her off the bad habit.

Age of kitten for moving to a new family

Experts do not recommend purchasing a kitten younger than 2.5, or preferably 3 months. Kids react painfully to parting with their mother and moving. Usually by 3 months they get used to independence, know how to eat and are toilet trained. Check with the cat's owners what they fed the kittens, and at first stick to the same diet. By this age, little Siamese should already have received mandatory vaccinations and deworming.

Hybrid and wild tailless cats

Hybrid tailless animals are the result of crossing several breeds. They have not yet received recognition, so little is known about them. The list of hybrids is small:

• Alaskan snow cat, or snow bob, is a white variation of the American bobtail;
• Scythian-toy-bob is a Russian breed of miniature cats, a descendant of the Mekong Bobtail and cats with the miniature gene, distinguished by its color-point color;
• oohee-bob - the result of crossing a Siamese and a Manxam - as a result, the color-point Manx was obtained;
• The Highlander is the most unusual short-tailed cat, obtained from crossing an American Curl and an American Bobtail, and inherited a short tail and curled ears from its parents.

Photo gallery: hybrid short-tailed cats

Snow beans are born quite rarely

Compared to an ordinary cat, the Scythe-toy-bob is a real baby

The Oohee Bob is a type of American Bobtail.

The Highlander cat has a short tail and Curl ears.

The wild family of short-tailed cats is limited to lynxes and caracals. There are the following types of lynx:

• Iberian (Pyrenean) lynx;
• Canadian lynx;
• red lynx;
• common lynx.

Photo gallery: wild short-tailed cats

The second name for caracal is steppe lynx

The Iberian lynx is one of the rarest mammals on the planet

The common lynx is listed in the Red Book of Russia

The Latin name for the red lynx is Lynx Rufus.

The Canadian lynx has a silver coat with a reddish tint.

Video: facts about lynxes

Color

Each representative of the Mekong or Thai Bobtail breed has an acromelonic color, this is a type of color when the color merges closer to the limbs.

The colors of Mekong cats can be divided into several types:

• Seal-point – the general background is cream, the muzzle, paws and tail are black-brown in color;
• Red-point – the main coat color is white-peach, the tail, paws and muzzle are fiery red. This color is very rare;
• Chocolite-point – an unusual combination of snow-white fur all over the body with dark chocolate muzzles and toes;
• Blue-point – the main shade of the coat is silver, paws, muzzle and tail are bluish-pink;
• There may also be tortie-point colors (only cats can be colored this way) and tabby-point colors (a prerequisite is dark fur on the face in the shape of the letter “m”).

Choosing a kitten

The Mekong Bobtail is a young breed, so there are very few nurseries in Russia. And they are located in the main area of ​​large cities. Kitten prices range from $150 to $750.

If you want to buy a kitten with the devotion of a dog, then Mekong Bobtail kittens are just for you. They get full color with age, around 2 years, so you can choose them only according to the following parameters:

• Strong body and paws;
• Oval blue eyes;
• The tail is a “rosette”, which is their “calling card”.