American Bobtail
Modified: 30-11--0001 00:00:00
The American Bobtail is a fairly new and uncommon breed of cat, notable for its stubby "bobbed" 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.
According to 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 actually the result of a random genetic mutation. The breed was recognised by the International Cat Association in 1989.
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