The American Bobtail, with its distinctive short tail and wildcat appearance, is a devoted and adaptable companion known for its friendly, dog-like personality. Understanding their specific dietary and nutritional needs is crucial to ensuring a long, healthy, and happy life for these unique felines.
Breed Overview: Appearance, Personality, and History
American Bobtails are medium-sized cats, with males typically weighing between 12 and 16 pounds and females weighing between 7 and 11 pounds. They are slow to mature, reaching their full size around 3 years old. One of the most notable features of the American Bobtail is, of course, their bobbed tail, which is unique to each cat and can be straight, slightly curved, slightly kinked, or bumpy. These tails are usually one to four inches long, about one-third the length of a normal cat’s tail.
Their coats can be short, medium, or long, and come in various colors and patterns, often resembling wildcats with shades of brown and black. Despite their somewhat wild appearance, American Bobtails are known for their social, affectionate, and playful personalities. They are often referred to as the "Golden Retrievers of the feline world" because of their sweet and docile nature. These intelligent cats enjoy playing games like fetch and hide-and-seek, and some even enjoy walking on a leash. American Bobtails also make excellent therapy pets due to their friendly and adaptable nature.
The American Bobtail's history began in the late 1960s when John and Brenda Sanders found a short-tailed tabby kitten in Arizona, naming him Yodi. When Yodi was mated with the couple’s non-pedigreed domestic color point cat, Mishi, their kittens inherited the distinctive short tail. Attracting the attention of cat fanciers, this litter led to the selective breeding and official establishment of the American Bobtail breed. There aren't any pedigreed cats in the American' Bobtail's ancestry, which contributes to the breed's wide range of appearances.
Nutritional Needs of American Bobtails
Like all cats, American Bobtails require a diet that is high in protein and provides all the essential nutrients they need to thrive. A high-quality commercial cat food should provide enough nutrients for most cats. Look for cat food with a protein source (e.g., beef, chicken, or fish) listed near the top of the ingredient list, followed by taurine (an essential amino acid), vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and water. The specific amount of food your American Bobtail needs will depend on their size, age, activity level, and overall health.
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Choosing the Right Type of Food
Dry vs. Wet Food:Both wet and dry cat food have their advantages and disadvantages. Dry food tends to be more affordable and stays fresh longer, but it can be difficult for cats to stay hydrated and digest their meals on a dry food diet. Wet food has a high moisture content, which helps with hydration, and comes in many flavors that can appeal to picky eaters. However, wet food is generally more expensive and can spoil if left out for too long.
Raw Food:Some owners opt for a raw food diet, believing it more closely mimics a cat's natural diet. Vital Essentials Raw Pet Food, for example, is designed to meet the nutritional needs of all cat breeds, including American Bobtails. These foods are typically made from butcher-cut proteins and are free from artificial preservatives, colors, and flavors. They are also grain-free and gluten-free, which can benefit cats with food allergies or sensitivities. Switching to a raw diet may result in benefits such as less stool, weight loss and maintenance, and overall improvement in health.
Life Stage Considerations:Kittens, adults, and senior cats have different nutritional needs. For example, kittens require more protein and calories to support their growth, while senior cats may need fewer calories and more easily digestible food. Choose a cat food that is formulated for your cat's specific life stage.
Feeding Guidelines
Most cat food labels provide guidelines on how much to feed your cat daily. Divide the total amount into two meals, given 8 to 12 hours apart. Some cats do well with constant access to food (free-feeding), but this can lead to overeating and is not recommended with wet food.
As your American Bobtail ages, their dietary needs will change. Consult your veterinarian to ensure their diet has the nutrients they need at each stage of life.
Treats
Treats should be given in moderation, accounting for less than 15% of your cat's daily calories. Choose healthy treats that are low in calories and free from artificial additives.
Common Health Issues and Nutritional Considerations
American Bobtails are generally healthy cats, but they can be prone to certain health issues, including:
Spine and Hip Problems:The Bobtail’s tail results from a genetic mutation. While typically harmless, this mutation might make your Bobtail susceptible to diseases of their spine, hips, or nerves. A responsible breeder will avoid breeding Bobtails with diseases like hip dysplasia or spina bifida to prevent hereditary diseases. Talk to your vet if you have concerns about your cat’s spine and hip health. Bobtails with no tail may experience spinal issues leading to fecal incontinence.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM):HCM is the most common feline heart disease, causing the heart's walls to thicken and pump blood less efficiently. While there's no preventable cause of HCM, treatments can help relieve symptoms.
Feline Dental Disease:Dental diseases are a frequent problem for cats. Dental hygiene is vital because dental disease can cause severe infections. More than half of cats 4 years and older have a kind of dental disease. Many dental diseases are highly preventable and treatable, though.
Other Conditions:Other common conditions that most cats can get include cancer, diabetes, and upper respiratory infections.
Nutritional Strategies for Specific Conditions
Weight Management:Obesity is a common problem in cats. To prevent weight gain, follow feeding guidelines closely, give treats in moderation, and encourage physical activity.
Dental Health:Feed your cat dry food, give them dental chews or treats, or use food designed for dental care to help keep their teeth clean.
Kidney Health:If your cat has kidney problems, your veterinarian may recommend a special diet that is low in protein, phosphorus, and sodium.
Exercise and Activity
American Bobtails have a moderate amount of energy and enjoy playing games. Provide them with plenty of toys and opportunities for exercise.
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Indoor vs. Outdoor Cats
While American Bobtails enjoy looking out the window or going on walks, it's generally safer to keep them indoors. Cats allowed to roam freely outside can hunt rodents and small birds, which can harm local ecosystems and expose your cat to harmful diseases. If you take your American Bobtail outside, use a leash.
Preventive Care
Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention
Even indoor cats need protection from fleas, ticks, and heartworms. Consult your veterinarian about the best preventive measures for your American Bobtail.
Vet Visits
American Bobtail kittens need multiple vet visits during their first few months for vaccinations and to be spayed or neutered. Adult Bobtails need an annual visit for vaccinations, disease prevention, and weight management. Senior American Bobtails need two or more visits per year to monitor aging symptoms and catch developing diseases.
Grooming and Care
American Bobtails are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Brush them once or twice a week to remove loose hair, with more frequent brushing during shedding seasons (spring and autumn). Regular dental care is also essential, including daily tooth brushing and professional cleanings as needed. Trim their nails every 2 to 3 weeks. Additionally, you should wipe out your cat’s ears with a soft damp cloth every week.
Finding an American Bobtail
American Bobtails are relatively rare, so finding a reputable breeder can be challenging. Look for breeders with established businesses, positive reviews, and who conduct genetic testing on their breeding animals. Expect to pay between $600 and $1,200 for a registered American Bobtail from a reputable breeder.
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