American Bobtail Cat History

The American Bobtail Cat is the only breed of cat I know of that has a really cool story as to its origins. Well, maybe. Actually the origin of the American Bobtail Cat seems to be in dispute. Depending on who you ask, it may or may not even be American at all.




According to some sources, there was a feral brown tabby kitten found on an Arizona Indian Reservation with a bobbed tail in the 1960's. The cat got the name Yodie. Even though this was not by any means the first bobbed tail cat, many had been around and seen by the early settlers and Indians as well. But when Yodie was bred to a Siamese Cat, the standard for the American Bobtail Cat was born.



Other experts say that the American Bobtail Cat was brought here to the US from Europe as they came here to settle in the New World, making the American Bobtail Cat not so American.



Wikipedia.com says, "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 recognized by the International Cat Association in 1989."



According to Wikipedia, the American Bobtail Cat is not related to the Japanese Bobtail Cat in any way. They came from different genetic lines even though both have similar builds and colorings.



The appearance of the American Bobtail Cat, the wild look, the fuzz on the cheeks and tips of the ears, and it's feral roots, lead some to believe that it could be related to the Bobcat or the Lynx. DNA tests have not been able to reach a conclusion that links the American Bobtail Cat to either of the two wild cat breeds.



Further confusion is due to the inability to narrow down the genes that cause the tail to be short in the first place. American Bobtail Cats have tails of varying lengths and shapes, so the standard is currently loosely defined as breeders try to isolate a way to breed toward a standard tail length and shape.



The variations include "Rumpies", "Risers", and "Half-Length Tails. Rumpies are American Bobtail Cats with no tail, while Risers are short stubby tails.



American Bobtail Cats are very loving and expect to be petted and loved in return. But watching your American Bobtail Cat go after prey or even imaginary prey, you would have a hard time associating it with the cat that was just purring in your lap minutes before.



They tend to be very muscular, have large feet, and have hindquarters that are higher than their shoulders, giving them the predator look. They can naturally survive in rough conditions and fend for themselves in the wild, yet are perfectly willing to let you care for and feed them.



If you want a cat that will be playful and loyal, yet tough and independent, a American Bobtail Cat might be the one for you

Where do Dogs and Cats Come From? (Humorous)

A newly discovered chapter in the Book of Genesis has provided the answer to the question "Where do dogs and cats come from?"


1. Adam said, "Lord, when I was in the Garden, you walked with me every day. Now I do not see you anymore. I am lonesome here and it is difficult for me to remember how much you love me."



2. And God said, "No problem! I will create a companion for you that will be with you forever and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will love me even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish or childish or unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you in spite of yourself."



3. And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam. And it was a good animal. And God was pleased. And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and he wagged his tail.



4. And Adam said, "Lord, I have already named all the animals in the Kingdom and I cannot think of a name for this new animal." And God said, "No problem! Because I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him DOG."



5. And Dog lived with Adam and was a companion to him and loved him. And Adam was comforted. And God was pleased. And Dog was content and wagged his tail.



6. After a while, it came to pass that an angel came to the Lord and said, "Lord, Adam has become filled with pride. He struts and preens like a peacock and he believes he is worthy of adoration. Dog has indeed taught him that he is loved, but perhaps too well."



7. And the Lord said, "No problem! I will create a companion for him who will be with him forever and who will see him as he is. The companion will remind him of his limitations, so he will know that he is not always worthy of adoration." And God created CAT to be a companion to Adam.



8. And Cat would not obey Adam. And when Adam gazed into Cat's eyes, he was reminded that he was not the supreme being. And Adam learned humility. And God was pleased. And Adam was greatly improved. And Dog was happy. And Cat didn't give a Hoot one way or the other.

The Kitten and the Falling Leaves (A Poem)

The Kitten And The Falling Leaves

That way look, my infant, lo!What a pretty baby-show!See the kitten on the wall,sporting with the leaves that fall.Withered leaves - one - two and threefrom the lofty elder tree.Though the calm and frosty air,of this morning bright and fair.Eddying round and round they sink,softly, slowly; one might think.From the motions that are made,every little leaf conveyedSylph or Faery hither tending,to this lower world descending.Each invisible and mute,in his wavering parachute.But the Kitten, how she starts,crouches, stretches, paws, and darts!First at one, and then its fellow,just as light and just as yellow.There are many now - now one,now they stop and there are none:What intenseness of desire,in her upward eye of fire!With a tiger-leap half-way,now she meets the coming prey.lets it go as fast, and then;Has it in her power again.Now she works with three or four,like an Indian conjuror;quick as he in feats of art,far beyond in joy of heart.Where her antics played in the eye,of a thousand standers-by,clapping hands with shout and stare,what would little Tabby care!For the plaudits of the crowd?Over happy to be proud,over wealthy in the treasureof her exceeding pleasure!

William Wordsworth (1770-1850)