Cymric vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison | MyCatBreeds

The Cymric is a naturally tailless cat although having said that, not every Cymric is completely tailless.

It’s actually a long-haired Manx cat this and thought to date back to 1750. It is one of the oldest cat breeds.

Known also as rumpies or stumpies, the taillessness of the Manx an Cymric started as a mutation among the island's domestic cat population. Long-haired kittens were born to Manx cats on the Isle of Man, but in the 1960s, similar kittens were born in Canada and then specifically bred.

The Cymric became popular, even though it took years for the Cymric to be recognized as a breed of its own by cat associations. The International Cat Association (TICA) gave the cat breed status in 1979.

Bobtailed cats have a naturally shortened tail due to natural genetic mutation. The cat’s original appearance genetics were modified so as to bring about an improved strain that comes in all colors and coat types.

The cat descended from a short-tailed kitten, Yodi. His kittens also had a short tail. Two women selectively bred the cats to be large and strong with a wild look but with a pleasant nature.

The cats used in the development of the breed were domestic shorthairs and longhairs. They are now pedigreed cats without tails.

In 1989, the International Cat Association accepted the American Bobtail into its new breed category, giving it full recognition in 2002. They were accepted for registration by the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 2000. This is the world's biggest registry of pedigreed cats.

The Cymric is a medium-sized cat that can weight between 4 and 6kg and he is round in shape and stockily built. The back legs are also longer than the front legs.

He has a short, arched back with a broad rump. The unusual but beautiful Cymric has long hair and a thick double coat that is glossy and vibrant. Some cymrics have tufts of hair on their ears and toes.

All colors of the coat are available and it can be solid or patterned - white, blue, red, black, cream, tortoiseshell etc.

The eyes are large and can be green, copper, or yellow. The ears are widely spaced with rounded tips.

Temperament:

The Cymric is described as a sweet-natured, placid cat that doesn’t get ruffled over much, though he does get excited about his human family.

He tends to be reserved around strangers. He is a loving cat and simply loves being around his human family. He is a strong cat and intelligent too and he is quite capable of watching you and then learning how to open doors and get into cupboards.

He is sociable and talkative too and enjoys ‘talking’ to you, especially when he has attached himself to one member of the family. He thrives on his human family's company and is a cat that provides lots of entertainment for you. Even though he becomes attached to one family member, he gets on well with children and pets in the home.

The American Bobtail is a cat that came about in the 1960s. It is well know as the cat with a bobbed tail. It’s not as vocal as many other cat breeds. It’s not a slender cat but is sturdy and and strong weighing between 3 and 7kg. Their double coats can be short- or long-haired. The coat comes in different patterns and colors, including orange, cream, black, brown, chocolate etc with a shaggy texture. He sheds quite a bit. The body of the American Bobtail is faily long. Its ears are medium-sized and wide-based with rounded tips, the eyes are almond shape. The eyes can be gold, yellow, green or blue. What is interesting is that the hind legs are much longer than the fore legs, and the feet are round.

Tmperament:

Bobtails are friendly cats, enjoying being in the company of their human family as well as with strangers. They are loving and affectionate to the entire family as opposed to just one person.

They’re quiet cats but will chirp when happy and excited. They get on well with all members of their human family and that includes children and the dogs.

They’re intelligent cats too and they can be taught to walk on a leash and to also perform some tricks. There are some people who say that their Bobtails act more like dogs than cats. These cats are sensitive and can sense when their owners are happy or sad and will come and sit with you when you're feeling sad and alone.

Yes, the Cymric has quite a few health issues but many people choose to overlook these as they love the personality of the lovable cat breed.

It’s such an intelligent cat too but best of all it offers total love and companionship.

It is certainly an unusual domesticated cat breed that appeals to many different people and it is guaranteed that you’ll also find him one hang of a feline pet.

Many people want a dog as a pet but aren’t able to keep one and then the American Bobtail becomes the ideal alternative. These cats aren’t known for their solitary personalities like the many other cats there are and they genuinely love to spend time with their human family. Some will even behave like a dog and be there to meet you at the door when you arrive home.

He is a fairly large, amicable cat and is affectionate and adaptable to your lifestyle. He enjoys all kinds of lifestyles and loves to curl up next to you on your travels, being the perfect road trip companion.

The American Bobtail is a therapeutic cat and is sensitive to the moods of its human family. He gets on well with children and other pets in the family and just wants to be a family member.

By bringing an American Bobtail into your home and your heart, you’ll have discovered the most wonderful feline companion there is.

If you look after your Cymric well, he can live to a good age of up to 15 years. The lack of a tail is a genetic defect and the cat’s deformed spine can cause health problems including arthritis.

In fact, the cat’s lack of a tail causes some serious diseases. The defective gene responsible for the loss of the tail affects the spine and can actually cause spinal problems. In fact, when completely tailless Manx cats mate, the defects can be so severe that some of the offspring are born dead.

People often speak of these health issues of the cat as the Manx Syndrome.

Some cats have a narrowing of the anal passage and this can lead to bowel blockages. Make sure to get your Cymric vaccinated against deadly cat illnesses and ensure veterinary checks for parasite control and illness.

When you buy a kitten from a breeder, always do research on the breeder so as to avoid a host of health issues down the line.

Apart from the typical cat health problems, the Bobtail is a healthy breed of cat. With proper care from you at home as well as veterinary care, these interesting looking cats can live up to anything between 12 and 20 years.

Diet:

As a kitten, provide your Cymric with food appropriate to its age. Once your cat turns one, you can start feeding him adult cat food. There are a whole lot of excellent commercially manufactured cat foods – dry and canned foo – but always choose a high-quality one where the first ingredients listed are always meat. This is because the cat is a carnivore. Make sure the food has taurine, which is an essential amino acid for cats.

This cat has a thick coat and he will need a brush at least twice a week, especially as he is a high shedding cat. While you brush your cat, look out for any problems such as red areas, hair loss, sores or irritated skin. Take note of any unusual lumps.

Some people take their Cymric to the vet once a year for a routine medical check-up. They have the nails clipped and the ears and teeth checked. It is also a great way to get your queries answered on the nutritional and health needs of your pet.

You will need to have your Cymric’s nutrition checked to keep him in tip-top condition. The Cymric cat has a good appetite and his build can allow him to put on weight easily. Obesity can put pressure on the spine and lead to all kinds of joint problems.

Provide your cat with a litter box and keep it immaculately clean.

Keep a close eye on your cat’s weight.

Keep the litter box of your Bobtail scrupulously clean.

Your American Bobtail needs the best quality food there is full of vitamins and minerals if he is to remain healthy. The cat’s diet will depend a lot on his activity levels and general health, but it should always be high protein food. Your vet will always help you with some guidelines on feeding your cat.

Every cat needs exercise, and even though these cats aren’t as energetic as other cats, they are active indoors and out and are also playful. You will need to provide it with some puzzle toys and a climbing tree to keep him mentally and physically active.

Brush his medium-length fur twice a week to keep it shiny and silky.

Trim his nails carefully and check his eyes and inside his ears for abnormal discharges.

Vaccinate your cat to keep it protected from life-threatening cat diseases and take him to the vet immediately you suspect something is wrong.