Introduction: What are bobtail cats?

Bobtail cats are felines that have a shortened tail due to a genetic mutation. The length of the tail varies from being completely absent to being just a few inches long. Bobtail cats are not a specific breed but can be found in various breeds worldwide. The bobtail trait is seen in both domesticated and wild cats, including the Japanese Bobtail, American Bobtail, and Manx.

The genetics behind bobtail cats

The bobtail trait is caused by a dominant gene known as T. The gene can be inherited from either parent, and if a cat inherits just one copy of the gene, it will have a bobtail. If a cat inherits two copies of the gene, it will likely have spinal cord defects and may not survive. The gene is particularly common in certain breeds, such as the Manx, where the trait was first documented in the 1700s. The gene was accidentally introduced to the breed when cats with a natural bobtail were brought to the Isle of Man and bred with the local cats.