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American Ringtail

Appearance

Origin

Temperament

Appearance

Origin

Temperament

Home

American Ringtail

Appearance

Origin

Temperament

Appearance

Origin

Temperament

American Ringtail

The American Ringtail is a unique and relatively new breed of cat distinguished by its distinctive curled tail that forms a ring towards its back. This distinctive feature sets it apart from other cat breeds. Originating in 1998, the American Ringtail is still classified as an experimental breed, showcasing its ongoing evolution and development within the feline world.

weight

3-6.8

6.6-15

kglbs

kg lbs

life span

15-20 years

Size

Moderate, Large

Country of Origin:

USA

Fur Length:

Short

Recognized by: 0 registers

ACFA

CCCOFA

CCA-AFC

ACA

GCCF

LOOF

TSACC

CFSA

ACF

FIFE

WCF

NZCF

TICA

CFA

Appearance

The American Ringtail is a medium to large cat with a muscular body. It has a short but very soft and silky coat that can be of any color and pattern. American Ringtail kittens are born with a straight tail that will start to change its shape as they grow. The tail in adult American Ringtails is broad at the base and quite muscular. The bones of the tail are well-developed, and they aren’t fused, allowing for a good range of motion. However, the American Ringtail can also hold its tail straight without it being curled all the time. When the cat is calm and relaxed, it keeps its tail curly. Additionally, the American Ringtail can use its tail for balance or to slow down when coming down from a high object or after a high-speed chase.

Coat type

Fur colour

Body type

Ears

Fur length

Fur type

Coat type

Fur colour

Body type

Ears

Fur length

Fur type

Origin

In 1998, Susan Mainly discovered a stray kitten in Fremont, California, whom she named Solomon. As Solomon grew, she observed a unique trait - he held his tail in a curled position on his back. Remarkably, Solomon exhibited no physical abnormalities or discomfort from this distinctive behavior. Capitalizing on this curiosity, Susan initiated a breeding program in 1999, aiming to perpetuate this distinctive curled tail trait. Noticing similar characteristics in other feral cats in her neighborhood, Susan collaborated with a few breeders by 2005 to advance her breeding efforts. By crossing cats with curled tails with both purebreds and Domestic Shorthair breeds, they established a new breed known initially as the Ringtail Sing-a-Ling, later rebranded as the American Ringtail. The year 2005 marked a pivotal milestone for this fledgling breed when The International Cat Association (TICA) recognized it with a coveted "Registration Only" status.

Parent animals

African Wildcat

Origin countries

USA

Temperament

American Ringtails are excellent family pets due to their sociable and friendly nature. They are known for their ability to communicate with their human companions, making them feel like part of the family. While they are affectionate and outgoing, they can be shy around strangers. Their curious nature leads them to explore their environment, and they have a tendency to hide their food instead of consuming it immediately. Given their love for climbing and play, it is essential for owners to provide them with various toys and cat trees to keep them engaged throughout the day. American Ringtails are well-suited to households with slightly older children, although they may not tolerate rough handling. They can coexist with other cat-friendly pets but may exhibit territorial behavior when it comes to protecting their space.

Behavior:

Shy towards stranger

Loyal to owner

High prey drive

Friendly toward humans

Activity Level:

Active

Keeping conditions

Diet preferences

Grooming

Common health issues

Diet preferences

Grooming

Common health issues

American Ringtails can be fed dry or wet high-quality cat food that is rich in proteins and fats. It is also important to provide them with free access to fresh and clean water so they can stay hydrated and receive proper nourishment.

The American Ringtail is a skilled self-groomer, does not shed much, and requires little maintenance. Its coat should be brushed once or twice a week to keep it free of mats and loose hair. In addition, you should regularly clean your cat's ears, trim its nails when needed, and brush its teeth as often as possible to avoid periodontal disease.

Grooming intencity

Easy to groom

While the distinctive ringed tail of American Ringtails does not pose a direct health risk, these cats may encounter health challenges as they grow older. Regular veterinarian check-ups are essential to monitor their well-being, manage any emerging health concerns effectively, and thwart the development of potentially severe conditions. By prioritizing consistent veterinary care, owners can ensure the long-term health and happiness of their American Ringtails.

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