American Ringtail Cat: Elegant, Athletic Companion

Quick Facts

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The Look of a American Ringtail

American Ringtails are large- to medium-sized cats that carry their tails curled over their backs. They have a graceful, alert and athletic appearance.

The breed comes in both short and medium-haired varieties, and can be found almost all colors and patterns.

Traits

• Curled tail carried over the back
• Athletic and muscular
• Friendly and outgoing

Ideal Human Companion

• Families with older children
• Singles
• First-time cat owners
• Retired seniors

What They Are Like to Live With

American Ringtails are friendly and love people. They are outgoing, a trait they are bred for since Ringtails who are scared or aggressive do not hold their tails over their backs as a Ringtail should.

Ringtails with medium-length coats need at least twice weekly grooming.

Things You Should Know

The tail of the American Ringtail is not deformed, but is like the tail of other cats. The only difference is in the way the Ringtail carries the tail.

Ringtails are a new breed, and kittens may be hard to come by.

American Ringtail History

The American Ringtail breed originated with a male kitten named Solomon. Bottle-fed by rescuer Sue Manley, Solomon had a tail that curled over his back. In 1999, Manley began a breeding program to reproduce the curled tail, which also showed up in feral cats in her northern California neighborhood.

By 2005, several breeders were working with Manley to produce these cats, crossing them with Domestic Shorthairs and some pure breeds. In 2005, The International Cat Association (TICA) gave the breed Registration Only status.