This is a fairly new breed of cat dating back only a few years to 1998 when a kitten was found underneath a classroom in Fremont, California. One of the students took the kitten home and gave it to her aunt, Susan Manley. She named him Solomon and he grew into a healthy but decidedly different looking cat. While still a kitten, Susan noticed that he carried his tail in a ring with the tip centered over his back. She discovered after some research that other local cats possessed this odd trait and she decided to breed Solomon to a mixed breed cat. The result was a litter in which all eight kittens had the ringtail trait to some degree. It would take another litter by one of Solomon’s daughters a bit later to produce the perfect ringtail kitten.
Considered an experimental breed, American Ringtail is not yet recognized by the Cat Fancier’s Association. They are distinctive in many ways, not the least of which is the manner in which they use their tails. Not only is it used for balance (held over their backs, instead of behind them as with other cats), but they are also known to curl it around a hand when they are being petted. The tail also functions as a sort of brake when they are descending from high places. The bones in the tail are not fused and are both larger and stronger at the base than those of other cats. Ringtails require a large cat tree as their playful nature and urge to climb is endless.
The American Ringtail has a long back and medium-sized feet with elongated webbed toes that spread wide when climbing or at play. Their hair is short, soft and plush and they are friendly and curious although often reserved with strangers. They integrate well with multiple cat households and those with small children. These cats are fascinated with water, toys of all sorts, bags and boxes and love to climb. They will store toys everywhere in the house even your own private drawers if you let them. Oddly, these cats are fascinated with the smells of mint and bleach and react tot hem as if they were catnip.
Do YOU own an American Ringtail? Please share.