Bobtail: Bobtail cats are cats born with a tail that is naturally shorter than usual, around 1 to 4 inches in length. They were at first classified as genetic mutations, yet today have been organized into many recognized breeds, such as the American bobtail, the Japanese bobtail, and the Cymric, based on specific types of bobtail, coloration, and size. This unique tail was once thought to be the cause of a domestic house cat breeding with a wild bob-cat, though that myth has been proven to be untrue. In reality it is caused by a genetic mutation, meaning a permanent change in a gene’s DNA, that happens in several breeds. While the bobtail doesn’t have many serious effects on the cat, there are a few things I will mention. First a bobtail cat may develop arthritis in the tail bone later in life, causing significant pain and irritability when touched. Second, because of the shortness of spine coming from a shorter tail, bobtail cats may develop spinal problems, often called Manx syndrome. Third, the bobtail mutation may cause issues with the digestive and urinary systems, which might result in constipation, UTI, or issues with bowel control. Sources: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11104057/ https://www.litter-robot.com/blog/bobtail-cats-without-tails/?srsltid=AfmBOoq9TFAFclaI7AztgFILZq1ziJ7-BI5o3MKKfDhGykPwXOobfitz https://a-z-animals.com/pets/cats/exploring-the-unique-world-of-bobtail-cats/ https://www.bioguardlabs.com/breed-related-disease-american-bobtail/ https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/resources/american-bobtail/
Anxiety 1] These feelings are typically accompanied by physical tension and other behavioural and cognitive symptoms. They are difficult to control, cause significant distress and can last a long time if untreated. Anxiety disorders interfere with daily activities and can impair a person’s family, social and school or working life. People with an anxiety disorder may experience excessive fear or worry about a specific situation (for example, a panic attack or social situation) or, in the case of generalized anxiety disorder, about a broad range of everyday situations. They typically experience these symptoms over an extended period – at least several months. Usually they avoid the situations that make them anxious. Other symptoms of anxiety disorders may include: trouble concentrating or making decisions feeling irritable, tense or restless experiencing nausea or abdominal distress having heart palpitations sweating, trembling or shaking trouble sleeping having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom. Anxiety disorders, like other mental health conditions, result from a complex interaction of social, psychological and biological factors. Anyone can have an anxiety disorder, but people who have lived through abuse, severe losses or other adverse experiences are more likely to develop one. 2] Anxiety disorder symptoms can interfere with daily life and routine activities, such as job performance, schoolwork, and relationships. In severe cases, a person might feel intense fear in common situations, avoid social encounters, or refuse to leave their home. 1] https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/anxiety-disorders 2] https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
