shortcaudal

Shortcaudal is a genetic mutation observed in domestic cats that results in a shortened tail. This condition is distinct from natural bobtails, such as those found in the Japanese Bobtail or American Bobtail breeds, which are typically caused by the gene responsible for the T-box gene mutation. Shortcaudal is a less common mutation and is often associated with a range of tail lengths, from partially shortened to extremely short stumps.

The inheritance pattern of shortcaudal is generally considered autosomal dominant, meaning that a cat only needs one copy of the altered gene to exhibit the trait. However, the expressivity can vary significantly, leading to different degrees of tail shortening in affected individuals. In some cases, the short tail can be accompanied by other skeletal anomalies, particularly in the spine, though this is not always present.

Cats with the shortcaudal mutation are otherwise generally healthy, with the shortened tail not typically impacting their mobility or overall well-being. Responsible breeding practices aim to manage the expression of this mutation to avoid any associated health complications. The exact gene responsible for shortcaudal is still under investigation, and ongoing research seeks to further understand its genetic basis and any potential pleiotropic effects.