In cat breeding standards, the shape of the cat is an important attribute.
Cats come in all shapes and sizes and they also come in all manner of body types.
However, we can classify cat body types into six broad categories, namely:
- Oriental (slender bodies)
- Foreign (athletic)
- Semi-foreign
- Substantial
- Semi-cobby
- Cobby.
Cobbies are arguably very popular not only because of their personality but also because of their looks.
These felines are so adorable that you will just fall in love with them.
But what exactly is a cobby cat? Keep reading to find out more about this and more.
What Are Cobby Cats?
A cobby body means a compact body with short legs.
Cobby cats are, therefore, cats that have short legs and compact bodies. They also have broad heads and deep chests.
One can easily mistake these cats for being overweight because of their build but that isn’t necessarily the case.
Examples of breeds that are categorized as cobby include:
- American Burmese (the UK ones have a more oriental shape)
- Pointed Persian
- Long-haired Manx (Cymric)
- Exotic Shorthair
- And Himalayan
What Is A Semi-Cobby Cat?
Semi-cobby cat breeds typically have compact bodies with big rounded heads, short tails, and broad shoulders.
They are however less compact and less rounded than cobby breeds.
Semi-cobbies also have distinctive torsos because they have powerful musculature, are broad-chested, and have a lot of space between their forelegs.
Examples of breeds that are classified as semi-cobby include:
- Singapura
- Selkirk Rex
- Scottish Fold
- Korat
- Chartreux
- British Shorthair
- Bombay
- American Wirehair
- American Shorthair.
Cobby Cat Personality
As we have already established, cobby refers to the body type rather than the breed. This means the personality of your cobby cat will be determined by the breed.
Here are some of the noteworthy personality traits of the cobby breeds:
A. American Burmese
When they are younger, these kitties are usually very active, curious, and enjoy performing tricks. They also adapt to different environments very easily.
However, as they grow old, they tend to get lethargic and prefer to stay cozy on the couch than play around.
That said, Burmese cats are very intelligent, affectionate, and also very loyal.
Not only do they enjoy people’s company but they get along easily with other pets – including dogs.
B. Pointed Persian
Persians are known for their quiet and peaceful nature.
But don’t let their relaxed and peaceful nature fool you because they could easily hiss and scratch when they feel their peace is being disturbed e.g. by loud children or loud toys.
That said, Persians are adorable and easygoing which makes them great house pets.
C. Long Haired Manx (Cymric)
Cymric cats have a sweet and placid personality that will win over any pet lover. They also can get along with other cats, dogs, or any other pet.
They are intelligent and fun-loving cats that easily learn new tricks and are just as playful as most dogs.
As a bonus, these cats will not get upset easily and they love the company of humans which makes them a great family pet.
D. Exotic Shorthair
Exotic shorthairs are calm and friendly cats and they love being around both adults and children.
Even though they have a laidback aura, they are also very playful and can adapt easily to different leaving arrangements.
These cats are also quite intelligent and low maintenance, and all these qualities make them great pets for apartment dwellers.
E. Himalayan
This cat breed can be on both sides of the spectrum. It can be a peaceful and quiet companion or it could also be a playful and active kitty.
Whichever the case may be, Himalayans are loveable cats that are friendly not only to owners but also to visitors.
That said, they are loyal cats who will play favorites with their owners. Himalayans are also very intelligent cats.
Cobby Cats Health Issues
Just like personality types, the potential health issues of your cobby cat will depend on their respective breed.
Here are some of the known health issues with the common cobby breeds:
I. Himalayans
These cat breeds are known to suffer from cherry eye and other eye conditions, dental malocclusions, as well as breathing difficulties.
They may also suffer from polycystic kidney disease (PKD) as well as feline hyperesthesia syndrome, which is a nervous disorder.
II. Exotic shorthair
These cats are prone to viral and bacterial infections such as rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia, and rabies.
Thankfully, these ailments can easily be prevented by vaccinations.
III. Cymric
Manx and Cymric cats are known to be born with spinal bifida (a defect of the spine) which predisposes them to lots of neurological issues like difficulty in running, walking, or standing.
They may also experience difficulty in defecating or urinating.
IV. Pointed Persian
Persians are known to have progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), polycystic kidney disease (PKD), hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), liver shunts, bladder infections (cystitis), and bladder stones.
The surest way of avoiding these issues is working with a reputable breeder because these are largely hereditary conditions.
V. American Burmese
American Burmese cats are predisposed to high blood sugar which results in blindness, thirst, or excessive appetite.
Hypokalaemic polymyopathy which results in weakness in the skeletal muscles is another known issue.
Cranial deformities, glaucoma, and calcium oxylate stones are also common health issues with this breed.
How Much Do Cobby Cats Cost?
How much you spend on your cobby depends on a variety of factors including color, age, gender, and pedigree.
For instance, cat litter will typically go for under $100 while grown kittens will cost much more than that.
The price will also be determined by where you are buying your cat. If you are using a reputable breeder, which is what is recommended, you should be ready to pay anything from $1,000 -$3,000 for your cobby.
However, these are just ballpark figures because the price will significantly fluctuate depending on pedigree.
Some pedigree cats have been sold for as much as $20,000.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a bobby cat, you are in luck because there are lots of breeds to choose from.
Before settling for a certain breed, do your homework to make sure you get a cat that fits your lifestyle.
For instance, if you have kids and love to entertain visitors, you will want to go for a kitty that is friendly and welcoming to strangers.
If you have other pets, you will want to go for one that mingles well with other animals.
Whichever the case may be, there are enough options to give you what you need.
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Hi! I am Eleanor Price. I started this website after my cat, Louie, almost died from a case of botulism (a type of food poisoning often caused by bacteria that grow on food items). Turned out that my cat’s diet was the problem. I have made it my duty to provide the best information and recommendations about everything cat lovers need to know about their felines’ health and wellbeing. My goal is to find the most informative content on anything feline-related and share it with fellow hardworking kitty lovers.