The American Ringtail Cat – The Friendly Cat with the

Question Mark Tail

Quick Overview

• Name: American Ringtail (Ringtail to friends)
• Size: 13-15 inches tall
• Weight: 8-16 pounds
• Grooming: Weekly brushing (refreshingly straightforward)
• Training: Intelligent and eager to please
• Exercise: 30-45 minutes daily (they’re social athletes)
• Temperament: Outgoing, affectionate, perpetually curious
• Origins: United States (specifically, a rescue shelter in California)
• Lifespan: 12-16 years
• Typical Cost: £800-1,500 for a kitten, £35-55 monthly for food

History of this Curly-Tailed American Original

The American Ringtail has one of the most heartwarming origin stories in the cat world. In 1998, a rescue cat named Solomon was found in Fremont, California, with a unique tail that naturally curled over his back like a question mark. Rather than being a genetic defect, it turned out to be a delightful quirk that could be passed on to his offspring.

Susan Manley, Solomon’s rescuer, was so charmed by his personality and unusual tail that she decided to develop a new breed. Every American Ringtail today can trace their lineage back to Solomon – proof that sometimes the best things come from the most unexpected places (like rescue shelters).

What’s Daily Life Actually Like?

Living with an American Ringtail is like sharing your home with an enthusiastic tour guide who’s convinced everything you do is fascinating. They’re social butterflies who treat every visitor like a long-awaited friend and every household activity like a spectator sport worth commenting on.

The Personality Reality: You’ll find yourself explaining your daily routine to a cat who seems genuinely interested in why you’re folding laundry at 3 PM. It’s like living with a small, furry journalist who finds your life endlessly newsworthy.

Training: The Eager Student

American Ringtails are intelligent and genuinely want to please their humans, which makes them surprisingly trainable for cats. They’ll learn tricks, come when called, and even walk on a leash if you start early enough. They’re like the class pet who actually enjoys homework.

Training Tips:

• Start socialisation early (they love meeting new people anyway)
• Use positive reinforcement (they’re sensitive to your approval)
• Keep sessions interactive and fun
• Take advantage of their natural curiosity

Exercise: The Social Workout

These cats are more active than your average feline couch potato. They prefer interactive play that involves their humans and are happiest when they can combine physical activity with social interaction. A tired Ringtail is a content one; a bored one will create their own entertainment (usually involving “helping” with whatever you’re doing).

Exercise Requirements:

• 30-45 minutes of interactive play daily
• Mental stimulation through puzzle toys and games
• Climbing opportunities (they love high perches to survey their domain)
• They excel at being charming companions during your daily activities

Grooming: Your Pleasant Weekly Routine

Most American Ringtails have short to medium-length coats that are remarkably low-maintenance. Weekly brushing is usually sufficient, though they often enjoy the attention so much they’ll try to convince you to do it more often. They’re like the friend who genuinely enjoys spa days.

Grooming Schedule:

• Weekly brushing (15-20 minutes)
• Daily brushing during seasonal shedding
• Monthly nail trims and ear cleaning
• Occasional baths (they’re surprisingly tolerant of water)

First-Time Owner Consideration

Excellent choice for first-time cat owners who want an interactive, social pet. They’re forgiving, adaptable, and genuinely seem to enjoy human company. The biggest challenge is accepting that you’ll never have privacy again – they consider themselves your personal assistant.

Common Behavioural Challenges

• Excessive friendliness – they’ll greet everyone like their new best friend
• Curiosity overload – they need to investigate everything you do
• Attention-seeking – they have strong opinions about being ignored
• Separation anxiety – they prefer company to solitude

Climate Considerations

Adaptable to most climates, though they’re happiest in moderate temperatures. Their social nature means they’re more concerned with where their humans are than what the weather’s doing outside. They’re the cats who’d rather be inside with you than outside without you.

With Other Pets and Children

Absolutely excellent with both. They’re patient with children, enjoy playing with other cats, and can even befriend dogs if properly introduced. Their friendly nature makes them terrible guard cats but wonderful family ambassadors who help everyone get along.

Health Considerations: The New Kid on the Block

American Ringtails are generally healthy, but being a relatively new breed means we don’t have decades of health data yet. Their diverse genetic background (thanks to Solomon’s rescue origins) actually works in their favor for avoiding breed-specific issues.

Health Considerations:

• Tail injuries – that distinctive curl needs protection from doors and furniture
• General cat health issues – the usual suspects like dental problems and obesity
• Limited health data – being a new breed means ongoing monitoring
• Genetic diversity – their mixed heritage is actually a health advantage

The Tail Truth: What Makes Them Special

That signature curled tail isn’t just for show – it’s a reflection of their personality. The tail naturally curves over their back when they’re happy or excited, which is most of the time. It’s like having a built-in mood ring that usually displays “delighted to see you.”

Tail Facts:

• Natural curl – it’s not forced or painful, just their natural way
• Mood indicator – straightens when they’re focused or hunting
• Unique to each cat – no two curl patterns are exactly alike
• Requires gentle handling – more delicate than a straight tail

Feeding: The Enthusiastic Eater

American Ringtails approach mealtime with the same enthusiasm they bring to everything else. They’re food-motivated, which makes training easier, but they’re also social eaters who prefer company during meals. Think of them as the friend who always wants to have dinner together.

Feeding Guidelines:

• Regular meal times – they thrive on routine
• High-quality protein – supports their active lifestyle
• Social feeding – they often prefer eating when you’re around
• Portion control – their enthusiasm can lead to overeating

Choosing Your Breeder: Navigating the Rare Breed Market

Green Lights:

• Registered with The International Cat Association (TICA)
• Health testing for common feline conditions
• Kittens raised as part of the family
• Provides detailed health and lineage records

Red Flags:

• Claims to have “rare” ringtails at bargain prices
• Won’t provide health records or pedigree information
• Multiple litters available constantly
• Reluctant to let you meet the parent cats

The Bottom Line

American Ringtails aren’t for everyone, but for the right owners, they’re absolutely delightful. Just remember: you’re not just getting a cat, you’re getting a social companion who’ll want to be involved in every aspect of your life. And maybe invest in a good camera – that curled tail is endlessly photogenic.

Still shopping for the perfect breed? Check out our complete cat directory at Five Minutes Spare, where we’ve got more cat breeds than you can shake a feather wand at (though we don’t recommend shaking feather wands at most of them without proper introduction protocols).