Big bobtail cats go from matted to majestic

Apollo and Jasper are perhaps the most majestic creatures you’ll ever meet. These big boys are Highlander cats, known for their distinctive curved ears, extra toes, and — best of all — stubby tails. There’s just something irresistible about watching their little bobtails wiggle back and forth. But life wasn’t always tail wags.

The 8-year-old cat brothers came from a home where there were too many pets and ended up in a shelter in Los Angeles County. Severely matted and quite overweight, Apollo and Jasper would benefit from some additional time and care before going to new homes. So they came to the Best Friends Pet Adoption Center in West L.A. That’s one of the most important ways that shelters across the country have reached no-kill — by working together to save pets who need extra time or care.

[Faces of No-Kill: Super Nova the cat shines in home]

Tipping the scales at 18 and 20 pounds respectively, Apollo and Jasper were having trouble grooming themselves. (Their ideal weight is around 12 pounds.) With a much-needed shave and reduced-calorie diet plan, they were on their way to looking and feeling better.

The boys settled into a foster home where many new experiences awaited. They made fast friends with the resident dog and bunny and spent sunny afternoons relaxing on the enclosed patio. They also had plenty of exercise, thanks to wand toys and wrestling matches. Over the next few weeks, the foster volunteers got to know their true personalities: chill, affectionate, and very, very, very chatty.

[Cats tackle life’s challenges together]

Before long, Apollo and Jasper were healthy and happy and on their way to the next phase of their lives: a new home, together. They now share a home with fellow felines Spartacus and Emeril Lagasse (also adopted from Best Friends). You can usually find them playing or lounging around in their signature “sploot” with all four legs stretched out.

These bobtail brothers finally have the life they deserve.

Our goal at Best Friends is to support all animal shelters in the U.S. in reaching no-kill in 2025. No-kill means saving every dog and cat in a shelter who can be saved, accounting for community safety and good quality of life for pets. 

Shelter staff can’t do it alone. Saving animals in shelters is everyone’s responsibility, and it takes support and participation from the community. No-kill is possible when we work together thoughtfully, honestly, and collaboratively.