The American Bobtail is a friendly and adaptable breed with a naturally bobbed tail and a wild appearance reminiscent of a lynx.
They are known for their dog-like loyalty and enjoy interactive play with their families. With their muscular build and tufted ears, they are both striking and affectionate.
Their coat comes in various lengths and colours, requiring moderate grooming to maintain.
The American Bobtail is a relatively new breed that originated in the United States during the 1960s. The breed was developed from a natural genetic mutation found in feral cats with bobbed tails.
The first American Bobtail was discovered in Arizona by breeders John and Brenda Sanders, who began selectively breeding for this unique trait. Over time, breeders introduced domestic shorthairs and longhairs to diversify the gene pool while maintaining the distinctive bobbed tail.
The breed was officially recognised by cat registries in the 1980s and has since gained popularity worldwide.
American Bobtails are affectionate, intelligent, and highly adaptable cats. They form strong bonds with their families and are often described as dog-like due to their loyalty and willingness to play fetch or follow their owners around the house.
They are social cats who get along well with children, other pets, and even strangers. Despite their playful nature, they also enjoy quiet moments of relaxation, making them well-suited to both active households and more laid-back environments.
The American Bobtail is medium to large in size, with a muscular body and a wild appearance reminiscent of a lynx. Their most distinctive feature is their naturally short tail, which is typically 1-4 inches long.
They have tufted ears, large almond-shaped eyes, and a broad head. Their coat can be short or medium-long, with a dense texture that comes in various colours and patterns, including tabby, solid, spotted, and ticked patterns.
American Bobtails are generally healthy cats but can be prone to certain health issues:
Spinal Abnormalities: Rarely, their bobbed tails may be linked to spinal deformities that can affect mobility or cause discomfort.
Obesity: Due to their love of food, they may become overweight if overfed or under-exercised.
Dental Issues: Regular dental care is important to prevent periodontal disease.
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM): As with many cat breeds, this heart condition can occur but is not prevalent within the breed.
Regular veterinary check-ups and maintaining a healthy diet can help prevent these issues.
American Bobtails are excellent family pets due to their affectionate nature and adaptability. They get along well with children thanks to their playful temperament and tolerance for handling. They also integrate seamlessly into multi-pet households as they are sociable cats that enjoy companionship from other animals.
Whether your household is busy or calm, the American Bobtail will adapt easily while providing love and entertainment.
American Bobtails can adapt to indoor living, but they have a natural love for the outdoors. To keep them happy indoors, provide ample space for play and exploration, along with interactive toys and climbing structures.
These intelligent cats benefit from puzzle feeders and training sessions to keep their minds stimulated. While they can adjust to apartment living, a larger space is ideal. If you do allow outdoor access, it should be supervised or in a secure enclosure. Many owners use leash training to satisfy their Bobtail’s outdoor curiosity safely
Coat Care:
Brushing: American Bobtails have a dense double coat that requires regular brushing to remove loose hair and prevent matting. For medium-haired varieties, brushing twice a month is sufficient, while long-haired versions need weekly brushing.
Shedding: They are moderate shedders, with increased shedding during seasonal changes, requiring more frequent brushing during these times.
Nail Trimming:
Regular nail trimming is necessary to prevent ingrown nails and protect both the cat and its environment from scratches. Use cat-specific nail clippers and avoid cutting too close to the quick.
Ear Cleaning:
Clean the ears regularly to prevent wax buildup and infections. Use a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner and avoid inserting anything into the ear canal.
Dental Hygiene:
Brush teeth at least once a week with a cat-specific toothbrush and toothpaste to prevent dental issues like periodontal disease.
Tail Maintenance:
Regularly inspect the short tail for dirt or injury and keep it clean to ensure comfort.
Eye Care:
Check for eye discharge and tear staining. Gently wipe away any discharge with a clean, damp cloth, avoiding harsh chemicals.
Bathing:
Occasional bathing is recommended using a cat-specific shampoo, especially if the cat gets dirty. Ensure the water is lukewarm and dry the cat thoroughly afterward
American Bobtails require a high-protein diet to support their muscular build and active lifestyle. Key nutritional considerations include:
Protein: High-quality animal protein from sources like chicken or fish should make up the bulk of their diet.
Portion Control: Adult American Bobtails typically need 180–250 calories per day depending on size and activity level (roughly 1/3 to 2/3 cup of dry food daily).
Wet vs Dry Food: Wet food is ideal for hydration but can be supplemented with dry kibble for dental health benefits.
Essential Nutrients: Omega fatty acids for coat health and taurine for heart function are essential components of their diet.
Always consult your vet for tailored feeding recommendations based on your cat’s age, weight, and activity level.
Their bobbed tails are caused by a natural genetic mutation unrelated to the Manx gene.
They are known as “escape artists” due to their intelligence and ability to open doors or cabinets.
American Bobtails often chirp or trill rather than meow.
They were bred intentionally to resemble wild bobcats while retaining a domestic temperament.
Despite their wild look, they are one of the most affectionate cat breeds.
Yes! Their playful yet gentle nature makes them great companions for children.
They shed moderately; weekly brushing helps manage shedding for both short- and long-haired varieties.
They thrive as indoor cats but enjoy supervised outdoor time in safe environments due to their curious nature.
No, they are not hypoallergenic but may be more tolerable than heavy-shedding breeds.
With proper care, they typically live 11–15 years.
Manx: Another tailless breed but with a rounder appearance.
Norwegian Forest Cat: Similar wild look but larger with longer fur.
Maine Coon: Large size with tufted ears but longer tails.
Pixiebob: Another bobtailed breed resembling wild cats but slightly larger.
Siberian: Muscular build with semi-long fur but no bobbed tail.
The team at Cat Mad are lifelong cat enthusiasts and regularly give cats loving homes through fostering and adoption. With over 50 years of combined hands-on experience caring for cats of all breeds and temperaments, we share our knowledge and insights to help cat owners provide the best possible care for their furry friends.
The team at Cat Mad are lifelong cat enthusiasts and regularly give cats loving homes through fostering and adoption. With over 50 years of combined hands-on experience caring for cats of all breeds and temperaments, we share our knowledge and insights to help cat owners provide the best possible care for their furry friends.
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