American Bobtail: Cat Breed Profile, Characteristics & Care

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16 Mar 2024

A short tail and lynx-like features distinguish the American bobtail from other tabby cat breeds. Despite their wildcat looks, American bobtails are often referred to as the "golden retrievers of the feline world" because of their affectionate, docile personalities. What's more, they generally love to fetch toys and can be leash-trained. These cats make great companions for single people as well as families with kids and other pets; they also adapt well to unusual living quarters like RVs, semi-trucks, and sailboats.
Learn more about the characteristics, history, care needs, and more of the American bobtail.

Breed Overview

PERSONALITY: Affectionate, sociable, playful, adaptable, and intelligent
WEIGHT: Up to 16 pounds
LENGTH: Up to 30 inches
COAT LENGTH: Short hair, long hair
COAT COLORS: Any color, but breed standard favors "wild" colors
COAT PATTERNS: Any, but breed standard favors "wild" markings
EYE COLOR: Copper, gold, yellow, green, blue
LIFESPAN: Up to 15 years
HYPOALLERGENIC: No
ORIGIN: United States

American Bobtail Characteristics

American bobtails are ideal pets for just about anyone in any living situation. These sturdy, large cats adapt beautifully to family life with kids or other pets, but they also bond deeply with single humans. Because of their open, friendly temperaments—even with strangers—American bobtails are often employed as therapy cats.

They need only moderate amounts of exercise, so they can be happy living in smaller homes and have been known to enjoy mobile lifestyles alongside truckers, RVers, and even sailors.1
Affection LevelHighFriendlinessModerate to HighKid-FriendlyModerate to HighPet-FriendlyHighExercise NeedsModeratePlayfulnessModerate to HighEnergy LevelModerateTrainabilityHighIntelligenceHighTendency to VocalizeModerateAmount of SheddingModerate to High

History of the American Bobtail

Because bobbed tails are the result of a natural—and harmless—genetic mutation in felines, these cats have naturally bred worldwide throughout history. It wasn't until the 1960s that the American bobtail became an officially developed and recognized breed.
Vacationers John and Brenda Sanders adopted a bobtailed cat while visiting Arizona and allowed him to mate with their female when they returned home to Iowa. The result? A litter of kittens with short tails and sweet personalities.
After the original American bobtail litter, other breeders followed suit, selectively breeding cats for shortened tails, sturdy bodies, "wild" markings, and super-sweet dispositions. Proponents of the breed broadcast the fact that pedigreed cats have never been used in bobtail breeding, so the gene pool is extremely diverse. Breeders simply adhere to the practice of breeding unregistered long-haired and short-haired domestic cats with desirable bobtail traits.
Since their development in the 1960s, American bobtails have been officially recognized by the International Cat Association (TICA), the Cat Fanciers; Association (CFA), and the American Cat Fanciers' Association (ACFA).

American Bobtail Care

American bobtails are relatively low-maintenance cats with basic grooming and exercise routines.

Grooming

You can expect to brush your bobtail once or twice per week to remove shed hair and skin and keep their coat shiny and healthy. Twice a year, bobtails will shed more than usual due to seasonal changes, and they may require more frequent brushing during these times.
The 7 Best Cat Brushes of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

In any breed of cat, poor dental hygiene can lead to periodontal disease, so it's important to brush your bobtail's teeth at least once per week. Supplementing with plaque-controlling treats can help maintain dental health, Exercise

American bobtails are docile cats with moderate energy levels and minimal exercise requirements. They do appreciate daily playtime, which should be around 30-60 minutes per day. Like dogs, bobtails love to play with toys, fetch small items like faux mice, and try their paws at puzzle games. Many American bobtails enjoy going on leisurely leashed walks, too.

Common Health Problems

American bobtails are hearty cats that have no breed-specific health conditions. Of course, that doesn't mean that every American bobtail will remain perfectly healthy throughout their life. Bobtails with no tail may experience spinal issues leading to fecal incontinence. If you're buying a bobtail from a breeder, ensure they have a written health guarantee, which can offer some assurance against spinal issues.
In addition to spinal conditions, American bobtails may experience other common feline health issues like:

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD): A condition characterized by the development of cysts on one or both kidneysHypertrophic cardiomyopathy: The thickening of the heart muscle

If you're concerned about health issues in your cat, be sure to talk to your vet about preventative measures you can take to ensure a long, healthy life.

Appearance

The American bobtail breed can vary in appearance, but they generally boast a relatively large, sturdy build that is well-muscled and powerful-looking. They have a broad head, wide eyes, and alert ears.
The most prominent feature of this cat is their short tail, ranging in length from under an inch to a few inches long. According to the breed standard, the tail should be long enough to be visible above the back when held straight up.
The cat's hair may be short and dense or long and shaggy. Ideally, it is brownish or gray with tabby-type patterning that resembles a wild lynx or bobcat.2

Diet and Nutrition

Your American bobtail's diet will depend on a variety of factors, including age, activity levels, and general health, but in general, they should be fed high-quality, high-protein food. If you'd like to add some variation to your bobtail's diet, you can try mixing some wet food in with the dry food a few times per week.
Obesity is a common problem in all breeds of cats, so it's important to follow feeding guidelines closely and give treats in moderation. If you're not sure how much to feed your bobtail, your vet will be able to provide some helpful guidelines.

Where to Adopt or Buy an American Bobtail

The American bobtail cat breed is relatively rare in the United States, making it difficult to find a reputable breeder. The American Cat Fanciers' Association maintains a breeder list that currently only contains two US breeders—one in North Dakota and the other in Wisconsin.
Check with other local cat breeders and online networks to track down breeders with established businesses and positive reviews. If you're not overly concerned with owning a registered breed, you might also explore adoption sites to find a bobtailed cat that captures your heart.

American Bobtail Overview

The American bobtail cat is a coveted breed among its enthusiasts for several great reasons. These genetically diverse and healthy cats have wonderful personalities and are adaptable to myriad living situations. They tend to get along with everyone and are so friendly with strangers that they make excellent candidates for therapy pets. As wildly beautiful as they are affectionate, bobtails are pretty much a perfect pet for anyone who craves a feline companion.