American Bobtail cat breed: facts, temperament and care

About the American Bobtail

The American Bobtail is a medium to large short-tailed cat developed in the United States from the late 1960s. The breed grew out of a brown tabby bobtailed stray called Yodie, found in Arizona and bred to a seal point Siamese. The kittens suggested that the short tail was carried by a dominant gene in the stray population, and breeders then worked with bobtailed free-roaming cats from across North America. Many of the early bloodlines have since died out.

The bobbed tail is the signature. It is short, carried low, and varies from cat to cat. The body is solid and rectangular, with a broad head and a coat that looks tousled rather than fluffy. Both short-haired and long-haired cats exist. Colours include almost everything, and show cats are often tabbies that resemble a small wild cat. The breed is not related to the Japanese Bobtail or the Kurilian Bobtail.

Temperament and living with one

American Bobtails are described as relaxed, intelligent and adaptable. They bond with the whole family rather than a single person, and many follow their owners around the house. They tend to enjoy hunting-style play, such as stalking and pouncing on toys. They are generally quiet, though some trill, chirp or click when interested.

The breed accepts children, dogs and other cats readily, and it is often called dog-like because many learn to fetch and walk on a leash. Because of that adaptability, an American Bobtail copes with travel and new homes better than many cats, though a gradual introduction still matters. Most can be taught tricks with patience and treats.

Care: coat, food and play

The coat is shaggy but not prone to heavy matting. Brush a short-haired cat weekly and a long-haired cat two or three times a week, more often in the spring shed. Handle the short tail gently.

Feed a complete diet in measured portions, since a solid cat can gain weight easily. Provide climbing trees, puzzle feeders and daily play. A harness and leash introduced slowly can add outdoor interest. Keep nails trimmed and teeth checked as for any cat.

Health

The breed is generally considered sturdy, and no serious breed-specific disease is well documented. The short tail comes from a dominant gene. Some tailless and short-tailed breeds are prone to spine problems, so ask a breeder about the health of the parents and about any spine, hip or tail trouble in the line. A cat that seems to be in pain when its back or tail is touched, or that struggles with the litter box or stairs, needs a vet. Annual checks and a lean body weight help any cat live longer.

Is it right for you?

The American Bobtail suits a family that wants an easygoing, trainable cat with a distinctive short tail. It does best with company and some room to play. If you want a similar short-tailed cat with different ancestry, compare the Japanese Bobtail and the Manx, or the spotted Pixie-bob.