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American Bobtail vs American Curl
Two gentle, rare American cats that suit families; the Bobtail is sturdier with a short tail, the Curl lighter with backward-curved ears.
Verdict
These two are very close in temperament. Both are gentle, adaptable, easygoing cats, both score top marks with children and other pets, and both have quiet voices. What decides it is build and the feature that defines each. The American Bobtail is a sturdy cat with a short bobbed tail and a shaggy coat. The American Curl is lighter, at about 5 to 10 lb, with ears that curve back and a silky coat, and it suits an apartment a little better. Either one suits a family.
Choose the American Bobtail if
- You want a sturdy cat with a wild-tabby look and a short tail.
- You like a shaggy coat in short or long hair.
- You want a mellow, dog-like cat.
- You accept that it is rare and may take a search.
Choose the American Curl if
- You want a lighter cat with distinctive ears.
- You live in a smaller home, as the Curl suits apartments better.
- You like a silky coat with little undercoat.
- You will handle the ears gently, as they do not tolerate rough treatment.
Where they are alike
Both are medium-sized, moderate-energy cats with light to moderate shedding and modest grooming needs. Both are rare breeds that enjoy company and play.
Side by side
| American Bobtail | American Curl | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Rex, hairless, fold and dwarf |
| Origin | United States | Lakewood, California, United States |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | — | 5-10 lb (2.3-4.5 kg); males are larger |
| Coat length | Short | Medium |
| Coat | Shaggy, medium-dense coat in both short-haired and long-haired forms | Soft, silky, flat-lying coat with little undercoat, in short-haired and long-haired forms |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 1999 |
| How common | Rare | Rare |
| Affection | 4 | 4 |
| Energy | 3 | 3 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 2 |
| Shedding | 3 | 3 |
| Good with children | 5 | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 5 | 5 |
| Happy alone | 3 | 3 |
| Trainability | 4 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 3 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The shaggy coat sheds in moderation, and people who react to cats may react to this breed. | No breed is hypoallergenic. The silky coat sheds in moderation, and people who react to cats may react to an American Curl. |
| Suits | A family or multi-pet home that wants a sturdy, adaptable cat with a mellow temper and a short tail. | A household that wants a gentle, adaptable, medium-sized cat that enjoys company and play. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants a very small cat, a fully tailless cat, or a cat that is easy to find. | Anyone who wants a very large cat, or a cat that tolerates rough handling of its ears. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026