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American Bobtail vs Highlander
Both are short-tailed American cats; the Highlander is larger, more active, descends from wild-cat hybrid lines and needs space.
Verdict
Both cats have short tails and a wild look, and both are sociable. The American Bobtail is sturdy but medium-sized, more mellow and the easier match for families, with top marks for children and other pets. The Highlander is large, at 10 to 20 lb depending on sex, scores higher for energy, needs space, and descends from wild-cat hybrid lines in a very new breed with little health data. Choose the Bobtail for an easygoing family cat and the Highlander only if you have room.
Choose the American Bobtail if
- You want an adaptable cat that suits families and other pets.
- You have an average-sized home.
- You prefer a breed with a longer history and a lower energy level.
- You want a shaggy coat in short or long hair.
Choose the Highlander if
- You want a large, muscular cat with curled ears and a short tail.
- You have a spacious, active home and a reputable breeder.
- You enjoy daily play with a bigger, more energetic cat.
- You have checked that your area allows hybrid-descended cats.
Where they are alike
Both are friendly, people-oriented cats with quiet voices and moderate grooming needs. Both are rare, so finding a kitten takes effort.
Side by side
| American Bobtail | Highlander | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Wild-look and hybrid |
| Origin | United States | United States |
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Typical weight | — | Females 10-14 lb (4.5-6.4 kg); males 15-20 lb (6.8-9.1 kg) |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Shaggy, medium-dense coat in both short-haired and long-haired forms | Short or longer-haired coat, dense and plush, in two varieties |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Not recognised by the CFA |
| How common | Rare | Very rare |
| Affection | 4 | 4 |
| Energy | 3 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 2 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 2 |
| Shedding | 3 | 3 |
| Good with children | 5 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 5 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 3 | 3 |
| Trainability | 4 | 4 |
| Suits a small home | 3 | 2 |
| 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 dense coat sheds moderately, and people who react to cats are likely to react to this one. |
| Suits | A family or multi-pet home that wants a sturdy, adaptable cat with a mellow temper and a short tail. | A spacious, active home that wants a big, people-oriented cat and can find a reputable breeder. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants a very small cat, a fully tailless cat, or a cat that is easy to find. | A small flat, or anyone who wants a long-established breed with detailed health data. |
| 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