American Bobtail

Breed Overview

Introduction

The American Bobtail is a distinctive domestic cat breed prized for its stubby, bobbed tail and rugged appearance.

Despite its wildcat-like looks (often likened to a lynx or ocelot), this breed is remarkably affectionate and friendly, earning a reputation as the “golden retriever of cats” due to its outgoing, people-oriented nature.

Originating in the United States in the late 1960s, American Bobtails are medium-to-large, sturdy cats with strong legs and a muscular build.

They can come in any color or pattern (with a preference in cat shows for wild, tabby-like markings) and have shaggy coats that may be short or long.

Overall, the American Bobtail combines a beautiful, exotic look with a genuinely loving and gentle personality.

Breed History

The American Bobtail’s origin begins with a genetic tail mutation in domestic cats. Contrary to an old myth, the breed was not created by crossing house cats with wild bobcats.

In fact, the short “bob” tail arises from a natural dominant mutation. In the 1960s, a couple named John and Brenda Sanders in Arizona discovered a short-tailed brown tabby male cat (nicknamed Yodie).

They bred Yodie with a domestic Siamese (their cat Mishi), and many of the resulting kittens inherited Yodie’s stubby tail. This successful cross prompted other breeders to develop the trait further, emphasizing health and the wild appearance.

In the 1980s, breeding efforts formalized the American Bobtail as a distinct breed. The new bloodlines were selected for strong resemblance to Yodie’s look.

The breed gained official recognition by cat registries in the late 20th century. The International Cat Association (TICA) accepted the American Bobtail for competition in 1989, followed by recognition from the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and the American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA).

Today, although championship standards exist for both short- and long-haired Bobtails, the breed remains relatively rare outside of the show ring. Enthusiasts maintain that its domestic origin and genetic diversity have kept the breed healthy and robust.

Physical Characteristics

he American Bobtail is medium to large (typically 7–16 pounds) with a distinctly rectangular, sturdy frame. Males are generally larger (12–16 lbs) than females (7–11 lbs).

Its body is muscular with substantial boning, broad chest, and strong shoulders. The hind legs are slightly longer than the front legs, giving the cat a higher rear stance – a trait that contributes to its wildcat silhouette.

The tail is the breed’s hallmark: it averages just 1–4 inches long and may be straight, kinked, or slightly curved. In many Bobtails the tail is so short it’s barely visible, but it should show just above the back when held naturally.

Because the tail gene is dominant, Bobtails will usually have at least a little stub regardless of breeding; kittens may be born with tails of varying lengths or even none at all.

Coat and color vary widely. American Bobtails can be shorthaired or longhaired with a shaggy, water-resistant double coat. Both coat lengths are dense: the shorter coat is thick and plush, while the longer coat is a bit rougher with longer tufts around the ruff and belly. 

All colors and patterns are acceptable – from solid to tabby, tortoiseshell, bicolor, and more. Many Bobtails sport wild-looking tabby or spotted markings with striking gold, green, or blue eyes, reinforcing their “feral” appearance.

Behavior and Personality

American Bobtails are exceptionally social and affectionate cats. They form strong bonds with their human families and are known to be gentle and loving companions.

Their nature is famously dog-like: they often greet visitors eagerly, follow their owners around the house, and enjoy interactive play. Because of this friendly, loyal temperament, Bobtails are sometimes trained as therapy animals.

These cats are also playful and intelligent. From kittenhood, they exhibit energetic curiosity – climbing cat trees, exploring high vantage points, and even stalking imaginary prey.

Adult Bobtails love games: many enjoy fetch, hide-and-seek, and puzzle toys, and they can be taught tricks or to walk on a leash. Their high intelligence means they get bored without stimulation; they thrive when given interactive playtime and mental challenges.

American Bobtails typically have gentle, easygoing dispositions. They are usually patient with children and very tolerant of other pets. Most Bobtails get along well with dogs and other cats. They do not have a strong prey drive toward household companions, so multi-pet households are usually harmonious.

Bobtails can be quite vocal, using a range of meows, chirps, and trills to express themselves, but they are not considered obnoxiously loud. Overall, their combination of friendliness, adaptability, and loyalty makes them a delightful family pet.

Care Tips

Diet

Feed a high-quality, protein-rich diet appropriate to the cat’s life stage and activity level. American Bobtails can gain weight easily, so measure meals carefully and limit treats to prevent obesity.

Incorporate wet food or water-rich foods to maintain hydration. Consult your veterinarian to determine portion sizes and to tailor nutrition to your Bobtail’s health needs.

Exercise

Bobtails are moderately active and enjoy daily playtime. Provide at least 30 minutes of interactive play each day – such as chasing toy mice, feather wands, or laser pointers.

Their natural agility means they love climbing and jumping; cat trees, shelves, and perches give them vertical space to explore. Training them to walk on a leash or play fetch can also burn off energy. Regular exercise keeps Bobtails fit and prevents boredom-related mischief.

Environment & Enrichment

These social cats thrive in an engaging environment. Because they bond closely with people and dislike being left completely alone for long periods, ensure they have companionship – another pet or family member interaction.

Provide a variety of toys (balls, puzzle feeders, feather toys) and rotate them regularly to keep the cat interested. A safe, enclosed outdoor space or harness walks can be good enrichment for Bobtails who have outdoor access.

Due to their adaptable nature, American Bobtails do well in homes of all sizes (even RVs or boats) as long as their need for interaction and play is met.

Grooming

Grooming needs depend on coat length. Shorthaired Bobtails have moderate shedding; brush them once or twice a week to remove loose fur. Longhaired Bobtails have a shaggy double coat that benefits from brushing 2–3 times per week to prevent matting and reduce hairballs.

All Bobtails should have their nails trimmed regularly and ears checked for debris or wax. Bathing is rarely needed unless the cat gets unusually dirty. Overall, Bobtails are relatively low-maintenance, but consistent grooming helps keep their coat healthy.

Mental Stimulation

American Bobtails are bright and quick to learn. Provide puzzle toys, training, and interactive games to challenge their minds. Food-dispensing toys or hiding treats for them to find can keep them mentally busy.

Many Bobtails enjoy learning simple commands or tricks; teaching them to retrieve or target an object (like asking them to get a toy) can be rewarding for both cat and owner. Engaging their intelligence not only enriches their lives but also reduces stress and behavioral problems.

Health Concerns

American Bobtails are generally healthy and hardy cats with no illnesses known to affect the breed exclusively. However, some health issues can occur:

Preventive Care

Regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, flea/tick prevention, and dental care apply to Bobtails as they do to any cat. Since obesity is a common problem in domestic cats, keep your Bobtail at a healthy weight with portion control and activity.

Always provide clean water, keep litter boxes tidy, and watch for any changes in appetite or behavior. Early detection of health issues through routine vet care is the best prevention.

Is This Breed Right for You?

Assessment Tips:

Ideal if: People loving humorous, playful cats seeking companionship (not overly clingy). Those able to commit to regular interaction and playtime.

Not ideal if: People preferring low – energy, overly affectionate cats. Those frequently leaving home for extended periods.

FAQ

Do American Bobtails shed a lot? 

Not excessively. They are classified as a moderate shedding breed. Long-haired Bobtails shed somewhat more than short-haired ones, but in all cases regular brushing (once or twice a week) keeps loose hair under control.

Seasonal shedding (spring/fall) may increase, but with routine grooming most loose fur can be removed before it ends up on furniture.

Can they be held and cuddled? 

Yes! American Bobtails are generally very affectionate and enjoy physical affection. They are often happy to curl up in your lap or be gently carried.

Of course, individual preferences vary, but this breed tends to bond closely with owners and will frequently seek out pets and cuddles.

Are American Bobtails expensive? 

The cost can vary by location and breeder, but they tend to be moderately priced. According to breed resources, a pet-quality Bobtail kitten from a reputable breeder often ranges $600 to $1200 USD.

Show-quality cats or those with championship bloodlines may cost more. Adoption fees or rescue cats can be much lower. Remember that ongoing costs (food, vet care, toys) are similar to other medium-to-large cat breeds.

Are they hypoallergenic? 

No, the American Bobtail is not a hypoallergenic breed. They have normal cat proteins in their skin and saliva that can trigger allergies, and with moderate shedding they release dander into the environment.

If you or a family member has cat allergies, interact with a Bobtail before making a commitment and maintain frequent cleaning to reduce allergens.

Do they get along with other pets? 

Generally, yes. American Bobtails are very social and gentle with other animals. They typically bond well with dogs and other cats, often showing no aggression toward them.

Proper introductions are still important, but Bobtails usually adapt quickly to multi-pet homes. Their easygoing nature means they are unlikely to bully smaller animals, and in many cases Bobtails enjoy having playmates around.

Bonus Facts

“Bobtail” gene dominance

The gene that causes the short tail in American Bobtails is dominant. This means that breeding one Bobtail parent usually produces kittens with bobbed tails. (By contrast, the Japanese Bobtail’s short tail is caused by a recessive gene.)

No wild blood

Despite the name and appearance, American Bobtails have no wildcat ancestry. Urban legend sometimes suggests they came from bobcats, but genetic evidence shows the short tail arose from a random mutation in domestic cats.

Late bloomers

Bobtails mature more slowly than many cats. They may take two to three years to reach full size and personality development.

Therapy animals

Due to their gentle nature and empathy, American Bobtails are occasionally trained as therapy cats. They often sense human emotions and can provide comfort, making them excellent companions for people in hospitals or nursing homes.

“Mini ocelots”

When young, Bobtails sometimes are called miniature ocelots because of their spotted/tabby coats and wild look. They retain their playful kitten-like energy well into adulthood.

Rare breeders

The American Bobtail is still relatively uncommon. In the United States, only a handful of breeders specialize in the breed. The American Cat Fanciers’ Association lists only a few official breeders nationwide. Prospective owners may need patience to find a reputable breeder or rescue.

References

“Cat Breed Profile: American Bobtail”. Animal.Discovery.com. Discovery Communications. Archived from the original on October 5, 2006. Retrieved 12 September 2014.

“Comparison: Japanese Bobtail, Manx and American Bobtail”. Fanciers: Japanese Bobtail FAQ. Retrieved 12 September 2014.

“American Bobtail Show Standard” (PDF). Alliance, Ohio, US: Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). April 28, 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 April 2013. Retrieved 12 September 2014.

“American Bobtail Longhair” (PDF). ACFACat.org. Nixa, Missouri, US: American Cat Fanciers Association (ACFA). May 2007. Archived (PDF) from the original on May 31, 2013. Retrieved 12 September 2014.

“American Bobtail Shorthair” (PDF). ACFACat.org. May 2007. Archived (PDF) from the original on June 1, 2013. Retrieved 12 September 2014.

“Recognized and Admitted Breeds in the WCF”. WCF-Online.de. Essen, Germany: World Cat Federation (WCF). April 1, 2009. Archived from the original on February 15, 2013. Retrieved 12 September 2014. PDF version: [1].

“Standard”. WCF-Online.de. March 2013. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 12 September 2014. The specific sections for each competitive division do not include this breed in any of them: long-haired Archived 2021-10-20 at the Wayback Machine, semi-long-haired Archived 2021-10-23 at the Wayback Machine, short-haired Archived 2021-10-23 at the Wayback Machine and Siamese & oriental Archived 2021-10-23 at the Wayback Machine.

“American Bobtail Cat Breed full Profile | A Unique Analysis- 2020 |”. Retrieved 2020-10-27.