American Bobtail

Breed: American Bobtail | Size: Medium to large| Average lifespan: 15+ years | Temperament: Patient, calm, and gentle | Coat: Short and semi-long | Origin: United States.

The American Bobtail is a rather recent cat breed. Like the name suggests, this cat comes from the United States. It is a medium to large cat that is known for its short tail.

What are the origins of the American Bobtail?

The American Bobtail is a cat breed that was discovered in 1965 in the United States.

You might like this article: Top 10 American cat breeds

From an Native American reserve

The Sandlers, an American couple, had discovered a wild-looking kitten with a short tail tucked up its back on a Native American reservation in the state of Arizona. Fascinated by the cat’s unusual appearance and liveliness, they decided to adopt him and called him Yodie. They crossed the cat with a Siamese cat and one of the kittens in the litter was paired with a cream cat. The kittens born of this cross were the first of the American Bobtail breed.

Recognized late

Originally, the American Bobtail was a short-haired cat, but today there are also semi-long-haired American Bobtails, due to cross-breeding with Persians. It wasn’t until 1989 that this cat breed was recognized by TICA (The International Cat Association). It is also recognized by the LOOF (Livre Officiel des Origines Félines), but remains relatively rare in Europe. Moreover, the breed is still considered to be under development.

What are the particularities of the American Bobtail?

The American Bobtail has unique physical particularities that differentiate the breed from other cat breeds.

Body

The breed’s short tail is the main physical characteristic, ranging from 2.5 to 10 cm in length. This shortened tail is due to a natural genetic mutation. It can be gnarled and curved. It is covered with long, thick, shaggy hair. The American Bobtail is a medium to large-sized cat, growing from two to three years.

This is a pet with a well-muscled body and strong bones. Males weigh between 6 and 9 kg, and are heavier than females (5 to 8 kg). They have arched backs and powerful, broad, rounded chests. The cat’s feet are round and broad, with legs proportionate to the body.

Head

The American Bobtail’s head is rather large. This cat breed has a powerful jaw. Very large at the base, their ears are medium sized and placed relatively low on the head. At the top, there is a little tuft of hair, similar to that of a Lynx. Their eyes are large and oval.

Coat

Both short-haired and semi-long-haired American Bobtails have thick fur around their breeches, belly, tail and ruff. Cats with a semi-long coat have more often hair between their toes. In addition, the colors and coat of the cat breed are very varied and range from light to very dark.

What is the character of the American Bobtail?

The American Bobtail is known for being a patient, calm, docile, and gentle cat. It is a pet that is devoted to their master and their adoptive family. While they are active, the American Bobtail prefers the comfort of home more than outings. In fact, apartment life is perfectly suitable for this cat, as long as they have a little area such as a balcony where they get a little fresh air from time to time. They particularly like spending time on the couch and taking a stroll around the house.

It is also a very affectionate cat that like to befriend every member of the family. Nevertheless, the American Bobtail needs accessories like a scratching post or a cat tree to thrive. As they developed in the nature, the American Bobtail has all the cognitive skills to fend for themselves. It’s an intelligent cat that likes to learn.

They love playing hide-and-seek or fetch with their owner. The American Bobtail is also a great hunter. They appreciate hunting insects inside the house and pretending to hunt their toys. Also, it is useful to know that this cat breed is not afraid of the unknown. In fact, this cat is often the first to put themselves in front of the door to discover what is coming to the house.

What is the American Bobtail’s behavior like?

This cat does not really need very physical activities. Some consider this breed to be a sloth because they prefer to spend time in the house rather than go outside. Their behavior is close to that of a dog. Moreover, the American Bobtail is often nicknamed a cat-dog. They are particularly affectionate with their owners and hate solitude. They love when their owner is there for them and ready to sacrifice anything for them. This cat can adapt to all styles of life and environments. They appreciate the company of children, other cats, and other animals. In addition, this cat prefers to coo and chirp than meow.

How do you take care of an American Bobtail?

Grroming the American Bobtail is simple but needs to be done regularly. It consists of brushing them gently. You do not need to brush them more, especially if your cat is a short-haired American Bobtail. However, it is important to brush them frequently during their molting period. Gentleness is essential to preserve the animal’s coat and undercoat. You should also check the condition of his ears and eyes on a regular basis to avoid the risk of infection. Note that hair loss is not very abundant.

What is the recommended diet for an American Bobtail?

A good quality diet that is adapted to their physical conditions is necessary for an American Bobtail to stay in good health. Do not hesitate to alternate between kibble and wet food to please your pet. You can even combine both of them. You can also prepare home-cooked meals for him, provided they meet his specific needs.

Health

The average lifespan of this cat is 15 years and more, they are robust and resistant. However, its lazy nature makes it prone to overweight. The American Bobtail is rarely ill. However, this American cat can be prone to all the health problems that cats generally encounter. They are also prone to periodontal disease, including gingivitis and tartar. It is therefore essential to provide him with the necessary dental care.

You should also be aware that certain diseases are linked to the cat’s breed. One example is hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joint. Quite common in dogs, this pathology also affects cats. Large cats in particular are most affected. Clinical manifestations in felines differ from those in dogs. Cats affected by this pathology have difficulty jumping. If left untreated, they may limp on one or both hind legs. Rapid, early diagnosis is strongly recommended to effectively treat the disease and avoid chronic problems. Concerns about the spine are also feared, due to the genetic mutation that has shortened its tail.

With the look of a wild feline, the American Bobtail is an excellent companion. It is affectionate, intelligent, calm and particularly gentle. It loves good company and hates solitude. Although playful and active, this cat prefers to stay at home than go out. He likes to spend his hours lounging on the sofa, his laziness is innate.