American bred, the Bobtail is sure to win you over and become a true companion to your family. And who can resist that adorable tail?
American Bobtail History
The American Bobtail is fairly new to the Cat Fancier’s world, being recognized as a breed in 2000 and gaining championship status in the year 2006. The original bobtail cat was found on an Arizona Indian reservation and later bred, producing kittens with the naturally occurring bobtail. There is no bobcat whatsoever in this breed, though many do look like the wildcat. Bobtails are a medium to large breed with males reaching 15 lbs or so. They are slow to mature and can take two to three years to fully develop.
American Bobtail Characteristics
American Bobtails are an athletic, muscular, and powerful breed. Their body type is semi-cobby with slightly longer rear legs, and they come in longhair and shorthair, with both varieties having soft thick fur. Bobtails can come in any color and have any eye color, though they are best known for their brown tabby pattern. This breed has a broad semi-wedge shaped head and large, close to almond shaped eyes that show their intelligence. The average tail length is about 4”.
American Bobtail Temperament
Bobtails are a very dog-like breed of cat. They are adaptable, devoted, loving, kind, gentle, playful, energetic, and extremely intelligent. As companions, they love children and other animals and are known as making wonderful therapy pets. Though they are generally quiet, they might insist on a game of fetch or hide and seek. They might also play raccoon and hide your shiny treasures for their own amusement.
American Bobtail Grooming
American Bobtails do require grooming, more so with the longhaired variety, though combing a couple times a week will probably be sufficient. They do shed and might require extra attention during shedding seasons. If their coat becomes oily, they may require a bath.
American Bobtail Health
Bobtails are known as escape artists, and you should keep an eye on indoor cats to make sure they don’t accidentally get outside. Fleas and ticks can cause skin problems with this breed. Health problems might include hip dysplasia, and you should be aware that a Bobtail with no tail at all could have a shortened spine. Some may also suffer from dry skin or dermatitis.
If you have any questions or would like to share stories, information or pictures of your American Bobtail cat, please join us in the discussion area. If you are thinking of adopting an American Bobtail, please consider the American Bobtail Rescue or check out adoptable Bobtail cats at Petfinder.com.
If you are researching different breeds of cats, you might also enjoy reading Choosing the Right Cat Breed.
