American Bobtail Cat
Cat Facts

How to Identify the American Bobtail Cat

The American Bobtail cat should not be confused with the American wild cat called the Bobcat. The Rabbit Cat is (or was), a form of bobtail which was once found on the eastern seaboard of the United States - this cat, it would appear, is now extinct and also not related to the American Bobtail.

Whilst there are other bobtail cats - the Japanese Bobtail and Manx cats they are in no way related to the American Bobtail.

Apart from its short tail, this kitty does have a host of identifiable features that will assist you in recognizing the cat breed.

The American Bobtail is a powerful cat and it displays this in its cobby or semi-cobby, medium sized body. They are heavy cats with powerful muscles and strong bones. Looking front-on, it is apparent that they have a broad chest and side-on, a slightly arched back is seen. Bobtails have medium length legs and the hind legs are slightly shorter than the front legs. The legs compliment the torso with powerful muscles and strong bones. Their round, broad paws have tufts of fur between the toes.

The tail, which differentiates this cat from other breeds, is short - being between 2.5 cm to 10 cm (1 inch - 4 inches) in length. Their tails should be flexible and can be slightly curled or even 'knotted'. Despite the length, this little tail has a good plume and long, shaggy, thick hair covers the tail.

These cats have broad heads with rounded contours and well developed, full cheeks and well developed chin and jaws. They have alert, large, oval (or almond -shaped) eyes that are deep set and spaced wide apart and angled slightly upwards towards the ears. A distinctive feature is the 'brow' above the eyes that gives the cat a 'hunting gaze'. The color of the eyes is appropriate to the color of the coat. Looking at the ears, they are alert, widely set and medium in size with rounded tips and quite broad at the base. Generally, tufted or lynx tip ears are preferred.

If you are looking for a show quality cat, we do suggest that you visit the all breeds of cat associations in your country for the correct cat breed standards.

The Coat Characteristics and Coat Types and Color

The American Bobtail breed comes in two varieties:

Longhair: In this variety the fur is medium in length and slightly shaggy. Whilst they do have a double coat, it should not be dense and should not matt. In the longhair version, the hair on the tail and ruff is longer.

Shorthair: The coat is semi-dense and characterized by a rigid or hard top coat and soft, downy undercoat.

In both the long and shorthair cats, the double coat is shaggy and harsh rather than fluffy.

In terms of color and patterns - all shades, colors and patterns are acceptable. Solid Colors: A range of solid (or self colors) are found - Black, Red, Cream, Blue, White, Chocolate, Lavender, Cinnamon and Fawn. Tabby Patterns: patterns include the Classic tabby, Mackerel tabby, Spotted tabby, Ticked tabby and Patched tabby. Lynx Point Pattern: Bi-Color and Pointed patterns.

American Bobtail Cat Personality

We asked a couple of breeders to provide their view on the temperament and behavior of the American Bobtail. Some breeders described their cats as very active, athletic, energetic, playful and friendly. Conversely, others described their cats as calm, patient and gentle cats who do not tolerate solitude. They are cats with great dispositions that make excellent, laid-back companion cats.

There was certainly agreement that American Bobtail cats are intelligent cats with dog-type personalities. They love to greet you at the door and love a game of fetch and can be quite clown-like in their actions.

They are loving and devoted to their humans and are tolerant of children. They do accept being handled and being carried around.

They are keen travelers and can also be lead trained, which means they can be taken for walks.

The American Bobtai is not very vocal - they tend to 'chirp and trill' rather than meow. Their voice is described as 'rambling and scratchy'.

American Bobtail Breed Information

Are these cats Child Friendly?

Yes, they are child friendly, but younger children need to be taught how to handle and carry a cat or kitten. No respectable cat will tolerate rough handling.

Do they get on with other Cats and Dogs?

Yes, they do get on with other pets. The introduction of a new pet needs to be done gradually and pet owners should always respect the 'rights' of the resident pets when introducing a new addition to the family.

What Type of Home would suit the Bobtail?

Most reputable cat breeders have contracts that stipulate that the cat must be kept indoors only. This is understandable as these beauties are skilled escape artists.

American Bobtail cats are suited to indoor and outdoor living, but 'outdoors' as described below.

An enclosed garden means one that is covered on all 4 sides, including the roof. If your cat has direct access from your home to a large enclosure of this type it would be possible to allow some access to the 'outdoors'.

Cat Grooming and Cat Care

Very little grooming is required for the shorthaired version except for a weekly brush. As longhaired American Bobtail cats have long to semi-long hair with an undercoat, it is highly recommended that you brush their coats at least two to three times a week.

For complete cat grooming you may want to visit our comprehensive section on cat care which provides information on cat bathing, nail clipping and general cat hygiene that includes care of your cats eyes, ears and very important dental care.

General Cat Health

This is a healthy and robust breed with no hereditary or genetic cat health issues. To keep your cat healthy make sure that it receives all its vaccinations and an annual trip to the vet for a check-up, dental cleaning and de-worming.

Note: 'Rumpies' (cats with no tails) could signify spinal problems. Bobtails have tails, even though the tail is short, some tail must be present.

We do recommend cat insurance for your cat. There are some great health care plans to suit most pet owners. It may save your pets life.

Dietary Requirements

Always feed your cat the best nutritionally and well balanced cat food that you can afford. Your can should always have access to clean and fresh drinking water. You should avoid giving your cat milk and excessive treats or table scraps. Visit our informative pages about cat food and cat treats if you are unsure about any aspect of your cat's nutrition.

The Weight of the American Bobtail

Whilst the males are generally larger than the female cats, the average weight of these darling bobtail cats is around 3.0 - 9.0 kg (7.0 - 19.8 lbs)

The Life Expectancy of the American Bobtail

The American Bobtail cat has a long life expectancy. A well cared for cat that lives indoors can live to between 12 and 20 years. In this chapter on 'How long do cats live' we elaborate on a cat's life span.

* Before purchasing a cat, always do thorough research into the bloodlines and genetics of your cat and always buy from reputable cat breeders.

Related Cat Information

American Bobtail - history and origin of the breed

American Bobtail Cats - photo gallery

American Bobtail Cat Pictures provided by:

Lorna Dawn Friemoth of NuDawnz Cattery - Friemoth Family Cats

Photographer: ©Tetzu Photography

Top & Center: NuDawnz Chinook, seal-lynx point American Bobtail LH female

Bottom: GCBWNW A Bebop Tail Yeti of NuDawnz, gold-eyed white American Bobtail LH.

© Animal Photography www.animal-photography.com