Breed Guide

American Bobtail

General Information

The American Bobtail is a medium-to-large, muscular cat with a naturally short “bobbed” tail. Known for its playful, intelligent, and social personality, it enjoys interacting with family members and other pets. Agile and athletic, this breed loves climbing, exploring, and interactive games. Its unique tail and expressive eyes give it a wild, exotic appearance, while its affectionate nature makes it a wonderful companion for active households.

Physical:

American Bobtails are muscular and well-proportioned cats with medium-to-long, dense coats that can be short-haired or semi-long-haired. Their signature feature is the naturally short, bobbed tail, which should be slightly curved and fluffy. They have large, expressive eyes and strong, athletic bodies. When identifying a true American Bobtail, pay attention to their bobbed tail, sturdy build, and the balance of their head and body.

Personality:

American Bobtails are intelligent, curious, and social cats. They are playful and enjoy interactive games, climbing, and exploring their environment. Affectionate with their family, they get along well with children and other pets, but are also independent enough to entertain themselves when needed. Their friendly and adaptable nature makes them excellent companions for active households.

Health & Care:

The American Bobtail has a dense, medium-to-long coat that can be short-haired or semi-long-haired. Weekly brushing is usually sufficient to remove loose hairs and prevent tangles while maintaining its natural shine. Their coat is naturally low-maintenance, and regular nail trimming, ear checks, and dental care complete their basic upkee

Hygiene

American Bobtails rarely need full baths, so a shower every 2–3 months or when visibly dirty is sufficient, using a cat-friendly shampoo.

Nails should be trimmed every 2–3 weeks with a proper cat nail clipper; if you’re unsure, a veterinarian or professional groomer can help.

Their teeth should be brushed 2–3 times per week using a cat toothbrush and pet-safe toothpaste—if you’ve never done this before, ask a vet to demonstrate proper technique.

Ears should be checked weekly and cleaned gently with a cotton pad or vet-recommended solution as needed.

Common Health Issues

American Bobtails are generally healthy, but may be prone to spinal problems due to their bobbed tail. Look for signs of discomfort, difficulty jumping, or abnormal tail movement. Regular vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and attention to their tail and joints will keep them healthy and happy.

History:

Origin

The American Bobtail originated in the United States in the 1960s, when a naturally short-tailed domestic cat was bred with other domestic cats to develop a consistent bobbed tail and balanced body. The breed’s distinctive tail and wild appearance quickly gained attention, and it was formally recognized by cat associations in the 1980s. Despite its exotic look, the American Bobtail is a purely domestic breed with a friendly, adaptable personality.

Curious Fact

The American Bobtail owes its unique bobbed tail to a natural genetic mutation. This spontaneous trait first appeared in the 1960s, and breeders worked to stabilize it while preserving the cat’s friendly and adaptable nature.

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