American Bobtail: The Wild-Looking Cat With a Short Tail

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

The American Bobtail has the look of a small bobcat, with a stocky body, tufted ears and a short tail, but it is a purely domestic cat with a gentle, adaptable personality. It is a good choice for people who want a smart, easygoing cat with a bit of wild style.

Origins

The breed traces to the 1960s, when Iowa couple John and Brenda Sanders found a stray brown tabby male with a short tail while on vacation in Arizona. They brought him home and bred him with a seal-point Siamese. The kittens had short tails, and breeders developed the line, adding other domestic cats to widen the gene pool. The bobtail comes from a natural mutation. Despite the wild look, the breed has no wild ancestry. The breed is distinct from the Manx and the Japanese Bobtail.

Appearance

American Bobtails are medium to large, with a muscular, rectangular body. Males typically weigh 10 to 16 pounds and females 7 to 11 pounds. They mature slowly, up to two or three years. Features include:

• A short, bobbed tail, one to four inches, which may be straight or kinked
• A shaggy, medium-length double coat in the longhair, or a dense short coat in the shorthair
• A broad, wedge-shaped head with a rounded muzzle
• Large, almond-shaped eyes, often green or gold
• Lynx-like ear tufts and hind legs slightly longer than the front
• All colors and patterns, with brown tabby the most iconic

Temperament

American Bobtails are friendly and confident.

• Bonded. They attach to their family and follow people around.
• Intelligent. They learn quickly, can open doors and may learn tricks.
• Adaptable. They tolerate travel, new places and other pets well.
• Playful. They enjoy interactive games and puzzles, and are active but not frantic.
• Quiet. They may chirp or trill but are not loud.

Their calm nature suits families. See best cat breeds for families. Compare with the larger Maine Coon.

Grooming

Grooming is moderate.

• Brush once or twice a week, more during shedding. See how to brush a cat.
• Bathe occasionally, if needed. See how to bathe a cat.
• Trim nails, check ears and brush teeth. See how to trim cat nails and cat dental disease.

Health

American Bobtails are generally healthy, but ask breeders about:

• Hip dysplasia, reported in the breed
• Spinal or tail issues, since short tails can sometimes be linked to spinal problems, so ask for health information
• Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
• Obesity. See how much should I feed my cat.

Regular vet visits matter. See the cat vaccination schedule, and use the US vet directory to find a clinic.

Living with an American Bobtail

They adapt to houses and apartments.

• Provide tall cat trees and window perches. See how to choose a cat tree.
• Offer puzzle feeders and interactive toys. See indoor cat enrichment ideas.
• Try harness training for supervised outdoor time.
• Keep them indoors with identification. See cat microchipping and identification.

They are good travelers, so they may enjoy car trips. See how to travel with a cat by car.

Is an American Bobtail right for you?

They suit families, first-time owners who can provide play, and people who want a smart, mellow cat. They may not suit those who want a lap cat that is always cuddly, or who are away for long hours.

Questions to ask a breeder

Ask about hip and heart screening, tail and spine health in the line, and how kittens are raised. Request a health guarantee and registration papers.

Training and travel

American Bobtails often learn to walk on a harness and leash, and many enjoy short trips. Start indoors, with a lightweight harness and treats, and work up to a quiet outdoor area. Carry a carrier and ID on any trip. Their calm response to new places makes them a good choice for owners who travel or camp with pets. Always keep the cat secure and supervised outdoors.

Growth and feeding

American Bobtails mature slowly, so feed a quality kitten food for the first year, and then move to an adult diet. Keep an eye on weight, since a large frame can hide extra pounds. Use measured meals and play.

Common mistakes

Do not assume that the short tail means no tail care. Be gentle when handling the tail. Provide plenty of play and mental stimulation.