American Bobtail Cat Breed Description

Active: The American Bobtail is moderately active. They are not overactive but they are certainly playful and energetic.

Size: The American Bobtail is a medium to large cat breed that often resembles a wild animal, much like a bobcat. They are well built and typically weigh 8-13 pounds. They are also a slow-maturing breed, typically taking 2 to 3 years to reach full maturity.

Characteristics: American Bobtail Cats are a naturally occurring genetic mutation that resulted in short-tailed cat that is both beautiful and athletic. Centuries old, the American Bobtail cat breed has a unique, "wild" look. You might feel like you just plucked these cats right out of the wilderness as they bear resemblance to bobcats. Their short bobbed-tail naturally occurred in the environment in which the cat lived, in order to survive. No two bobbed-tails are the same and their unique appearance is the pride of both the cat and the owner. They have intriguing almond shaped eyes that are often described as "Hunter's Eyes." Their hind legs are usually slightly longer than their front legs. They often have tufted ears and toes, giving them an adorable and endearing appearance. Their most notable feature is the short tail. It is usually about 1/3 to 1/2 the length of an ordinary cat's tail length. Their tails are generally straight, but may curve, have a bump or even be knotted!

Temperament: The American Bobtail cat breed is a wonderful domestic cat, even if they appear to be wild. They are actually quite gentle, loving and intelligent. They make wonderful companions for families with young children as they are playful and entertaining as well. They are easy going enough to snuggle up and be your best friend, but they are playful and intelligent enough to be easily taught new tricks such as walking on leash. The American Bobtail is something of an escape artist, frequently accomplishing astonishing escaped that even their human counterparts cannot explain! They will bond with the whole family, and be loving and kind to everyone who befriends them. They will not be overly active or demanding of your attention, but they will certainly want to be wherever you are! Adaptable and friendly, even long distance truck drivers love to have them as companions because they are loving and flexible.

Care: American Bobtail cats need to be brushed once or twice each week. Additionally, they need weekly nail trimming and occasional ear cleaning to maintain their beautiful appearance.

Coat: Just because they can look wild, does not mean they always will. The American Bobtail can have a wide variety of colors and patterns. While they can be almost any color or pattern, their coat lengths are limited to two: short and medium-long.

Origin: While there are accounts and history of bobtail cats going back centuries, the American Bobtail cat breed has its own unique tale. To discuss the beginning of the American Bobtail cat breed, one must look back to the 1960's. The full history of this breed is somewhat vague, but we do know that a cat named Yodie played a pivotal role in the development of the breed in America. John and Brenda Sanders, while on vacation in Arizona, found Yodie and brought him to their home in Iowa. There, he encountered the family's other cat, Mishi. The American Bobtail cat breed is believed to be a result of mating a short-tailed brown tabby (Yodie) and a sealpoint Siamese female (Mishi), though her background is debatable. The kittens that were born from this mating had the same characteristic short tail, like their father Yodie. It did not take long for the kittens to make friends with the neighbors cats, and thus, the breed was perpetuated. Mindy Cave was a friend of the Sanders', and she began to breed the American Bobtail cat breed as well as wrote the first provisional breed standard. While most of the early bloodlines no longer exist, the breed did continue on. In the 1980's, breeders began to break away from the original standard blueprint of breeding bobtails and introduced more colors, categories and divisions into the breed. Today's American Bobtail cat breed is said to be traced in breeders in Florida.