During the 1960s, the American bobtail cat originated in the United States when a female seal point Siamese cat bred with Yodi, an male brown tabby that had an unusually short tail. The resulting kittens were born with a bobbed tail. Further selective breeding attempts also produced the same genetic mutation, and additional breeds were added into the bloodlines. A decade later, bobtail breeder Mindy Schultz drafted the original American bobtail breed standard, which was restricted to cats with short tails, long coats, color points, blue eyes, white paws and white blazes on their faces. The breed standard was rewritten in the 1980s by a group of breeders who opted to introduce a wider variety of colors and patterns to today’s American bobtail.
The American Bobtail is the result of the cross-breeding of a Siamese cat and an short-tailed male tabby. The natural short tail is a result of natural mutation. It has a furry, shaggy coat. The distinguishing characteristic of the American bobtail is the short tail. The short tail length is a naturally occurring genetic mutation. The tail length ranges between one-third and one-half of the length of an average cat's tail, and each cat's tail is unique in overall shape and texture. The American bobtail was a thick, weather-resistant, non-matting coat that may be either short or medium in length and comes in any of the feline coat colors and patterns. Their almond-shaped eyes may also be of any color. American bobtails take three years to achieve full maturity. The average adult American bobtail cat weighs 7 to 15 pounds. Their bodies are solid and muscular, and the cats demonstrate athletic ability and hunting prowess.
Personality
Bobtails are mellow, affectionate, intelligent, playful cats and can even be taught how to fetch. This cat breed gets along well with kids and are friendly towards other cats, dogs and strangers. American bobtails are adaptable to a variety of living arrangements. They are friendly and affectionate, and they enjoy interaction with their owners. American bobtails are playful, and they get along well with children and other pets. American bobtails are intelligent and inquisitive. They are devoted companions, and this bond makes them keenly aware of their owners’ emotions. American bobtails share many of the lovable traits that dogs possess, such as greeting their owners at the door, playing fetch and going for walks on leashes. The American bobtail is short on tail, but long on personality. This outgoing breed enjoys the companionship of its family members. If you crave a cat that mimics some of the endearing social interactions of a dog, the American bobtail is a good match for your family.
Breed Characteristics
| Origin: | US, 1960s |
| Life Span: | 11-15 years |
| Nicknames: | No nicknames known |
American Bobtail Build Information
The American Bobtail is the result of the cross-breeding of a Siamese cat and an short-tailed male tabby. The natural short tail is a result of natural mutation. It has a furry, shaggy coat. The distinguishing characteristic of the American bobtail is the short tail. The short tail length is a naturally occurring genetic mutation. The tail length ranges between one-third and one-half of the length of an average cat's tail, and each cat's tail is unique in overall shape and texture. The American bobtail was a thick, weather-resistant, non-matting coat that may be either short or medium in length and comes in any of the feline coat colors and patterns. Their almond-shaped eyes may also be of any color. American bobtails take three years to achieve full maturity. The average adult American bobtail cat weighs 7 to 15 pounds. Their bodies are solid and muscular, and the cats demonstrate athletic ability and hunting prowess.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
Bobtails are mellow, affectionate, intelligent, playful cats and can even be taught how to fetch. This cat breed gets along well with kids and are friendly towards other cats, dogs and strangers. American bobtails are adaptable to a variety of living arrangements. They are friendly and affectionate, and they enjoy interaction with their owners. American bobtails are playful, and they get along well with children and other pets. American bobtails are intelligent and inquisitive. They are devoted companions, and this bond makes them keenly aware of their owners’ emotions. American bobtails share many of the lovable traits that dogs possess, such as greeting their owners at the door, playing fetch and going for walks on leashes. The American bobtail is short on tail, but long on personality. This outgoing breed enjoys the companionship of its family members. If you crave a cat that mimics some of the endearing social interactions of a dog, the American bobtail is a good match for your family.
| Activity Level: | Moderate |
| Affection Level: | High |
| Kid Friendliness: | Very Friendly |
Appearance
American bobtails require minimal grooming. Brushing the coat weekly removes the dead hairs and maintains a healthy luster. Brushing the teeth at least three times a week prevents periodontal disease and helps to maintain good overall well-being.
| Grooming: | Minimal (Weekly weekly, nail trimming, ear and tooth cleaning) |
American Bobtail Common Health Conditions
American bobtail cats live an average lifespan of 11 to 15 years. They are healthy and present no known genetic health conditions specific to the breed.
American Bobtail Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
The American bobtail originated in the United States. American bobtails are lovable, easy-going, playful and adaptable to any household. An adult American bobtail cat weighs between 7 and 15 pounds. The American bobtail requires minimal to moderate grooming. American bobtails live an average lifespan of 11 to 15 years.