Pets

The American Bobtail is a fairly new and uncommon breed of cat, notable for its stubby "bobbed" tail.  This is the result of a genetic mutation affecting the tail development, similar to that of a Manx. The cat is not related to the Japanese Bobtail despite the similar name and physical type - the breeding programs are entirely unrelated and the gene causing the mutation is entirely different.

American bobtails are a very sturdy breed, with both short or longhaired coats. Their coat is shaggy rather than dense or fluffy. They can have any colour of eyes and fur, with a strong emphasis on the "wild" tabby appearance in show animals.

According to legend, bobtails are the result of a crossbreeding between a domestic tabby cat and a bobcat. Although this is genetically possible, the unusual tail is actually the result of a random genetic mutation. The breed was recognised by the International Cat Association in 1989.