American Bobtail Breed Information Breeders Kittens Australia

Although the American Bobtail Cat has a very short stumpy tail it is not related to the Manx or Japanese Bobtail. It is said to have originated as a result of the mating of a short-tailed wild tabby male and a seal-point Siamese female, but the parentage of the tabby is not clear. Some of the other breeds used in the development of the American Bobtail since then include the Birman and the Himalayan.

Description
The American Bobtail is a medium-large cat with a water-resistant, thick double coat which can be either short or long, and can come in any colour or pattern. It has a small stumpy tail which averages 2.5–10cms in length, but this is not predictable and all the kittens of a litter may have a different sized tail. It is a hardy creature, with a strong muscular frame. The hind legs are longer than those in front and it has large feet. This cat is also favoured for its slightly ‘wild' look.

American Bobtails are quite playful and can be taught dog-like activities and games like playing fetch, hide-and-seek and going for a walk on a lead. They do not mind travel if introduced to it early enough and some American truck drivers take them along as companions. Bobtails have a quiet voice though can be vocal at times if they choose.

Personality and temperament
By all accounts this cat has loads of character and is adaptable, gentle, fun, well-mannered, affectionate and loyal, and likes family life. It can live quite happily with other pets, including dogs, is usually good with children, and does not seem to mind too much being carried around by children. Because of their kind nature Bobtails have sometimes been used in therapy sessions.

This cat is very intelligent and owners tell stories about their antics and cleverness, and abilities in doing escapee acts. However they are quite slow to mature, usually taking 2 or 3 years to reach full adulthood.

Health
The American Bobtail has no known genetic disorders at this stage as these have been largely eliminated with careful breeding. However if a cat is completely tailless as a result of a shortened spine, its health will be compromised and it will probably suffer from hip problems.

Care
Short-hairs require a brushing every week and the long-haired varieties two or three times per week. These cats are very adaptable and can be quite happy in either a flat or a house with a big yard. They are a family cat and do not like being left alone. Being a smart cat can also mean becoming easily bored. The Bobtail needs to be kept occupied and if you go out it helps to leave out some toys to keep him entertained. It might be a good idea to have another cat in the house to keep him company as he is a sociable creature.

An American Bobtail may live 15 or even 20 years and in that time can bring much companionship and joy to his family.