The American Bobtail, an affectionate and active cat with a unique tail.
The Cat with the Short Tail
The American Bobtail is a North American cat breed recognizable by its short, bushy tail, which gives it the appearance of a small wild feline. Originating from a spontaneous genetic mutation discovered in the 1960s, this breed is cherished for its friendly, playful, and intelligent temperament. Often compared to a 'Golden Retriever of the feline world,' the American Bobtail forms deep bonds with its family and loves to participate in household life.
Whether short-haired or long-haired, this cat adapts well to various environments and is patient and sociable with children and other animals.
Our Feline Specialist's Advice
By the CatName.com team, published on October 14, 2025.
My personal tip : The American Bobtail's short, expressive tail is its signature feature, but it doesn't require special care. However, its coat, whether short or medium-long, will need weekly brushing to remove dead hair and prevent tangles, especially during shedding seasons in spring and autumn. This cat is highly intelligent and active, so it needs mental and physical stimulation. Interactive toys, regular play sessions (like fetching), and even leash training can make it very happy and fulfilled. Its sociable nature means it doesn't like to be left alone for too long.
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Identifying the American Bobtail: Key Characteristics
The American Bobtail's short tail, ranging from 1 to 4 inches, is its distinctive mark.
The American Bobtail is a medium to large-sized cat with a muscular and athletic body, giving the impression of a small wild animal. Its most striking feature is, without a doubt, its bobbed tail, which typically ranges from 2.5 to 10 cm (1 to 4 inches) in length. Each tail is unique and can be straight, slightly curved, kinked, or bumpy.
Size: It is a medium to large-sized cat, robust and well-muscled.
Coat: Short or medium-long, dense and silky, with little undercoat. All colors and patterns are accepted, with 'wild' patterns often preferred for show.
Ears: Medium-sized, wide at the base, with rounded tips and sometimes 'lynx tips'.
Eyes: Large, almond or oval-shaped, well-spaced, all colors accepted, with no correlation to coat color.
Tail: Short and bushy, measuring from 2.5 to 10 cm (1 to 4 inches), very expressive.
Dimensions and Key Information (American Bobtail)
Characteristic
Male
Female
Average
Size (at shoulder)
22 – 28 cm
20 – 26 cm
20 – 28 cm
Weight
5.4 – 7.3 kg
3.2 – 5 kg
3.2 – 7.3 kg
Life Expectancy
12 – 18 years
12 – 18 years
12 – 18 years
Diet
Strict carnivore
Strict carnivore
High-quality kibble and wet food
Litter Size (kittens)
-
Variable
Generally 3-5
These figures indicate that the American Bobtail is a medium to large-sized cat, and its growth is slow, reaching full maturity between 2 and 3 years.
Behavior: Intelligent, Playful, and Affectionate
The American Bobtail is a cat known for its wild appearance and surprisingly gentle, friendly temperament. Characterized by its short, bushy tail, reminiscent of a rabbit or a bobcat, it makes for a well-balanced life companion. These are highly intelligent cats, capable of learning tricks, walking on a leash, and even playing fetch. Their curiosity drives them to explore their environment and interact with their family.
Despite their robust appearance, American Bobtails are extremely affectionate cats, devoted to their owners. They love being the center of attention and are often described as "dog-like cats" due to their loyalty and sociability. They get along well with children and other pets, making them excellent family companions. Their imposing size and dense fur can evoke the majestic look of the Maine Coon or the ruggedness of the Siberian.
Very playful, they enjoy interactive sessions and are easily entertained by toys or puzzle games. They have a good energy level but can also be calm and cuddly. Their gentle temperament and adaptability make them similar to the Norwegian Forest Cat, another large cat with a tender heart. If you are looking for a cat that is big, gentle, and sociable, with a touch of originality, the American Bobtail could be ideal, sharing a certain kindness and serenity with the Birman.
Origin and Adaptability
The history of the American Bobtail began in the 1960s in the United States, in Arizona, when a couple, John and Brenda Sanders, rescued a stray short-tailed cat named Yodie. Yodie, who proved to carry a spontaneous and dominant genetic mutation for the short tail, became the ancestor of the breed. The initial breeding program aimed to cross Yodie's descendants with healthy domestic cats, without introducing other pedigreed cats, to ensure broad genetic diversity and overall robustness.
The breed was officially recognized by TICA in 1989, and later by CFA and ACFA. Although it is less common than other breeds, its popularity extends beyond the United States. The American Bobtail is highly adaptable, suitable for both apartment living and a home with secure outdoor access. Its need for attention and stimulation makes it an ideal companion for active families or individuals willing to dedicate time to it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the American Bobtail
What is unique about the American Bobtail's tail?
The American Bobtail's most distinctive feature is its short tail, which generally measures between 2.5 and 10 cm (1 to 4 inches). Each tail is unique and can be straight, curved, or kinked, resulting from a natural genetic mutation.
What is the typical temperament of an American Bobtail?
The American Bobtail is affectionate, sociable, intelligent, and very playful. It is often compared to a dog or a 'Golden Retriever' of the feline world due to its attachment to its family, its adaptability, and its enjoyment of playing fetch or walking on a leash.
How do you groom an American Bobtail's coat and grooming needs?
Its coat, whether short or medium-long, requires weekly brushing for short-haired varieties and two to three times a week for long-haired ones, to remove dead hair and prevent tangles, especially during shedding seasons. Regular ear cleaning and weekly dental care are also important.
Is the American Bobtail a robust cat?
Yes, the American Bobtail is generally considered a robust breed with good genetic diversity. However, due to its short tail, individuals with no tail (rumpy) or very short tails may be predisposed to spinal or hip problems. Regular screening for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is recommended.
What is the life expectancy of an American Bobtail?
The average life expectancy of an American Bobtail typically ranges between 12 and 18 years, with good care, appropriate diet, and regular veterinary check-ups.
