American Bobtails are known for being friendly and playful.
American Bobtail History
he American Bobtail cat is the most recent breed that has been accepted for championship status (2006) by the Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA). The American Bobtail is easy to recognize by its wild appearance and naturally occurring bobtail. The American Bobtail is totally unrelated to the Japanese Bobtail and its stumpy tail seems to be a product of the Manx gene. The Bobtail is a purely American developed cat and at this time is not recognized by British or European cat fancy organizations. The Bobtail seems to have originated in Iowa in the early 1970’s and at some point in its development was crossed with Himalayan and Birman cats which probably accounts for the varied coat lengths which range from medium-short to semi-longhair. The Manx gene is unstable so Bobtail kittens can be born with no tail, longer tail of the bobtail. In 1990 the CFA and the International Cat Association started to accept American Bobtails for registration.
Traits
- Short, bobbed tail
- Wild appearance
- Active and playful
- Comes in short- and long-haired varieties
Ideal Human Companion
- Families with older children
- First-time cat owners
- Singles with other pets
What They Are Like to Live With
American Bobtails are known for being friendly and playful. They are also active and very intelligent. They are famous for being escape artists.
American Bobtails like affection, and can be vocal when asking for it. They get along with older kids and well-behaved dogs.
Things You Should Know
American Bobtails are often thought be related to wild bobcats, but a genetic link has never been proven.
This breed is good at getting out of carriers and closed rooms.
American Bobtails born without tails (which sometimes happens) may have health problems caused by a too-short spine.
American Bobtail Cat Care
Bobtails need a thorough combing with a steel comb about twice a week for the Shorthair variety and 3 times per week for the Longhair variety. The Longhair variety should be careful groomed to prevent matting. Additional grooming will be required during the spring and fall shedding seasons. Start grooming American Bobtails very early while they are young kittens so that they learn to love the attention.
