American Bobtail Breed Guide
Quick Summary
The American Bobtail is a highly adaptable, dog-like cat famous for its naturally short, expressive tail and remarkably social personality. Combining a wild, hunting-cat look with a deeply affectionate and playful temperament, they thrive in active households where they can participate in daily routines and even learn to walk on a leash.
Quick Facts
- origin countryUnited States
- breed groupChampionship (TICA, CFA)
- sizeMedium to Large
- weight range7 to 16 pounds (3.2 to 7.3 kg)
- height range9 to 13 inches (23 to 33 cm)
- lifespan11 to 15 years
- coat typeMedium-shorthair or medium-longhair, dense double coat
- common colorsAll colors and patterns, though wild-looking tabbies are highly prized
- other namesBobtail
- recognized byCFA, TICA, ACFA
Caring for a American Bobtail
Living with an American Bobtail is more like sharing your home with a clever, companionable dog than an aloof cat. I’ve found they demand to be involved in everything, from greeting guests at the door to supervising your work-from-home setup. They adapt beautifully to new environments, which makes them excellent travel buddies if acclimated early, but they do require consistent mental stimulation to prevent mischief. Expect daily interactive play sessions and a cat that will actively seek out your company without being overly demanding.
Is an American Bobtail a good family pet?
Absolutely, they are phenomenal family pets. In my years of working with them, I’ve seen how remarkably patient and gentle they are with respectful children, often happily joining in their games.
Do American Bobtails shed a lot?
They shed moderately year-round, with heavier shedding during spring and fall coat blow-outs. Their dense double coat requires regular brushing at least twice a week to manage loose hairs and prevent mats.
Is an American Bobtail good for first-time owners?
Yes, their highly adaptable and forgiving nature makes them excellent for beginners. However, new owners must be prepared for a highly social cat that cannot be left alone for long periods without getting lonely or bored.
Temperament & Personality
The American Bobtail is incredibly social, emotionally intuitive, and playful. I always tell owners that these cats have an innate ability to read a room; if you’re having a bad day, they will curl up on your lap to comfort you. They communicate with delightful, soft chirps and trills rather than loud meows. They retain their kitten-like playfulness well into their senior years, making them endlessly entertaining companions.
Is an American Bobtail good with other pets?
Yes, they are exceptionally gregarious and typically get along famously with other cats and cat-friendly dogs. In my experience, they often form close bonds with household dogs, sharing nap spots and play sessions.
How much attention does an American Bobtail need?
They require a significant amount of human interaction and do not thrive in homes where they are left completely alone all day. If you work long hours, I strongly recommend getting them a feline companion or a friendly dog to keep them company.
Training & Behavior
Training an American Bobtail is incredibly rewarding because of their high intelligence and eagerness to please. They respond beautifully to positive reinforcement and clicker training, often picking up tricks faster than many dog breeds. It’s vital to channel their smarts into constructive behaviors early, or they’ll use their clever paws to open doors and cabinets.
Training Tips
- Use positive reinforcement with high-value treats like freeze-dried chicken.
- Introduce a harness and leash early in a quiet, indoor environment first.
- Keep training sessions short, fun, and mentally stimulating (3 to 5 minutes).
- Incorporate clicker training to teach commands like ‘sit’ and ‘fetch’.
- Gently discourage unwanted jumping or scratching by redirecting to scratching posts.
Fun Activities
- Leash-walking in quiet parks
- Playing interactive games of fetch
- Navigating simple agility courses
- Solving advanced food puzzle toys
- Learning tricks like ‘shake’ and ‘high-five’
Is an American Bobtail easy to train?
Yes, they are among the easiest cat breeds to train. I’ve successfully taught several Bobtails to walk on a leash and fetch toys using simple clicker training techniques.
American Bobtail Health Issues
While generally a robust and sturdy breed, the American Bobtail’s unique genetics require specific attention. Because their shortened tail is a result of a genetic mutation, responsible breeding is crucial to avoid spinal and skeletal issues.
Spine and Tail Issues (Spina Bifida)
Extremely short-tailed (‘rumpy’) cats can suffer from spinal shortening or incomplete spinal development. This can cause neurological problems, nerve damage, or chronic pain.
Fecal Incontinence
Often linked to spinal issues or a tail that is genetically too short, the nerves controlling the bowel can be compromised, leading to an inability to control elimination.
Hip Dysplasia
A genetic malformation of the hip joint that can cause arthritis and mobility issues, particularly in larger, heavier-boned cats like the Bobtail.
Obesity
Their stocky, muscular build makes it easy to overlook extra weight, which puts dangerous strain on their joints and spine.
Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)
An inherited condition where fluid-filled cysts form in the kidneys, potentially leading to renal failure as the cat ages.
How long do American Bobtails typically live?
With proper care, a high-quality diet, and regular veterinary check-ups, they typically live between 11 and 15 years, with many reaching 16 or 17 years old.
What to Feed a American Bobtail
Feeding your American Bobtail requires a careful balance of high-quality proteins to maintain their muscular frame without letting them pack on excess weight. I always emphasize wet food rotation to keep them hydrated and protect their kidneys.
Best Diet
A high-protein, low-carbohydrate wet diet is ideal, supplemented with high-quality dry kibble if needed. Avoid foods heavy in grains and fillers, prioritizing animal-based proteins as the first ingredients.
How to Feed
I highly recommend feeding two to three measured meals a day rather than free-feeding. Free-feeding frequently leads to obesity in this breed, especially as they mature and slow down slightly.
How Much to Feed
Generally, an adult Bobtail requires about 25 to 30 calories per pound of body weight daily, but this varies. Always consult your veterinarian to establish a precise portion plan tailored to your cat’s specific activity level and age.
Nutritional Tips
Incorporate Omega-3 fatty acids (like wild-caught salmon oil) to support joint health and keep their thick double coat shiny. Always provide fresh, filtered water, ideally from a pet fountain, to encourage drinking.
American Bobtail Grooming Guide
Grooming an American Bobtail is highly manageable but requires consistent effort to keep their dense, resilient double coat healthy. I’ve found that they actually enjoy the grooming process if introduced to it gently during kittenhood.
Coat Care
Brush their coat twice a week with a slicker brush or medium-toothed comb to remove dead undercoat. During seasonal shedding in spring and autumn, daily brushing is highly recommended.
Skin Care
Regular brushing distributes natural skin oils; bathing is rarely necessary unless they get into something messy.
Eye Care
Wipe the corners of their eyes with a damp, soft cloth to remove any discharge, using a separate area of the cloth for each eye.
Ear Care
Check ears weekly for dirt, wax, or redness. Clean them gently with a cotton ball moistened with a vet-approved, alcohol-free ear cleaner if needed.
Nail & Dental Care
Trim nails every two to three weeks, and brush their teeth daily (or at least three times a week) using cat-safe toothpaste to prevent periodontal disease.
Considerations for Pet Parents
Pros
- Highly affectionate and emotionally intuitive companion
- Gets along exceptionally well with dogs and other cats
- Enjoys outdoor adventures and leash walking
- Very intelligent and easily trained to do tricks
- Quiet, communicating with charming trills and chirps
- Excellent and highly adaptable travel companion
Cons
- Prone to separation anxiety if left alone for long periods
- Can be challenging to find from reputable breeders
- Potential for genetic spinal/tail issues in poorly bred cats
- Needs a lot of mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom
Best For
An active family, work-from-home professional, or multi-pet household that can dedicate time to daily play, training, and companionship.
Not Recommended For
Busy individuals who spend long hours away from home, or households looking for a highly independent, low-maintenance ‘decor’ cat.
Cost
- purchase price$1,000 to $2,500
- monthly cost$80 to $150
- initial setupInitial costs can range from $400 to $800, covering essentials like a high-quality cat tree, scratching posts, carrier, vet-approved grooming tools, microchipping, and initial vaccines.
Similar Breeds
Manx
Pixie-bob
American Bobtail FAQs
Are American Bobtails born without tails?
No, they are rarely completely tail-less. Most are born with a short, expressive tail that is about one-third to one-half the length of a normal cat’s tail. The tail can be straight, curved, slightly kinked, or bumpy, and no two tails are exactly alike.
Are American Bobtails hypoallergenic?
No, they are not hypoallergenic. They possess a dense double coat and produce dander and the Fel d 1 protein in their saliva just like other cats, which can trigger allergies in sensitive individuals.
Do they make good travel companions?
Yes, they are outstanding travel companions. Their highly adaptable, confident, and curious nature means they often enjoy car rides and adapt quickly to hotel rooms or RV living, earning them a reputation as ‘trucker cats’ in the pet community.
How can I tell a real American Bobtail from a feral cat with a docked tail?
A true American Bobtail is a registered pedigree cat with specific physical traits, including a broad wedge head, expressive almond eyes, a muscular body, and a naturally short tail with normal bone structure. Feral cats with docked tails often have surgical scars or show trauma, whereas a Bobtail’s tail is a natural genetic trait.
Do they like water?
Many American Bobtails have a strange fascination with water. In my experience, don’t be surprised to find them dipping their paws in their water bowl, splashing in the sink, or trying to join you in the shower.
How big do American Bobtails get?
They are medium to large cats, with males typically weighing between 12 and 16 pounds and females weighing between 7 and 11 pounds. They are heavily-boned and slow-maturing, taking up to three years to reach their full adult size.
Are they very vocal cats?
They are not excessively loud or talkative like Siamese cats. Instead, they communicate using a sweet array of quiet chirps, trills, clicks, and soft purrs when they want to converse with you.
Are they prone to escaping?
Because they are highly intelligent and possess very dexterous paws, some learn how to open doors, cabinets, and even simple latches. It is important to secure your home and keep a close eye on them to prevent accidental escapes.
Can American Bobtails be left alone while I am at work?
They can handle brief periods of solitude, but they do not tolerate being left alone for 8 to 10 hours daily. They are highly social and can develop behavioral issues or depression from loneliness; having a companion pet helps significantly.
What is the genetic cause of their short tail?
Their short tail is caused by a dominant genetic mutation, unlike the recessive gene found in Japanese Bobtails. This means only one parent needs the gene to pass the short tail trait to the kittens.
Are they good with seniors?
Yes, they can make wonderful companions for seniors, provided the owner can manage their grooming needs and keep them mentally stimulated. Their highly intuitive, comforting presence is often used in therapy cat programs.
How often should I take my American Bobtail to the vet?
Like all cats, they should have annual wellness exams for the first several years of life, which should transition to bi-annual check-ups once they reach senior status (around age 7 or 8) to screen for age-related conditions like arthritis or kidney disease.
Do they have high energy levels?
They have a moderate to high energy level. They are not hyperactive, but they enjoy vigorous play sessions, puzzle toys, and outdoor walks, followed by long, cozy naps on your lap.
Can they live in an apartment?
Yes, they adapt wonderfully to apartment living as long as you provide plenty of vertical space, such as tall cat trees, and actively engage them in play and training to satisfy their curious minds.