As the breed name suggests, the American Bobtail is a short-tailed cat breed, like the Japanese Bobtail and Manx. In addition to the short-haired American Bobtail, there is also a semi-long-haired variant – the American Bobtail (long-haired).
Size: small – medium;
Weight: cat 3-5kg / 4-6kg;
Life expectancy: Up to 17 years;
Very stocky and compact;
Coat Colors: Any coat color is allowed and may be present;
Special features regarding appearance: Has a very short tail, only a few centimeters long;
Breed type: shorthair breeds;
Country of origin: United States;
Recognized cat breed by TICA, CFA;
Typical diseases of the breed: More and more hip damage was discovered.
The short-haired American Bobtail – a gentle cat with a fierce appearance
American Bobtails are very similar in behavior to “normal” house cats. They are very active and have a strong urge for freedom. When they’re not chasing mice, they love to play with their owners, have them teach them tricks, or chase a ball. They usually react tolerantly and peacefully to children, conspecifics and other animal roommates. Like dogs, the clever American Bobtails can fetch things and greet their owner expectantly at the door. It is not without reason that they are said to be extremely intelligent – bobtails are often reported to be able to open doors with ease and sneak out in secret.
So that the American Bobtail can live out its high level of activity and desire for freedom, an outdoor posture is recommended. She feels particularly at home in rural areas, where she can freely and safely hunt mice, climb trees and roam through meadows. A conspecific who defends the territory and house together with her is always welcome. In the house you should keep the intelligent cat occupied with variety. Intelligence games such as a fiddle board or clicker training are ideal for promoting their bright mind. In general, the American Bobtail is suitable for everyone, as long as they are allowed to roam freely.
Appearance
The American Bobtail’s most distinctive feature is its short tail, which is at most half (usually a third) the length of a “normal” house cat’s tail. In addition to their short stubby tail, their stocky build and their shaggy fur are other trademarks. The fluffy short-haired coat is available in all colors and combinations. At shows, the main focus is on the wild tabby patterns.
She is a medium-sized, athletic cat with broad shoulders, high hind legs, and a strong bone structure. The chest and hips are similar in width, giving the bobtails a square stance. Their head is broad and wedge-shaped with prominent cheekbones and whisker pads, and a wide muzzle. The ears are set medium-wide and rounded at the tips. Some particularly attractive cats also have fine ear tufts. The same applies to the round paws, which sometimes have fine tufts of hair between the toes. The American Bobtail’s eyes are almond-shaped and tilted slightly towards the ears. In order to fully develop all physical characteristics, the American Bobtail needs up to three years, only then is it considered “adult”.
History and origin
The short-haired American Bobtail cat is a result of many years of breeding. Originally there were only long-haired American Bobtail cats – today an independent short-hair line has been established from these. Although the breed originated in the USA in the late 1960s, it is still relatively unknown in Germany. Legend has it that the breed originated from a cross between a domestic cat and a bobcat, resulting in a short-tailed tabby cat named Yodie. In fact, Yodie’s unusually short tail was a result of random gene mutation within the domestic cat population. Yodie was later bred to a short-haired cat – their offspring laid the foundation for the original Bobtails breeding line. The breed has been recognized by TICA since 1989.
Gene pool
Despite the striking resemblance between the American Bobtail and the Japanese Bobtail, the two breeds are not related. The gene causing the mutation in the American bobtail is dominant, while the gene responsible for the mutation is recessive in the Japanese bobtail. A relationship to the Manx cats, which carry the same dominant gene, would be possible. To keep the gene pool healthy, domestic cats are occasionally crossed in – (this is also known as “outcrossing”). Mating with Manx and Japanese Bobtail cats is not intended.
Interesting and worth knowing
Some might think that cats are cats and that living with these independent predators is easy, as long as they get enough to eat and a little petting and freedom. But there are also many different temperament traits in the cat breeds: some are more freedom-loving than others and absolutely need freedom, some are more comfortable loners.
With our house tigers, it also depends on the individual living being. In the case of pure apartment keeping, it is essential to ensure sufficient variety. If at all possible, it is better for almost every cat if another animal is adopted.
Because if humans are not available for more than 4 hours a day, a cat will quickly become bored or feel lonely. This can then result in psychological problems or uncleanliness. If it’s a very dominant male, you can either add a (neutered!) female or a much younger male.
Health
Due to regular outcrossing with domestic cats, the American Bobtail’s gene pool is constantly being mixed with new, healthy genes. Accordingly, the breed is generally considered healthy, robust, and requires little maintenance. Occasionally, however, hip or spine deformities can occur that seriously affect the cat’s health. Diseased cats should therefore be excluded from breeding. Within the American Bobtail breed, completely tailless animals can emerge. Breeding with these tailless cats is strictly forbidden, as their offspring may have deformities of the spine (in the worst case, an open back).
A species-appropriate and balanced diet for the cat is important for a strong immune system and a long and happy cat life. Obesity is considered to be the biggest and most dangerous consequence of poor nutrition. Also important is the annual check-up at the vet and the associated vaccinations against cat flu and cat disease. Outdoor cats should also be vaccinated against rabies and feline leukemia.
