American Bobtail at a glance
- Size
- Large
- Weight
- 3.2–7.3 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 11 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one cat. Not assessed yet: Coat, Indoors and outdoors, Owner experience, Other cats.
Is the American Bobtail right for you?
Like every breed, the American Bobtail is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You have children and can supervise them with the cat.
- You have a calm, cat-friendly dog and can introduce them slowly.
- You would like a cat that tends to be quiet.
- You would like a coat that is fairly easy to look after.
Consider another breed if…
- The cat would regularly be alone for long working days.
- You would find a lot of cat hair hard to live with.
How would the American Bobtail fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the American Bobtail
The American Bobtail is a well-muscled, athletic cat with a naturally short tail, a broad head, a fleshy brow and deep-set, almost almond-shaped eyes that give it a hunting gaze. Despite its wild appearance, it is fully domestic and is usually affectionate, easygoing and intelligent. It comes in both shorthaired and medium-longhaired coats.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual cat.
- Size
Large
Among the largest cat breeds.
- Coat length
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Activity level
Moderate
Moderately active, with bursts of play.
- Grooming
Weekly
The coat usually needs brushing about once a week.
- Shedding
Seasonal
Sheds heavily at certain times of year.
- Vocal
Tends to be quiet
Usually a fairly quiet cat.
- Good with children
Often good
Often good with children, with supervision.
- Good with other cats
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Good with dogs
Often fine
Often gets on with a cat-friendly dog.
- Suits first-time owners
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Prefers company and is best not left alone for long.
- Indoors and outdoors
Not assessed yet
Our sources do not say enough yet.
The breed's development began in the late 1960s with a brown tabby bobtailed kitten called Yodi, found in Arizona and taken home to Iowa. His short-tailed kittens suggested a dominant bobtail gene in the feral cat population, and breeders then worked with feral bobtailed cats from across the United States and Canada. TICA recognised the breed in 1989. Most breeders no longer use feral cats in their programmes.
The American Bobtail is not recognised by the GCCF, the main UK cat registry. The GCCF places it in its amber group of breeds based on a physical anomaly that may cause problems for some cats, and says genetic and veterinary information would be needed before recognition, to show a low risk of spinal, bladder and bowel problems. The CFA notes that the tail mutation could make cats susceptible to spine and hip problems, some of which may be inherited. The breed is rare, and in the UK the GCCF suggests the Manx or Kurilian Bobtail as alternatives.
American Bobtail temperament
American Bobtails are usually confident, friendly and affectionate without being demanding. They tend to bond with the whole family rather than one person and generally prefer company to being alone.
They are highly intelligent and often invent their own games, many based on hunting: stalking and pouncing on a toy, then carrying it around. The CFA says they seem sensitive to human moods, and both registries mention their use as therapy cats.
They are not as vocal as many breeds. They tend to communicate with chirps, clicks and trills as well as the usual purr and meow.
Size and appearance
This is a medium-large to large cat with substantial bone and a muscular, rectangular body, a broad chest and hips almost as wide as the chest. Males usually weigh 12 to 16 lb (about 5.4 to 7.3 kg) and females 7 to 11 lb (about 3.2 to 5 kg). The breed matures slowly and can take two to three years to reach full size.
The tail is short, flexible and expressive. No two tails are identical; TICA gives an average length of 1 to 4 inches, and the tail is often held above the back when the cat is alert.
The shorthair coat is plush and medium in length, with a hard topcoat and soft undercoat. The longhair is slightly shaggy with a slight ruff. Any colour and pattern is allowed, and eyes can be copper, gold, yellow or green, or blue in some patterns.
How active is the American Bobtail?
Most American Bobtails are moderately active, neither couch potatoes nor constantly on the move. They enjoy interactive hunting games, and TICA suggests teaching tricks and offering puzzle toys that release kibble or treats. Many can be taught to walk on a lead and to play fetch.
American Bobtail grooming
The coat does not usually mat or tangle. The CFA says weekly brushing or combing is enough, even for the longhair, while TICA suggests a couple of times a week. Bobtails tend to shed more in spring and autumn, so extra grooming can help then. Bathing is rarely needed.
Indoors and outdoors
The registries describe the American Bobtail as adaptable and a good traveller. It does not like being left alone for long and prefers to be with its family. The sources do not say whether it is better kept indoors or with outdoor access.
Living with a American Bobtail
American Bobtails are often described as devoted family cats. TICA says they get on well with children, and the CFA calls the breed an excellent companion for children.
Whatever the breed, young children should be supervised around cats and shown how to stroke them gently and let them walk away.
Children
Often good with children, with supervision.
Dogs
Often gets on with a cat-friendly dog.
Being left alone
Prefers company and is best not left alone for long.
Other cats and pets
Both registries say the American Bobtail generally gets on well with other pets, including the family dog.
American Bobtail health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own cat’s health.
TICA describes American Bobtails as generally healthy, and the CFA notes the breed's very diverse genetic background. However, the short tail comes from a mutation, and both the CFA and the GCCF raise related welfare concerns.
Spine and hip problems
The CFA says that, although usually harmless, the tail mutation could make a cat susceptible to spine and hip problems, some of which can be inherited. The GCCF would want genetic and veterinary evidence of low spinal risk before recognising the breed.
Incontinence in tailless cats
Completely tailless cats occasionally occur in the breed and may have problems with incontinence. The CFA says responsible breeders remove cats with such problems from their breeding programmes.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a American Bobtail home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Kittens should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, cats must be microchipped and registered by 20 weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a kitten was raised.
How much does a American Bobtail cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a American Bobtail home, and looking after one well. Kitten prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, litter, scratching posts and toys, and a cattery or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the cat’s life, typically from 11 years, not just the first year.
Buying a American Bobtail
If you have decided the American Bobtail suits your life, take the same care choosing where your cat comes from. Meet the kitten in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a American Bobtail
American Bobtails do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the cat. An adult cat arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the cat’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a cat once, well.
American Bobtails looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
There are no American Bobtail adverts at the moment.
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American Bobtail FAQs
Is the American Bobtail good with children?
Often good with children, with supervision. Individual cats vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the cat you are considering.
How active is the American Bobtail?
Moderately active, with bursts of play. Short play sessions every day help any cat stay fit and settled.
Does the American Bobtail shed?
Heavy seasonal shedding.
How much grooming does the American Bobtail need?
Typically: about once a week.
Can the American Bobtail be left alone?
Prefers company and is best not left alone for long. Every cat needs company, play and someone to check on it each day.
Is the American Bobtail a talkative cat?
Tends to be quiet. Individual cats vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the cat you are considering.
Is the American Bobtail good with dogs?
Often gets on with a cat-friendly dog. Individual cats vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the cat you are considering.
How long does the American Bobtail live?
Typically from 11 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the American Bobtail get?
Adults typically weigh 3.2–7.3 kg.