American Bobtail Cat
Updated July 19, 2026
The American Bobtail is a muscular, slow-maturing cat with a naturally shortened, expressive tail, a shaggy all-weather coat, and a notably interactive temperament.
People-oriented and responsive, Playful well into adulthood, Often tolerant of travel and change, Intelligent and trainable, Generally moderate rather than hyperactive
7-16 pounds
13-18 years
At a Glance
Maintenance Level
Affection Level
Energy Level
Good with Kids
Vocalization Level
Jump to Section
About American Bobtail Cat
The American Bobtail is a muscular, slow-maturing cat with a naturally shortened, expressive tail, a shaggy all-weather coat, and a notably interactive temperament.
Coat Length
Medium Hair
Breed Group
Natural
Weight
7-16 pounds
Great For
What Makes American Bobtail Cats Special
American Bobtails combine a substantial, wild-looking outline with a gentle, emotionally responsive manner.
The flexible shortened tail can be straight, curved, or kinked and is often raised or moved visibly with the cat's mood.
American Bobtail Cat History & Origin
The breed began in the United States in the late 1960s after a short-tailed cat named Yodie was bred to a domestic cat. Later breeders used unrelated naturally bobtailed domestic cats to build a broad foundation. The tail is not derived from the Japanese Bobtail, and the breed is not a bobcat hybrid.
Foundation cat Yodie was found in Arizona and became part of the early breeding story.
Breeders later expanded the gene pool with naturally short-tailed cats from across North America.
TICA granted championship recognition in 1989, and CFA followed in 2006.
American Bobtail Cat Characteristics
Individual Variation
Cats are individuals and not all cats, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Grooming Needs
Shedding Level
American Bobtail Cat Appearance
This is a medium-to-large, rectangular, athletic cat with strong hindquarters and a naturally short tail visible above the back when alert.
The slightly shaggy coat, prominent brow, and broad modified-wedge head create a rugged appearance without sacrificing balance or mobility.
Physical Features
Ears
Medium, wide at the base, and rounded at the tips; furnishings and subtle lynx tips are desirable.
Eyes
Large, deep-set, and almond-shaped, giving an alert, intelligent expression; color need not match the coat except in color-linked varieties.
Nose
Wide with a gentle concave curve between the brow and nose.
Coat & Build
Tail
Short, flexible, and individual in shape, generally long enough to be clearly visible but not extending to the hock.
American Bobtail Cat Temperament
American Bobtails combine a substantial, wild-looking outline with a gentle, emotionally responsive manner.
The flexible shortened tail can be straight, curved, or kinked and is often raised or moved visibly with the cat's mood.
Temperament Traits
Good With
Health
American Bobtails are generally robust, but responsible breeding protects genetic diversity and avoids spinal or mobility problems associated with an excessively short or absent tail.
Common Health Issues
Preventive Care
Choose breeders who prioritize a functional, flexible tail and diverse pedigrees, ask about cardiac and hip history, keep the cat lean, and seek veterinary care for gait, continence, pain, or tail-mobility changes.
Caring for Your American Bobtail Cat
Grooming Requirements
The resilient double coat comes in shorthair and semi-longhair varieties and needs regular grooming to remove loose undercoat without flattening its naturally shaggy texture.
Brushing
Comb or brush once or twice weekly; increase frequency during spring and autumn shedding, especially in semi-longhaired cats.
Bathing
Bathe only when dirty or before a show. Rinse thoroughly because the dense coat can retain shampoo.
Eye Care
Check the eyes weekly and wipe minor discharge with a separate soft, damp cloth for each eye; persistent irritation needs veterinary attention.
Nail Care
Every 2-3 weeks.
Essential Grooming Tools
Exercise & Play
American Bobtails are moderately active and playful. They enjoy purposeful games and training but are usually less relentless than the most energetic Oriental or hybrid breeds.
Daily Requirements
Provide about 30-40 minutes of interactive play daily, divided into two or three sessions, plus free access to stable climbing and scratching areas.
Mental Stimulation
Rotate hunting toys and food puzzles and teach simple reward-based behaviors. Many American Bobtails enjoy retrieving and learning household routines.
Recommended Activities
Nutrition & Feeding
Feed a complete-and-balanced diet for the cat's life stage. Calorie needs depend on age, body condition, neuter status, health, and activity rather than the breed's naturally substantial appearance.
Daily Amount
Use the food manufacturer's feeding guide as a starting point, measure the total daily ration, divide it into two or more meals, and adjust with a veterinarian to maintain an ideal body condition.
Special Considerations
Keep the cat lean to reduce stress on hips and spine. Assess the ribs and waist beneath the shaggy coat, use wet food or extra water stations to support hydration, and keep treats below 10% of daily calories.
Living Environment
Space Requirements
Adapts to apartments and houses when supplied with sturdy cat trees, large litter boxes, scratching surfaces, hiding places, and daily interaction.
Climate Preferences
The double coat tolerates moderate seasonal variation, but the cat should live indoors with climate control and protection from high heat and severe cold.
Ideal Lifestyle Match
Well suited to families and owners who want a calm but trainable companion. Some individuals adapt well to travel after careful carrier and harness conditioning.
Colors & Patterns
All genetically possible colors and patterns are accepted; natural-looking tabbies are common but not required.
Solid Colors
Patterns
Eye Colors
All colors; generally independent of coat except where a pattern standard specifies otherwise
Fun Facts About American Bobtail Cat
The American Bobtail is a domestic breed, not a cross with the North American bobcat.
No two tails are exactly alike, and a functional tail may be straight, curved, bumped, or kinked.
The breed can take two to three years to reach full physical maturity.
Both shorthair and semi-longhair varieties are recognized.
Breeders broadened the foundation with unrelated naturally bobtailed domestic cats.
The American Bobtail's mutation is distinct from the tail trait of the Japanese Bobtail.
Many American Bobtails enjoy retrieving toys and learning to walk in a harness.
A completely absent tail can be associated with spinal or elimination problems and is not the breeding goal.
Training Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the American Bobtail part bobcat?
No. It is a domestic cat breed developed from naturally short-tailed domestic cats. Claims of North American bobcat ancestry are not supported by the breed's documented development.
How short should an American Bobtail's tail be?
The flexible tail varies in length and shape but should be long enough to remain visible above the back when the cat is alert. An absent or nonfunctional tail is not desirable.
Are American Bobtails good family cats?
Usually yes. Well-socialized American Bobtails are commonly affectionate, adaptable, and playful with respectful children and compatible pets.
Specialized Care Guides
Kitten Care
Use positive socialization and introduce brushing, toothbrushing, carriers, and nail care early. Monitor normal urination, defecation, gait, and tail movement as the kitten develops.
Senior Care
Arrange veterinary checks at least every 6-12 months as advised, monitor weight, hips, spine, kidneys, teeth, and heart, and add low-entry litter boxes and easier climbing routes if mobility changes.
First-Time Owner Tips
Often a good first pedigree cat for owners able to manage shedding, enrichment, and careful screening for healthy tail, hip, and cardiac history.
Looking for a American Bobtail Cat?
Connect with responsible breeders, rescue organizations, and pet adoption services in your area.