Cat Breeds

American Bobtail

  • Breed Overview

    Attitude towards family

    Social needs

    Frequency of shedding

    Propensity to vocalize

    Grooming

    Compatibility with other pets

    Intelligence

    Playfulness

    Activity rate

Cat Breeds

American Bobtail

Despite its resemblance to a wild cat, the American Bobtail is a breed that excels in social skills. These important family members are ideal companions not only for families but also for single individuals. Due to their friendly temperament, American Bobtails are often used as therapy cats. In addition to their physical attributes and personality, American Bobtails are known for their robust health and longevity. This fact makes life with them even more exciting.

The Main Characteristics:

  • Friendly demeanor 
  • Loving personality
  • Curiosity
  • Intelligence
  • Active nature 
  • Protective instinct
  • Sociability
  • Loyalty
  • Detailed Information

    Size

    The height of the American Bobtail reaches 23-25 centimeters, and the length ranges from 43-48 centimeters.

    Weight

    An adult American Bobtail weighs from 3.2 kilograms to 8.2 kilograms. American Bobtail weight varies in each case according to genetics, diet, and health.

    Lifespan

    The American Bobtail’s lifespan ranges from 13 to 15 years. However, remember, these numbers are only tentative and your important family member’s life expectancy depends on their healthy lifestyle and stress-free living environment. Regular veterinary check-ups and a balanced diet will significantly improve the quality of life of your companion animal.

    Fur

    The American Bobtail is decorated with short or medium-length fur. Despite their exotic appearance, caring for the fur of these important family members is a relatively simple process. To maintain the health and shine of the coat, more intensive brushing of bobtails with a soft comb is recommended in the spring and autumn.

  • Personality

    The confident and curious American Bobtail is renowned for its exceptional intelligence. With their exotic appearance and affectionate nature, these feline companions quickly become cherished members of any household. Known for their friendliness and loyalty, they seamlessly integrate into family life and form strong bonds with both children and other pets. Their high intelligence and playful demeanor captivate cat enthusiasts and make them beloved companions for those seeking a gentle yet spirited addition to their homes.

  • Potential Health Problems

    Polycystic Kidney Disease

    Polycystic kidney disease is a genetic disorder that causes fluid-filled cysts to form and disrupt kidney function. To prevent the spread of the disease, it is necessary to identify companion animals carrying the polycystic gene and declare them unfit for the breeding process.

    A specialized diet may be necessary to support kidney function. It is recommended to conduct this process only in collaboration with an experienced nutritionist. Blood tests, regular veterinary check-ups, and competent companion animal care practices can help manage the disease and adjust the treatment strategy.

    Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

    Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a heart disease characterized by thickening of the walls of the ventricles. Companion animals with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy have chest pain, shortness of breath, and arrhythmia. Medicines that reduce the heart’s contraction force are often used to treat the disease. Like congenital hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, most late-onset cases of the disease are caused by a genetic defect.

    Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy may appear in infancy or adulthood. You will be able to effectively manage the disease by actively communicating with the veterinarian, proper exercise, and avoiding obesity.

  • Nutrition & Feeding

    To ensure optimal health for your American Bobtail, it’s essential to provide a well-balanced diet tailored to their specific needs. Opt for a premium cat food package with high-quality protein listed as the primary ingredient, ensuring it includes essential nutrients like taurine for heart health.

    Consider individual factors such as age, weight, and activity level when determining portion sizes. Kittens and sterilized cats have distinct nutritional requirements, so selecting age-appropriate food is crucial to maintaining their well-being and preventing issues like obesity, which can lead to joint problems and diabetes.

    In addition to commercial cat food, incorporating small amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables can be a nutritious treat. However, it’s essential to consult with a veterinarian or nutritionist to ensure the safety of any additions to your cat’s diet.

    Safe options include cooked vegetables such as carrots, green beans, and peas, as well as small pieces of fruit like apples, bananas, and blueberries. When introducing new foods, monitor your cat for any adverse reactions like gastrointestinal upset or allergies to ensure their dietary preferences align with their overall health needs.

  • History of Origin

    According to the most reasonable theory related to the origin of the American Bobtail, John and Brenda Sanders, while driving in a nature reserve in Arizona, accidentally found a brown kitten with a short tail on the road. The young couple named the kitten Yoda and decided to take him home to Iowa.

    At maturity, Yoda mated with John and Brenda Sanders’ female cat. The kittens born from the mating inherited Yoda’s unusually short tail and soon caught the attention of family friends Mindy Schultz and Charlotte Bentley. These people correctly perceived the situation and realized that they were dealing with a completely new breed.

    The breed was called the American Bobtail and was officially recognized in the late 1960s. Today, these important members of the family are prized by cat lovers around the world for their distinctive looks and loving personalities.