American Bobtail
American Bobtail History
- This American-born breed was created in the late 1960s, but the specifics remain unclear.
- One popular theory centers around an Iowa couple named John and Brenda Sanders on a vacation in Arizona in the late 1960s. There, they found and kept a bobtailed cat named Yodi wandering on an Indian reservation. This cat was mated with a long-tailed female named Mishi. Yodi and Mishi produced several litters with bobbed tails.
- The CFA first approved the American Bobtail for registration in 2000 and for provisional status in 2005.
American Bobtail Behavior Concerns
- Capable of being able to leap six feet in the air due to its strong hind legs.
- Welcomes the companionship of all, including children, cats and dogs. Loves to love and be loved.
- Masters walking on a leash easily and enjoys taking a neighborhood stroll with you as well as fetching tossed paper wads.
- Guilty of being a true cat burglar, so keep jewelry and other shiny objects out of paws reach.
- Highly touted for being an ideal therapy cat to visit nursing homes, hospitals and schools to spread cheer.
- Craves interaction and often beats you to the door to greet guests or may even go to the phone when it rings.
- Not very chatty. Tends to converse by chirping and trilling rather than meowing loudly.
Look of American Bobtails
- Blessed with wildcat looks and a charming personality, this large breed comes in all coat patterns and ranges from medium to large, athletic builds
- American Bobtails bear bobbed tails that range from one to four inches in length.
- The wedge-shaped face features giant, almond-shaped eyes in a variety of colors plus a strong chin.
- The coats can be medium or long in length but always dense and the chest is broad.
- This breed takes up to three years to fully reach physical maturity.
Grooming American Bobtail Cats
- Weekly brushing is advised to keep the longhaired versions free of matted fur. The medium-haired varieties benefit by twice-a-month brushings.
Suggested Nutritional Needs for American Bobtail
Please consult with your veterinarian about the type of diet and amount to feed your cat during their different life stages. Different breeds may have a greater risk of obesity based upon their diet, metabloism, activity and age. Thus, your veterinarian is your best source of information on this topic.
Fun Facts of American Bobtails
- The American Bobtail is touted for wagging its tail like a dog when happy.
- Great cat choice for cross-country truck drivers and recreational vehicle travelers looking for a willing co-pilot to join them on their treks.
- Nicknamed the "Golden Retriever of the Cat World."
