Description
Size: 8-15 lbs
The American Bobtail is a robust, short-tailed cat. It has a stocky, somewhat long body with strong boning. The posture is rectangular. The torso is large and broad. The back legs are larger than the front legs, the hips are broad and thick, and the round feet may have toe tufts.
American Bobtails have coats with both short and long hair. They have shaggy coats. Their eyes and coat can be of any color. Males are bigger than females, and they have “typically masculine” characteristics like jowls. The American Bobtail has a striking wild look due to its body shape and characteristic hunting gaze.
Behavior
Activity Level: Moderate
Social needs: social, playful, enjoy the company of owners and other pets
American Bobtails make loving pet cats that fit in well with families. They get along well with kids and other pets since they are friendly and easygoing. Bobtails are smart pets with dog-like characteristics which are confident and outgoing. They like playing fetch, hide-and-seek, and leash walks with their owners. Many Bobtails are drawn to shiny items and assemble little collections of “found treasure.” Keys and valuables should be handled with great caution.
American Bobtails enjoy traveling and have a medium level of energy. They are excellent traveling companions because of their very adaptive temperament, which allows them to quickly adjust to new surroundings.
Origin/History
According to urban myth, domestic tabby cats and wild bobcats were bred together to create Bobtails. It turns out that the peculiar tail is the product of a random genetic mutation that occurred in the domestic cat population.
In the late 1960s, while John and Brenda Sanders were on vacation in the American southwest, the breed began to develop deliberately. They found a brown tabby kitten with a short tail while traveling and brought it home.
The couple’s domestic colorpoint cat, which was not pedigreed, and the kitten later mated. The characteristic short tail that their babies acquired caught the interest of cat enthusiasts, who thought there may be a new breed of cats in the making. The American Bobtail breed was formally formed via selective breeding.
Care as a Pet
Nutrition and Diet
Depending on its age, level of activity, and general health, your American bobtail will require a different diet, but in general, it should be fed high-quality, high-protein food. Try combining some wet food with its dry food a few times a week if you want to give your bobtail’s diet some variety.
All cat breeds experience obesity, so it’s crucial to closely adhere to feeding recommendations and administer treats sparingly. If you’re unsure of how much to feed your bobtail, ask your veterinarian for some useful recommendations.
Exercise
American bobtails are calm cats with average levels of energy and little need for exercise. However, they do enjoy a few minutes of playtime each day. Like dogs, bobtails like playing with toys, pursuing little objects like toy mice, and solving puzzles. Numerous American bobtails appreciate taking leisurely leashed walks.
Grooming needs:
American bobtail cats require low maintenance. You should brush your bobtail once or twice a week to remove broken hair and skin and maintain a glossy, healthy coat.
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