American Bobtail Cat

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Breed Profile: American Bobtail
American Bobtail Longhair
Pictured: Best of Breed Longhair GC, BW, NW A BEBOP TAIL YETI OF NUDAWNZ, Gold-Eyed White American Bobtail - Longhair Male
Photo: © Larry Johnson

At first glance you are sure that you have just seen a bobcat, you slowly turn and your gaze falls upon this magnificent and untamed looking creature. It captivates you. Your eyes meet and you are drawn to a far away place where hearts run wild and free. The cat cleans its luxurious fur, blinks its eyes at you and begins to purr. You long to stroke its soft, thick fur and hold him in your arms, but do you dare? Tentatively you reach for the amazing animal. He stands up and stretches, allowing you to marvel at his substantial body and his natural short tail. He is a thing of the wild, of that you are sure. The cat saunters over to you and demands attention, you cautiously pick him up and are amazed at his personality. Affectionate, intelligent and gentle, your heart has been stolen by an American Bobtail.

American Bobtail Shorthair
Pictured: Best of Breed Shorthair GC, BW SHELBIE'S AMERICAN STEEL OF NUDAWNZ, Silver Mackerel Tabby American Bobtail - Shorthair Male
Photo: © Larry Johnson






The American Bobtail is a medium-to-large, naturally occurring, bobtailed cat; a noticeably athletic animal, well muscled, with the appearance of power. The tail should be clearly visible above the back when the cat is alert and is not to exceed the hock in length. The optimum tail is articulate and nearly straight with the slightest of curves. The American Bobtail cat possesses a strong, broad modified wedge-shaped head, with a distinctive brow above large almost almond shaped eyes giving it a natural hunting gaze. Its unique coat comes in both a medium, semi-dense shorthair and a medium-length longhair that is resilient and resistant to water. When in motion, it should exhibit a natural rolling gait giving the cat with all of its combined physical characteristics the resemblance of a bobtailed wildcat. This is a slow maturing breed taking two to three years to reach full adult type.

The American Bobtail is noted for its wild look, with an exceptional disposition and adaptability.

American Bobtails are a loving, kind and incredibly intelligent cats. They are noted for their dog like personalities and their devotion to their owners. They easily adapt to a busy or quiet environment. In this breed no two tails are exactly the same. The average length of the tail is one to four inches, however this is an average, and some tails may be shorter or longer.


American Bobtails bond with their family. They get along well with most dogs and have a welcome spot in their hearts for newcomers, whether they are twolegged or four-legged. Long haul truck drivers have purchased them as cabin companions because they are known to be good travelers if introduced to it at a young age. Psychotherapists have also used them in their treatment programs because they have been found to be very well-behaved and sensitive to people in distress.

They are excellent companions for children and do not mind being carried around like a sack of potatoes. They interact well with people of all ages and serve a great purpose in the family home as a major source of entertainment due to their clown like personalities. They also offer a warm, soft shoulder to cry on when needed. They are known for their love of games and can play fetch or hide and seek for hours on end. They will often initiate a game and can be very persistent until you play with them. They are basically quiet cats in voice, however they do trill, chirp and click when delighted. They are easily leash-trained and love to go for walks. Not technically thieves, the American Bobtail’s love of shiny objects makes it necessary to keep jewelry boxes closed and even locked.

The American Bobtail is one of the most recent breeds to be accepted for registration by the Cat Fanciers’ Association. February 2000 marks this recognition and confirms what breeders have known for many years, that the American Bobtail has its place in the world of pedigreed cats. The American Bobtail advanced to Championship status effective May 1, 2006. It is one of America’s own, a breed to be proud of. Its wildcat look combined with its full domesticity and pleasing personality is a credit to all the breeders who have devoted the time, effort and energy into shaping this remarkable breed. The American Bobtail can proudly claim the title “Born in the USA.”

American Bobtail
Pictured: Second Best of Breed Shorthair NUDAWNZ I'LL BE YOUR#1WITHA BULLET, Silver Tabby American Bobtail - Shorthair Division Male
Photo: ©

American Bobtail
Pictured: Third Best of Breed Shorthair CH ATTITUDEACRE MURONY, Choc-Silver Spotted Tabby American Bobtail - Shorthair Male
Photo: © Chanan

Pricing on American Bobtails usually depends on type, applicable markings and bloodlines distinguished by Grand Champion (GC), National, National Breed and/or Regional winning parentage (NW, BW, RW) or of Distinguished Merit parentage (DM). The DM title is achieved by the dam (mother) having produced five CFA grand champion/premier (alter) or DM offspring, or sire (father) having produced fifteen CFA grand champion/premier or DM offspring. Usually breeders make kittens available between twelve and sixteen weeks of age. After twelve weeks, kittens have had their basic inoculations and developed the physical and social stability needed for a new environment, showing, or being transported by air. Keeping such a rare treasure indoors, neutering or spaying and providing acceptable surfaces (e.g. scratching posts) for the natural behavior of scratching (CFA disapproves of declawing or tendonectomy surgery) are essential elements for maintaining a healthy, long and joyful life.

There are CFA clubs devoted to the promotion, protection and preservation of the American Bobtail breed. For more information, please send inquiries to CFA, PO Box 1005, Manasquan NJ 08736-0805.

Text: Kathryn Sylvia
Last Updated: Saturday, June 30, 2007