The American Bobtail is a large, muscular breed from the United States with a naturally short tail a third to a half of normal length.
It is recognised by the American registries but not by the main British one, and is rare in Europe.
The American Bobtail is a sturdy, medium to large cat with a naturally short tail. It is an American breed and is rarely seen in Britain or the rest of Europe.
Origin
The breed traces to the 1960s, when a short-tailed tabby kitten found in Arizona was mated with a domestic cat and produced short-tailed kittens. Breeders in the United States built on these and on other naturally bobtailed cats found across the country, selecting for a wild, rugged look. The gene responsible is different from those behind the Manx and the Japanese Bobtail.
Appearance
The tail is usually between a third and a half of normal length and may be straight, slightly curved or kinked; no two are identical. The body is long, broad and heavily muscled, with hind legs a little longer than the front, a broad wedge-shaped head and a strong brow that gives a hunting expression. The coat is either short and plush or medium-long and shaggy, in any colour or pattern. The cats mature slowly, taking two to three years to reach full size.
Temperament
American Bobtails are described as friendly, adaptable and playful, attached to the whole household and tolerant of children and dogs. Many will walk on a harness and retrieve toys.
Care and health
Short coats need a weekly brush and longer coats a comb two or three times a week. The breed has a reputation for good health. Kittens born with no tail at all can have defects of the lower spine affecting the bowel and bladder, as in the Manx, and breeders avoid producing them.
Recognition
The breed is recognised by the two main American registries, the Cat Fanciers' Association and The International Cat Association. It is not recognised by the Governing Council of the Cat Fancy in Britain, and very few are bred in Europe.
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