American Bobtail

The American Bobtail began in the 1960s in Arizona, when John and Brenda Sanders adopted a short-tailed tabby kitten found at a motel and named him Yodi. He mated with a Siamese-type female and the kittens carried the bobbed tail. The breed was shaped by crossing such cats with others to keep the look and the sturdy health.

The tail is the signature. It is short, usually one to four inches, and can be straight, slightly curved or kinked, but it must be flexible and never rigid. The gene is not related to the Manx or Japanese Bobtail, and it does not cause the spinal problems of the Manx.

The look is wild. An American Bobtail is a large, muscular, athletic cat with a broad head, a strong chin, thick brows and a rugged build. The coat comes in short and long versions and in all colors, and the popular brown tabby with a spotted or mackerel pattern looks like a small bobcat, though there is no bobcat blood.

The personality is that of a loyal dog. American Bobtails are intelligent, sociable and confident. They follow their people from room to room, learn tricks and to fetch, and often enjoy walking on a leash. They are good with children and dogs, and they love travel and adventure.

These cats mature slowly, taking two to three years to reach full size, and a big male can weigh sixteen pounds. They are strong and healthy, with a thick double coat that sheds more in spring and fall. A weekly comb is enough, more often during a shed.

The breed is generally healthy, with few inherited conditions, though hip dysplasia and HCM have been noted, so ask breeders about screening. Give it room to play, tall climbing places and company, and an American Bobtail will be a rugged, loyal friend for fifteen years.