Regarding cats with a bobbed tail, folks generally fall into one of two camps. First, you either love the “look” of a bobbed tail cat or think it’s “weird” and not your thing! Now, if the latter describes you, it’s fair to say that an American Bobtail probably isn’t the “best” cat breed for you. And that’s OK! Because that’s the purpose of this article.
You see…
There are hundreds of combinations when it comes time to decide what “type” of cat you’d like to adopt. And while there may only be a few “officially” recognized pedigree cat breeds out there, chances are most folks won’t end up with a pure pedigree cat. Most folks will end up with a “mixture” of all sorts of different cat breeds, which is why we like to write other articles about the other cat breeds that are out there so folks can get a “general” idea about what it might be like to own a particular breed so that they can be sure and get the breed that best “fits” they’re a lifestyle.
That said, however…
We here at IndulgeYourPet think that anyone who automatically excludes the American Bobtail cat from their “short list” of potential candidates for adoption is making a big mistake because these little guys are “awesome,” especially if you’re looking for a fun and friendly cat that might be willing to play fetch with you as well! But if you’re ready to give an American Bobtail a chance, keep reading because, in this article, we will try to provide you with a “feel” for what it might be like to own an American Bobtail. So, without further ado, let’s dive right in.
American Bobtail Cat Breed Fast Facts
Country of Origin: United States
Size: Medium to large
Weight: 10 to 12 pounds
Eyes: Almond-shaped eyes
Head Shape: Wedge-shaped
Life Span: 13 to 15 years
Origin of The American Bobtail Cat
Legend has it that the American bobtail cat originated through the crossbreeding of the domestic tabby cat and the wild bobcat. While it would be “fun” to and easy to perpetuate this urban legend given the relatively “wild” look these domesticated gems have, the truth is, the American Bobtail cat breed is simply the result of selective breeding that has occurred after an initial spontaneous genetic mutation caused one little kitten back in Iowa to have a short tail.
You see…
In 1960, an Iowa family decided to mate their Siamese cat with a “stray” tabby with a relatively “short” tail. As a result, some of the kittens had relatively short seats. Some of these kittens were bred again, ultimately creating a “new” cat breed known as the American Bobtail. Curiously, in the case of the American Bobtail cat breed, the “mutated” gene that is responsible for the “bobtail” trait is the dominant gene, unlike other “bobtail” cat breeds such as the:
- Manx,
- Japanese Bobtail,
- Or the Cymric.
Where the gene responsible for the “shortened” tail is linked to a recessive gene.
Physical Characteristics
An American bobcat is a reasonably large cat with a a substantial rectangular body covered with shaggy fur that can come in either of two lengths: the short-haired or the long-haired variety. Their bodies tend to be comprehensive across the shoulders, with their chests full and broad. Their hips will also be about as wide as their chest, giving this general-headed cat a rather “stocky” appearance.
And when it comes to their tails…
They will be flexible and sometimes straight, slightly curved, or kinked. And when alert, the American Bobtail will have an almost “wild” look about him. Mainly when fully grown because he will typically have a natural gaze about him and an expression of alertness at all times. Which makes sense because this isn’t a “dainty” little cat. The American Bobtail is a large cat that looks big, tough, and quite muscular and athletic.
For this reason, American Bobtails tend to mature quite slowly, taking about two to three years to reach full size and maturity, which isn’t long considering these guys can often live beyond 15 years of age.
Temperament and Personality
The American bobtail cats are friendly cats that are very playful yet only mildly energetic. They seem to “pick and choose” when they want to play. Sometimes, they will; other times, they may stare at you, wondering what you’re doing with that cat toy in your hand! They’re also very clever cats who love to have their minds challenged. They enjoy puzzle toys and learning new tricks, and their ingenuity allows them to escape from secured cages, so merely closing the door behind them might not just do the trick.
Did we mention that they love to do tricks?
If not, you should know this because their natural intelligence and curiosity make them ideal students and very receptive to training. If you teach, they can even play fetch and walk on a leash. This is why even folks who aren’t “crazy” about having a cat with a bobbed tail often own several of these cats once they get to know one or two!
Grooming and care
Combing and brushing the American bobtail cat regularly keeps its fur from tangling. It sheds more skin in the spring, so it’s best to pay more attention and groom periodically. Now, this might seem a bit excessive, but don’t fret; Chances are your American Bobtail will come to enjoy being combed, and you’ll probably enjoy it too!
Potential Health Concerns
American bobtail cat breed, in general, is a pretty healthy one. However, it’s not uncommon for them to have “spinal” issues related to the bobtail mutation that can affect their ability to control when they defecate. Which, as you can imagine, can be pretty problematic for any “indoor” cat owner. This is why it is essential to always work with a reputable cat breeder who will be aware of any potential genetic issues a particular cat breed may be susceptible to and actively tries to minimize these risks in their litter.
It’s also why…
It’s always a good idea to look at what it might cost you to purchase a pet insurance policy on your new pet before any “issues” arise cause the last thing you’ll want is for your little guy to develop a medical condition that is too expensive for you to afford the care needed to treat your little buddy.
Now, will a pet insurance policy be “right” for everyone?
No, probably not. t how will you know until you know what they will and won’t cover and how much they cost?
For more information about who we feel currently offers the “best” pet insurance policies in the industry, we would encourage you to check out our Best Pet Insurance Company article.
