American Bobtail Cat

Breed Profile

The American Bobtail is a deceptively wild-looking cat with a heart of gold. With its short, expressive tail and hunter-like gaze, it resembles a miniature bobcat, but its personality is often compared to a Golden Retriever: loyal, affectionate, and endlessly patient.

History: An American Original

Unlike many ancient breeds, the American Bobtail is a relatively new discovery. The breed’s story began in the late 1960s in Arizona, where a couple found a stray tabby kitten with a short, upright tail. They named him Yodie. Yodie was bred with a seal-point Siamese female, and their kittens inherited the distinctive short tail, proving the trait was a dominant genetic mutation.

For decades, breeders worked to refine this look, selecting for a wild, rugged appearance while maintaining a gentle domestic temperament. Today, the American Bobtail is recognized as a naturally occurring breed, distinct from the Japanese Bobtail (whose tail gene is recessive) and the Manx (whose gene can be lethal). The American Bobtail is sturdy, healthy, and 100% American made.

Personality: The “Golden Retriever” Cat

If you are a dog person who happens to want a cat, the American Bobtail is your best bet. They are famous for their dog-like behaviors.

They are also famously sensitive to human emotions. Many owners report their Bobtails acting as therapy cats, sensing when someone is sad or anxious and offering quiet companionship. They are not hyperactive like Bengals but are playful and deeply devoted.

Appearance: Built for the Wild

The goal of the American Bobtail breed standard is to look like a wild bobcat. They are a substantial, athletic breed.

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  Body: Medium to large, with a rectangular stance. Their hind legs are slightly longer than their front legs, giving them a distinctive “hunting” gait.
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  Head: Broad and wedged, often with lynx-tipped ears that add to the wild aesthetic.
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  Coat: Comes in both short and longhair varieties. It is a double coat that is weather-resistant—another nod to their rugged survivalist origins.
  

Health & Care

The American Bobtail is a slow-maturing breed, taking up to 3 years to reach full physical size. Because they evolved from natural selection (street cats), they are generally very robust.

However, because their defining trait involves the spine (the tail is an extension of the spine), some Bobtails can be born with a tail that is too short (rumpies), which can cause spinal issues. Always choose a breeder who prioritizes health over extreme traits.

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