American Bobtail
Discover the American Bobtail's unique genetics, history, and "wild" appearance, including why its tail mutation differs from other short-tailed breeds.
The American Bobtail is a sturdy, domestic cat with a naturally bobbed tail that is one-third to one-half the length of a normal cat. This physical trait is the result of a dominant genetic mutation that is entirely unrelated to the recessive mutations found in other short-tailed breeds like the Japanese Bobtail.
The genetics of the bobbed tail
The defining feature of this breed is a tail that is stubby and often slightly knotted or curved, but never the result of docking. This is caused by a specific genetic mutation affecting tail development, which is dominant in nature. Unlike the Japanese Bobtail, which carries a recessive gene, or the Manx, which has a different dominant mutation, the American Bobtail's tail gene is distinct. The mutation is spontaneous and was not created through cross-breeding with wild bobcats, a persistent urban legend that has no basis in the breed's actual history.
History and development
The breed was developed in the late 1960s following the discovery of Yodie, a short-tailed brown tabby male. He was mated with a seal-point Siamese female to establish the original bloodline, which has since been expanded to include various colors and coat types. The breed was first recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1989 and is now accepted for championship competition by major registries including the Cat Fanciers' Association and the American Cat Fanciers Association. While recognized in the US, its status in other regions varies, with the World Cat Federation acknowledging the breed's existence without a specific standard for competition.
Physical appearance and development
American Bobtails are a hearty, stocky breed that requires two to three years to fully mature, which is slower than many other domestic cats. Their body is moderately long with substantial boning, creating a rectangular stance with a broad torso and hips that are almost as wide as the chest. The hind legs are longer than the forelegs, ending in large, round feet that may feature toe tufts. The head is a broad wedge with a concave curve from nose to brow, a broad unpinched muzzle, and prominent whisker pads. While the coat can be any color, there is a strong emphasis on a "wild" tabby appearance in show animals, often featuring spotted or "ocelot-like" patterning. The tail is visible above the back but does not extend beyond the hock when the animal is at rest.
Behavior and temperament
This breed is known for being playful, social, and highly adaptable to new environments, making them suitable companions for travelers. They are frequently described as the most "dog-like" of cat breeds, often boldly greeting visitors and showing no fear of new situations. American Bobtails enjoy climbing, jumping, and stalking, earning them the nickname of miniature "ocelots" regarding their agility. They readily seek affection from humans, other cats, and even dogs, and remain energetic well into adulthood, though they are particularly boisterous as kittens.
Coat variations and colors
The breed comes in both short- and long-haired varieties, with a coat texture that is shaggy rather than dense or fluffy. While the basal coloration often resembles a wild tabby, the breed standard accepts essentially all colors and patterns. These include black, blue, brindle, brown, calico, chocolate, cinnamon, fawn, lilac, pied, red-and-cream, peach, and orange tabby, as well as tortoiseshell. These colors may appear with or without varying amounts of white fur on the chest, neck, legs, or underside. Eye color varies to match the coat color, and the eyes themselves are almost almond-shaped with deep sockets.