The American Bobtail is a striking cat breed known for its athletic build and unique bobbed tail. This medium to large-sized feline showcases a wild appearance with its muscular body and keen hunter’s gaze.
The Beginnings
The American Bobtail’s story begins with Yodie, a short-tailed brown tabby from Arizona. Discovered by a couple at a motel, Yodie’s mysterious origins led many to believe he was a hybrid between a bobcat and a domestic cat, given his wild look and bobbed tail. However, it’s more plausible that Yodie’s short tail resulted from a random mutation within the domestic cat population.
The Breed Development
Yodie soon fathered kittens with the family’s seal point Siamese, producing both normal-tailed and bobtailed offspring. This showed that Yodie’s bobtail trait was dominant. Thus, the American Bobtail breed was born, aiming to mirror Yodie’s feral appearance with a healthier constitution. Today, American Bobtails come in all colors and coat lengths, maintaining their distinctive bobbed tail and wild look.
Despite their rugged exterior, American Bobtails are anything but wild. They are known for their loyal, intelligent, and affectionate nature. These confident cats form strong bonds with their families and adapt well to various home environments. While not as vocal as breeds like the Siamese, Bobtails are expressive and make their feelings known. They are playful and energetic and possess an extraordinary knack for escaping closed spaces.
Bobtails are people-oriented and often seek attention by meowing or curling up in available laps. They are enthusiastic and fun-loving but not overly hyperactive. With proper introduction, American Bobtails get along well with other cats and cat-friendly dogs. They are curious and outgoing, even around new visitors, and make excellent travelers if trained young.
American Bobtails are muscular and athletic, with a rectangular stance, slightly higher hips, and prominent shoulder blades. Their brow is distinctive, forming a rounded somewhat forehead-to-eye ridge with a concave curve between the nose and brow. Their almond-shaped eyes, in copper, gold, yellow, or green shades, enhance their natural hunting gaze.
They have large, round paws, often with five toes in front and four in the back, sometimes featuring toe tufts in longhaired varieties. Their coats come in all colors and patterns, reflecting their wild heritage. Longhaired Bobtails have a resilient, double-layer coat. At the same time, shorthairs boast a semi-dense, non-matting texture with a soft undercoat.
American Bobtails shed more during spring and fall, so it is recommended that they be groomed more frequently during these seasons. Brushing or combing their coat a few times a week will maintain its health and shine. Baths are rarely needed unless they get into something messy.
Discover the charm of the American Bobtail and bring a touch of the wild into your home with this captivating breed!
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