Description: American Bobtail
The American Bobtail is a distinctly looking breed recognized for its stubby 'bobbed' tail about one-third to one-half the length of a normal cat's tail. This breed exhibits a strong, muscular body with a coat that can either be short or long. They are known for their wild appearance, along with a friendly and playful personality. Despite their somewhat fierce look, American Bobtails are very affectionate, making them excellent companions in diverse households. Their adaptable nature suits them well for indoor and outdoor environments and they are noted for their intelligence and interactive behavior, often using their paws both to play and to investigate objects.
Properties
The American Bobtail is a unique and captivating breed known for its stubby
Appearance
The American Bobtail is a breed of domestic cat which is most notable for its stubby “bobbed” tail about one-third to one-half the length of a normal cat's tail. This breed displays a distinctive wild appearance but has a sweet and loving nature. They present a strong, sturdy body with a muscular build that supports their original look of a feral cat. Despite their powerful physique, they move with grace and poise.
The American Bobtail has a rectangular body with a solid and broad chest. They possess a noticeable arch in their back and a slightly tucked up appearance, which contributes to their unique profile. Their legs are strong and of medium length, with large, round paws that may have tufts of fur protruding between the toes. This particular feature helps them in their natural sharp hunting abilities.
Their coat, which comes in a variety of colors and patterns, can be short or long. The texture of the coat is dense and plush, designed to protect them from harsh climates, akin to that of a wildcat. In the long-haired variety, the hair on the face is shorter than on the body, with tufts of longer hair at the ears, britches (long fur on the upper hind legs), and around the neck. They occasionally have a ruff, which enhances their wild appearance. Bobtails with a longer coat typically have a shaggy appearance, which is not overly groomed.
Their head is broad and wedge-shaped, with a distinct concave curve and powerful jaws. The eyes are one of their most captivating features, large and almond shaped, set at an angle and giving the cat a keen, alert expression. Eye colors can vary widely including copper, gold, green, and blue, and sometimes one eye may be a different color from the other.
The most distinctive feature of the American Bobtail is its tail, naturally short, it should be clearly visible above the back when the cat is alert, but not extending beyond the hock of the hind leg.
Overall, the American Bobtail is a robust, medium-to-large cat with a wild appearance. However, they are well-suited to family life, being adaptable and affectionate with a notably intelligent demeanor. They are often described as 'dog-like' in their loyalty and playfulness, making them a delightful and charming companion.
History
The American Bobtail, with its distinctive bobbed tail and rugged appearance, is a relatively new and unique breed among domesticated cats. Its history, although short compared to other breeds, is marked by the surprising emergence and development of its notable characteristics. The breed's origin traces back to the late 1960s in the United States, making it a truly American breed.
The breed's development began somewhat by accident. The foundation cat, a short-tailed brown male tabby named Yodie, was found at an Indian reservation in Arizona. Yodie was brought home by John and Brenda Sanders, who were vacationing there at the time. It is believed that Yodie's short tail was a result of a genetic mutation within the domestic cat population. When Yodie mated with the Sanders' female, Mishi, a litter of short-tailed kittens was born, demonstrating that the bobtail trait Yodie possessed was inheritable.
Enthused by the unique look of their kittens, the Sanders decided to pursue creating a new breed. Selective breeding began using Yodie's offspring and integrating other short-tailed domestic cats found across America to enhance the genetic pool and establish the desired traits of the breed: a bobbed tail, strong and healthy body, and a wild look. In these early years, the breeders also focused on promoting a pleasant temperament and good adaptability, which remain hallmark traits of the American Bobtail today.
In its quest for recognition, the breed faced several challenges, including establishing a consistent breeding standard. Early on, breeders aimed for a cat that would resemble a bobcat but without involving any wild bobcat bloodlines. This selectivity helped differentiate the American Bobtail in terms of appearance and genetics from other bobtailed breeds like the Japanese Bobtail and Manx.
The breed was officially recognized by The International Cat Association (TICA) in 1989 and later by other cat registries. Over the years, the American Bobtail has become popular not only for its distinctive physical traits but also for its dog-like personality, making it an excellent companion. It is famous for its loving, interactive, and sociable nature, paired with a striking wild appearance. Breeders have continued to emphasize the health and adaptability of the breed, ensuring it thrives in various environments, from relaxed apartment settings to active family homes.
Today, the American Bobtail remains a testament to the possibilities of selective breeding and the love for unique pets, continuing to charm cat enthusiasts around the world with its rugged look and affectionate demeanor.