American Bobtail

Appearance and features:

Native to North America, the American Bobtail cat is the result of a natural selection in feral environment that caused a shortened tail. As a strong, graceful, and healthy breed, experiencing no known genetic predisposition to health problems, American Bobtails are loving and incredibly intelligent cats, with a short tail and wild cat appearance. The tail is slightly curved, expressive and flexible, and there is no preferred tail length. They have a broad modified wedge -shaped head and a broad medium length muzzle. Their body is moderately long a rectangular stance; the chest is full and broad with slightly higher hips and prominent shoulder blades. This breed is slow maturing, taking two to three years to reach its adult size.

Both entertaining and soft gentle companionship, they are extremely interactive with their human family. Known for their love of games, playing fetch, or hide and seek for hours, they will often initiate games with their owners. Also, good hunters, they can catch insects and birds in midair. Practicing on their toys and carrying them in their mouths, as if they were freshly caught rodents. They are known to trill, chirp and click when happy, but are otherwise a relatively quiet cat. Easy to train and even to walk on a leash, they get along well with most dogs, other furry animals and welcome strangers.

Size:

This is a medium to large size cat weighing 7 to 16 pounds.

Family:

Natural Genetic Mutation by Nature.  No direct relative.

Coloring:

Though any genetically possible color or combination of colors is allowed, preference is given to colors and patterns that enhance the natural wild appearance of the breed.
High rufusing is desirable in all tabbies, including silvers.  Body patterns highly desirable in lynx points and smokes.

Origin:

Traceable roots go back to a short-tailed kitten acquired by John and Brenda Sanders during a vacation to Arizona.

Temperament:

The American Bobtail is a great family pet who attaches itself to the whole family, not just one person. Very active, much like the Golden Retriever of Cats.

Health Concerns:

American Bobtail’s are generally healthy, but can have health problems due to spinal difficulties in the tail, which can effect their rear end function and potty problems.