Introducing the American Bobtail
Find out everything you need to know about the American Bobtail: its characteristics, its behaviour, its training and how much one costs.
The American Bobtail
The American Bobtail, a unique wild look
The American Bobtail is a distinctive and unique breed, known for its wild, lynx-like appearance and playful nature. Originating in the United States from a natural mutation, this breed's hallmark is its short, bobbed tail. Despite their wild look, American Bobtails are affectionate and loyal, easily adapting to families with children and other pets. Their playful and active nature makes them delightful companions, offering both fun and cuddles.
AMERICAN BOBTAIL FACT FILE
This selection outlines the unique features of the American Bobtail breed of cat.
Size
The American Bobtail is a medium to large cat, typically weighing between 7 and 16 pounds, with a height ranging from 9 to 10 inches.
Coat length
The American Bobtail has a dense, shaggy coat that can be either short or long, providing good protection against the elements.
Allergies
American Bobtail cats are not hypoallergenic, so they may not be suitable for people with severe cat allergies.
Coat color
The American Bobtail’s coat can vary in color, with dominant shades being brown, black, and gray, often with tabby or spotted patterns.
Living environment
The American Bobtail adapts well to various environments, whether it’s a spacious house or a smaller apartment, as long as it has enough space to play.
Sociability
American Bobtails are friendly and sociable cats, getting along well with children and other pets, making them excellent companions.
Health
The American Bobtail is generally a healthy breed, though it may be prone to hip dysplasia and spinal issues, common in cats with short tails.
Training
The American Bobtail is intelligent and easy to train, responding well to positive reinforcement and patience.
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Physical characteristics
The American Bobtail, a tail like no other
The American Bobtail is known for its unique short tail, resembling a wild bobcat's tail, making it stand out among other breeds.
Size and weight of the American Bobtail
The American Bobtail is a medium to large-sized cat. Males of this breed are generally heavier than females, with females weighing between 7 and 11 pounds, while males can weigh between 11 and 16 pounds. American Bobtails are slow growers, typically reaching their full size and weight around 3 to 4 years of age. They are characterized by a broad frame, muscular build, and a short, expressive tail.
The American Bobtail coat
Coat length
The American Bobtail has a dense, shaggy coat that can be either short or long. The short-haired variety has a medium-length coat with a slightly rough texture, while the long-haired variety features a semi-long coat with a soft, luxurious feel. Both coat types are known for their resilience and can have subtle waves and fringes.
Coat color
The American Bobtail’s coat comes in a wide range of colors and patterns, adding to its unique charm. The specific color palette includes tabby patterns, solid colors like black and white, and even bi-color combinations. This variety ensures that each American Bobtail has a distinct and striking appearance.
Other characteristics of the American Bobtail
Other physical characteristics
The American Bobtail is sturdy and athletic, with a broad chest and well-developed muscles. Their medium-sized ears are wide at the base and slightly rounded at the tips. They have a robust body structure, a broad and well-defined muzzle, and large almond-shaped eyes in various colors, such as gold, green, and blue. The short, expressive tail and unique gait make them easily recognizable.
Grooming
American Bobtails have a dense coat that needs regular grooming. Brush them once or twice a week, increasing frequency during shedding periods. Occasional bathing with suitable cat shampoo is recommended. While they groom themselves, occasional baths help keep their coat clean and healthy. Regular grooming checks for skin issues or parasites. It is worth mentioning that the American Bobail isn't hypoallergenic.
Temperament & behavior
What is the temperament of the American Bobtail?
The American Bobtail is an affectionate, playful, and intelligent cat breed, making it an excellent companion.
American Bobtail sociability
A social and loyal companion
American Bobtails are known for their friendly and sociable nature. They form strong bonds with their owners and often follow them around the house. These cats crave attention and enjoy interactive play sessions, but they also appreciate extended cuddle time. American Bobtails are vocal cats, communicating with throaty cries, purrs, and meows. They thrive with owners who can provide the necessary attention and engagement.
Calm and adaptable
The American Bobtail has a calm and patient temperament, making it an ideal pet for families, including those with children, dogs, and other cats. They are sociable and enjoy interacting with their human companions. When they reach their tolerance threshold, American Bobtails prefer to retreat and relax rather than display aggressive behavior, highlighting their gentle nature.
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Living environment of the American Bobtail
A versatile and adaptable breed
The American Bobtail is highly adaptable and can thrive in various living environments, whether it’s a bustling city apartment or a quiet country home. While the presence of the owner is important for this breed, they can comfortably live in both small and large spaces. However, they do need enough room to play and explore, making a larger living area ideal.
Playful and energetic
The American Bobtail is an active and playful cat, requiring plenty of mental and physical stimulation. Providing activities that engage their intelligence and energy is crucial. Regular playtime with their owners not only benefits the cat's well-being but also strengthens the bond between them. Without enough stimulation, American Bobtails may become bored and engage in destructive behaviors. It's also important to provide them with calm spaces to rest and recharge. If you're worried about losing track of him, you can fit them with a GPS collar so you can track their movements and locate them if they escape.
Training the American Bobtail
Training your American Bobtail should start from a young age to ensure proper behavior and socialization. The education of this breed should be based on principles such as kindness, listening, reward, and firmness. Consistency is key, as it helps reinforce good behaviors from the start. Training through play is particularly effective for this intelligent breed, offering mental stimulation and preventing bad behavior.
Health & nutrition
How to take care of the American Bobtail
The American Bobtail is a resilient and robust breed known for its playful and affectionate nature. Generally healthy, this breed does not present specific health problems and thrives with regular care.
Health of the American Bobtail
General health and robustness
The American Bobtail is a sturdy and generally healthy breed that rarely gets sick. However, like many cats, they can be prone to specific hereditary diseases such as feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and polycystic kidney disease. A DNA test can help detect these diseases early and prevent their transmission. Regular veterinary visits are essential to vaccinate the cat against common diseases such as typhus and rabies, ensuring they remain in good health.
Feeding the American Bobtail
Quality over quantity
The American Bobtail is a medium to large cat with a muscular and sturdy build. To maintain their health and physique, it’s essential to provide a high-quality diet. Nutritionally high-quality kibble should form the primary component of their diet. Complementary foods, such as green vegetables rich in water, can enhance the kibble and support the cat's renal system.
Slow and steady growth
American Bobtails grow slowly, reaching their full size around 3 to 4 years of age. Due to their specific growth pattern, their diet must be adapted and controlled to meet their nutritional needs. It is recommended to maintain the same brand of kibble to ensure continuity and stability in their diet. Feeding should be done at set times to avoid any disruptions to their digestive system.
Active and playful
The American Bobtail is generally active and enjoys playtime, but they can gain weight if their diet is not controlled and if they do not get enough exercise. It is crucial to encourage the cat to move by engaging in play, running, and jumping to prevent weight problems and promote overall health. Owners should interact and play with their American Bobtail to provide sessions of fun and stimulation, keeping them active and healthy.
Breeding or adoption & cost
How much does an American Bobtail cost?
The American Bobtail is a highly appreciated breed known for its unique appearance and affectionate nature. There are several breeders specializing in this breed. It is important to consider a few factors before adoption.
Choosing the right American Bobtail
How to choose your American Bobtail
Purebred cats like the American Bobtail are often bred by professional breeders or in catteries. It is crucial to visit the breeding sites before adopting to observe the living conditions and ensure the quality of care. From June 10, 2024, owners must have their cats microchipped by the age of 20 weeks and register their details in a relevant database such as Petlog or Animal Tracker. This is a legal requirement in Britain, and failure to comply could result in a fine of
Additionally, ensure that health examinations and DNA tests are performed on the cat and its parents to detect possible hereditary health problems.
The price of an American Bobtail
The cost of acquiring an American Bobtail can vary depending on several factors such as lineage, pedigree, breeder reputation, and age of the cat. Prices for American Bobtail kittens typically range from
to
In addition to the purchase price, maintaining an American Bobtail involves costs such as regular healthcare, grooming, and a healthy diet, which are estimated to be around
to
per year.
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