American Bobtail: breed description, standards, maintenance

The American Bobtail cat breed may win your heart if you enjoy unusual feline breeds. Distinguished by its unusually short tail and lively disposition, this breed is endearing and unpredictable. American Bobtails are fantastic family and individual companions due to their robust build and amiable disposition.

These cats appear wild, which belies their playful disposition. They have a range of colors and patterns, and their fur can be either long or short. However, their characteristic bobbed tail, which gives them a unique silhouette, is what really makes them stand out. This breed is exceptionally adaptable to various living conditions in addition to being stunning.

American Bobtails require little upkeep in terms of maintenance. They need frequent interaction to stay happy and healthy, and they love to play. They get along well with children and other pets due to their gregarious nature, and they enjoy company. Their coat stays in great condition with regular grooming, but nothing too fancy is needed.

Comprehending the breed standards can aid in appreciating the unique qualities of the American Bobtail. Every characteristic, such as their expressive eyes and athletic build, adds to their individual charm. Discovering more about the American Bobtail breed will be rewarding, regardless of whether you plan to adopt one or are just interested in learning more.

History of the breed

Jody, a kitten born in southern Arizona in the 1960s, is the species’ progenitor. While on vacation, a young married couple named the Sanders made the discovery. They chose to bring a striped kitten they had seen with a small tail that looked like it had been chopped off. Although some Indians claimed that Jody’s father was a wild lynx, Jody’s origins are unknown.

Jody moved in with the Sanders family and their other pet, Misha, a Siamese cat who eventually gave birth to American bobtails. The owners noticed that some of the kittens Mishi had given birth to had short tails, just like their father. Cat breeders who were their friends encouraged them to keep breeding this unique breed.

Unfortunately, close relative crossbreeding led to the degeneracy of the novel and unusual breed of cats. The truth is that the Sanderses were ignorant of genetic laws and lacked professional cat breeding experience. The American Bobtail breed was brought back to life in the 1970s by motivated professional breeders. Since every person was related, they gave up trying to produce a pure breed in order to get the desired outcome. American Bobtails started to be crossed with non-pedigree cats, Himalayan, Burmese, and Siamese cats.

The breeders’ calculations were predicated on the idea that, regardless of the second parent’s breed, kittens would somehow inherit the genes for short tails. This experiment was a huge success because the litter continued to produce kittens with shorter tails, albeit they were more of a crossbreed than American bobtails by purebreed.

This species was recognized by the American Association in 2000. Even in the USA, however, the American bobtail is still quite uncommon. In the early years of the twenty-first century, there were only 216 registered females. Even with the International Feline Association’s recent recognition of the breed, meeting these cats outside of their nation remains challenging.

Description of the American bobtail, color, character

The animal weighs between five and eight kilograms, and males are larger than females. It is of medium size. The TICA’s standard for species is:

  • Broad head, not convex, proportional to the body, cheeks and whisker pads are well defined.
  • Ears are of medium size with slightly rounded ends, wide at the base, tassels are possible.
  • The eyes are large, located at a small angle to the ears, the color does not always match the color, although there are exceptions.
  • The nose is wide, slightly curved at the bridge.

  • Medium-sized rectangular body, athletic build.
  • Powerful paws, proportional to the body, long-haired species may have tufts of hair on the pads.
  • Short and flexible tail from 3 to 7-9 centimeters long. Can be straight, slightly curved or curled at the tip.
  • The coat is elastic, with a double layer.

Color

Striped or spotted tabby is regarded as the ideal color for American bobtails. Shades of black, brown, chocolate, blue, lilac, red, cream, and white are frequently present.

The initial American bobtail photo gallery:

Character

Cats have a refined nature, become favorites in the family, avoid becoming attached to just one person, and enjoy interacting with people in big groups. Bobtails can escape enclosed spaces on their own because they are highly active and resourceful animals. Additionally, they have developed the instinct to hunt; they play with different objects and hunt for small animals.

The American Bobtail is a distinct and lively breed of cat distinguished by its amiable disposition and unusually short tail. The physical attributes and temperament of the breed will be examined in this article, along with breed standards for enthusiasts and advice on how to properly maintain and care for an American Bobtail to ensure a happy and healthy life for your pet.

Advantages and disadvantages

The following are thought to be the breed’s advantages:

  • strong genetics and health;
  • getting along with other pets;
  • love for all family members;
  • unpretentiousness;
  • sensitivity to the owner"s mood.
  • large size;
  • tail peculiarity;
  • poor reaction to lack of attention from the owner, do not tolerate loneliness.

These happy, active kitties enjoy taking walks in the outdoors. They can be walked in parks in urban settings because they readily adapt to being on a leash. Care doesn’t involve any nuance.

Health

Because of its shortened spine and lack of tail vertebrae, the American Bobtail is more vulnerable to musculoskeletal disorders.

Furthermore, a few of this breed’s most prevalent illnesses are:

  • allergic reactions;
  • inflammatory skin lesions;
  • oral diseases with the formation of tartar.

A bobtail may occasionally be born without a tail. This may result in the presence of an unusually short spine and related issues.

While it is difficult to prevent diseases of the musculoskeletal system, allergies, skin conditions, and oral diseases can. For these reasons, the pet’s owners must consistently practice good hygiene, brush the cat, give it a bath, and give it the right food.

Proper diet

High-end or holistic food would be the best choices. They have every important and practical component. They are also arranged according to breed, condition, age, etc. The feeding rate for a single meal is listed on the food packaging. A baby requires three to four feedings per day. Adult cats are fed only in the morning and evening, while kittens between the ages of six months and one and a half are fed three times a day.

Aspect Description
Breed Overview The American Bobtail is known for its distinctive short tail and playful personality. They’re friendly, intelligent, and make great companions.
Physical Standards These cats have a sturdy build, medium to large size, and their coat can be short or long. Eye color varies, and they often have a wild look.
Maintenance Regular grooming is needed, especially for long-haired Bobtails. They require mental and physical stimulation, so interactive play is essential.

The American Bobtail breed is incredibly distinctive and endearing. They are great companions for both individuals and families because of their unique short tails and lively dispositions. Whether you live in a busy house or a quiet apartment, they can fit into a variety of lifestyles thanks to their friendly disposition and versatility.

American Bobtails are valued for their robust physique, captivating eyes, and, of course, their adorably bobbed tails when it comes to breed standards. Their appeal is increased by the variety of colors and patterns they come in. By being aware of these requirements, prospective owners can make sure they match the breed’s requirements and locate the ideal companion.

An American Bobtail requires a balanced diet, frequent veterinary visits, and lots of playtime. Providing toys and activities for these intelligent and gregarious cats is crucial. Although their coats are typically low-maintenance, grooming is still an important part of their care, particularly for long-haired breeds.

To sum up, the American Bobtail has more to offer than just a lovely appearance. They are a pleasure to be around because of their friendly and loving disposition. They can flourish in any home with the correct upkeep and care, providing their owners with years of joy and love. You’re going to have a great time if you decide to bring one into your family!

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Daria Lebedeva

Dog lover. I constantly study the characteristics of different breeds, their character and needs. I publish articles on how to choose the right breed that suits you and how to provide the best living conditions for your pet.

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