A loving, intelligent and rather clownish cat that forms close bonds with its family. It is calm and adaptable, gets along with children and other pets, and talks in soft chirps and trills rather than loud meows.21
how to spot oneAmerican Bobtail coat and colours
shorthair or medium-longhair
A sturdy, athletic cat with substantial bone and a naturally short tail about 2.5-10 cm long that is flexible and very expressive. A strong brow over large almond eyes gives it a wild, watchful look. The shorthair has a plush, rabbit-like feel, and the longer coat is easy to keep tidy.21
Coloursall colours and patternsblackbrownchocolatecinnamonbluelilacfawnredcreamany of these with white12
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for an American Bobtail. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Nail trimevery 3 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
Litter scoopevery day
Litter changeevery week
PlayDaily playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
how busy a day looksAmerican Bobtail exercise needs
Moderate. Enjoys interactive hunting games and fetch, and many learn to walk on a harness.12
where they are happiestAmerican Bobtail at home
Adapts well to family homes and travels comfortably; provide toys for hunting-style play.1
who they like aroundAmerican Bobtail with people and other pets
Very people-focused and sensitive to its owners' moods; happy in a busy household with kids and other pets.12
the hands-on bitsAmerican Bobtail grooming and care
Brush or comb once to three times a week depending on coat length; bathing is rarely needed. Trim nails regularly and keep up with tooth brushing.21
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my American Bobtail, and at what times?
Feeding schedules vary by age, activity, and food type. It's best to ask your vet or a good breeder for a routine that suits your cat. Pet Wiki's plan doesn't specify feeding times, so rely on professional advice.
What should an American Bobtail eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a high-quality cat food appropriate for your cat's life stage. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA. For exact amounts, check the food label and consult your vet.3
Does an American Bobtail need baths?
Bathing is rarely needed for this breed. Only bathe if your cat gets very dirty or sticky, as per general grooming guidance. Their coat stays clean with regular brushing.214
How often does an American Bobtail need brushing?
Brush once to three times a week, depending on coat length. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests weekly brushing. A shorthair may need less, a longer coat a bit more.21Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim an American Bobtail's claws, and how often?
Trim nails regularly, about every three weeks per Pet Wiki's plan. General guidance suggests every ten days to two weeks, doing no more than two claws per session at first. Use proper cat nail clippers and avoid the quick.214Pet Wiki plan
How much play does an American Bobtail need?
This breed has moderate activity needs and enjoys interactive hunting games and fetch. Pet Wiki recommends daily play sessions to keep them happy and engaged.12Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after an American Bobtail's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily if possible, or at least every two days as per Pet Wiki's plan. For ears, check them weekly and clean gently if needed, but ask your vet for the best routine. Pet Wiki plan
How long does an American Bobtail live?
American Bobtails typically live between 11 and 15 years. With good care, many enjoy a long, healthy life.1
Is an American Bobtail good with children and other pets?
Yes, this breed is calm and adaptable, getting along well with children and other pets. They form close bonds and thrive in a busy household.21
Can an American Bobtail be left alone?
They are very people-focused and sensitive, so they prefer company. While they can adapt to short periods alone, it's best to ask your vet or breeder for advice on your specific situation.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
per year, in your countryWhat an American Bobtail costs
Running costs for an American Bobtail, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
American Bobtail tip
Keep treats to a minimum and use small, low-calorie pieces, as this sturdy breed can easily gain weight. Puzzle toys that dispense kibble are a great way to reward your Bobtail without overdoing it.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
No two bobtails are quite alike: each cat's tail is a unique length and shape.1
2
The short tail comes from a dominant gene, first seen when Yodie was bred to a Siamese.2
3
Their emotional sensitivity has made them popular as therapy cats.1
4
They mature slowly and may not reach full size until about three years old.1
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed is named for its most distinctive feature: a naturally short, bobbed tail that is about one-third to one-half the length of a normal cat's tail.5
stars of the breedFamous ones
Yodi The brown tabby bobtailed stray kitten found on an Arizona Indian Reservation in the late 1960s, considered the patriarch of the American Bobtail breed.1
I wake with a soft chirp and pad over to nudge my human's hand for a morning scratch. After breakfast, I fetch my favorite toy mouse, dropping it at my human's feet for a game of toss. I chase it across the room, my stubby tail wiggling with excitement. Later, I explore the garden on my harness, sniffing flowers and watching butterflies. Back inside, I curl up on the rug, trilling softly as the kids play nearby. When the sun sets, I hop onto the sofa, purring as my family gathers around me.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganAmerican Bobtail history
In the late 1960s a couple brought home a bobtailed brown tabby kitten called Yodie from Arizona, and his kittens inherited the short tail. Breeders later built the breed from bobtailed free-roaming cats found across the United States and Canada, so the foundation cats were not closely related. TICA recognised the American Bobtail in 1989.12
Pixie-bob
Japanese Bobtail
Manx