Physical Development: The American Bobtail is a sturdy, rugged-looking breed, fitting to its heritage of survival in a feral environment. Physically, the American Bobtail is a medium to large cat, with either short dense coat or a longer, shaggy-appearing coat. American Bobtails come in all colors and patterns, however since breeding to other recognized breeds are not allowed, "points" would not normally appear. Male American Bobtails can easily surpass 15 pounds, and females are somewhat smaller.
Photo Credits: This stunning example of an American Bobtail cat is Catalons Camouflage, a shorthair brown spotted male from Catalons American Bobtail Cattery. Photo used with permission.
History and Personality: The American Bobtail originated in the late 1960s with a male brown tabby kitten with a bobtail found on an Indian reservation in the Southwest U.S. The couple who found the kitten raised him and later bred him to a longtail female. The subsequent offspring formed the foundation of the American Bobtail breed. Contrary to its rugged appearance, the American Bobtail is not a "wild" cat, but descends from naturally occurring bobtailed cats found in the wild.
In other words, you will not find any bobcats (Felis rufus or Lynx rufus) in an accepted breeding program.
You will notice an expression of intelligence and alertness in an American Bobtail, as befitting its history of survival. They are described by fond owners as "fun, friendly, talkative, outgoing, and great climbers."
American Bobtails are great family cats, and get along well with other animals and children. If you feel the "call of the wild," you might consider an American Bobtail cat as a companion.
