American Bobtail
Wild-looking, dog-like cats with a distinctive short tail.
American Bobtails have a stocky, athletic build and a short bobbed tail caused by a natural genetic mutation. Despite their wild appearance, they are exceptionally friendly and dog-like — known for greeting visitors, learning leash walking, and bonding strongly with their families.
Key facts
| Origin | United States |
|---|---|
| Size | Large |
| Weight | 7–16 lbs |
| Lifespan | 13–15 years |
| Energy | Medium |
| Vocality | Low |
| Grooming | Brush 2–3 times a week |
| Shedding | Medium |
| With children | ●●●●● |
|---|---|
| With other pets | ●●●●● |
| For beginners | ●●●●○ |
| Apartment life | ●●●●○ |
Pros & cons
✓ What's great
- Excellent family cats
- Often travel well
- Trainable and engaging
- Distinctive appearance
✗ Things to know
- Higher vet costs from spinal awareness needed
- Slow maturers (2–3 years to full size)
- Less common breed
Ideal owner
A American Bobtail may suit you well if you:
- Are a first-time cat owner looking for a forgiving, adaptable breed
- Have children or a busy, sociable household
- Already have dogs or other cats at home
- Live in an apartment or smaller home
A American Bobtail may not suit you if you:
- Have significant cat allergies
Health considerations
American Bobtails are generally considered a robust, healthy breed with no well-documented breed-specific conditions at this time. As with all cats, annual vet check-ups, a balanced diet, and keeping them up to date on vaccinations and parasite prevention are the best health investments you can make.
Is a American Bobtail right for you?
The best way to find out if a American Bobtail suits your lifestyle is to take the What Cat? breed quiz — it weighs your living space, schedule, household, and preferences against all 68 breeds in our encyclopedia.
Frequently asked questions
Is a American Bobtail a good cat for first-time owners?
Yes — American Bobtails are an excellent choice for first-time cat owners. They are adaptable and forgiving, with a temperament described as: friendly, playful, and remarkably dog-like in personality.
Are American Bobtails good for apartments?
Yes — American Bobtails adapt well to apartment living. They don't require a large territory and are content indoors provided they have adequate enrichment and attention.
Are American Bobtails good with children?
American Bobtails are generally excellent with children. They are patient, tolerant of handling, and social enough to enjoy the energy of family life including young children.
Are American Bobtails hypoallergenic?
American Bobtails are not specifically hypoallergenic and produce standard levels of Fel d 1, the main cat allergen. If allergies are a concern, consider breeds like the Siberian, Balinese, or Devon Rex.
Does a American Bobtail suit your lifestyle?
Take the free 18-question What Cat? quiz to find out — and get a full ranked list of breeds matched to your real life.
Take the free quiz →Further reading: American Bobtail on Wikipedia