American Bobtail

— A Wild Look, a Dog-Like Personality.

The American Bobtail traces back to the late 1960s, when a short-tailed brown tabby kitten found at an Arizona motel was bred with a Siamese cat, producing a litter of bobtail kittens with notably sweet temperaments. Early breeding led to health problems from inbreeding, so a renewed effort beginning in the 1980s focused on rebuilding a healthier cat while preserving the breed's wild, bobcat-like appearance and short, expressive tail.

United StatesOrigin

Natural Mutation (Shorthair and Longhair)Breed Group

11 - 15 YearsLife Expectancy

QUICK OVERVIEW

Families and multi-pet households

Owners wanting an interactive, trainable cat

Owners open to leash-training a cat

Owners wanting a low-shedding breed

About the American Bobtail

Last updated: August 24, 2026 · Written by Sam, Founder

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Key Facts

Has a naturally short, stubby tail averaging 1-4 inches long

Known for a dog-like personality, including leash-walking and fetching

Bred to resemble a wild bobcat, with a muscular, rugged build

Developed entirely in the United States, starting from a single found kitten

Is American Bobtail Right for You?

Families and multi-pet households

Owners wanting an interactive, trainable cat

Owners open to leash-training a cat

Owners wanting a low-shedding breed

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The American Bobtail has shorthair or longhair, dense double coat in wide range, brown tabby is the most iconic, with a moderate pattern year-round.

American Bobtail

Personality

Dog-LikeAmerican Bobtails are often described as dog-like for their sociability, trainability, and willingness to walk on a leash or play fetch.

AffectionateThe breed tends to bond closely with its family, seeking out company rather than the more independent streak typical of many cats.

PlayfulA high-energy, interactive temperament that stays present well into adulthood, unlike breeds that mellow significantly with age.

AdaptableGenerally gets along well with children, dogs, and other cats when introduced properly, making it a flexible fit for busy households.

Care & Needs

GroomingRegular brushing — weekly for shorthairs, more often for longhairs — helps manage shedding and keeps the dense double coat healthy.

EnrichmentThis is an active, intelligent breed that benefits from interactive toys, climbing structures, and regular play sessions, not just a quiet corner to nap in.

DietA balanced diet with portion control, since the breed's larger frame and food motivation can lead to weight gain without adequate activity.

Social TimeAmerican Bobtails do best with real daily interaction rather than being left to their own devices for long stretches.

Did You Know?

Unlike the Manx, whose taillessness is linked to a gene that can cause serious spinal defects, the American Bobtail's short tail results from a different, generally less problematic genetic mutation.

Health & Common Issues

Hip DysplasiaA joint condition that can affect this larger-framed breed, making weight management and screening in breeding lines worthwhile.

Spinal Issues in Tailless CatsCats born with little to no tail can occasionally have associated spinal or nerve development issues affecting bowel control, worth monitoring for from kittenhood.

Kidney Disease and HyperthyroidismAs with most cat breeds, these become more common with age and are worth screening for as part of routine senior-cat veterinary care.

Training & Exercise

Start leash training early using positive reinforcement — this breed is unusually receptive to it compared to most cats.
Provide interactive play daily to match the breed's above-average activity level and intelligence.
Introduce new people, pets, and situations gradually but confidently; the breed's adaptable temperament responds well to calm, consistent exposure.
Use puzzle feeders and climbing structures to keep an intelligent, active cat mentally engaged indoors.

History & Origin

1960s A short-tailed brown tabby kitten found at an Arizona motel was bred with a seal-point Siamese, producing the first litter of bobtail kittens with distinctively sweet temperaments.

1970s Early breeding programs faced health and inbreeding challenges as the new bobtail line was developed further.

1980s Breeders restarted development with a focus on health and a stronger resemblance to the original wild-looking bobtail type.

Today A relatively rare breed recognized by major cat associations, valued for its wild appearance paired with an unusually social, trainable temperament.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the American Bobtail's short tail a health problem?

Generally no — the breed's short-tail mutation is different from the one seen in Manx cats and is not typically associated with the same serious spinal defects, though cats with very little to no tail are still worth monitoring for any signs of associated nerve or bowel-control issues.

Are American Bobtails good with dogs?

Often yes — the breed's sociable, adaptable temperament tends to make it comfortable in multi-pet households, especially with a gradual, supervised introduction.

Do American Bobtails really walk on a leash like a dog?

Many do, with training — this breed is frequently described as dog-like for exactly this reason, showing more willingness to leash-walk and engage in interactive play than most cat breeds, though individual personality still varies.