While urban legend has it that the American Bobtail is the result of cross breeding a tabby and wild bobcat in the late 1960s, science shows that the American Bobtail gets its ‘bobbed’ tail as the result of a genetic mutation. American Bobtails are the result of cross breeding a short tailed tabby and a Siamese cat.

The American Bobtail is a muscular, medium sized cat weighing from 7-16 pounds (3.1-7.2 kg). They have two separate lengths of fur. The inner, shorter fur is soft and downy, while the outer layer is firmer. Bobtails come in both short and long haired versions and their coat can be any color and pattern. 

Long hair Bobtails can have tufts of hair extending from their checks that looks like the mane of a lion. Both types of Bobtails have tufted toes and ears giving them a unique lynx like appearance. 

Unusually, they have longer back legs than front legs, which give them appearance of always walking down hill. 

These cats make great family pets. They enjoy being with their owners and are highly attuned to their owner’s moods Bobtails love attention, but are not needy. They get along with other pets, including dogs, and are fearless.

Bobtails are quiet cats, unless they need feeding or something. They are highly adaptable and good travelers. In fact, Bobtails appear to be the cat of choice for long haul truckers. 

Bobtail are highly intelligent and enjoy toys, figuring out puzzles, and playing fetch. They like taking walks, even on a leash. 

Other: The American Bobtail is not related genetically to the Japanese Bobtail despite the similarity of name and appearance. The ‘bobbed’ tail gene in the American Bobtail is dominate, while in the Japanese Bobtail it is recessive. 

Unlike most domesticated cats, Bobtails take 2-3 years to mature. 

They are a recognized breed by the The International Cat Association, American Cat Fanciers Association, and others.