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American Bobtail

Breed Profile

In 1989 TICA recognized the American Bobtail Breed as a naturally occurring breed of cat. This is a breed that has occurred all on it's own with no interference from man nor is the breed an isolated mutation. American Bobtails have been found throughout the United States. The American Bobtail has been in existence in America for many generations and is an excellent example of breed development through natural selection.

History:

The foundation stock of this breed were mostly feral cats possessing a natural bobtail. As far as it is known, no Manx or Japanese Bobtail were used in the creation of the breed. Conscientious breeders have used only feral cats that sufficiently meet the American Bobtail standard in type. Most breeders no longer use feral cats, and many American Bobtails have a multi-generation pedigree. Although the Bobtail has been in America for several generations the founding of the breed came about when John and Brenda Sanders,adopted a short tailed brown tabby kitten while on vacation in southern Arizona. The couple brought their new pet "Yodi" home to Iowa. Yodi soon matured and romanced the couples color pointed female "Mishi," and produced several litters of kittens. The resulting offspring were born with short tails and other unique traits which are now hallmarks of the American Bobtail breed. These kittens soon caught the eye of Mindy Shutlz and Charlotte Bentley. Using these kittens, and outcrossing to Himilayans, they produced the first true American Bobtails.

In 1982 Lisa Black found an ad for a bobtail kitten in her local newspaper, intrigued she went to the home of Mindy Shultz. When Lisa arrived there she discovered a litter of color point bobtailed kittens. Mindy then told her the story of Yodi about how he was found by her friend Brenda Sanders. The American Bobtail breed is named after Yodi. The owner felt he was an American Bobtailed cat. Not an American bobcat nor a bobcat look alike but a cat from America with a naturally occuring bobtailed.

The American Bobtail was accepted as a New Breed for registration purposes effective May 1, 1989. The standard since then, has undergone several changes to give us the cats we have today. The American Bobtail breeders are striving to continue developing the breed to get the largest most unique looking cats possible. Currently there are over 2800 American Bobtails registered in TICA.

Physical Characteristics:

American Bobtails have several characteristics that distinguish them from other breeds. The most obvious trait is that of the natural short tail being 1/4 to 1/2 that of regular domestic cats. The tail is short 1" minimum and clearly visible above the back when erect. The optimum tail is articulate and nearly straight with the slightest of curves.  The breeds naturally short tail remains somewhat a mystery. It is not known where the shortened tail came from. Breeders however, have found it to be a dominant gene. Not all bobtails are born short tailed and many breeders place the long tailed kittens as pets.  Another trait common to the Bobtail is it's double coat type, which causes noticeable changes from winter to summer. The breed is a jewel in the rough and not as easily identified as a Persian, Siamese or Himalayan may be.

While the American bobtail can have a tendency to have a wild cat look, The American Bobtail does not claim a "wild" heritage, and comes wholely from domestic cats. American Bobtails range to all colors of the rainbow and also have 2 coat lengths. The most common colors being the brown spotted or brown ticked tabbies, seal lynx points, silvers and blue. Bobtails also have an unusual voice, not the normal meow of a regular domestic. Bobtails vocals range from a very scratchy meow to chirps, trills, clicks and purrs. This is a slow maturing breed that will take 2-3 years to develop full growth.

Temperment:

Due to the natural beginning of this breed American Bobtails seem to posses an above average intelligence, which they won't hesitate to use to train their humans. Although prized for their unique  looks, pedigreed American Bobtails are strictly domestic pets. Their high intelligence makes them easy to train; and because they are so loyal, playful, and intensely affectionate, these lovable felines are often described as having "dog-like" personalities. American Bobtails love to play fetch, play in water, wag their tails, follow you from room to room, walk on leashes and ride in cars. They are a very people type oriented cat who will bond to all family members, even the family dog! Where most cats will run from strangers there seems to be nothing that pleases a Bobtail more then to run to a stranger, they are usually the first ones to the door when company arrives.

Be it the campground, home or the show ring, the American Bobtail should also be noted for its extreme adaptability and outgoing personality. Bobtails have even been used in therapy work and seem to delight in bringing joy to others. A true American, the bobtail adapts to any lifestyle.

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