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American Bobtail
American Bobtail
Origin
United States
Size
Large Breed
Ideal Space
Apartment
Ideal Weather
18º-27ºC
Life Expectancy
13-15 years
Cost of buying
₹ 40,000 - ₹ 80,000
Top 5 Traits
Playful
Affectionate
Friendly
Gentle
Curious
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 2,800 - ₹ 4,200
by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 10 Jun 2025
Introduction to the American Bobtail
The American Bobtail is a domestic breed of cat, famous for its short tail and rough fur that resembles a bobcat’s. The story of the breed began in the late 1960s, when someone adopted a short-tailed stray, Yodie, from an Arizona reservation and let it mate with a Seal Point Siamese.
Thanks to the dominant short tail gene carried by the kittens, the breed was formed. In 1989, TICA officially recognised the breed, and it was later acknowledged by CFA and ACFA too.
Although this breed looks wild, it is actually calm, reliable, and very intelligent.
How Long Do American Bobtails Live?
An American Bobtail, when looked after well, can live between 13–15 years.
American Bobtail Temperament and Personality
American Bobtails are known for being:
- Affectionate and dog-like – They like to stick by their owners wherever they go.
- Intelligent and curious – Enjoys puzzles and likes exploring new places
- Social and adaptable – They are comfortable being around children, cats, and dogs.
- Quiet and expressive – They tend to chirp and trill instead of meowing.
Cats are happiest when they have company, and dislike being by themselves all day.
American Bobtail Exercise Needs
They’re naturally athletic and playful. Their dog-like traits require:
- Daily interactive play sessions (30–45 minutes)
- Puzzle feeders and climbing towers
- Wand toys and hunting-style games
Regular stimulation prevents boredom and supports weight control.
Characteristics
Temperament with Kids
Aggressive
Friendly
Playfulness
Silent
Very Playful
Friendliness
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Shedding amount
Negligible
Frequent
Compatibility with other cats
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Prey Drive
Low
High
Need for attention
Independent
Very Needy
Monthly Expenses
American Bobtail Price
Cost of buying
₹ 40,000 - ₹ 80,000
Prices can change a lot from one location to another because of how rare they are. The price can vary from ₹40,000 to ₹80,000 based on the cat’s breeder, coat length, and background.
Similar Breeds to the American Bobtail
Shop or Adopt an American Bobtail: Make the Right Choice!
Responsible shopping will make sure that ethical breeding is taking place, while adopting an American Bobtails will give a loving home to a cat that needs it. Pick based on your ability to keep up with their gentle temperament, grooming needs, and lifespan.
Best Practices for Shopping or Adopting an American Bobtail
- Select a good breeder or adoption centre.
- Get health screenings for heart disease and dental problems.
- Observe temperament and socialization levels.
- Vaccination, deworming and medical history should be checked.
- Offer a quiet, reasonably comfortable indoor environment.
- Prevent obesity by maintaining a balanced diet.
- They need to be groomed regularly to manage their dense coat.
- Always ensure you keep routine vet visits as a commitment to lifelong care.
Nutrition Care for the American Bobtail
Monthly Food Expenses
₹ 1,500 - ₹ 2,000
Calories per day
Kittens: 400 kcal
Adults: 350 kcal
Essential Nutrients
Protein
Fats
Carbohydrates
Vitamins
Minerals
Amino Acids (Taurine, Arginine, etc.)
Essential Fatty Acids
Fiber
List of foods
Dry kibble
Wet canned food
Semi-moist cat food
Chicken (cooked or raw)
Eggs (cooked)
Cottage cheese
Salmon
Tuna
Cat-specific multivitamins
- They require high quality protein for the maintenance of muscle.
- Healthy fats support energy levels and a shiny coat.
- Immunity and joint health are strengthened with the help of essential nutrients.
- Taurine is important for heart and vision health.
- Wet food helps in hydration and urinary tract health.
- It is best to avoid low quality foods to prevent obesity and digestion problems.
- A balanced diet of wet food, lean meats and supplements is vital for overall well being.
Feeding Guidelines for American Bobtails
Kittens (Up to 12 Months: Give your pet 3 to 4 small portions every day. Give your kitten food that is high in protein and rich in DHA for healthy brain development.
Adults (1–7 Years): Give your pet food twice a day. Read the label and pick foods that have animal protein listed first. Avoid gaining weight by using portion control.
Seniors (7+ Years): Pick foods specifically made for older pets. Choose supplements that have glucosamine to support their joints. Offer small meals as your pet’s appetite gets lower.
Breakdown of Macro-nutrients
Best Foods for American Bobtails
Top food choices include:
- Royal Canin Indoor or Breed Specific formulas – Gives appropriate support to big and energetic cats. Their nutrition is matched to their daily energy and the healthiness of their fur.
- Wellness Core or Orijen – Protein-packed food with no grain to help your cat maintain its muscles. Great for cats to keep them lean and trim.
- Hill’s Science Diet Light – Helps control weight in adults who have less physical activity. The low calories and fat in this food make it perfect for indoor cats.
- Tiki Cat and Weruva (wet foods) – Make sure your pet is hydrated and gets healthy animal protein. Cats that don’t consume much water can benefit from eating wet food.
Foods to Avoid for American Bobtails
Avoid anything with these ingredients
Onions and Garlic
Xylitol
Artificial Sweeteners
Raw Eggs
Moldy or Spoiled Food
Artificial Additives
High Salt Foods
Avoid feeding:
- High-carb or grain-heavy dry food – It could lead to obesity. Try to pick foods that are low in carbs and high in protein to assist in losing weight.
- Cheap fillers and artificial colours – They may cause skin irritation or make the coat look dull. Go for products with only a few ingredients for a healthier diet.
- Excessive fish diets – May lead to a lack of thiamine over a period. Switch the sources of protein regularly to get balanced vitamins.
- Dairy and human snacks – They may cause problems in the digestive system. Most cats find it difficult to digest both dairy and highly rich foods.
- Sudden diet changes – Could upset their sensitive stomach. Take around 7–10 days to gradually give your cat new foods.
Healthcare for the American Bobtail
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 500 - ₹ 700
Common Health Issues
Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
Arthritis
Skin Allergies
Hyperthyroidism
Dental Problems
Obesity
Kidney Disease
Activities
Play with Toys
Scratching
Exploring
Climbing
Grooming
Energy Level
Medium
Exercise routine
30 - 45 minutes
Recognising Stress
Hiding
Increased vocalization
Decreased appetite
Overgrooming
Changes in litter box behavior
Common Health Problems of American Bobtails
Although generally healthy, be aware of:
- Hip Dysplasia – A malformed joint can limit movement. Observe any difficulties with jumping, as pets tend to have difficulties jumping as they grow older.
- Spinal Issues in tailless cats – See when and where your pet urinates or defecates. For some, issues with nerves may result in trouble with bladder or bowel control.
- Obesity – Their strong bodies can hide additional weight. Monitoring weight and controlling portion sizes are important for wellbeing.
- Digestive Upset – This is particularly noticeable in cats with spine problems. Select easily digestible foods and watch for changes in their stool.
General Healthcare Tips for American Bobtails
- Vet visits should always include examining the spine and hips. Spotting problems like arthritis or dysplasia early may help your pet stay more comfortable over time.
- Maintain a suitable weight by exercising and eating properly. An extra weight load can strain both the spine and joints, and this is more common in tall breeds.
- Interactive play activities are helpful in dealing with stress and boredom. Games and toys help them stay both physically active and mentally healthy.
- Socialising early on increases confidence and emotional stability. It protects them from anxiety and prepares them to deal with different settings.
Vaccination details
Growth Stage
Core Vaccines
6-8 weeks
FVRCP (first dose)
10-12 weeks
FVRCP (second dose)
14-16 weeks
FVRCP (third dose)
1 year
FVRCP (booster)
American Bobtail Grooming Routine
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 800 - ₹ 1,500
Shedding Level
Moderate Shedding
Hygienic Checklist
Litter Box
Hydration
Ear cleaning
Eye care
Teeth care
Bathing
Nail Trimming
Benefits of Grooming
Cleanliness
Low Shedding
Odourless
Prevents Bad Breath
Prevents infections
These cats are low-maintenance but do benefit from regular grooming:
- Brush 2–3 times a week (more often for longhaired varieties)
- Use a slicker brush or grooming mitt for dead hair removal
- Trim nails every 3–4 weeks
- Clean ears monthly
- Brush teeth 2–3 times per week with feline-safe toothpaste
Their coat rarely mats and sheds moderately, especially during seasonal changes.
Written by
Happy Pet TeamAuthor
Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are American Bobtails related to bobcats?
No, their appearances are authentic. They come from domestication and do not have wild ancestors.
Do all American Bobtails have short tails?
No. Depending on their genes, some pets will have full tails and others may not.
Are American Bobtails good family pets?
Yes, they are considered gentle, playful, and friendly to both children and pets.
Do they need special care?
Maintaining them is easy, except for tailless pets, who should be evaluated often for spinal health and their weight.
