American Bobtail facts for kids
The American Bobtail is a special kind of cat. It's known for its short, "bobbed" tail. This tail is usually about one-third to half the length of a regular cat's tail. This unique tail is caused by a natural change in their genes. A similar genetic change also gives the Manx cat its short tail.
Even though they look a bit like the Japanese Bobtail, they are not closely related. The gene that causes the American Bobtail's short tail is "dominant." This means it's more likely to show up. For the Japanese Bobtail, the gene is "recessive," which means it's less likely to appear.
What They Look Like
American Bobtails can have two types of fur. Their coats can be either short or long. Their fur is often described as shaggy, not fluffy. These cats can have any color of eyes and coat. They often look like a "wild" tabby cat.
Their eyes are shaped like almonds. They have a long and strong body. Their tail is short, but you can usually see the end of it above their back. The tail can be straight or curved. Sometimes it might have small knots or bumps. American Bobtails grow slowly. It takes them two to three years to become full-grown adult cats.
How They Act
American Bobtails are very playful cats. They have a lot of energy. These cats are also friendly and not shy around people. They are known for being very smart. Some American Bobtails have even figured out how to open doors. They can escape from rooms or cages with closed and latched doors!
Because they love to play and get attention, they will often ask for it. They might meow to get your notice. Or they might just hop right into your lap for some cuddles.
Their Story
There's a fun story, or urban legend, about how American Bobtail cats started. Some people used to think they were a mix of a domestic tabby cat and a wild bobcat. However, this isn't true. Their unusual short tail is actually a natural genetic change. This change might be related to the gene found in Manx cats.
The first American Bobtail cat was born in the late 1960s. His name was Yodie. His parents were a short-tailed brown tabby male and a seal point Siamese female. Yodie was born in Arizona, near an American Indian reservation. No one knew what breed Yodie's father was. People thought he might be a bobcat and domestic cat mix because of his stubby tail.
The American Bobtail breed was officially recognized in the United States. This happened in 1989 by The International Cat Association.
