Shorthair cat Medium size 3-7 kg

American Bobtail

A sturdy, easygoing cat with a stubby tail and a dog-like devotion - adaptable and great with family life.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Medium
Size
3-7 kg, 23-28 cm tall
Moderate
Exercise needs
Moderate; playful but not frantic
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Prefers company; copes with normal days
Easy
Training
Interactive and trainable for a cat
Moderate
Coat care
Shaggy coat needs weekly brushing
Excellent
Fit with kids
Patient and excellent with children
Good
Other pets
Sociable with cats and dogs
Moderate
Health burden
Obesity, Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

The American Bobtail typically weighs 3-7 kg, stands 23-28 cm, and lives 13-15 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a confident, adaptable cat that rolls with family chaos,
there are kids or friendly dogs at home,
you like an interactive cat that plays fetch and learns leash walks,
you can wait and pay a bit more - this is an uncommon breed.

Do not consider this breed if…

you want a decorative, hands-off cat; this one wants in on everything,
the home is empty most days and there is no second pet,
you will not keep up weekly brushing of a shaggy double coat,
you expect to find one at a shelter - most short-tailed shelter cats are not Bobtails.

A typical day with a American Bobtail

  1. 7:00 · Morning
    Greets the family, supervises breakfast
  2. 9:30 · Midmorning
    Window patrol, bird-watching commentary
  3. 13:00 · Noon
    Long nap in the busiest room, not the quietest
  4. 16:30 · Afternoon
    Fetch or wand play; learns tricks for treats
  5. 19:30 · Evening
    Joins whatever the family is doing
  6. 22:30 · Night
    Settles on or near someone's bed

Temperament and training

Sociability High
Playfulness High
Tolerance of handling High
Vocality Moderate
Hunting drive Moderate
Independence Moderate
Common owner mistakes
Free-feeding a food-loving, sturdy cat into obesity · Leaving it alone all day with no companion or enrichment · Assuming the wild bobcat look means a wild temperament - it is a softie

Family and environment

Kids Excellent
Patient and playful; a genuinely kid-proof temperament.
Other cats Good
Easygoing; usually accepts feline company quickly.
Dogs Good
One of the more dog-compatible cat breeds.
Apartment Ideal
Adaptable; happy indoors with play and window views.
Seniors Good fit
Affectionate without being demanding; moderate energy.
First cat Great fit
Forgiving, stable temperament for beginners.
Busy household Good
Thrives on activity; add a companion for empty days.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
Obesity Portion control and regular exercise
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Genetic heart disease; screening advised
Kidney Disease Common in aging cats; monitor bloodwork
Dental Disease Plaque buildup; routine cleanings help

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Another natural bobtail, lighter and livelier
Japanese Bobtail
An active, sociable and vocal bobtailed cat that enjoys games and company - hardy and easy to keep, rarely a quiet lap cat.
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Wild-look bobtailed breed with a similar mellow core
Pixiebob
A dog-like, easygoing cat that bonds closely with the family - sturdy and adaptable with modest grooming.
View profile →
Shaggy, dog-like family cat, a size bigger
Maine Coon
A huge, sociable, dog-like cat - gentle with kids and other pets, with a coat and a heart that both need attention.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does an American Bobtail cost in the US?
Kittens from reputable breeders typically run $600-$1,800, and because the breed is uncommon you may travel or wait for a litter. Over a 13-15 year life, food, litter, and routine vet care usually add $12,000-$18,000 or more, and managing a chronic condition like heart or kidney disease can add thousands on top.
Is the American Bobtail related to the Manx?
No. The Manx tailless gene is different and carries known spinal risks; the American Bobtail's shortened tail comes from a separate natural mutation, and the breed standard requires a short tail, not a missing one. That distinction matters for health - Bobtails do not share the classic Manx syndrome problems.
Are American Bobtails good with dogs and kids?
Yes, notably so. The breed is known for a stable, confident temperament that handles noise, handling, and canine housemates better than most cats. Standard rules still apply: teach kids gentle handling and introduce dogs gradually. A confident cat is not an indestructible one.
Do American Bobtails have health problems from the short tail?
Generally no - the tail is shortened, not absent, and the breed avoids the spinal defects seen in fully tailless cats. Completely tailless kittens can occur and reputable breeders do not breed them. The realistic health watch-list is ordinary cat stuff: weight, teeth, heart, and kidneys with age.