At a glance the quick version
TICA gives 12-16 lb for males and 7-11 lb for females; the breed matures slowly and reaches full size at about 3 years.
Coat and looks how to spot one
shorthair or medium-longhair
A sturdy, athletic cat with substantial bone and a naturally short tail about 2.5-10 cm long that is flexible and very expressive. A strong brow over large almond eyes gives it a wild, watchful look. The shorthair has a plush, rabbit-like feel, and the longer coat is easy to keep tidy.12
Personality what they are like
A loving, intelligent and rather clownish cat that forms close bonds with its family. It is calm and adaptable, gets along with children and other pets, and talks in soft chirps and trills rather than loud meows.12
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate. Enjoys interactive hunting games and fetch, and many learn to walk on a harness.21
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush or comb once to three times a week depending on coat length; bathing is rarely needed. Trim nails regularly and keep up with tooth brushing.12
Home where they are happiest
Adapts well to family homes and travels comfortably; provide toys for hunting-style play.2
Company who they like around
Very people-focused and sensitive to its owners' moods; happy in a busy household with kids and other pets.21
The story where it all began
In the late 1960s a couple brought home a bobtailed brown tabby kitten called Yodie from Arizona, and his kittens inherited the short tail. Breeders later built the breed from bobtailed free-roaming cats found across the United States and Canada, so the foundation cats were not closely related. TICA recognised the American Bobtail in 1989.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
No two bobtails are quite alike: each cat's tail is a unique length and shape.2
- 2
The short tail comes from a dominant gene, first seen when Yodie was bred to a Siamese.1
- 3
Their emotional sensitivity has made them popular as therapy cats.2
- 4
They mature slowly and may not reach full size until about three years old.2
Recognised by the official bits
- TICA
- Recognised in 1989 as a naturally occurring breed2
- CFA
- Recognised breed, shown in both longhair and shorthair divisions1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a American Bobtail. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Nail trimevery 3 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- Litter scoopevery day
- Litter changeevery week
- PlayDaily playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- American Bobtail - Cat Fanciers' Association cfa.orgused for origin, recognition, coat, temperament, history, fun facts
- American Bobtail - TICA tica.orgused for recognition, weight, lifespan, colours, care, history, fun facts
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.