Other names: Bob or Bobby
Life expectancy: 13–18 years
Size: 9–10” (height), 17–19” (length) and 7–18 lb
Coat: Black, brown, chocolate, cinnamon, blue, lilac, fawn, red or cream
Eye colour: copper, gold, yellow, green, blue, or even odd-eyes
Temperament: dog-like, friendly, energetic, playful and intelligent
Origin/native country: United States
With long hair and a short ‘bobbed’ tail, an American Bobtail cat was born thanks to a genetic mutation after a couple visited Arizona and adopted a bobtail cat. After mating him with a female cat, this resulted in a litter of kittens with shortened tails.
Despite their wildcat looks, these domesticated tabby cats have very friendly and docile temperaments and they can adapt their demeanor to suit their owner. It’s this fact that makes them one of the best cats for seniors and one of the best emotional support animals.
This long-haired cat breed is believed to be pretty healthy, but their shortened tail can cause them to develop a few issues. So if you are thinking of adopting one, there are some health conditions to be aware of. To help you come to a decision, we spoke to vet Dr Rebecca MacMillan, who has shared some insight on all the helpful factors potential pet owners need to know.
Are American Bobtail cats hypoallergenic?
An American Bobtail cat is not considered to be a hypoallergenic cat breed.
“They produce the Fel d1 protein in their saliva and urine, the same as other cat breeds,” Dr MacMillan says. “They are also moderate shedders and may shed more heavily seasonally in fall and spring.
“Anecdotally some people report reacting to American Bobcats less than some other breeds, but I can’t find an official source to support this,” Dr MacMillan adds.
Therefore, if you’re part on an allergy-prone household, it’s probably worth considering some of the more non-shedding cat breeds, such the Cornish Rex, Siamese or Russian Blue.
Are American Bobtail cats rare?
Yes, the American Bobtail is considered a rare cat breed in the US.
“It has only been a relatively recently accepted breed by cat fanciers,” Dr MacMillan explains, “so it doesn’t have the years of history that some of the other pedigrees do.
“Their bobbed tail requires careful selective breeding, and not all kittens will be born with this desirable trait, further limiting their numbers,” the expert adds.
How big do American Bobtails get?
American Bobtail cats are classified as a medium to large breed. Where adult males can reach between 12–16 pounds while females can be anywhere between 7–11 pounds in weight.
This is similar to the average size of an Abyssinian, Birman, Burmese, Scottish Fold or Bombay.
How much grooming does an American Bobtail cat need?
American Bobtails tend to have either short or medium-length coats.
“Either way, their dense double coat needs regular brushing to prevent mats from forming,” Dr MacMillan says. “Once or twice a week should be enough, depending on coat length.”
The idea of brushing a cat might seem unnecessary given that the average cat spends anywhere between 30–50% of its day grooming themselves. But brushing your feline friend can help with the health and cleanliness of your kitty. For example, using one of the best cat brushes will help to remove dirt, dandruff and skin flakes from their fur and skin.
Plus, for a moderately shedding cat, like an American Bobtail, brushing your feline can prevent clumps of fur from appearing all over your home.
How much exercise does an American Bobtail cat need?
You should aim to help your American Bobtail complete around 30 minutes of exercise a day – however this shouldn’t be too much hassle, considering this breed loves to stay active.
Often described as having dog-like behaviour, this playful and energetic kitty is also a cat breed that likes water. So they’ll love playing with their water bowl or drinking from one of the best pet water fountains.
American Bobtail health problems
This breed is generally pretty robust and healthy. But according to Dr MacMillan, American Bobtails have a tendency to develop a few health issues.
“Their abnormal tail confirmation puts them at greater risk of spinal issues,” the vet says. “This can include herniated discs and spinal deformities. Depending on the severity, this could lead to a variety of issues including difficulty waking and jumping up, paralysis, and incontinence.”
American Bobtails are also at increased risk of hip dysplasia.
“This developmental joint abnormality can cause pain, mobility issues, and the early onset of osteoarthritis,” explains Dr MacMillan.
Purchasing from a reputable breeder who only mates healthy animals will reduce the risk of your kitten developing health issues.
“Keeping your cat at a healthy weight will also help protect their joints and spine from additional pressure,” the expert adds.
How much does an American Bobtail cost?
Their scarcity means that American Bobtails can be quite an expensive cat breed to purchase. On average, you could expect to pay anywhere between $600–1,200 for the privilege of welcoming an American Bobtail into your home.
This makes this breed pretty much the same price as the other similar ‘missing tail’ breed, the Manx.
Should I get an American Bobtail?
Above all, American Bobtail cats are friendly and adaptable so they would fit in well with most families.
They like attention and they are very affectionate, so some people even describe this breed as being ‘dog-like’.
“Unlike most cat breeds, they tend to bond well with all members of the household rather than focusing on just one owner, which is nice for families,” Dr MacMillan adds. “Due to their love of human company, they would be best suited to owners who are around most of the time to provide them with the fuss they need.”
“American Bobtails are frequently used as therapy cats due to their soft, interactive nature,” the vet adds, so they could be a great fit for helping people cope with stress and anxiety.
Read next: Wild cat breeds
Having graduated in 2009 from the Royal Veterinary College in London as a veterinary surgeon, Rebecca is highly experienced in first opinion small animal practice, having done a mixture of day-to-day routine work, on-call emergency duties and managerial roles over the years. Rebecca recently achieved a BSAVA postgraduate certificate in small animal medicine (with commendation).
Rebecca writes on various feline and canine topics, including behavior, nutrition, and health. Outside of work and writing she enjoys walking her own dog, spending time with her young family and baking!
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
This feature was last updated in September 2025 by Becks Shepherd.
