American Bobtail

Coat & Grooming: Although the American Bobtail comes in two coat lengths — dense shorthair and medium longhair — their fur isn’t overly difficult to care for. The Bobtail’s fur doesn’t tend to mat, and once or twice weekly brushings should keep shedding at bay.

Shedding: Groom an American Bobtail once or twice a week is generally sufficient to avoid excessive shedding, but more frequent grooming may be necessary during shedding season. During the end of winter, your American Bobtail will shed their winter coat, so some extra care and attention may be needed.

Temperament & Behavior: The American Bobtail is entertaining without overdoing it, affectionate without being needy and makes friends quickly with people and other animals alike. As a very intelligent breed, this cat takes well to leash training, and can even be taught to play games with its owners, like fetch or hide-and-seek. Although this breed is energetic, they’re also happy to play by themselves, especially when provided with toys that keep them guessing and learning, like puzzles.

Personality: While affectionate and devoted, the American Bobtail isn’t overly needy.

Behavior with Kids: The American Bobtail’s friendly and outgoing personality make it the perfect, kid-friendly companion.

Life Span: The typical American Bobtail can live between 11 and 15 years.

Inherited Health Issues: Given their origination from feral cats, no genetic conditions have been identified in the American Bobtail cats.

Preventive Care: Although no specific conditions have been identified as occurring at an increased frequency or through genetic links within the breed, American Bobtails should maintain regular visits to the veterinarian for preventative care. Physical exams once or twice per year are useful in evaluating the overall health of an American Bobtail to detect any changes before they become more significant. The routine use of flea, tick and heartworm preventives are highly useful in keeping common parasites at bay, even in indoor cats.

Nutrition: As with all cats, insufficient exercise and overfeeding can result in weight gain. Although American Bobtails are generally fairly active, they still require a proper diet with portion controlled meals. Avoid offering table scraps or too many treats to these generally active cats, as they will result in weight gain.

Daily Consumption: An adult Bobtail eats about 1/2 cup of dry food per day

Energy Level: Enjoys some moderate exercise every now and then

Exercise: This smart and curious breed loves learning, and puzzle toys will help keep your cat engaged for hours. Bobtails will also be happy to play fetch with you or go on long walks on a leash, although it’s important to pay attention to your individual cat. “Some cats are very needy, and others very independent,” says Borg, “so time spent with your cat will depend on what the cat demands.”

Climate: The American Bobtail doesn’t have any particular needs when it comes to weather, but like most cats, they do better when kept indoors in stable environments.