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The largest domesticated cat breed, the American Bobtail, has a wild appearance but a friendly demeanor. The origin of the species dates to the 1960s when a seal point Siamese was bred with a bobtailed feral cat. Unlike other breeds, the American Bobtail was not developed with pedigrees. Breeders selected mates from domesticated felines with desirable traits such as friendliness, shortened tails, muscular frames, and exotic appearance. Because the American Bobtail has a diverse gene pool, the cats have fewer medical vulnerabilities than other breeds.
Breed Overview
Height
10–14 inches
Weight
7–16 pounds
Lifespan
12–16 years
Colors
Black, cream, lilac, tan, blue, gray, red, white, orange, brown, sable, silver, fawn, and color combinations
Suitable for
Families, singles, travelers, families with several pets
Temperament
Friendly, loyal, intelligent
Contrary to the myth that Bobtails were created by mating feral cats with Bobcats, the Bobcat’s behavior contrasts its wild-cat appearance. The animal enjoys playing games and spending time with its family, and it’s not afraid to greet and play with visitors to its home. With muscular hind legs longer than its front legs, the cat is an exceptional leaper that can jump over 6 feet. Although Bobtails require plenty of toys and climbing obstacles to keep them mentally and physically stimulated, they adapt to practically any home environment and love snuggling with their families on lazy afternoons.
