American Bobtail

Breed Description

The American Bobtail first appeared before us in 1960. The backstory of the American Bobtail is quite intriguing. The Sanders couple found an unusual kitten while on vacation. While in Arizona, they noticed it, convinced that its short tail was the result of human maltreatment or an accident. Filled with tender feelings and compassion, they took it home with them. During a family meeting, they decided to name it Yodi.

After that, a female Siamese was found for Yodi. The kittens from their union were born with both normal-sized tails and shortened ones. This indicates that Yodi’s gene was dominant, as the Siamese cat had never had short-tailed ancestors. The owners chose the name “American Bobtail” for the new breed. It comes from “Bob,” meaning “shortened” or “cropped,” and “Tail.” Thus, it directly refers to the breed’s unique feature.

There are several theories about the short tail of the American Bobtail. One suggests that it resulted from the mating of a domestic tabby cat and a wild bobcat. However, this has not been confirmed.

Currently, short-tailed American cats are very popular. In Russia, choosing a kitten from a cattery can be quite challenging. Their special charm and unusual appearance appeal to many cat lovers. However, they are most widespread in their homeland, the USA. Although the early lines faced many health issues, the situation has stabilized now. They can even be considered long-lived, as their lifespan often exceeds 18 years.

The International Cat Association (TICA) recognized the American Bobtail as a new breed in 1989. A few years later, in 2002, it was fully acknowledged. Additionally, it gained recognition from CFA (Cat Fanciers’ Association) and ACFA (American Cat Fanciers Association).

The Yanki-Bob, as it is also called, participates in all categories, as there are both long-haired and short-haired versions. Despite the existence of more than five varieties of bobtails around the world, the American Bobtail ranks highly not only in its homeland but also in other countries, including ours. At Zoonika, you can find the best catteries in Russia where you can choose a purebred American Bobtail kitten and receive advice from breeders on care and maintenance of your pet.

Appearance

The American Bobtail, or as it’s called by owners outside the US, “Yankee Bob,” is a breed of cat distinguished by its unique appearance and character. They have a compact yet muscular body that gives them a special charm from the side view. Their coat can be either long and shaggy or short and noticeably plush and neat. Their easygoing nature makes this breed an excellent companion at home. Many psychotherapists even use them in therapy for Parkinson’s disease.

An adult cat’s height at the shoulder can range from 25 to 35 cm. The average weight is about 3-9 kg, although some individuals may differ from the standard requirements.

One of the most striking features of their exterior is their short tail. It can vary in length but is usually shorter than that of regular cats. This trait sets the breed apart and makes it unique even among other types of bobtails.

Purchasing a kitten from a cattery in Russia is not so easy, as the “Yankee Bob” is most commonly found in the US, neighboring Canada, and some European countries. Their elegant appearance is noted as well as their good health. With proper care, their lifespan is quite long.

Отличительные черты

Голова

Of medium size, wide and slightly rounded when viewed from the side. The forehead is prominently marked and rounded. It is not very narrow, but also not wide when viewed from the front. It looks symmetrical with the body. The cheeks are pronounced, giving the head a more imposing appearance.

Морда

The cheekbones are clearly defined. From the side, the brow ridges are distinctly visible, as if the creature is intently examining something, with a slightly concave nose. From the front, it appears straight and wide. The overall look resembles that of an animal inspecting an object.

Уши

Medium-sized, fairly wide at the base, evenly spaced both at the top and on the sides. The tips are rounded. They stand slightly tilted forward and outward. There may be light areas of fur on the back side. Long-haired varieties may have dense vegetation inside.

Глаза

Large, almond-shaped, and deeply set. The cornea can be shades of yellow or green, ranging from copper and golden to emerald or deep green. Blue corneas are found in cats with bicolor coats, spotted or striped, but heterochromia can also occur.

Зубы

The jaws are strong, and the chin is well-developed. The dental formula typical for all cats is 3/3 incisors, 1/1 canines, 3/2 premolars, and 1/1 molars. Each individual may have variations due to diseases or genetic features.

Корпус

Medium-sized, with well-developed musculature. Rectangular and stocky in shape when viewed from the side, and wide when seen from above. Broad chest and powerful lower back. The back is strong and flexible. It looks quite athletic.

Конечности

Medium-length, straight, and muscled. The front legs are strong and proportional to the body, with rounded paw pads. Long-haired individuals have tufts of fur between their toes. There are 5 toes on each front leg. The hind legs are powerful and also well-proportioned to the body. The paw pads are wide and rounded. The hind legs have 4 toes, and fur between them is present only in long-haired individuals.

Хвост

Much shorter than that of regular cats. Very flexible, it can have a bend or be slightly knotted. Thick at the base. The length usually does not exceed 10.5 cm. The minimum size is around 3 cm. Individuals without a tail, known as rumpy, are not allowed for breeding.

Шерсть

Short or long. A feature is its water-repellent properties. Short: of medium density and length, slightly elastic, with a soft undercoat. The guard hair is stiffer, but in the silver color, it is a bit softer than in others. Long: slightly tousled, of medium length or a little longer. Longer on the limbs, like gauchos. Longest on the tail.

Окрас

Any colors are accepted, including bicolors and various other combinations of colors and patterns on the fur. The most commonly seen are solid colors like red, black, chocolate, white, cream, and fawn, as well as lavender. Patterns that occur in wild cats can also be found.

Character

The American Bobtail resembles a wild cat, but its character is far from wild. These fairly energetic cats are oriented toward human companionship and are very sensitive to human emotions. They can be described as friendly even to dogs and their fellow cats. Their ability to quickly adapt to new environments is impressive. Because of this trait, they often travel with their owners without any issues. If you decide to adopt a kitten from a cattery, be prepared for a unique and playful companion to enter your home. Short-tailed kittens will keep you entertained in various ways.

At the same time, they are among the most obedient cat breeds in the world, making their care easier. They tend to be somewhat persistent in seeking their owner’s attention, but this should not be considered a negative trait. On the contrary, it brings a lot of positive emotions, which is why American Bobtails are used in pet therapy. Older owners will undoubtedly find in these short-tailed companions the best partners.

Among their significant characteristics, one should not overlook their unique ability to read human emotions and their desire to help or comfort. Returning home from work in a bad mood, you will receive that missing energy boost from your “short-tailed therapist” that helps you feel better.

When a cat lives in a family with many children, you can be sure of their safety. Aggression is not characteristic of this breed. Even when the cat is displeased, it is more likely to retreat to a safe distance than to lash out at anyone. One of their favorite pastimes is playing hide and seek. Short-tailed American cats can also run around in tag if space allows, but their true passion is close interaction with humans. Without this, they simply cannot thrive and may even become unwell at times.

When planning to buy a kitten from a cattery, rest assured that an American Bobtail kitten is an excellent choice. Their unique purring differs from the vocalizations of other breeds. Hearing it means receiving gratitude, as American Bobtails are generally a quiet, reserved breed. And if they do vocalize, there is a good reason for it.

Care and Maintenance

One of the most labor-intensive and energy-consuming tasks when caring for the long-haired variety of American Bobtail is grooming. At least three times a week, it is essential to thoroughly care for their fur to prevent it from becoming matted and unkempt. For this procedure, a brush with fine teeth is necessary. However, a cat furminator, available at pet stores, has proven to be much more effective. It helps remove excess fur more quickly and significantly simplifies the grooming process.

If you live in the city and plan to walk your “yank,” it’s not recommended to do so without a harness and leash. The animal could be at risk from street dogs or might get hit by a car. The same precautions should be taken when walking in the countryside. Additionally, don’t forget to treat the fur for ticks. Keep in mind that an outdoor cat requires more careful grooming. During seasonal shedding, the frequency of brushing should be increased, tailored individually for each case. This breed is tolerant of water and is ready for bathing. However, this should not be done too often, as frequent washing can strip the fur of its natural qualities due to the cleaning agents. If necessary, you can bathe your pet to remove severe dirt, while ensuring that no water enters their ears.

You can choose a kitten from a cattery and ask the breeder for information on dental care. Usually, a special toothpaste and brush are used for this. However, some owners prefer to have this service done by professional groomers or to visit a pet salon. There, your pet can also have its nails trimmed, and you can receive guidance on how to do this easily at home and what tools will be needed. It is advisable to acquire a scratching post in advance, as it serves not only for claw maintenance but also as a form of stress relief, allowing the animal to stretch during scratching.

Eyes should be cleaned as they get dirty, using a soft cloth or cotton ball very gently. If you notice any discharge during the inspection, it’s best to consult a veterinarian immediately, as this could indicate a serious infection that should not be delayed or treated with home remedies.

Before cleaning the ears, inspect them inside and out. Dirt inside can be removed with a cotton ball moistened with a special lotion available at veterinary pharmacies. Do not use cotton swabs, as they are ineffective in this case and can easily damage the eardrum.

It’s worth mentioning that the American Bobtail is a very clean breed and is quite particular about its litter and its cleanliness. The litter box must also be to the cat’s liking; otherwise, issues may arise, and the animal may refuse to use the toilet in the correct place.What diet is best for an American Bobtail? Breeders from the cattery where you purchased the kitten can help answer this question. Generally, they love meat, like all carnivorous predators. Nowadays, high-quality commercial feeds have proven to be excellent. For example, holistic feeds or super-premium dry food. These already contain the necessary energy potential and vitamins in the correct proportions, taking into account the individual needs of the cat. For example, kitten and senior cat foods have different compositions, which helps prevent digestive disorders or food allergies and helps maintain a healthy weight. The same applies to specialized foods for neutered and spayed cats, which require a specific diet. Do not feed them table scraps or give them milk or cream-this will inevitably lead to digestive problems. Always provide access to clean water 24 hours a day.

Training and Education

For the American Bobtail, it is very important to feel the love of its owner. The training process is essential for this breed of cat. There are some recommendations that can help you in this process.

Start training your kitten as soon as it settles into its new home. Remember that they mature around 2.5 to 3 years. Therefore, the sooner you start, the easier it will be to teach them something.

There is a term called “soft contact,” where a kitten is stimulated by gently touching its paws, nose, and chest, and by petting it. This way, you grab its attention and motivate it to engage.

The best training is a fun game that includes tasks to complete. For example, when your bobtail brings you its toy, say the command “Bring it!” After each successful execution, reinforce it with praise. This is called positive reinforcement. However, avoid overfeeding with treats, as these cats gain weight very quickly, leading to health issues.

Avoid punishment if a command is not executed correctly or at all. Punishment will cause stress and negatively affect your relationship with the cat. It’s better to use toys, treats, and praise for training and correcting behavior.

Be patient, as these cats can also show some stubbornness. It’s possible that your pet may not want to engage, might be sleepy, or simply not in the mood. The best time to start training is before meals and after naps. Ensure a quiet environment and eliminate all distractions. Choosing a kitten from a cattery is a huge responsibility, and you need to be prepared to face the challenges of care.Remember that every American Bobtail is unique, and its needs and learning pace may vary. Your patience, love, and consistency will help you build a harmonious bond and achieve success in the training process and upbringing of your pet. In complex cases, it is advisable to consult a pet psychologist. On Zoonika, the best options are gathered, where you can buy purebred kittens with pedigree.

How to Choose a Kitten

Before purchasing, it’s important to carefully review ads for American Bobtail kittens in your area. It’s worth noting that Zoonika features the best catteries in Russia, where you can select a pet-quality companion for yourself, as well as show-quality specimens for participation in exhibitions and the development of the breed in our country.

Thoroughly examine all documents provided by the seller. The desire to profit can sometimes lead scammers to engage in horrible practices, such as tail docking of cats with similar exterior traits or selling kittens with genetic defects. It is advisable to bring a veterinarian along to assess the kitten’s health status and adherence to breed standards.

During your visit to the cattery, pay attention to the behavior of the litter’s parents. Their behavior will likely reflect how the growing kittens will act. For instance, if one of the parents plays with shoes or jumps on the table, you can expect similar behavior from the litter.

Before acquiring a kitten, sign a written contract with the breeder that includes information about health, pedigree, sales conditions, and guarantees. This will help ensure mutual understanding and protect you and the kitten. Zoonika is an excellent choice for those seeking a quality pet at an affordable price.

Health and Diseases

Among the most common health issues diagnosed in American Bobtails is hip dysplasia. This often leads to complete disability in cats. The first symptoms may include limping and a refusal to engage in active play, due to pain in the hip joints caused by developmental issues.

Despite their naturally short tails, there is a genetic mutation known as “rumpy.” This term refers to kittens born completely without a tail, which are not accepted for breeding. Most low-priced kitten advertisements involve rumpy cats.

Unfortunately, some tailless American Bobtails face urinary control issues linked to spinal diseases. While this is not common, it’s advisable to conduct diagnostics during the kitten selection process in the cattery.

There is a tendency for American Bobtails to become infected with various viruses, often during contact with other animals, including those they live with. Ensuring safety through timely vaccinations is crucial. Regular visits to a veterinary clinic for preventive check-ups are essential. Considering it? There’s a wide selection of ads available on the Zoonika map by city.