American Bobtail Cats for Adoption in Rochester, MN

A bobtail cat is any cat with a naturally short tail, from a stub to roughly half normal length. The term covers several breeds, including the American Bobtail, Japanese Bobtail, Kurilian Bobtail and Pixie-Bob, each with its own gene, as well as domestic cats born with short or kinked tails. Shelters often list these cats simply as bobtails.

Yes, American Bobtail cats are fairly rare. They are a small pedigreed breed with relatively few registrations each year, and purebreds seldom appear in shelters. Many short-tailed cats in adoption listings are domestic cats with natural bobtails rather than registered American Bobtails, and they can make equally wonderful companions with a similar playful look.

No, American Bobtail cats are not hypoallergenic. They shed like other cats and produce the Fel d 1 allergen in their saliva and skin, which spreads onto their fur during grooming. Shorthaired Bobtails may leave less hair around than longhaired ones, but allergen levels vary by individual cat, so spend time with a specific cat before adopting.

Yes, American Bobtails can have long tails. The bobtail gene is dominant, so kittens from bobtailed parents can inherit a short tail, a very short one or a full-length tail. Long-tailed cats are still American Bobtails by ancestry and share the breed's temperament, though they don't meet the show standard, and they make great pets.

American Bobtails are medium to large cats with a muscular, athletic build. Males commonly weigh about 12 to 16 pounds and females about 7 to 11 pounds, standing roughly 9 to 12 inches at the shoulder. They grow slowly and may take two to three years to reach full size, so young adults often keep filling out.

American Bobtail cats commonly live about 11 to 15 years, and many healthy indoor cats live longer. The breed has few well-documented inherited diseases, though tail-related spine issues occasionally occur. Keeping a Bobtail lean, active and up to date on dental care and annual checkups gives it the best chance of a long, comfortable life.

An American Bobtail is a pedigreed cat breed developed in the United States from naturally short-tailed cats, starting with a stray named Yodie in the late 1960s. It has a muscular build, a wild-looking face and a short, expressive tail. Bobtails come in short and longer coats, and many are playful, sociable and adaptable.

Yes, American Bobtail cats are usually friendly and sociable. Many greet visitors, follow their families around and enjoy interactive games, and they often get along with considerate children and cat-friendly dogs. Some American Bobtails are more reserved at first. Personality depends on each cat's background, so spend time with the particular cat to see how it responds to people.

No, American Bobtails are not especially popular in the United States, despite being an American breed. They have a dedicated following but relatively few registrations compared with breeds like Maine Coons or Ragdolls. That rarity means adopters seldom find purebred Bobtails in shelters, though short-tailed domestic cats with similar looks turn up more often.

Occasional grunting or burping in an American Bobtail kitten is usually harmless, especially while nursing or after eating quickly, because kittens swallow air. It is not a breed-specific trait. Frequent noises with coughing, vomiting, labored breathing, a bloated belly or poor weight gain are not normal, and a kitten showing those signs should see a veterinarian promptly.

American Bobtails are not known to be especially prone to eye tearing. Their faces are not flattened, so they don't share the tear problems common in Persians. Watery eyes in any cat can come from upper respiratory infections, irritation, allergies or blocked tear ducts. Persistent tearing, squinting, colored discharge or redness warrants a veterinary visit.

Yes, American Bobtail cats shed, typically a moderate amount. Shorthaired Bobtails have a semi-dense coat that sheds lightly year-round, while longhaired ones have a slightly shaggy coat that sheds more. Both shed more heavily with seasonal changes. Brushing once a week, and more often during the spring molt, keeps loose hair manageable.

American Bobtails are moderately energetic: active and playful, but rarely frantic. Most enjoy daily chase and pounce games, fetch and puzzle toys, then settle down for long naps. Young cats are livelier than adults. Without play and mental challenges, a bored Bobtail may make its own fun, so plan several short play sessions each day.

Adult American Bobtail cats commonly weigh about 12 to 16 pounds for males and 7 to 11 pounds for females. Because they mature slowly, they may keep adding muscle until two or three years old. A healthy Bobtail has a visible waist from above and ribs you can feel easily, and your veterinarian can confirm an ideal weight.

An American Bobtail's tail can be quite short, sometimes only an inch or two, though the breed standard calls for a tail clearly visible above the back, usually about a third to half normal length. Kittens can also be born completely tailless, which is undesirable because those cats have a higher risk of spinal and bladder or bowel problems.

You can recognize an American Bobtail by its short, flexible tail, roughly a third to half normal length, combined with a muscular, athletic body and a broad, wild-looking face with a strong brow. Coats are short or medium-long in any color. Only pedigree papers confirm the breed, since domestic cats can be born with short tails too.

There is no published breed-specific figure, but American Bobtail litters are expected to be similar to other domestic cats, typically around three to five kittens. Litter size depends on the mother's age, health and genetics. Shelter and rescue cats are usually spayed or neutered before adoption, which prevents unplanned litters and reduces certain health risks.

The American Bobtail personality tends to be affectionate, intelligent and easygoing. Many enjoy interactive games, learn to fetch or walk on a harness, and like being where their people are without demanding constant attention. They often chirp or trill rather than meow loudly. Each cat's history shapes its personality, so meeting the cat is the best guide.

The American Bobtail originated in the United States in the late 1960s. The breed traces back to Yodie, a short-tailed brown tabby stray found in Arizona, who was bred with a Siamese female. The breed later took in bobtailed cats from across North America, and the International Cat Association recognized the breed in 1989.