American Bobtail

Character and Appearance

I like this video because it shows us and explains to us something about this purebred cat. The other outstanding feature of this cat breed is her solid, sturdy, natural looking body and sweet natured character. See a large format slide show plus reference to the breed standard.

The CFA breed standard requires that the cat be “noticeably athletic”. The American bobail has a “unique natural hunting gaze”². It would seem that this cat makes a nice companion. Helmi Flick, says that this breed is one of her favorites, with a great personality, fairly active³, dog-like and loyal. Helmi’s recommendation carries weight as she is a cat lover with knowledge and experience. The Bobtail is leash trainable, apparently.

This trait is found in other dog like cats such as the Bengal. It is a useful characteristic as it is a way of getting your cat out of the house in a controlled manner. You can see a Chausie on a leash here. This cat is also good with other animals such as pet dogs, which simplifies life if you like to have lots of pets. It also means that she is good with children. They are, it seems intelligent, active and interested in what you are doing and therefore need input and your companionship.

This may make them less suitable for apartment living and they probably won’t like it if you are out a lot. There is an article about separation anxiety on this website, which you might like to refer to. Some breeders may suggest that if you are out a lot you can provide company for your American Bobtail by introducing another cat, but this may not work. Although Aloeway Cattery listed below say that this helps for Bobtails. As to coat types the classic, spotted or mackerel brown tabby is probably the coat type that most suits as it has the desired look of the wild cat.

The American Bobtail is a strong cat with a healthy disposition, which leads me nicely to a section on suitable food. Update 29th July 2010: See Fergie a longhaired Bobtail in a nice collage of Helmi pics.