Description

• Port: medium to large
• Health Scale (1 to 5): 4
• Energy scale (1 to 5): 4
• Type of hair: two varieties, short and medium-long. The short is double, with the external hard and the subhair soft and smooth. The mid-long has a kind of mane around the neck, in the upper part of the hind legs, in the belly and in the tail.
• Temperament: intelligent, affectionate, affectionate and friendly.
• Life expectancy: between 11 and 15 years
• Weight: 3 to 7 kg

Medium to large cat, muscular and athletic. It has double coat, long, soft and abundant. Around the neck, belly and tail the hairs are longer. It can be found in various combinations and shades of brown, black, blue, cream and reddish, with or without white. The ears are of medium size and with rounded tips. Its tail is short and can be straight or slightly curled. Males of this breed are generally larger than females.

The American Bobtail is one of those breeds whose origin is uncertain and we can only deduce how it was crossed. It appeared on the scene in the 1960s, through the mating of a spotted brown male with a short head and a Siamese female. The male’s race is unknown, but it is believed to be a cross between a lynx (on account of its tail) and some domestic cat.

Burmese, Himalayan and a Himalayan cross with Siamese were also added after the American Bobtail was raised. The first pattern was written in the 1970s, but most of the initial strains were eliminated and the original model was ignored, in which the cat had long hair, white gloves and white face. The combination of genes was complicated and unfeasible.

The American Bobtail as we know it today is accepted in all colors, categories and divisions, and was bred to be a domestic and docile cat with the wild look of the lynx. The short tail, similar to that of the lynx, probably appeared because of the dominant Manx gene.

Features

It’s a cat with moderate energy and above-average intelligence. It is a great companion animal, clinging to its owner and the whole family that surrounds it. It likes and needs attention. It coexists well with children and other animals.

The American Bobtail is slow to mature and takes about three years to fully reach adulthood. It is thought to be a loving and adaptable domestic cat with the wild look of the lynx.

• Powerful, flexible and athletic body, well muscled and solid.
• Eyes expressive and wild; all colors are accepted, except one of each color
• Rear legs slightly longer than front legs
• Large round legs
• Short tail, usually between 1/3 and half the tail of other breeds, straight and articulated.
• Coat in all colors and patterns

Basic care

The American Bobtail is highly trainable and very intelligent. He likes to learn new tricks, he can learn to walk the collar and obey commands like “don’t jump in” or “don’t open that door”. His favorite toys are puzzles and the best way to entertain him is with tricks and search games. He vocalizes his happiness.

The nails should be cut every two weeks, and the teeth brushed weekly to avoid periodontal problems. The coat can be combed or brushed about twice a week to avoid entanglement, especially in the mid-long hairs, and more often during spring and autumn. Baths are rarely needed.

Clean the eye corners of your American Bobtail every day and check your ears weekly to see if they are dirty – if they are, don’t clean them with a cotton swab, which can hurt, but with cotton, warm water and vinegar. Keep the sandbox sanitized.

Health

American Bobtails are healthy and there is no incidence of health problems common to this breed. Pay attention to some diseases that affect other cats, such as progressive retinal atrophy, patella dislocation, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (the most common form of heart disease in cats) and hypothyroidism.

It is worth mentioning that American Bobtails without a tail should not be created, because this condition increases the chances of health problems associated with the reduced spine. There is no evidence of problems associated with the short tail characteristic of the breed.

Food

Cats must have constant access to a good feeder and drinker.
supplied. They prefer running water and usually drink more liquid when they have this possibility, a habit that prevents many kidney diseases. One suggestion is to leave a fountain in some corner of the house or to accustom the animal to drink tap water when it is opened.

The amount of feed varies according to the weight of the animal, its physical activity and can be found in the packages. The quality of the feed is fundamental for the health of the cat. The Premium and Super Premium types are nutritionally balanced.

Until twelve months, the American Bobtail Longhair is considered puppy. At this stage, the amount of feed varies from 30 to 40 grams per day. The indicated food is specific puppy rations.
From one year the cat is considered adult. The feed should be changed and the amount varies from 40 to 80 grams/day.

Space for creation

This breed adapts to different environments and can withstand climatic variations. It can be raised outdoors, but prefers to be indoors in the company of people.

Curiosities

Why have an American Bobtail at home?

Some say the American Bobtail is the Golden Retriever of the cat world. No wonder, after all, like the golden canine giant, it’s hard to find problems in this breed, which loves the family and adapts to different situations with great ease.

The American Bobtail connects with anyone in the family, loves children and other pets and welcomes visitors with enthusiasm. He loves to be included in the activities of the house and can work as a therapy cat, because he has a loving and intuitive personality.

It adapts to different environments and lifestyles, and can be taught to walk the collar or perform tricks, and obey certain commands. Although it is not sedentary, it has a low energy level, which can be satisfied with some play inside the house.