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American Bobtail

American Bobtail

Origin

🇺🇸

United States

Size

Large Breed

Ideal Space

Apartment

Ideal Weather

18º-27ºC

Life Expectancy

13-15 years

Cost of buying

₹ 40,000 - ₹ 80,000

Top 5 Traits

Playful

Affectionate

Friendly

Gentle

Curious

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹ 2,800 - ₹ 4,200

A fluffy tabby cat with striking yellow eyes and white chest fur looks directly at the viewer
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by Happy Pet TeamUpdated on 10 Jun 2025

Introduction to the American Bobtail

The American Bobtail is a domestic breed of cat, famous for its short tail and rough fur that resembles a bobcat’s. The story of the breed began in the late 1960s, when someone adopted a short-tailed stray, Yodie, from an Arizona reservation and let it mate with a Seal Point Siamese.

 

Characteristics

Temperament with Kids

Aggressive

Friendly

Playfulness

Silent

Very Playful

Friendliness

Not Friendly

Super Friendly

Shedding amount

Negligible

Frequent

Compatibility with other cats

Not Friendly

Super Friendly

Prey Drive

Low

High

Need for attention

Independent

Very Needy

Monthly Expenses

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American Bobtail Price

Cost of buying

₹ 40,000 - ₹ 80,000

Prices can change a lot from one location to another because of how rare they are. The price can vary from ₹40,000 to ₹80,000 based on the cat’s breeder, coat length, and background.

 

Shop or Adopt an American Bobtail: Make the Right Choice!

Responsible shopping will make sure that ethical breeding is taking place, while adopting an American Bobtails will give a loving home to a cat that needs it. Pick based on your ability to keep up with their gentle temperament, grooming needs, and lifespan.

 

Nutrition Care for the American Bobtail

Monthly Food Expenses

₹ 1,500 - ₹ 2,000

Calories per day

Kittens400 kcal

Adults350 kcal

Essential Nutrients

Protein

Fats

Carbohydrates

Vitamins

Minerals

Amino Acids (Taurine, Arginine, etc.)

Essential Fatty Acids

Fiber

List of foods

Dry kibble

Wet canned food

Semi-moist cat food

Chicken (cooked or raw)

Eggs (cooked)

Cottage cheese

Salmon

Tuna

Cat-specific multivitamins

  1. They require high quality protein for the maintenance of muscle.
  2. Healthy fats support energy levels and a shiny coat.
  3. Immunity and joint health are strengthened with the help of essential nutrients.
  4. Taurine is important for heart and vision health.
  5. Wet food helps in hydration and urinary tract health.
  6. It is best to avoid low quality foods to prevent obesity and digestion problems.
  7. A balanced diet of wet food, lean meats and supplements is vital for overall well being.
 

Breakdown of Macro-nutrients

Best Foods for American Bobtails

Top food choices include:

 

Foods to Avoid for American Bobtails

Avoid anything with these ingredients

Onions and Garlic

Xylitol

Artificial Sweeteners

Raw Eggs

Moldy or Spoiled Food

Artificial Additives

High Salt Foods

Avoid feeding:

 
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Healthcare for the American Bobtail

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹ 500 - ₹ 700

Common Health Issues

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)

Arthritis

Skin Allergies

Hyperthyroidism

Dental Problems

Obesity

Kidney Disease

Activities

Play with Toys

Scratching

Exploring

Climbing

Grooming

Energy Level

Medium

Exercise routine

30 - 45 minutes

Recognising Stress

Hiding

Increased vocalization

Decreased appetite

Overgrooming

Changes in litter box behavior

Common Health Problems of American Bobtails

Although generally healthy, be aware of:

 

Vaccination details

Growth Stage

Core Vaccines

6-8 weeks

FVRCP (first dose)

10-12 weeks

FVRCP (second dose)

14-16 weeks

FVRCP (third dose)

1 year

FVRCP (booster)

American Bobtail Grooming Routine

Avg Monthly Expenses

₹ 800 - ₹ 1,500

Shedding Level

Moderate Shedding

Hygienic Checklist

Litter Box

Hydration

Ear cleaning

Eye care

Teeth care

Bathing

Nail Trimming

Benefits of Grooming

Cleanliness

Low Shedding

Odourless

Prevents Bad Breath

Prevents infections

These cats are low-maintenance but do benefit from regular grooming:

 
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Written by

Happy Pet Team

Author

Team Happy Pet is a passionate collective of pet experts, enthusiasts, and advocates dedicated to sharing trusted and insightful content.

Our cont
 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are American Bobtails related to bobcats?

No, their appearances are authentic. They come from domestication and do not have wild ancestors.

Do all American Bobtails have short tails?

No. Depending on their genes, some pets will have full tails and others may not.

Are American Bobtails good family pets?

Yes, they are considered gentle, playful, and friendly to both children and pets.

Do they need special care?

Maintaining them is easy, except for tailless pets, who should be evaluated often for spinal health and their weight.