If you love the thought of having a dog but don’t love the idea of walking them in the frigid weather, taking them to dog parks, or cleaning mud off of your furniture everyday, you might want to consider adding an American Bobtail cat to your family. The American Bobtail cat has a very unique dog-like personality that makes them the purrfect addition to any household. They are extremely affectionate, playful, intelligent, and they wag their tails just like a dog! Keep reading to learn more about the unique dog-like personality of the American Bobtail cat breed.
History of the American Bobtail Cat Breed
American Bobtail cats are a relatively new cat breed compared to some breeds that have been around for centuries. The first record of the American Bobtail cat is from the 1960s, when John and Brenda Sanders happened to come across a cat with a bobtail while vacationing in Arizona. The cat’s personality instantly won them over, so they took the cat back to their home in Iowa. They named the cat Yodie, and Yodie ended up having a litter of kittens with their other Siamese cat.
This led to other breeders taking an interest in breeding this short-tailed, dog-like cat. Unfortunately, many of these cats were inbred and unhealthy, so a new breeding effort began in 1980. The result was a much healthier cat with more similarity to Yodie.
What makes American Bobtails so special is that they are relatively rare. It took me by complete surprise when I brought home my kitten Hazel and discovered she didn’t actually have her tail removed at a young age like the pet store told me. I found in her records from the shelter she came from that she is actually an American Bobtail. Suddenly it all started making sense! She comes when I call her, follows me around the house, sleeps in my arms, hops around, and wags her tiny tail like a dog. Now I am on a mission to spread the word about this amazing cat breed!
What Makes the Personality of the American Bobtail Breed Dog-Like?
Tail Wags
The first thing you will notice about an American Bobtail is their short tail that is around 1-4 inches long. They wag their tail back and forth super fast like a dog when they are happy, excited, curious, or playful. It’s truly the cutest thing I have ever seen when my kitten Hazel does this.
Playfulness
Playfulness is a key personality trait that makes American Bobtails dog-like. They are especially playful, and it’s important to give them at least 30-60 minutes of playtime per day. They enjoy games such as fetch and hide-and-seek, and they also appreciate being walked outside on a leash. When my kitten Hazel is playing, she will frequently pounce around in a dog-like fashion, and it is so adorable!
Affectionate Nature
Another winning characteristic of the American Bobtail that makes their personality dog-like is their exceptionally affectionate nature. If you’ve ever owned a cat, you know they can be sometimes be a little standoffish and will only give you affection on their terms. Not American Bobtails! They are extremely receptive to cuddles, kisses, and hugs at all times and will start their purr engines instantly to let you know how much they love and appreciate you.
Bonding With Other Animals and Children
You won’t have to worry about your American Bobtail not getting along with any family members, including other cats, dogs, or children. They bond incredibly easily with almost everyone. And, because American Bobtails have such dog-like personalities, they will oftentimes play even more with dogs than other cats because dogs will match their playful energy. My 6-year-old cat Luna can’t keep up with my Bobtail Hazel’s liveliness!
Socialization
You will always be greeted at your front door when you come home, and your guests will be greeted as well when they visit! American Bobtails love to say ‘Hi!’ to as many humans as possible, and they make friends very easily.
Is the American Bobtail Cat Right for You?
If you are looking for a cat that is very affectionate, playful, and active, the American Bobtail could be a great fit for you. No matter what type of household you live in or what kind of furry or non-furry roommate you have, the American Bobtail’s dog-like personality will fit right in.
Now, if you are hoping for a more laid-back kitty, the American Bobtail might not be for you. Personally, my day-to-day life has become so much brighter having my kitten Hazel’s spunky little personality running around the house. My cat Luna has even become more playful and active now that we added Hazel to the family.
In Conclusion
American Bobtail cats are an extremely unique and rare cat breed that carries a dog-like personality. They get along with virtually everyone and have so much love to offer. If you ever happen to come across a cat with a short tail, there is a chance that it could have been removed for reasons such as infection, trauma, etc. However, there’s also a chance it could be one of the seldom-seen American Bobtails!
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