American bobtail cat

The American bobtail cat is a relatively new and uncommon breed of cat most notable for its stubby 'bobbed' tail about half the length of a normal cats tail. This is the result of a genetic mutation affecting the tail development, similar to that of a manx cat. The cat is not related to the Japanese bobtail cat despite the similar name and physical type - the breeding programs are entirely unrelated and the gene causing the mutation is entirely different.

American bobtails are a very sturdy breed, with both short or longhaired coats. Their coat is shaggy rather than dense or fluffy. They can have any colour of eyes and fur, with a strong emphasis on the 'wild' tabby appearance in show animals.

According to legend, bobtails are the result of a crossbreeding between a domestic tabby and a bobcat. This is not genetically possible, and the unusual tail is actually the result of a random genetic mutation. The breed was recognised by the International Cat Association in 1989.