American Bobtail's are known for their easy-going and adaptable temperament, but they are best recognized for their wild leopard spotted coat and stumpy tail.

Because they are more intelligent than most cats, they are wary of strangers and take their time sizing up new people and surroundings. They'll rarely let strangers pet them, but once they feel comfortable, they are outgoing and get along well with other cats, dogs, and children. Once your American Bobtail warms up to you, it will dedicate itself as a friend for life. While being extremely affectionate, they are also calm and watchful. Their behavior is almost dog-like: good-natured, friendly, and lovable. American Bobtails are not prone to climbing. They tend to be quiet, unless they want to get your attention by using their scratchy small rambling voices. They make great pets for families and singles, and find comfort in cozy dwellings like sofas and plush pillows.

Best recognized for their uniquely stumped tail that extends halfway down the ankle of their hind legs, which are long and similar to that of a jackrabbit. Always well haired, their "bobbed" tail can be either straight or slightly curled. American Bobtails are medium to large sized cats with a shaggy coat that is either long or medium length, with a dense undercoat. Ideally, the coat is leopard spotted or tawny, which parallels the natural coloring found in bobcats. However, many have coats in a variety of colors and patterns with spots that include black, blue, chocolate, lilac, sorrel or fawn.

Solidly built and muscular, the American Bobtail has the rugged appearance of a natural hunter with large, almond-shaped eyes. Its large, wide ears are set low on a broad and rounded head. Because the available American Bobtails are usually at least three generations removed from the feral bobcat, don't expect their appearance or nature to be that of a miniature bobcat. These impressive cats have been developed from original crosses of bobcats to domestic cats, which are the basis of the breed.

There seems to be a great deal of debate about when and where the American Bobtail was first developed. Some maintain that it was initially bred in Iowa, United States in the 1960s from a pairing between a Siamese and a tabby. Another reports that they were originally bred in Arizona, while another holds that they were bred in the 1980s in Seattle and North Caroline. Yet another theory maintains that during the 16th century, settlers brought the breed to North America from Europe. The final theory maintains that they are the result of a pairing between a Lynx and a Manx.

Lots of affection and hugs will keep you and your American Bobtail content and happy. Regular brushing, at least twice a week, of its plush coat is important to remove loose fur. Trim their nails on a regular basis, too.

In order to breed the American Bobtailat least one of your cats must have the bobcat tail. Domestic cats with naturally short tails, of any breed, should not be used. By choosing only domestic cats with full tails, when the litter is born, you'll know that the bobcat tail gene caused the unique "bobbed" tails.

These cats are classified as relatively difficult to breed, since in some instances kittens are born with normal tails and others are born with no tail at all.