Throughout the years, breeders have carefully selected and bred domestic cats to showcase and pass down an assortment of distinct traits. From luxurious, patterned fur to specific eye hues and face shapes, one of the most noteworthy characteristics is the bobtail. This trait is noticeable in breeds such as the Manx and American bobtail. The bobtail attribute stemmed from an unexpected genetic anomaly among domestic shorthaired cats. Commencing in the 1960s, breeders began purposefully breeding these cats with stubby tails, leading to the creation of a range of specific bobtail breeds. Below, you will find information on seven bobtail breeds.
1. Japanese Bobtail
A pure white Japanese Bobtail.
Although most bobtail breeds did not gain widespread popularity until recently, historians suggest that Japanese Bobtails have been in existence since the 1600s. These cats are widely believed to bring fortune and joy to their owners. Japanese bobtails come in a variety of colors and patterns, from solid white and brown to unique patterns like van, tricolor, bicolor, and harlequin. Their most distinctive feature is their short, stubby tail, which is expected to have at least one curve, kink, or angle. The Japanese Bobtail has been recognized by nearly all major cat breeding organizations, with the exception of the UK’s Governing Council of the Cat Fancy. Interestingly, each Japanese Bobtail cat has a unique tail shape, with no two being identical. The tail should not exceed three inches in length from the cat’s body. Japanese Bobtails are among the oldest known cat breeds globally, having been depicted in ancient Japanese art for centuries. However, these cats did not make their way to America until 1968.
2. Manx
Manx cats are known for their round faces, large eyes, and bobbed tails.
Originating from the Isle of Man off the coast of the UK in the early 19th century, the Manx is a bobtail cat descended from the African wildcat. While the bobtail trait is a natural genetic mutation, legends suggest that this type of bobtail cat was brought to the Isle of Man over the Irish Sea. The Manx is also referred to as stubbin and rumpy cats, names rooted in the native Manx language. Due to the island’s small size and limited biodiversity, the Manx and its tailless trait quickly spread among the local cat population. The Manx’s distinct feature is its bobbed tail, but it is also admired for its playful and friendly temperament, often likened to that of a dog. These inquisitive and energetic cats come in various eye colors, coat colors, patterns, and lengths. They may have long or short coats, with short hair being more common. Manx cats are cherished for their stout bodies, round heads, and wide, round eyes, giving them a cuddly and plump appearance.
3. American Bobtail
American bobtail cats
During the 1960s, American bobtails emerged as a distinct feline breed that shares a resemblance with typical domestic American shorthair cats, except for their distinctive bobbed tails. They exhibit a wide range of coat lengths, colors, and patterns, with longhair individuals with color points often being preferred. The bobbed tail of this breed is slightly longer compared to other bobtail varieties, ranging from tiny one-inch nubs to tails as long as four inches, featuring various curves, bends, and kinks.
Known for their energetic, athletic, and alert nature, American bobtails are intelligent and inquisitive, making them an excellent choice for families with children or other pets. They easily adapt to changes in their environment, making them ideal companions for travelers or individuals with a mobile lifestyle.
Moving on to the Pixie-bob breed, which was developed in the mid-1980s in Washington by Carol Ann Brewer to closely resemble their bobcat ancestors. The breed originated from kittens that were descendants of “legend” cats, wild American bobcat and domestic cat hybrids. Over time, breeders carefully refined the breed to mirror wild bobcats without the use of captive American bobcats.
The Pixie-bob breed was officially recognized by the International Cat Association in 1993, with subsequent recognition from other organizations like the American Cat Fanciers’ Association in 2005. These cats are muscular and athletic with spotted coats, often exhibiting polydactyly with some having up to seven toes on each paw.
Lastly, Highlander cats, also known as Highlander Shorthair or Highland Lynx, are a recent breed recognized by the International Cat Association in 2008. Developed in 2004, Highlander cats combine features from Desert lynx and Jungle Curl breeds, showcasing distinctive curled ears and bobbed tails, resembling a lynx or bobcat. Breeders aimed to create a domestic breed with the appearance of a wild big cat, refining the Highlander cat over the years to achieve their unique look, eventually moving the breed to the Advanced New Breed category in 2016. These cats have striking features, including American Curl-like ears and prominent facial characteristics, with coat colors ranging from tabby to various color points.
While most registry organizations do not recognize bicolor cats as a breed standard, both shorthair and longhair varieties are prevalent. Highlanders, descendants of muscular and athletic parent breeds, exhibit the appearance of a large cat in a compact, cuddly form. Known for their friendly, outgoing, and confident temperament, Highlanders are more active than typical domestic cats, enjoying activities such as swimming, interacting with humans, and outdoor exercise.
The Cymric cat, often considered a longhair version of the Manx breed by many organizations, boasts a luxurious double coat that sets it apart. Similar to the Manx, Cymric cats can produce both short- and long-haired kittens, sometimes within the same litter. These bobtail cats feature short, rounded bodies and heads, with some individuals being completely tailless, known as “rumpies,” while those with short bobbed tails are affectionately called “stumpies.” Their unique body shape gives them an unusual gait, resembling blurry balls of fur when in motion.
In terms of personality, the Cymric mirrors the Manx with its sweet, friendly demeanor, making them ideal companions for households with children or other cats.
Originating from Russia’s Kuril Islands, the Kurilian bobtail cat has existed for over two centuries, thriving in the wild without human intervention. Also known as the Kuril bobtail, Kuril Islands bobtail, and Curilsk bobtail, this breed has recently garnered global recognition with breeders standardizing its characteristics. Displaying long, muscular hind legs in comparison to their front legs, Kurilian bobtails possess a unique gait and exceptional jumping ability. Their spiral-like tails with kinks or curves further set them apart.
Highly active and fond of the outdoors, Kurilian bobtails are energetic pets that thrive on exercise and even enjoy swimming due to their water-resistant coats. Their affectionate and friendly nature makes them adaptable to various households, although their strong hunting instinct necessitates caution around small pets.
Overall, bobtail cats, including Highlanders, Cymrics, and Kurilian bobtails, offer unique characteristics and personalities that make them intriguing and lovable companions for cat enthusiasts seeking something different in their feline friends.
