A shaggy little lynx with a bobbed tail originating in the Americas

This American cat is rare outside of the United States. Around 1964, an American couple named Sanders was vacationing near an Indian reservation in Arizona when they noticed a wild looking kitten with a short, upright tail. They adopted the kitten and named him Yodie. He was crossed with Michi, a Siamese. A kitten from this litter, crossed with a cream colored cat, was the origin of the breed.
The Bobtail`s distinguishing feature, its short tail, was the result of a mutation caused by a dominant gene. Initially, the Bobtail`s coat was short. However, Himalayans (Color point Persians in Britain) were introduced and resulted in a medium length coat. The breed was recognized by T.I.C.A. in 1989.
The semi-longhair American Bobtail, the longhaired version of the American Bobtail, has the same characteristics as its cousin.

Characteristics

The American Bobtail is a calm, patient, debonair cat. He is gentle and much attached to his owner. The American Bobtail loves to be in the company of other cats and accommodates dogs. This breed does not like be alone. The American bobtail is also an excellent hunter. This cat does not reach full maturity until two or three years of age. Easy care.