Bobtail

Bobtail is a common term describing a tail that is shorter than typical for the species. It can refer to a congenital condition caused by a genetic mutation or to a tail shortened through selective breeding. The shape and length of a bobtail can vary widely, ranging from a small stump to a clearly shortened, curved or kinked tail.

In cats, bobtails are particularly associated with two recognized breeds. The Japanese Bobtail is a distinct breed with a natural short tail that often curls upward or forms a pom-pom. The American Bobtail is another breed developed in the United States, featuring a short tail and a sturdy, friendly type. Both breeds are recognized by various cat registries, though standards and registrations differ by organization. Outside of these breeds, many cats may have naturally short tails or occasional tail deformities, but they are not classified as bobtail breeds.

Bobtails also occur in other species, including dogs and other mammals, where a shortened tail is inherited or selected for in certain lineages. In dogs, short tails can appear in several breeds or populations, but unlike the Japanese and American bobtail cats, they are less often treated as a formal “bobtail breed” and more as a trait within a breed or population.

Care and health considerations for bobtails are largely the same as for other animals, and a short tail by itself is not a diagnosis. Breeding practices in any line with a bobtail focus may consider potential congenital issues associated with shortened tails, depending on the lineage and registry guidelines.