Tabby vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison | PetzLover

Bobtailed cats have a naturally shortened tail due to natural genetic mutation. The cat’s original appearance genetics were modified so as to bring about an improved strain that comes in all colors and coat types.

The cat descended from a short-tailed kitten, Yodi. His kittens also had a short tail. Two women selectively bred the cats to be large and strong with a wild look but with a pleasant nature.

The cats used in the development of the breed were domestic shorthairs and longhairs. They are now pedigreed cats without tails.

In 1989, the International Cat Association accepted the American Bobtail into its new breed category, giving it full recognition in 2002. They were accepted for registration by the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 2000. This is the world's biggest registry of pedigreed cats.

The Tabby isn’t a cat breed but rather a certain cat pattern. So the Tabby has lots of different coat colors and patterns and the cat comes in different sizes.

You get the mackerel Tabby, the classic Tabby, the spotty Tabby and the ticked Tabby. The Tabby is a domestic cat. It is thought that today’s Tabby’s originated from the African wild cat because the markings are so similar.

The American Bobtail is a cat that came about in the 1960s. It is well know as the cat with a bobbed tail. It’s not as vocal as many other cat breeds. It’s not a slender cat but is sturdy and and strong weighing between 3 and 7kg. Their double coats can be short- or long-haired. The coat comes in different patterns and colors, including orange, cream, black, brown, chocolate etc with a shaggy texture. He sheds quite a bit. The body of the American Bobtail is faily long. Its ears are medium-sized and wide-based with rounded tips, the eyes are almond shape. The eyes can be gold, yellow, green or blue. What is interesting is that the hind legs are much longer than the fore legs, and the feet are round.

Tmperament:

Bobtails are friendly cats, enjoying being in the company of their human family as well as with strangers. They are loving and affectionate to the entire family as opposed to just one person.

They’re quiet cats but will chirp when happy and excited. They get on well with all members of their human family and that includes children and the dogs.

They’re intelligent cats too and they can be taught to walk on a leash and to also perform some tricks. There are some people who say that their Bobtails act more like dogs than cats. These cats are sensitive and can sense when their owners are happy or sad and will come and sit with you when you're feeling sad and alone.

The Tabby is any domestic cat. They’ve got a distinctive 'M' shaped marking on their forehead.

The Tabby cat isn’t a breed of cat but actually a coat type and in fact, there are quite a few cat breeds with the Tabby pattern.

Tabby is a color pattern in other words and it means you will find stripes, spots, and whorls of color. Tabby cats can range in size because of the different breeds. They can be medium to large and weight between 3 and 7kg.

The eye and ear shape will also vary according to the different breeds as well as the thickness of the tail.

Temperament:

Your Tabby is a friendly, social cat. He makes an excellent pet and companion. The orange and ginger tabbies are more feisty and strong-willed. These cats cat can be any personality really and you might have an aloof cat but you could also have a highly social, vocal Tabby.

Most times you will get an active, playful, friendly cat that will love the company of his human family.

Many people want a dog as a pet but aren’t able to keep one and then the American Bobtail becomes the ideal alternative. These cats aren’t known for their solitary personalities like the many other cats there are and they genuinely love to spend time with their human family. Some will even behave like a dog and be there to meet you at the door when you arrive home.

He is a fairly large, amicable cat and is affectionate and adaptable to your lifestyle. He enjoys all kinds of lifestyles and loves to curl up next to you on your travels, being the perfect road trip companion.

The American Bobtail is a therapeutic cat and is sensitive to the moods of its human family. He gets on well with children and other pets in the family and just wants to be a family member.

By bringing an American Bobtail into your home and your heart, you’ll have discovered the most wonderful feline companion there is.

When you bring a Tabby cat into your home, you can't tell what personality he will have. A lot depends on the lifestyle you provide him with.

Some Tabby cats are social and friendly while others are more shy. One thing is sure, they all thrive on the love and attention of their human families. This popular cat is guaranteed to make you a most wonderful pet and companion.

When you buy a kitten from a breeder, always do research on the breeder so as to avoid a host of health issues down the line.

Apart from the typical cat health problems, the Bobtail is a healthy breed of cat. With proper care from you at home as well as veterinary care, these interesting looking cats can live up to anything between 12 and 20 years.

Many cats can develop liver and kidney troubles as they get older so it’s important to visit a vet regularly in order to make sure they are in good health.

Most domesticated tabby cats live for 12 to 15 years and this means you can enjoy many years of good friendship from your Tabby.

Liver Disease in cats:

The liver is an important organ with a host of functions. We know it plays an important role in removing toxic substances from the blood. Because this organ works to rid the body of so many different substances, it can become damaged.

Liver disease results in inflammation, which is known as hepatitis. If left, it can lead to loss of function because of scar tissue. Luckily, liver disease in cats can be treated and managed,

Proper nutrition is most important for managing your cat’s liver disorder.

Age, certain diseases and certain breeds of cats are more susceptible to liver disease. Obesity too, can contribute to liver disease. The signs of liver disease are weight loss, increased thirst, vomiting, drooling, jaundice and loss of appetite.

The urine of your cat may also be particularly dark-colored.

If your cat is diagnosed with liver disease, speak to your vet about a special diet for your cat.

Remember to keep your cat's vaccines up to date.

Keep a close eye on your cat’s weight.

Keep the litter box of your Bobtail scrupulously clean.

Your American Bobtail needs the best quality food there is full of vitamins and minerals if he is to remain healthy. The cat’s diet will depend a lot on his activity levels and general health, but it should always be high protein food. Your vet will always help you with some guidelines on feeding your cat.

Every cat needs exercise, and even though these cats aren’t as energetic as other cats, they are active indoors and out and are also playful. You will need to provide it with some puzzle toys and a climbing tree to keep him mentally and physically active.

Brush his medium-length fur twice a week to keep it shiny and silky.

Trim his nails carefully and check his eyes and inside his ears for abnormal discharges.

Vaccinate your cat to keep it protected from life-threatening cat diseases and take him to the vet immediately you suspect something is wrong.

When your cat is a Tabby, he could have short or long fur, and a weekly brushing will be necessary to remove dead hairs and dust from the coat.

While you brush your cat, feel for any irregularities such as lumps or cuts. A lump should be examined by the vet.

Ensure your cat has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

As already mentioned, good food is key to good health, and as your cat is a carnivore, he will require meat. There are many excellent cat food manufacturers who produce cat food with all the nutrients your feline friend requires.

Supply your cat with a litter box and remove the feces every single day.

If your pet needs to be transported anywhere, such as to the vet, make sure he can be carried safely by putting him in a cat carrier box.

Provide your pet with a warm, soft bed.