American Bobtail Cat Size | Wild Look Guide

The American Bobtail blends a sturdy frame with an expressive, short tail. People meet one and often guess “wildcat,” then realize it is a laid-back housemate with a rugged build. This guide lays out numbers you can use at home—weights, lengths, growth pace, and how to check body condition—so you can judge size with clear yardsticks, not guesswork.

Breed Size Basics

This breed lands in the medium-to-large bucket. Males trend heavier and broader. Females tend to be a touch lighter with a softer outline. You will also see wide paws, a deep chest, and a back that looks slightly rectangular. The tail is short by design; it moves and emotes like a full tail, just in a compact package.

Before we go further, here is a fast, practical snapshot you can bookmark. Numbers reflect healthy pets kept indoors with routine care. Outliers exist; bone, diet, and activity shift the curve.

Size Snapshot: Core Ranges

Metric	Male	Female
Adult Weight (lb)	10–16	7–13
Body Length, Nose To Base Of Tail (in)	14–18	12–16
Shoulder Height (in)	10–12	9–11
Tail Length (in)	1–6 (varies)	1–6 (varies)
Build	Broad, heavy bone	Moderate, sturdy

Those numbers place the american bobtail cat size near many Maine Coon mixes at the low end, and above lean breeds like the Siamese. The feel in your arms is solid. Pick one up and you notice the weight sits in the ribcage and hindquarters, not just the belly.

How Size Develops From Kitten To Senior

Growth runs in clear phases. Knowing what happens in each phase helps you spot normal gains and avoid overfeeding. A hanging pouch on the belly can appear with age; it is not always fat. The outline that matters is the waist from above and the tuck from the side.

0–6 Months: Quick Lift-Off

Kittens shoot up. Bones lengthen, then widen. Expect weight to double across the first few months. Daily play fuels muscle and coordination. Free-feeding dry food can push weight too fast, so many owners switch to set meals early. Two to three wet meals, plus one dry snack, keeps energy steady without runaway gain.

6–12 Months: Frame Before Fill

By eight to nine months the frame looks nearly adult. Muscle then “fills in.” Tail shapes can change in this window, too. Some tails curl; others sit straight or kinked. All are normal within breed rules. Keep a tape measure on hand and log length and weight monthly. A simple spreadsheet beats memory.

12–36 Months: Full Size Arrives

Most reach adult length by year one, but body mass keeps building through year two, sometimes year three. Males often add a pound or two late. Females may hold steady and simply gain muscle tone. If the waist vanishes and ribs hide under thick padding, trim calories by ten percent and add play sessions with a wand toy.

American Bobtail Size Guide For Everyday Care

Size is not just a number. It shapes litter box choice, carrier size, scratching post height, and bowl placement. A snug box can lead to misses outside the box. A short post will tip or go unused. Match gear to the body you see, not a label on a package.

Measuring At Home: Simple Steps

Grab a soft tape. Measure length from nose to base of tail while your cat stands tall. Note shoulder height at the top of the shoulder blade. Weigh with a bathroom scale: step on with and without your cat, then take the difference. Log once a month. You will spot trends before they turn into problems.

Body Condition: What “Just Right” Looks Like

You should feel ribs with a light sweep of the hand. From above, there is a waist behind the ribs. From the side, a gentle tuck ahead of the hind legs. If you want a vetted chart, see the feline body condition guide from a university clinic. Use the visuals, not just the scale.

Gear That Fits

Pick a litter box with an entry at least 10 inches high and an inside length near 20 inches. A carrier should allow a turn and a stretch; many mid-size dog crates work better than small cat boxes for this breed. Posts over 30 inches invite a full stretch and help keep nails in shape.

American Bobtail Size Chart And Growth Patterns

Here is a clear way to picture growth across common checkpoints. Use it as a log template. Healthy cats can land above or below these bands; the pattern over time tells the real story.

Growth Pace: What To Expect

New owners sometimes ask if a cat that weighs eight pounds at nine months will stay small. In many cases the frame is set, but muscle still comes. You might see a steady climb of half a pound across the next six months, then a plateau. Sudden jumps call for a diet check and a quick call to your vet.

Neutering, Diet, And Play

After neutering or spaying, many cats need fewer calories. Cut portions by a small step—around ten percent—and raise play time. Food type matters too. A wet-leaning plan with measured dry portions works well for this breed. High-meat recipes tend to build muscle without bloating the midsection.

Genetics, Bone, And Outliers

Lineage can tilt size in both directions. Some lines carry extra heavy bone; others look more moderate. Shelter cats with bobbed tails often share looks with the breed yet may not track the same numbers. That is fine. Frame and health beat a target on a chart.

Male Versus Female: Clear Differences You Can See

Males stand a bit taller and fill out the chest. Heads look broader. Females bring a smooth outline with plush muscle. The gap is not a rule; you will meet petite males and sturdy females. Use the checklist below to size gear and set feeding plans that match the cat in front of you.

What The Frame Tells You

Broad paws hint at a larger adult. A deep ribcage suggests more room for muscle. A thick tail base often pairs with heavy bone. None of these are guarantees, but together they point you toward the right bowl size, carrier, and post height as the months pass.

Healthy Weight Ranges And Length Targets

Many owners want one number. Cats do not read charts. Think in bands. A fit adult male can sit at 12–16 lb with a length near 15–18 inches. A fit adult female often lands at 9–13 lb with a length near 13–16 inches. The outline should still show a waist and a gentle tuck.

Length Matters More Than The Scale

Muscle is dense. Two cats with the same length can weigh different amounts and both be fit. That is why you measure length and look at shape from above and from the side. The scale then helps you track change. If weight creeps up with no change in length, trim calories.

Common Gear Sizing: Quick Picks

Use these picks to avoid returns. They suit the broad frame and long reach many Bobtails bring.

Litter Boxes And Scoops

Choose an open box or a high-entry box with an inner floor near 20 by 16 inches. If you prefer a hood, make sure the entry is wide and the roof sits high enough for a turn. A deep scoop speeds clean-up on clumping clay and plant-based litters.

Carriers And Travel

Soft-sided carriers with a 19–21 inch long base work for most adults. For car trips, a mid-size hard crate offers better safety and space. Add a pad for grip and warmth. Practice short rides first so the crate feels safe, not strange.

Scratching Posts And Trees

Stability matters. A wobbly post gets ignored. Pick a heavy base and a post height over 30 inches. A broad top perch lets a Bobtail loaf with paws tucked and tail relaxed. Add one horizontal scratcher for claw variety.

Diet, Activity, And Size Control

Calories in, calories out—simple on paper, tricky in a kitchen. Start with measured meals. Wet food brings water and tends to fill bellies with fewer calories per bite. Keep play fun and frequent. Ten-minute wand games twice a day beat a single long session for many cats.

Protein, Water, And Satiety

Higher protein levels build lean mass. Dry food can fit, yet many owners find a wet-first plan keeps weight in check. Fresh water at multiple spots helps. A pump fountain can invite more sips across the day.

When To Change Portions

Let the tape and the scale guide you. If monthly weight drifts more than five percent without a length change, dial portions down. If ribs feel sharp and the waist narrows too much, feed a touch more. Small steps win. Big swings confuse both gut and mood.

Tail Length And The Illusion Of Size

A short tail can trick the eye. Without a long tail as a counterweight, the body can look stockier. This is a visual effect. Measure length to the base of the tail to keep records fair across tails of different shapes and lengths.

Coat Type And Size Perception

American Bobtails come in short and long coat types. Long coats fluff out the outline and can add a full inch of “look” on each side. After a groom, many owners say the cat “shrunk.” Under the coat, the frame did not change. Brush weekly and you will see the real shape.

Show Notes, Standards, And What They Mean At Home

Breed groups describe this cat as medium to large with heavy bone and a short, expressive tail. Those words set the breed frame, not a fixed number for your home. You can read a formal write-up on the TICA breed page for extra context on body and tail shapes. Use that to spot healthy traits while you keep weight in a happy band.

Age, Weight, And Practical Targets

Here is a handy planner you can print. It lines up common ages with typical weights and a plain cue you can act on. Use it to set gear sizes and feeding steps. Place it near your scale for quick checks.

Growth And Care Planner

Age	Typical Weight (lb)	Action Cue
3 Months	3–4.5	Switch to set meals; start monthly logs
6 Months	5–8	Raise play; fit a larger box
9 Months	7–10	Check waist; trim snacks if blunt
12 Months	8–12	Shift toward adult food
18 Months	9–14	Hold steady; adjust by feel
24–36 Months	10–16	Fine-tune; post height over 30 in
7+ Years	Varies	Watch loss; vet check if drops persist

Measuring Tricks For Wiggly Cats

Some cats turn any measuring plan into a game. Work with it. Try a perch session first, then measure while your cat stretches. If the tape stays tricky, mark a spot on the floor, place the front paws on it, and line the tape along the side as your cat stands tall.

You can also weigh with a carrier. Weigh the empty carrier, then weigh cat plus carrier. Subtract to get the number. Snap a photo of the scale reading so you can log without rushing. Keep treats handy so each session ends on a happy note.

When Size Signals A Health Check

Rapid change calls for a call to your clinic. Sudden gain can pair with low play drive or short breath; sudden loss can pair with dull coat or missed meals. Book a weigh-in if you see any of those shifts. Bring your log so the team can spot the pattern fast.

Joint stress shows up as short jumps, fewer climbs, or long rests between play. A small trim in calories and a joint-friendly play plan often help. If the trend keeps going, schedule a visit and ask for a body condition score and a full look-over.

Key Takeaways: American Bobtail Cat Size

➤ Males run larger; females lean sturdy and compact.

➤ Log weight and length monthly with a soft tape.

➤ Fit gear to the frame, not a package label.

➤ Wet-first feeding helps hold lean mass.

➤ Waist and tuck beat a number on a scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do American Bobtails Keep Growing After One Year?

Length often settles near the first birthday. Mass can rise into the second year and sometimes into the third. Many males add a pound late as chest and hips fill in with muscle.

Keep the monthly log going through year two. Slow, steady gain paired with clear waist lines points to healthy growth, not fat gain.

How Do I Tell Healthy Bulk From Extra Fat?

Feel the ribs with light pressure. You should find them without a hard press. Look from above for a waist behind the ribs and from the side for a gentle tuck near the belly.

If those cues fade, trim daily calories by ten percent and add two short play blocks. Recheck in two weeks and adjust again.

What Carrier Size Works For A Stocky Bobtail?

Most adults ride well in soft carriers with a 19–21 inch base and a firm floor. For highway trips, a mid-size hard crate keeps the ride stable and roomy for turns.

Place a grippy pad and a small blanket inside. Run brief practice rides so the crate smells safe and familiar.

Does Tail Length Affect Balance Or Jumping?

These cats jump well with any tail length. Back muscles and hindquarters do the heavy lift. You may see extra tail movement during play; it works like a rudder in short bursts.

Judge agility by how your cat lands and recovers, not by the tail alone. A strong core and regular play matter far more.

What If My Cat Falls Outside The Ranges?

Charts are guides, not limits. Some lines carry extra heavy bone or a extra compact frame. Health and shape matter first. If the waist and tuck are present and energy is high, you are likely on track.

When in doubt, run a body check and ask your clinic for a weigh-in. Trends over time tell the story better than one reading.

Wrapping It Up – American Bobtail Cat Size

The American Bobtail brings a sturdy, athletic body wrapped in a short tail and an expressive face. Size sits in a broad band: most adults land between 7 and 16 pounds with a length near 12 to 18 inches. Ranges widen with bone and sex, then narrow again as you dial in feeding and play.

Keep a log, match gear to the frame, and watch shape from above and the side. With those habits, you will keep weight steady and joints happy while your cat enjoys the right room to climb, perch, and nap. That is the practical way to manage american bobtail cat size at home.