Cat Breed Comparison
American Bobtail vs Cymric: Key Differences
American Bobtail and Cymric are often confused. Compare their size, weight, lifespan, origin, temperament, and health — and learn how to tell them apart at a glance.
Quick Comparison
| Trait | American Bobtail | Cymric |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium to Large | Medium |
| Weight | 7–16 lbs (3.2–7.3 kg) | 7–13 lbs (3.2–6 kg) |
| Lifespan | 12–15 years | 12–14 years |
| Origin | United States (1960s) | Isle of Man |
Visual Differences
Telling a American Bobtail from a Cymric
American Bobtails keep a visible 1 to 4 inch tail, a rectangular athletic body, and a modified wedge head. Cymrics are tailless with a round, cobby frame and a full ruff.
American Bobtail Key Markers
- Short, broad tail 1–4 inches long, carried above the back — each tail is unique with individual curves, kinks, and tufts; no two American Bobtail tails are identical; the tail is longer than a Manx but shorter than a Japanese Bobtail, with a tufted tip in the long-haired variety
- Large, rectangular, substantial body — the CFA calls it "well-muscled, medium to large, with a broad chest and heavy bone structure"; males reach 12–16 pounds; the body is longer than it is tall with substantial muscling through the shoulders and hindquarters
- Broad modified wedge-shaped head with a prominent brow, defined whisker break, and a gentle curve from forehead to nose — the muzzle is broad and square, giving the face an open, slightly wild expression
Cymric Key Markers
- Tailless or nearly tailless — the ideal rumpy has a distinct hollow at the end of the spine with no tail vertebrae; rumpy risers carry a small bump of cartilage, stumpies a short stub
- Semi-long, silky double coat with a full ruff around the neck, britches on the hind legs, and a prominent plume over the tail area — soft, medium-long, and in need of regular combing
- Round, cobby body with a broad chest, a short strong back, and hind legs longer than the front, giving a rounded, uphill profile
Temperament & Personality
American Bobtail
- Adaptable and easygoing — adjusts to travel, new environments, and changes in routine better than most breeds
- Affectionate without being clingy — enjoys lap time and petting but entertains itself when you're busy
- Playful and intelligent — learns tricks, plays fetch, solves puzzle feeders, and stays playful throughout life
- Good with children, dogs, and other cats — an easy temperament that makes it a solid family cat
- Quiet voice — communicates with soft chirps, trills, and meows; not a loud or demanding breed
- Moderate energy — enjoys active play sessions but settles easily into lounging and napping
Cymric
- Gentle and quiet — calm, patient, and rarely aggressive, with a soft voice
- Playful and dog-like — retrieves toys, plays fetch, and follows owners around the house
- Devoted to family — bonds deeply with its people; may be reserved with strangers at first
- Patient with children and other pets — an easygoing family cat
- Surprisingly athletic — powerful hind legs give strong jumping ability despite the short back
- Adaptable — content in apartments and quieter households
Health Notes
American Bobtail
- Hip dysplasia — more common in larger, heavy-boned breeds; maintaining lean body weight reduces symptom severity and delays onset
- Patellar luxation — kneecap dislocation reported in some lines; ranges from occasional skipping (mild) to lameness requiring surgical correction (severe)
- Obesity — the substantial body type and love of food make portion control important throughout life; excess weight strains the joints and shortens lifespan
- Dental disease — the broad muzzle can cause tooth crowding in some lines; regular dental care and annual oral exams recommended
- Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) — some lines show predisposition; high-moisture diet and stress management are preventive measures
Cymric
- Manx syndrome — the tailless gene can cause spinal and spinal-cord abnormalities, including spina bifida, tethering of the spinal cord, hind-limb weakness, and incontinence; homozygous kittens are reabsorbed before birth, so all Manx-type cats are heterozygous; responsible breeders screen for neurological issues
- Arthritis in the tail stump — stumpies are prone to painful arthritis in the joints of the deformed tail bones; rumpies avoid this but face the spinal risks
- Tail pocket dermatitis — the skin fold over the tail area traps moisture and debris; regular cleaning prevents infection
- Obesity — the compact cobby frame gains weight easily, straining the spine and hind limbs; portion control is essential
- Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) — some lines show predisposition; a high-moisture diet and stress management help
This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a veterinarian for health advice specific to your cat.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell a American Bobtail apart from a Cymric?
American Bobtails keep a visible 1 to 4 inch tail, a rectangular athletic body, and a modified wedge head. Cymrics are tailless with a round, cobby frame and a full ruff.
Are American Bobtails hypoallergenic?
No — American Bobtails are not a hypoallergenic breed. They have a dense double coat that sheds, and they produce normal allergen levels like other cats.
Are Cymric cats hypoallergenic?
No — Cymrics are not hypoallergenic. Their semi-long double coat sheds and carries the Fel d 1 allergen like any cat, so regular combing helps with hair but not with allergies.
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Breed Profiles & More Comparisons
American Bobtail
A short-tailed cat with a wild, untamed look and a gentle, adaptable nature. The American Bobtail carries a naturally occurring short tail, a substantial rectangular body, and a dense coat in short or long variety. Developed in the 1960s from a domestic bobtailed cat crossed with other breeds, it looks wild but acts sweet.
Cymric
The longhaired Manx. Same tailless gene, same round cobby body, same rounded rump, wrapped in a silky semi-long coat with a full ruff and britches. Named for the Welsh word for Wales, the Cymric comes from the Isle of Man and shares the Manx's gentle, playful, dog-like temperament.