Longevity
Life expectancy
With a balanced diet, controlled weight, regular activity and preventive veterinary monitoring, it generally lives from 15 to 20 years.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
Its athletic and muscular build gives it good overall robustness. This reputation does not exempt one from monitoring its mobility, its dentition, its urinary system and its weight, especially in very sedentary individuals.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
No major hereditary condition is currently recognized as characteristic of the breed. Vigilance therefore focuses mainly on common risks in the domestic cat and on the consequences of insufficient activity.
Overweight and obesity: Moderate activity combined with excessive portions can lead to weight gain and increase metabolic and joint risks.
Oral and dental conditions: Tartar and gingivitis are among the common problems to prevent through check-ups and appropriate dental care.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its dense undercoat provides it with adequate protection against the cold, but it must have access to a dry, temperate shelter. Like all cats, it does not tolerate high heat well: fresh water, shaded areas, ventilation and limiting activity during the hottest hours are essential.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
His calm nature and his taste for rest can promote weight gain if portions are too generous. The ration must be weighed, adjusted to the ideal weight, age, neutering and activity level, with daily play sessions and regular monitoring of body condition.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Schedule an annual veterinary check-up and more frequent ones for seniors.
- Keep vaccinations and antiparasitic treatments up to date, adapted to the lifestyle.
- Regularly monitor weight, teeth, eyes, and ears.
- Consult promptly in case of changes in appetite, mobility, or urinary behavior.
Vaccination
American Bobtail vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a American Bobtail need? Like all cats, American Bobtails should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. Kittens receive their initial American Bobtail vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if they live indoors. Depending on their lifestyle (outdoor access, living with other cats, shows, travel), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Depending on lifestyle Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisDepending on lifestyle Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult American Bobtail booster shots are given annually for feline herpesvirus and feline leukemia if your cat goes outdoors. For feline panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your cat's lifestyle.
Which boosters does your American Bobtail need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy American Bobtail
An annual clinical examination, or more frequent in seniors, makes it possible to monitor weight, dentition, the heart, joints and kidney function. The vaccination protocol against panleukopenia, cat flu, feline leukemia and rabies must be defined with the veterinarian according to lifestyle. Before adoption, it is useful to ask for the parents' health history and the kitten's veterinary documents.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
