10 Most Common American Bobtail Colors

The American Bobtail is a striking, wild-looking breed recognized for its short tail, solid build, and expressive coat. When it comes to color, this breed offers one of the widest ranges imaginable—appearing in shades of red, black, brown, chocolate, cinnamon, blue, lilac, fawn, and cream, with or without white, and even in stunning calico patterns. Their coats can be short and plush or medium-long and flowing, each enhancing their rugged beauty in a unique way. To highlight this incredible variety, here are some of the most notable and admired American Bobtail colors.

1. Brown Tabby

The brown tabby is the most iconic American Bobtail color, giving the breed its wild, bobcat-like appearance. The coat is marked with bold stripes or spots in shades of brown, tan, and black, often paired with warm golden eyes. This natural pattern enhances their rugged charm and emphasizes their muscular build.

2. Blue

Blue Bobtails have a soft grayish-blue coat that can appear solid or tabby-patterned. The shade varies from pale silver to deep slate, creating a cool and misty tone. Their eyes often appear green or gold, adding a striking contrast to their smoky fur.

3. Red

Red American Bobtails have vibrant orange to copper coats, sometimes patterned with faint tabby striping. The color brings out their playful, lively personality, and often appears richer in males. When combined with white, the red-and-white pattern gives a bright, cheerful appearance.

4. Black

Black American Bobtails are sleek and striking, with coats that range from deep jet black to a soft charcoal sheen. Their dense fur catches the light beautifully, giving a glossy, almost metallic appearance. Golden or copper eyes often stand out vividly against the dark coat, adding to their mysterious and regal look.

5. Chocolate

Chocolate Bobtails are warm and elegant, displaying a deep brown color that can be solid or patterned. The coat may have a subtle reddish tone under sunlight, giving it a luxurious sheen. This rare shade adds a touch of richness to their naturally plush fur.

6. Cream

Cream Bobtails are pale and delicate in color, with coats ranging from ivory to buttery beige. Some display light tabby markings or faint shading, while others appear nearly solid. This soft color suits the breed’s relaxed, affectionate temperament.

7. Calico

Calico Bobtails combine patches of black (or blue), red (or cream), and white, creating a lively tri-colored pattern. Each cat’s markings are unique, often forming artistic blends over their short or medium-long coat. As with most calicos, this pattern is typically found in females.

8. Tortoiseshell

Tortie Bobtails have coats mottled with dark and warm tones—usually black and red, or blue and cream. The blend can be bold or subtle, but always distinct. Tortoiseshell patterns give these cats a fiery, wild expression that complements their natural build.

9. Colorpoint

Colorpoint Bobtails display darker shades on the ears, face, paws, and tail, with a lighter body color. The contrast creates a striking look similar to Siamese cats. These patterns can appear in seal, blue, chocolate, or lilac tones, giving each Bobtail a unique charm.

10. Bicolor

Bicolor Bobtails combine white with another color—often black, red, blue, or cream. The white areas usually cover the chest, belly, and paws, creating a soft contrast that enhances their rounded, expressive features.