8 Cat Breeds That Look Like Bobcats

The bobcat has long been a favorite of many. Its elegant yet wild appearance and sleek body make it aesthetically appealing to animal lovers near and far. It can range in color from shades of brown or beige to red, white, and black. They have distinct lines or spots with short “bobbed” tails. They are much larger than the average house cat and have distinguishable ear and toe tufts. Their fluffy fur flares from their cheeks and necks. If you are looking to give a cat a good home but want a domestic cat breed with the wild look of a bobcat, read on. We’ve listed a few species that might be the answer for you!

#1 American Bobtail

The American bobtail has a similar appearance to that of a bobcat due to its relatively large size, long hind legs, and short, stubby tail. A great snuggle companion, the American bobtail makes a great family pet or first-time cat. Its long stocky body is often grey or brown with tabby-type patterns and either short or long shaggy hair. These outgoing friendly cats are a fairly new cat breed. They were developed in the 1960s by matching a brown tabby male with a seal point Siamese female. If you’re looking to live with a big cat breed from the wild, an American bobtail may be the perfect choice for you.

#2 Pixie-Bob

This tender-loving cat is extremely friendly and playful, a joy for the entire household, including the family dog. Like the American bobtail, they have short tails, are quite larger than your average house cat, and have long, thick coats of hair in any shade of brown. This spotted tabby displays small to medium spots throughout its body including on its underbelly. Another characteristic of this highly affectionate cat is their large, round eyes set apart on their face with white or cream bands surrounding each one. While rumors suggest that the Pixi-bob is the product of a barn cat and a coastal bobcat, their DNA reveals no actual relation to the bobcat. But don’t expect this docile kitty to meow when it wants to be fed. Pixie bobs have a distinct chattering sound and chirping noise.

#3 Kurilian Bobtail

Another friendly, domestic cat breed that has a wild appearance is the Kurilian bobtail. This rare species has a silky coat of hair either short or semi-long, comes in hues of brown, orange, grey, cream, white, or black, and is of medium to larger build. Its tail is also very short and they have walnut-shaped eyes set at a slight angle. The Kurilian bobtail developed naturally on the islands of Sakhalin and Kuril over 200 years ago. Here the Russians discovered how intelligent these loyal companions were and used them to help hunt and catch fish. Today, this unique species of cat competes around the world at different cat shows.

 #4 Maine Coon

While the Maine coon has a shaggy coat and a much longer tail than that of the bobcat, it is large and has tufted ears, hence giving it a spot on our comparison list. But this gentle giant does not have a mean bone in its body. Said to be dog-like, the Maine coon is laid back and ready to mingle with a household full of children and other pets. They can be found portraying many different colors, have a thick, heavy coat, and are one of the most popular breeds worldwide. It’s not uncommon to find a Maine coon at your local pet store or rescue shelter peering at you with their large eyes convincing you to take them home.

#5 Desert Lynx

Bred specifically to resemble the bobcat, the desert lynx is a crossover between several breeds including the American lynx, and the Maine coon and pixie-bob both noted above. Another rare but big cat breed, they are lean, strong, and muscular like the bobcat. Their back legs are longer than their front and they often have tufted toes. Their short, dense coat comes in several color patterns including solids, but the most common pattern is the spotted tabby pattern, which is marked by spots of darker color. These exquisite felines may look wild, but they are gentle and friendly social beings ready to find their forever home.

#6 Highlander

A mix of desert lynx and jungle curl, the highlander cat was developed by a breeder to produce a larger, wilder-looking cat with friendly and social personalities. Much like the bobcat, it is muscular and has a short, stout tail. They are born in a variety of colors and are both shorthaired and longhaired. The Highlander feline is highly intelligent, loves to play and constantly looking for its next adventure. If you adopt a highlander cat, be sure you give it lots of room for exercise and toys to keep this affectionate yet rambunctious kitty active and thriving.

#7 Savannah

Tall and lean with long legs and a long neck, the savannah is a cross between a serval and a domestic cat. These sophisticated cats come in a variety of colors and patterns standing out for their bold, solid markings, which can be oval, round, or elongated. Most have solid black or dark spots on cream, golden, tan, or white backgrounds but others have a marble-type pattern. If you are looking for a playful, family-friendly energetic feline with a touch of the wild, the Savannah cat breed may be right for you.

#8 Mekong Bobtail

With a stout body and medium build, the Mekong bobtail is as steady and agile as a bobcat. It is a natural breed that comes from Southeast Asia, with a distinctive pom-pom-like tail, and a look similar to a Siamese. Its short hair comes in a plethora of pointed colors including black, brown, and blue. It is considered extremely intelligent, and social and with a noisy meow, it is not afraid to let you know when it gets bored. While this adorable kitty will steal your heart in just minutes, they are often hard to find as they are still classified as experimental by the International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fancier’s Association (CFA). Both organizations are working to have these listings changed.

Summary of What Makes Each Breed Similar to a Bobcat

The photo featured at the top of this post is © Hisashi from Japan / CC BY-SA 2.0 – License / Original