Mekong Bobtail

A Siamese with a zigzag tail

Also known as: Thai Bobtail · Mekong Bobtail cat · Mekong · Thai bobtail cat

Mekong Bobtail, a medium cat from Thailand (photo 2)

Mekong Bobtail, a medium cat from Thailand (photo 3)

Mekong Bobtail, a medium cat from Thailand (photo 4)

Mekong Bobtail, a medium cat from Thailand (photo 5)

Mekong Bobtail, a medium cat from Thailand (photo 6)

Photos: Alex Opryatin (CC BY-SA 3.0), via Wikimedia Commons.

Breed profile

20–25 cm(8–10 in)Height at the shoulder

3.5–4.5 kg(8–10 lb)Adult weight

13–18 yearsLife expectancy

30 min of play a dayDaily play

GroupTails & ears

OriginThailand / Russia

SizeMedium

CoatShort, glossy, close-lying, with little undercoat

ColoursColourpoint in any colour, without white; deep blue eyes

HypoallergenicNo

Breed dates from1994

Estimated cost in Spain*€830–1,150 a year

* An estimate for Spain in 2026 (food, litter, vet and insurance), based on the size, grooming and health needs of the breed, not on measured costs of individual cats.

What it is like

Pointed cats with short, kinked tails occur naturally in several parts of South-East Asia. According to the breed's history, many of the cats that King Chulalongkorn of Siam gave to Tsar Nicholas II had this kind of tail, and the breed was developed in Russia from them and from other imported Asian bobtails. The felinologist Olga Mironova wrote its standard in December 1994 and the WCF recognised it in August 2004, when its name was changed from Thai Bobtail to Mekong Bobtail, after the river. It is a cat with a slender, rectangular body, the rump slightly higher than the shoulders, blue eyes and a short tail with kinks and curves. In character it is affectionate, curious and active.

Temperament

AffectionateCuriousActiveSociable

Activity

4/5

With children

5/5

With dogs

4/5

With other cats

4/5

Ease of learning

4/5

How vocalless is better

3/5

Sheddingless is better

1/5

Brushing needsless is better

1/5

Health robustness

4/5

Indoor and flat life

5/5

Copes with being alone

2/5

For first-time owners

4/5

the more, the better the less, the better

Care

A rubber mitt once a week and that is it. What matters is company and play: it is a cat that follows you and joins in with everything. Handle the tail with care and teach children not to pull it; its curves are fixed and do not hurt, but it is a sensitive area. Annual dental check, as with other Siamese-type cats.

Health

No inherited diseases of its own are known, although studies are scarce. The tail is due to shortened or fused vertebrae: the vet should check the kitten for pain or spinal abnormalities, although the problems of the Manx have not been described. Because of its kinship with Siamese cats, keep an eye on its mouth and ask about retinal atrophy.

General information about tendencies in the breed, not a diagnosis. Any symptom should be checked by your vet.

Fun facts

Until 2004 it was called the Thai Bobtail; the WCF changed the name when it recognised it.

According to tradition, these cats guarded the temples of Siam.

The standard requires the tail to have at least three vertebrae and be no longer than a quarter of the body length.

A Thai legend says that princesses hung their rings on their cats' kinked tails while they bathed.

Frequently asked questions

How big does a Mekong Bobtail get?

An adult Mekong Bobtail usually weighs 3.5–4.5 kg (8–10 lb) and stands about 20–25 cm (8–10 in) at the shoulder, which makes it a medium cat.

How long does a Mekong Bobtail live?

Its usual life expectancy is 13–18 years. Living indoors, being neutered and having regular vet check-ups make the biggest difference.

Is the Mekong Bobtail hypoallergenic?

No. It produces the usual cat allergens. If someone at home is allergic, spend time with the breed before deciding and talk to an allergist.

Is the Mekong Bobtail good with children?

Usually yes: it tends to be patient and sociable with children. As with any cat, teach children to let it walk away when it has had enough.

How much play does a Mekong Bobtail need?

As a guide, 30 min of play a day. Its activity score is 4 out of 5: short daily play sessions with a wand toy work better than one long one.