Mekong Bobtail

The Mekong Bobtail is a rare, medium-sized, short-haired cat breed from Southeast Asia, further developed and standardized in Russia and named after the Mekong River. It is best known for its short, kinked "pom-pom" tail, colorpoint coat, and social, dog-like personality.

Origin and history

• The breed originated from naturally short-tailed cats in Southeast Asia, especially around Thailand and the broader Mekong region.
• These cats were later selectively bred and developed in Russia, where the modern Mekong Bobtail (formerly called the Thai Bobtail) was established and recognized by registries such as the World Cat Federation in the 2000s.

Appearance

• Mekong Bobtails are medium-sized, muscular yet slender cats, typically around 3.5–4.5 kg (about 8–10 lb), with a rectangular body and slightly higher rump than shoulders.
• They have a short, glossy coat with point coloration (pale body with darker face, ears, legs, and tail), striking blue eyes, and a naturally bobbed or kinked tail shorter than a quarter of the body length with at least three tail vertebrae.

Temperament and behavior

• The breed is typically very sociable, affectionate, and people-oriented, often following family members around and forming strong bonds.
• Mekong Bobtails are active, playful, intelligent, and quite vocal; they enjoy interactive games, climbing, and can have an engaging, "dog-like" personality that suits active households rather than those wanting a quiet, reserved cat.

Care, health, and lifespan

• Their short, close-lying coat is low maintenance, usually needing only weekly brushing, and they tend to shed modestly.
• Reported lifespans are generally around 15–18 years, with some sources suggesting even longer potential, and there are no widely documented breed-specific genetic diseases, though regular veterinary care and weight management remain important.

Suitability as a pet

• Mekong Bobtails usually fit well with active families, including homes with respectful children and other pets, as long as they receive plenty of attention, play, and mental stimulation.
• Because they are rare and sometimes considered a specialty breed, they may be harder to find and more expensive than common breeds, and potential owners should seek reputable breeders or rescue organizations familiar with oriental and bobtail-type cats.

Summary Table

Aspect	Mekong Bobtail details
Origin	Originated from naturally short-tailed cats in Southeast Asia (especially Thailand and Mekong region); further developed and standardized in Russia; recognized by World Cat Federation in the 2000s (formerly called Thai Bobtail).
Size and build	Medium-sized, muscular yet slender; typically 3.5–4.5 kg (about 8–10 lb); rectangular body with slightly higher rump than shoulders.
Distinctive features	Short, glossy coat with point coloration (pale body with darker face, ears, legs, and tail); striking blue eyes; naturally bobbed or kinked tail shorter than a quarter of body length with at least three tail vertebrae.
Temperament	Very sociable, affectionate, and people-oriented; active, playful, intelligent, and quite vocal; engaging, "dog-like" personality; forms strong bonds with family members.
Grooming	Low maintenance; short, close-lying coat needs only weekly brushing; tends to shed modestly.
Health	Reported lifespans around 15–18 years (some sources suggest even longer); no widely documented breed-specific genetic diseases; regular veterinary care and weight management important.
Best suited for	Active families; homes with respectful children and other pets; owners who can provide plenty of attention, play, and mental stimulation; those seeking a rare, specialty breed.

The Mekong Bobtail combines a distinctive bobbed tail and striking colorpoint appearance with an exceptionally social, dog-like personality, making it an ideal companion for active families seeking an engaging, affectionate cat that thrives on interaction and mental stimulation.

References

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