Pet Wiki

Korean Bobtail

Rare breedShort profile

From Korea; listed as a natural type arising from a short-tail mutation.1

At a glance the quick version

Sizemedium

Coat and looks how to spot one

short or long coat; naturally shortened tail

A moderately built cat with a naturally short tail. Both short and long coats occur.1

Coloursall colours and patterns1

The story where it all began

Little documented history is available. The Korean Bobtail is listed as a natural Korean cat type whose short tail comes from a spontaneous mutation; no major registry recognises it.1

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Its short tail is a natural mutation rather than a trait created by modern selective breeding.1

  2. 2

    Korea is also home to a naturally short-tailed dog, the Donggyeongi from Gyeongju, protected as a natural monument since 2012.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The Korean Bobtail is named after the Korean Peninsula, where short-tailed cats have been companions for centuries, depicted in Korean art and folklore as symbols of good fortune.3

Name ideas for your new friend

DaeHanaJinMisoNabiSoraTaeBomiHoduGomAriWoori

A day in the life told by a Korean Bobtail

This morning I woke up before the sun, stretched my stubby tail high, and padded to the window. My human was still asleep, so I watched the sparrows for a while, twitching my ears. When they stirred, I meowed my good morning and wound between their legs until they laughed and scratched behind my ears. After breakfast, I chased a dust bunny across the floor, then claimed the warm spot on the rug. In the afternoon, I supervised the mail carrier from the windowsill, tail flicking. When my human came home, I followed them everywhere, even to the bathroom. Tonight, I'll curl up on their lap and purr until we both drift off.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Korean Bobtail. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Salmon Cat Biscuits

A simple, vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses salmon to create a high-protein treat your cat will find irresistible.

You need

  • 170g skinless and boneless salmon (one tin)
  • 1 egg
  • 120g plain flour

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the salmon and mix it with the egg and flour in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Tasty Tuna Crackers

Cats love tuna, and these simple crackers are a crunchy, protein-packed reward.

You need

  • 6 oz. undrained tuna
  • 1 c. cornmeal
  • 1 c. flour
  • 1/3 c. water

How

  1. Mix all ingredients together.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
  3. Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
  4. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat's daily caloric intake. Offer one or two small crackers per day.

Recipe from ASPCA Pet Insurance

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Korean Bobtail, and at what times?

Feeding frequency and times vary by age, activity, and the food you choose. Check the food label for guidance and ask your vet for a schedule that suits your cat's needs.

What should a Korean Bobtail eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A balanced commercial cat food is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol, as these can be harmful to cats. Always check with your vet for a safe diet plan.4

Does a Korean Bobtail need baths?

Baths are rarely needed; only bathe if your cat is very dirty or sticky. Most cats keep themselves clean, so a bath is usually unnecessary.5

How often does a Korean Bobtail need brushing?

Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing once a week. For short-haired cats, once or twice a week is fine; long-haired ones may need brushing every few days to prevent mats.15 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Korean Bobtail's claws, and how often?

Trim claws every three weeks as a starting plan, but general guidance suggests every ten days to two weeks. Start with one or two claws per session, and use a proper cat nail trimmer. Ask your vet for a demonstration if needed.5 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does a Korean Bobtail need?

Daily play is recommended to keep your cat active and happy. Furry Diary's plan includes daily play sessions, so aim for at least 10, 15 minutes of interactive play each day. Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Korean Bobtail's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth every two days as a starting plan, though daily is ideal. For ears, check them weekly and gently clean with a vet-recommended solution if needed. Ask your vet for proper techniques. Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Korean Bobtail live?

Lifespan varies, but with good care many cats live into their teens. Senior years usually start around age 11, so regular vet checkups are important as your cat ages. Pet Wiki plan

Is a Korean Bobtail good with children and other pets?

This can vary by individual cat. Generally, Korean Bobtails are known to be friendly, but always supervise introductions with children and other pets. Ask a good breeder for specific temperament advice.

Can a Korean Bobtail be left alone?

Cats are independent, but they still need daily interaction and play. If left alone for long periods, ensure they have toys and enrichment. For specific advice, ask your vet or a good breeder.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

You might also like

Japanese BobtailKurilian BobtailMekong Bobtail

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. List of cat breeds (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, type, body, coat, colours
  2. Donggyeongi (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for fun fact on Korea's bobtailed dog
  3. nyankodb.com nyankodb.com
  4. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  5. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.