short, glossy, close-lying coat with little undercoat; short kinked tail
A slender, medium-sized cat with a rectangular outline and a rump set slightly higher than the shoulders. The short coat has hardly any undercoat and lies sleek against the body with a natural shine. Eyes are a vivid blue, and the tail is a short, kinked bob of at least three vertebrae, no longer than a quarter of the body length.12
Colourspointed colours only, without whiteseal, blue, chocolate and lilac pointtabby point, tortie point, red and cream point12
Personality what they are like
Friendly, affectionate and loyal to its people, yet generally quiet. It is curious and clever, can learn tricks, and is often compared to a dog for the way it follows and bonds with its family.21
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Active and athletic; enjoys climbing, jumping and regular play despite its short tail.21
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Very easy. The short, single-layer coat needs only an occasional brush.2
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Like every cat, an obligate carnivore that does best on a complete, balanced cat food suited to its age and activity level, with fresh water always available.
Company who they like around
Sociable and people-oriented; usually gets along with children and other pets.2
The story where it all began
Tradition holds that King Chulalongkorn of Siam gave around 200 royal cats to Russia's Tsar Nicholas II, and many of them had kinked tails like today's breed. Russian breeders developed these and other Southeast Asian bobtails into a pointed breed, first known as the Thai Bobtail. A standard was drafted in 1994, and WCF recognised it under the name Mekong Bobtail in 2004.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Its forebears were regarded as royal Siamese cats and 'guardians of temples'.1
2
By standard, the kinked tail must have at least three vertebrae but be no longer than a quarter of the cat's body length.2
3
Only pointed colours are allowed, and white markings are not accepted.1
4
Until 2004 the breed was known as the Thai Bobtail; WCF renamed it Mekong Bobtail when recognising it.1
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed was originally called the Thai Bobtail after its country of origin, but was renamed Mekong Bobtail in 2004 after the Mekong River, which flows through Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries.1
Famous ones stars of the breed
Royal cats gifted to Russian Emperor Nicholas II In the 19th century, King Chulalongkorn of Siam gifted 200 royal cats with kinked tails to Russian Emperor Nicholas II, which are ancestors of the modern Mekong Bobtail.1
I woke up early and followed my human to the kitchen, weaving between their legs. After a quick cuddle, I practiced my trick, paw-shake, and got a happy cheer. Then I climbed my cat tree, leaped to the bookshelf, and watched the birds outside. My human worked at the desk, so I sat on their papers until they laughed and gave me a chin scratch. In the afternoon, I chased a feather toy until I flopped over, exhausted. Dinner time meant more love, then I curled up on the sofa for a quiet evening. Life is simple and sweet.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
WCF
Recognised August 2004, when the name changed from Thai Bobtail to Mekong Bobtail; standard written by Russian felinologist O. S. Mironova in December 19941
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 Mekong Bobtail, and at what times?
Feeding schedules vary by your cat's age and routine. Furry Diary suggests following the food label and your vet's advice for portion sizes and timing. Always provide fresh water.
What should a Mekong Bobtail eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a complete, balanced cat food suited to its age and activity level. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and xylitol as listed by ASPCA.4
Does a Mekong Bobtail need baths?
Mekong Bobtails rarely need baths due to their clean, short coat. Bathe only if very dirty or sticky, as per general cat care guidance.5
How often does a Mekong Bobtail need brushing?
Brush your Mekong Bobtail about once a week to keep its short coat sleek. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests weekly brushing, and general guidance says short-haired cats can be brushed once or twice a week.25Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Mekong Bobtail's claws, and how often?
Trim your Mekong Bobtail's claws gently every two to three weeks, taking care not to cut the quick. Furry Diary's plan suggests every 21 days, and general guidance recommends every ten days to two weeks. If unsure, ask your vet for a demonstration.5Pet Wiki plan
How much play does a Mekong Bobtail need?
This active, athletic cat needs daily play sessions to climb, jump, and explore. Furry Diary recommends daily play to keep it happy and healthy.21Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Mekong Bobtail's teeth and ears?
Brush your Mekong Bobtail's teeth daily if possible, or at least every other day as Furry Diary suggests. For ears, check them weekly and ask your vet for the best cleaning routine. Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Mekong Bobtail live?
A Mekong Bobtail typically lives 15 to 18 years with good care.2
Is a Mekong Bobtail good with children and other pets?
Yes, this sociable and people-oriented cat usually gets along well with children and other pets.2
Can a Mekong Bobtail be left alone?
Mekong Bobtails are very people-oriented and may not enjoy long periods alone. It varies by individual, so ask your breeder or vet for advice on your cat's needs.
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.
Siamese
Thai
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