At a glance the quick version
About 8-10 lb (3.6-4.5 kg); sources give no split by sex.
Coat and looks how to spot one
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
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
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
- FIFe
- Not listed on the FIFe breeds page3
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Mekong Bobtail. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery week
- Nail trimevery 3 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- Litter scoopevery day
- Litter changeevery week
- PlayDaily playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year
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.25 Furry Diary 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.5 Furry Diary 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.21 Furry Diary 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. Furry Diary 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 Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia: Mekong Bobtail en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, origin, history, WCF recognition, weight, coat, colours, tail
- PetGuide: Mekong Bobtail petguide.comused for weight, height, lifespan, coat, colours, temperament, activity, grooming
- FIFe: Breeds fifeweb.orgused for recognition check
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.