Pet Wiki

Mekong Bobtail

Also called Thai Bobtail

Friendly, affectionate and loyal to its people, yet generally quiet.

SizeMedium
Weight3.6 to 4.5 kg (8 to 10 lb)12
Height18 to 23 cm (7 to 9 in)2
Lifespan15 to 18 years2
CoatShort, glossy, close-lying coat with little undercoat; short kinked tail
OriginDeveloped in Russia from bobtailed pointed cats of Southeast Asia, including cats sent from Siam (Thailand) in the late 1800s.12
Recognised breedShort profile
loyal and affectionate
intelligent and trainable
agile, athletic climber
21

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

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

Colourspointed colours only, without whiteseal, blue, chocolate and lilac pointtabby point, tortie point, red and cream point12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

  • 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

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. 1

    Its forebears were regarded as royal Siamese cats and 'guardians of temples'.1

  2. 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. 3

    Only pointed colours are allowed, and white markings are not accepted.1

  4. 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

Name ideas for your new friend

SiamBounceMishkaKatoPipNimSukiTofuRocketYuriLotusJazz

A day in the life told by a Mekong Bobtail

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
FIFe
Not listed on the FIFe breeds page3

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 Mekong Bobtail, and at what times?

Feeding schedules vary by your cat's age and routine. Pet Wiki 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. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests weekly brushing, and general guidance says short-haired cats can be brushed once or twice a week.25 Pet 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. Pet Wiki'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 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does a Mekong Bobtail need?

This active, athletic cat needs daily play sessions to climb, jump, and explore. Pet Wiki recommends daily play to keep it happy and healthy.21 Pet 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 Pet Wiki 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.

You might also like

SiameseThaiJapanese BobtailKurilian Bobtail

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Wikipedia: Mekong Bobtail en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, origin, history, WCF recognition, weight, coat, colours, tail
  2. PetGuide: Mekong Bobtail petguide.comused for weight, height, lifespan, coat, colours, temperament, activity, grooming
  3. FIFe: Breeds fifeweb.orgused for recognition check
  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.