A close-up of a colorpoint Mekong Bobtail cat with bright blue eyes against a red background.
(Photo Credit: bruev | Getty Images)

Mekong Bobtail

At first glance, you may mistake the Mekong Bobtail cat for a Siamese cat. With a gorgeous color-pointed coat, a chatty demeanor, and a friendly personality, the similarities are all there. However, the Mekong Bobtail, like their name implies, has a naturally shortened, kinked, or bobbed tail, making them an even more unique breed. The Mekong cat originated in Southeast Asia and used to be known as the Thai Bobtail, but was further developed in Russia after being gifted to nobility.

What are the characteristics of a Mekong Bobtail?

The Mekong Bobtail cat is a medium to large-sized cat with a sleek frame, and of course, a bobbed tail. Their silky coat is pointed, meaning their bodies are pale compared to darker extremities like the face, feet, or ears. Their coats can even come in tabby, tortoise shell, and other colors. To complete their enchanting appearance, they have beautifully almond-shaped eyes that are usually green or blue.

These bobtail cats love to chat and make their presence known with a rowdy meow. If you ever wanted a nosy — oops, curious — cat, then you should put a Mekong kitten near the top of your list. They’re truly a kitty eagerly interested in anything they can find, which means you might need to keep a closer eye on them than other breeds. They’re also very social, affectionate, and form strong bonds with their people. A playful and intelligent Mekong Bobtail cat would make a fun addition to any household.

When considering a Mekong Bobtail kitten, it’s advisable to prioritize adopting from rescue organizations or shelters to provide a loving home to a cat in need. However, if you decide to purchase, it’s crucial to choose a reputable breeder. Before purchasing the first cat you find after Googling “Mekong Bobtail kittens for sale,” thoroughly research reputable breeders. The Mekong Bobtail cat price is usually between $800 to $1500 depending on the breeder. Do not purchase from breeders offering discounts. Always purchase from reputable breeders who follow ethical practices and prioritize the well-being, health, and temperament of their cats. They also conduct necessary health screenings and provide a nurturing environment for the kitties. This active approach ensures you bring home a healthy and happy kitty while discouraging unethical breeding practices.

Quick Facts

  • Origin: Mekong River region, Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia)
  • Size: Medium (7-12 pounds)
  • Breed Group: Landrace (naturally occurring breed)
  • Lifespan: 15-18 years
  • Coat: Short, smooth, and close-lying, comes in various colors and patterns, including solid, tabby, bi-color, tortoiseshell, and pointed.
  • Temperament: Sociable, friendly, curious, intelligent, playful, enjoys human interaction and playtime.
  • Exercise Needs: Moderate – requires daily playtime and mental stimulation but also adapts to quieter lifestyles.
  • Training: Highly trainable due to their intelligence and desire to please.
  • Grooming: Minimal, weekly brushing to remove loose hair.
  • Health: Generally healthy, but some potential for genetic health conditions.
  • The Mekong Bobtail cat we see today was probably crossed with Siamese cats to create the colorpoint coat and piercing blue eyes.
  • Low shedding makes this cat a good option for those with allergies.
  • While this breed originated in Thailand, they were developed in Russia after being gifted to the nobility.

Mekong Bobtail Pictures

Mekong Bobtail History

The Mekong Bobtail cat breed has deep roots across the Southeast Asia region, and you can happily find these felines prospering in countries including China, Iraq, Laos, and Vietnam. The Mekong Bobtail expanded into Russia during the 19th Century, where the breed was especially beloved by royalty. The breed also started to experience a surge in popularity across the world during the 1980s. The Mekong Bobtail is named after the Mekong River. These days, you can find Mekong Bobtails in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. So make sure to consider adoption if you decide that this is the breed for you!

Mekong Bobtail Size

The Mekong Bobtail is a medium-sized cat. As is always the case, exact size standards might vary.

Most Mekong Bobtails weigh in at eight to ten pounds. That said, many can be smaller or larger than average.

Mekong Bobtail Personality

The Mekong Bobtail is an exceptionally loyal breed of cat, renowned for the way they very quickly form loving and strong bonds with the humans in their lives. Don’t be surprised if you notice that your Mekong Bobtail insists on following you around the house! In fact, if your household is empty for long periods of the day, the breed might start to suffer from loneliness.

This is definitely a feline who prospers in a busy home environment with a lot of action going on. Mekong Bobtails also especially enjoy being around children, which helps, as they have a decent amount of energy and will need regular play sessions. The breed really enjoys climbing, so make sure you add a cat tree to your homestead and, ideally, provide safe furniture that can be successfully scaled by the cat.

Mekong Bobtail Health

Mekong Bobtails are generally considered to be healthy cats, but always make sure to schedule regular wellness visits with your cat’s vet. Some of the more common health problems the Mekong Bobtail might suffer from include:

  • Eye Issues: Eye issues in cats can arise from various causes and may manifest in a range of symptoms. It’s crucial for cat owners to be vigilant about their feline friends’ ocular health and promptly address any concerns.
  • Gastrointestinal Problems: Gastrointestinal issues in cats can range from mild to severe and may be caused by various factors. It’s essential for cat owners to be attentive to changes in their cat’s behavior, appetite, and litter box habits.

Mekong Bobtail Care

As with all cats, it’s important to keep up your Mekong Bobtail’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your cat healthy.

Beyond scheduling yearly wellness visits with your vet, make sure that you pick up a scratching post for your Mekong Bobtail’s living environment. This can help promote healthy scratching and keep the cat’s nails in good condition. The breed’s ears should also be examined regularly for signs of dirt building up or possible infection.

Talk to your vet about starting a regular teeth brushing regimen that will suit your Mekong Bobtail. Your vet can advise you about specific brands and techniques. Finally, because the Mekong Bobtail is a cat with a quite high energy level, it’s recommended that you add a cat tree to your home.

Mekong Bobtail Coat Color And Grooming

The Mekong Bobtail’s coat comes in a wide range of pointed colors, including blue point, chocolate point, and seal point. When it comes to grooming, Mekong Bobtail cats are considered to be a low-maintenance breed.

These short-haired cats will only need brushing once a week; although, it’s advisable to use the grooming sessions as a way to bond with the cat. In terms of climate, most Mekong Bobtail cats are adaptable. You should also always make sure that there’s enough shade and fresh water available during the hotter months.

Children And Other Pets

The Mekong Bobtail is an excellent breed to consider if you have young children. Just make sure that early socialization takes place and boundaries are properly set on both sides. Supervise early interactions between kids and cats.

When it comes to other household pets, the good-natured Mekong Bobtail fares well with many domestic animals. But always supervise early interactions between the new cat and existing pets, as well. Sometimes these relationships are very much dependent on the individual pets’ personalities. Ultimately, early socialization really pays off with this breed. Make sure to reward your Mekong Bobtail for good behavior when you bring them home to your family!

Mekong Bobtail Rescue Groups

It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Mekong Bobtail cats because they are a somewhat uncommon breed outside of Asia. However, you may want to try shelters and rescues that cater to all types of cats, including Mekong Bobtails, as well as your local shelter. Here are some nonprofit rescues you can try:

Statistics
Life Span
15 to 18 years
Length
Medium
Weight
8 to 10 pounds
Country Of Origin
Southeast Asia
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