Mekong Bobtail

Breed Characteristics:

Affectionate with Family

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Some cat breeds are typically independent and aloof, even if they've been raised by the same person since kittenhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn't the only factor that goes into affection levels; cats who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.See Cats Less Affectionate with Family

Amount of Shedding

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If you're going to share your home with a cat, you'll need to deal with some level of cat hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary among the breeds. If you're a neatnik, you'll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. This furniture cover can make it easier to clean up cat hair and keep it off your sofa!

• See Cats with Low Amount of Shedding

General Health

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Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems. This doesn't mean that every cat of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they're at an increased risk. If you're looking only for purebred cats or kittens, it's a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you're interested in.See Cats Prone to Health Problems

Potential for Playfulness

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Some cats are perpetual kittens—full of energy and mischief—while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful kitten sounds endearing, consider how many games of chase the mouse-toy you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other animals who can stand in as playmates. A classic wand cat toy like this one is perfect for playful felines!

• See Cats with Low Potential for Playfulness

Tendency to Vocalize

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Some breeds sound off more often than others with meows, yowls, and chattering. When choosing a breed, think about how the cat vocalizes and how often. If constant "conversation" drives you crazy, consider a kitty less likely to chat.See Cats with Lower Tendency to Vocalize

Kid-Friendly

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Being tolerant of children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a nonchalant attitude toward running, screaming youngsters are all traits that make a kid-friendly cat. Our ratings are generalizations, and they're not a guarantee of how any breed or individual cat will behave; cats from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences and personality.See Least Kid Friendly Cats

Friendly Toward Strangers

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Stranger-friendly cats will greet guests with a curious glance or a playful approach; others are shy or indifferent, perhaps even hiding under furniture or skedaddling to another room. However, no matter what the breed, a cat who was exposed to lots of different types, ages, sizes, and shapes of people as a kitten will respond better to strangers as an adult.

• See Cats Shy Toward Strangers

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Easy to Groom

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Some breeds require very little in the way of grooming; others require regular brushing to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a cat who needs daily brushing. You should definitely pick up this awesome de-shedding tool for cats of any hair length!

• See Cats That Need to Groom

Intelligence

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Some cat breeds are reputed to be smarter than others. But all cats, if deprived the mental stimulation they need, will make their own busy work. Interactive cat toys are a good way to give a cat a brain workout and keep them out of mischief. This scratcher cat toy can keep your smart kitty busy even when you're not home!

• See Cats with Less Intelligence

Pet Friendly

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Friendliness toward other household animals and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some cats are more likely than others to be accepting of other pets in the home.

• See Least Pet Friendly Cats

More About This Breed

• 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!

• 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.

• 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.

• 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
  • Gastrointestinal problems

• 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.

• 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!

• 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:

  • Hope for Paws
  • Best Friends Animal Society

  You can also try CatTime's adoption page that lets you search for adoptable cats by breed and zip code!