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
-
Affectionate with Family
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
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!
-
General Health
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.
-
Potential for Playfulness
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!
-
Tendency to Vocalize
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.
-
Kid-Friendly
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.
-
Friendly Toward Strangers
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.
-
Easy to Groom
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!
-
Intelligence
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!
-
Pet Friendly
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.
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:
More Info For You
If you’re also looking for a dog, check out DogTime’s dog breed page!
