10 Bobtail Cat Breeds: Unique & Adorable (With Pictures)

Most cats have long, luscious tails that they lift in the air and wag back and forth to show excitement or pleasure. Those tails are beautiful with all their length and fluffiness. You must admit though, the back and forth of a bobbed tail is adorable. Cats and dogs alike, wag their short stumpy tails as though they are a long, luscious body part being held high to welcome you home. When in fact, they are little nubs that try desperately to be noticed and say “hello.” Fortunately, you can’t miss them with all their cuteness.

The 10 Bobtail Cat Breeds Are:

1. Manx

The Manx cat originated in the 19th century from the Isle of Man, a small island, off the coast of the UK. The breed is also referred to as “rumpy” or “stubbin” cats.

The Manx breed is known primarily for its bobbed tail or no tail at all, and short, stout body and a variety of colors and patterns. They are loved by cat enthusiasts for their playful, curious, and energetic nature. The cat can learn to play fetch, is sociable, loves humans, and exhibits dog-like behavior.

2. American Bobtail

This breed is one of the largest breeds in the world, weighing in at approximately 13 pounds with lynx-like ears and almond-shaped eyes. The eye colors vary, along with the color, type, and length of the coat. With toe tufts and hind legs that are larger than the fore legs, the American Bobtail may appear to be wild but is, in fact, a cuddly, family pet. They also make a great companion for travelers because they are active and have a highly adaptable nature.

3. Highlander

The Highlander is a cross between a jungle curl and desert lynx. It is a fairly new breed with exotic markings that make them appear wild. This is a large cat weighing between 10–14 pounds for a female and 15–20 pounds for a male, and a coat of varying colors. While they have no history of health problems, some have polydactyl paws. These paws have been known to cause hip and knee problems in older cats.

They have a fearless personality which allows them to be quite friendly and outgoing. The highlander is considered a playful and active creature that makes a wonderful pet.

4. Japanese Bobtail

Native to Japan, the Japanese Bobtail has been used for centuries in art and folklore. All colors are accepted by breed standards, while white calicoes are the preferred color in folklore. They are referred to as the lucky breed and ownership of one of these felines promises happiness and prosperity.

The bobtail is a curious and energetic cat that loves the water. They are affectionate and loyal to their owners and are known to use chirpy noises to communicate with people.

This is a medium-sized cat, weighing six to nine pounds. The forelegs are shorter than the hind legs and a long, lean torso. They have oval eyes with silky soft short or long hair. The tail closely resembles a rabbit tail and can have one or more curved joints.

5. Pixie-Bob

The Pixie-Bob is wild looking but friendly cat that loves its family. Acting like your shadow, this cat loves to be close to you and will follow you around the house. The Pixie-Bob are active and intelligent and will socialize with strangers and other animals. This is a breed that is known for chattering, growling and chirping rather than meowing, and their intelligence makes them the perfect cat to learn to walk on a leash or play fetch.

Unlike the one-year growth span of most domestic cats, the Pixie-Bobs continue to grow for four years.

6. Cymric

The Cymric cat is considered by some cat registries to be the long-haired Manx rather than its own breed. The only difference between the two, is the length of the fur. Until the 1960’s, Long-haired Manx kittens were considered mutants and were discarded on the Isle of Man.

The Cymric breed produces four tail types. The “rumpy,” a show quality, tailless cat, the “rumpy-risers,” a short, knobby tail, the “stumpies,” a short stump of a tail, and the “longies,” which are fully or almost fully tailed cats. Until the kittens are born, the breeder has no idea what type of tail they will get.

7. Kurilian Bobtail

The Kurilian Bobtail, aka Kuril Bobtail, Kuril Islands Bobtail, and Curilsk Bobtail, has been around for over 200 years. The breed has muscular back legs that are longer than the front and they are instinctual hunters and fishers. These felines are very adaptable and make excellent pets. They love the outdoors and enjoy exercise, water, and swimming.

If you have family members that tend to be jealous, this cat may not be for you. They are friendly and affectionate but may choose one family member to be its favorite, leaving the others in the dust.

8. Mekong Bobtail

Mekong Bobtails were one of the royal cats given by Chulalongkorn, King of Siam, to Russian Emperor Nicholas II. Most of the 200 cats that were gifted to the emperor had kinked tails similar to the Mekong Bobtail we have today.

In August 2004, the “Thai Bobtail” had its name changed to what is now known as the “Mekong Bobtail” and was recognized by the World Cat Federation (WCF). They have short, shiny, coats of any pointed color without white markings, and large, blue, eyes. This is a beautiful breed that is friendly and affectionate and would be a fantastic addition to your home.

9. Toybob

Originating in Russia in 1983, the Toybob was the result of a woman named Elena Krasnichenko breeding two adopted cats. One was a Siamese looking stray and the other was a seal-point female with a bobtail. The small, male bobtail kitten was named Kutciy.  The World Cat Federation( WCF) judge referred to the mature cat as a Toybob because he was mistaken for a kitten. For decades, breeders developed the breed and introduced new colors and patterns. In 2019, the Toybob was accepted into The Cat Fanciers’ Association’s (CFA) miscellaneous class.

This cat breed has a happy, quiet nature. They are inquisitive and playful but lack the energy level of other breeds. They are an excellent pet for senior citizens and families with children.

10. Owyhee Bob

The Owyhee Bob (also known as the Mountain Bob) is a breed that is highly intelligent and wants to be part of the family. They are recognized by the Rare and Exotic Feline Registry as a cross between the Siamese and the Manx. It is a muscular cat with medium to large ears with feathering on the tips. Like the Siamese cat, the breed has wide-set, large blue eyes. It is a playful and social cat that wants to be part of the family. This breed is very loving and would make a loyal pet.

Conclusion

With intense blue eyes, pointed coloring, and individual personalities, there’s a breed of bobbed tail cats for everyone. Overall, the short-tailed breeds are loving and affectionate. Some are more vocal than others, and some are quiet and shy. There are differences and similarities among the short-tailed felines, but the “bobbed tail” is what sets them apart from other breeds.

Featured Image Credit: Ievgeniia Miroshnichenko, Shutterstock