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

Most cats have fluffy, luscious tails that they lift in the air and wave back and forth to show their excitement or pleasure. Not all breeds have long tails, however. Fortunately, the tiny happy wobble from the nub tail of a bobtail cat is equally adorable!

The 10 Bobtail Cat Breeds

1. Manx

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

The Manx breed is known primarily for their bobbed tail or having no tail at all, short and 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.

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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.

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3. Highlander

The Highlander is a cross between a jungle curl and a desert lynx. They are a fairly new breed, with exotic markings that make them appear wild. This is a large cat weighing between 10 and 14 pounds for a female and 15 and 20 pounds for a male, and they have 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.

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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 a 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 6 to 9 pounds. The forelegs are shorter than the hind legs, and they have a long, lean torso. They also 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.

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5. Pixie-Bob

The Pixie-Bob is a wild-looking but friendly cat that loves their family. Acting like your shadow, this cat loves to be close to you and will follow you around the house. The Pixie-Bob is active and intelligent and will socialize with strangers and other animals. This breed 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 1-year growth span of most domestic cats, the Pixie-Bobs continue to grow for 4 years.

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6. Cymric

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

The Cymric breed has four tail types: the “rumpy,” a show-quality, tailless cat; the “rumpy-riser,” with a short, knobby tail; the “stumpie,” with a short stump of a tail; and the “longie,” which is a fully or almost fully tailed cat. Until the kittens are born, the breeder has no idea what type of tail they will have.

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7. Kurilian Bobtail

The Kurilian Bobtail, also known as the 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 an instinctual hunter and fisher. 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 their favorite, leaving the others in the dust.

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8. Mekong Bobtail

Mekong Bobtails were among 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 that we have today.

In August 2004, the “Thai Bobtail” had their name changed to the “Mekong Bobtail” and was recognized by the World Cat Federation (WCF). They have a short, shiny coat 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.

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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 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 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.

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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. They are 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. They are playful and social and want to be part of the family. This breed is very loving and would make a loyal pet.

Conclusion

Whether they have intense blue eyes, pointed coloring, or individual personalities, there’s a breed of bobbed tail cat for everyone—even more than what’s on this list! Overall, short-tailed breeds are loving and affectionate. Some are vocal and others are quiet and shy. There are differences and similarities among all these felines, but their “bobbed tail” is what sets them apart from other breeds.

• See also: Where Are Cats Seen in Japanese Culture?

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Featured Image Credit: Ievgeniia Miroshnichenko, Shutterstock