10 Bobtail Cat Breeds – Cute Kitties with Special Tails

Bobtail cats are a special group of felines known for their short, “bobbed” tails. These distinctive tails result from genetic mutations that occur naturally in domestic cat populations rather than intentional breeding.

Bobtails come in many colors and coat types and are very friendly and loving. Some may have health issues like back, hip, or heart problems. Popular breeds include the Japanese Bobtail, Manx, Kurilian Bobtail, and the Pixie-bob, among others.

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Cat clubs like TICA, CFA, ACFA, and CAA have recognized these cats in shows and competitions since 1989. Each bobtail cat breed is unique and they all make wonderful pets.

Now, let’s discuss the ten bobtail cat breeds in detail.

1. American Bobtail

• Lifespan: 15-20 years
• Height: 9-10 inches
• Weight: 7-16 pounds

The American Bobtail cat was first bred in the 1960s. It all started when a couple took in a stray cat with a short tail and mated it with their pet female cat.

The kittens born had short tails, just like the stray. From there, people kept breeding cats with this special trait. American Bobtails are known to be very friendly and fun to play with, making them great pets for families.

2. Japanese Bobtail

• Lifespan: 15-18 years
• Height: 8-9 inches
• Weight: 6-10 pounds

The Japanese Bobtail is a special cat that people in Japan have loved for a very long time. Japanese Bobtails can have many different fur colors, but people like the white and calico ones the most.

These cats are very friendly, love to talk, and enjoy playing in the water. They have a unique body shape with shorter front legs, longer back legs, and a tail resembling a bunny’s tail.

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3. Manx

• Lifespan: 8-14 years
• Height: 7-9 inches
• Weight: 8-12 pounds

Manx cats have different tail sizes. Some have no tails, and others have very short ones. A Manx without a tail is called a “rumpy,” and one with a little tail is a “rumpy riser.” No matter their tail, Manx cats are strong and sporty and love to jump and play with their family.

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4. Kurilian Bobtail

• Lifespan: 15-20 years
• Height: 9-12 inches
• Weight: 11-15 pounds

Kurilian Bobtails have lived on islands between Russia and Japan for a long time. Each cat’s short tail is different. They are strong, smart, and friendly cats that like to play.

They are pleasant and friendly, easily forming strong bonds with their human family and other household animals. Kurilian Bobtails are also great at catching mice.

5. Pixie-Bob

• Lifespan: 12-14 years
• Height: 10-12 inches
• Weight: 11-22 pounds

Pixie-bobs look like tiny bobcats, but they are friendly house cats. Their tails can be short or a bit longer. Many have extra toes on their paws. Pixie-bobs act like dogs – they might play fetch or walk on a leash.

They are calm and enjoy spending time with people. They resemble wild bobcats and are known for their polydactyl paws.

6. Mekong Bobtail

• Lifespan: 15-18 years
• Height: 7-9 inches
• Weight: 8-10 pounds

Mekong bobtails are native to Thailand and have been around for a long time. They look like Siamese cats but have short, funny-looking tails that are all a bit different. Even without long tails, they are very good at jumping and climbing.

Mekong bobtails are smart and friendly. They love being with their family and need lots of attention and playtime.

7. Highlander

• Lifespan: 10-15 years
• Height: 10-16 inches
• Weight: 10-20 pounds

Highlanders are a new breed of cat that first appeared in 2004. They were created by mixing two other special cat breeds, and they used to be called highland lynxes.

Even though they look wild, they are usually very sweet and affectionate. Highlanders have short, natural bobtails ranging from 2 to 6 inches long, but some kittens are born with regular-length tails.

8. Karelian Bobtail

• Lifespan: 15-18 years
• Height: 8-12 inches
• Weight: 10-15 pounds

Karelian bobtails come from between Finland and Russia. Both parent cats must have a special gene for kittens to have short tails. Their tails can be bent or twisted in different ways and have fluffy fur, making them look like little pom-poms. Karelian bobtails are usually very friendly, laid-back pets that are easy to get along with.

9. Cymric

• Lifespan: 8-14 years
• Height: 7-9 inches
• Weight: 8-12 pounds

Cymric cats are a lot like Manx cats but with longer fur. Some people think they are a different breed, but not everyone agrees. Most Cymrics don’t have tails, but a few might have short or regular tails.

When Cymrics have babies, some kittens might have short hair like a Manx, and others might have long hair like a Cymric because the parents can have genes for both types of fur.

10. Desert Lynx

• Lifespan: 13-15 years
• Height: 10-16 inches
• Weight: 8-16 pounds

Desert lynxes are cats that were bred to look like wild bobcats. They have a mix of different house cat breeds in their family tree, like Maine coons, Manxes, American bobtails, and pixie bobs.

These cats have strong bodies, short tails, and spotted fur, making them look like small bobcats. But even though they look wild, desert lynxes are usually friendly and love being around people like dogs.

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