Are you considering buying or adopting a bobtail cat? Long on love but short on tails, domestic bobtail cats have become increasingly popular in the United States. In fact, the Cat Fanciers’ Association, Inc. (CFA), The International Cat Association (TICA), and The American Cat Fanciers’ Association (ACFA) are three cat registries that recognize numerous short-tailed felines.
If you’re in the market for a short-tailed cat, here are the top 10 cat breeds with short tails.
The 10 Short-Tailed Cat Breeds
1. American Bobtail
| Lifespan: | 15–20 years |
| Suitable for: | Families with children, seniors, multi-pet households, adventurous owners, first-time cat owners |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, active, affectionate, bold |
Originating in the early 1960s, this American breed is one of the largest in the world, tipping the scale at up to 13 pounds! Despite his wildcat looks, the American Bobtail is a big baby and loves to cuddle on the couch or lay in your lap. Their distinct look is topped off with lynx-like ears, toe tufts, and crazy mutton-chop cheeks.
2. Manx Cat
| Lifespan: | 10–14 years |
| Suitable for: | Seniors, apartment residents, families |
| Temperament: | Active, affectionate, social, even-tempered, adaptable |
This unique breed of cat comes from the Isle of Man situated between Ireland and Great Britain. Their shortened tail is actually due to a naturally occurring mutation. Some Manx cats can have no tail at all. A ship’s cat breed, Manx cats are known for their superb ratting skills. They come in a myriad of colors and coat patterns, including brown, black, and tri-colored.
3. Cymric Cat
| Lifespan: | 8–14 years |
| Suitable for: | Active families, families with other pets and kids |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, calm, affectionate, loyal |
While some folks consider the Cymric just a long-haired version of the Manx, this stubbed-tail feline has a dynamic history. Their name comes from the Welsh word “Cymru,” and though their bloodline has been traced back to the Isle of Man, Canada has long claimed that they developed this unique cat.
4. Pixie Bobcat
| Lifespan: | 11–15 years |
| Suitable for: | All cat-loving families |
| Temperament: | Laidback, gentle, calm, intelligent |
A fairly new breed, the Pixie Bobcat can be traced to the mid-1980s in a small town called Mount Baker, Washington. Greatly resembling the American Bobcat, this cutie is known for their bushy brows and deeply set, heavily hooded eyes. They are recognized by the TICA and the ACFA and are sweet and affectionate with almost every other person and pet.
5. Highlander Cat
| Lifespan: | 7–15 years |
| Suitable for: | Active families, multi-pet households, apartment living |
| Temperament: | Curious, high energy, quiet, playful, affectionate |
If you’re on the hunt for a truly wild-looking cat, the Highlander Cat may be purr-fect for you! This experimental breed is the result of a deliberate cross between the Desert Lynx and the Jungle Curl both is also recently developed. Growing to be between 10 and 20 pounds, these felines are playful, confident, and easygoing. Don’t let their big cat look scare you off! This breed is extremely people-oriented.
6. Mekong Bobtail Cat
| Lifespan: | 15–18 years |
| Suitable for: | A great companion cat for active families looking for a playful cat breed |
| Temperament: | Sociable, friendly and curious, the Mekong Bobtail is energetic and entertaining |
Originally from Thailand, this beauty was named after the Mekong River. Developed as a Russian breed and recognized by the World Cat Federation in 2004, the Mekong Bobtail cat was considered a royal feline by 19th-century emperors in Russia. They have gorgeous blue-hued coats with distinct point colors on their paws, faces, and ear tips. Additionally, they can have icy blue eyes.
7. Japanese Bobtail Cat
| Lifespan: | 9–15 years |
| Suitable for: | Growing families, apartment living |
| Temperament: | Highly intelligent, active, affectionate |
This adorable little furball’s tail more closely resembles that of a rabbit’s instead of a short-tailed cat. Native to Southeast Asia and Japan, the Japanese Bobtail cat has been around for more than 1,000 years. Appearing in traditional Japanese art and folklore, this cat is considered a good-luck charm if they have one paw raised.
8. Kurilian Bobtail Cat
| Lifespan: | 15 – 20 years |
| Suitable for: | People who want a “wild-looking” cat that loves their family, those who want an outgoing and independent cat |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, loving, independent, trainable, playful, gentle |
A big, fluffy cat, the Kurilian Bobtail cat originated in the Kuril Islands off the eastern coast of Russia. Recognized by The International Cat Association as an “Advanced New Breed,” the Kurilian Bobtail has a kinked, short pom-pom tail due to a natural mutation. They can grow to be as big as 10 pounds and are excellent jumpers.
9. American Lynx Cat
Originating in the United States, these cats are one of the newest breeds to hit the bobtailed cat market. They can weigh anywhere from 6 to 9 pounds and look like the American Bobcat, with scruffy paws and exotic markings. They are recognized by the Rare and Exotic Feline Registry.
10. Desert Lynx Cat
Also know as a Caracal, the Desert Lynx is another newly developed American cat breed. Their most distinctive feature is their large, tapering ears that boast 5 centimeters of tuft and black fur.
Final Thoughts
While some folks think that these aforementioned cat breeds have purposefully docked tails, all of these short-tailed cat’s stubby tails come from some sort of genetic mutation. What they lack in tail length these kitties more than make up for in love and loyalty.
If you’re seeking a unique cat breed, consider getting one of these stubby-tailed felines!
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Featured Image Credit: PradaBrown, Shutterstock
The 10 Short-Tailed Cat Breeds
2 Responses
I have been trying to identify my black cat. She is medium size, rangy with medium long, rather thin black fur. She has a 'half tail. I'm pretty sure it is natural, there is a soft 'bob' at the end. She carries it straight up always, I don't think she can put it down. When I run my hand over her back, the tail will go down with my hand, but it goes right back up when released. She was feral and has been my housecat for the last 7 years. Thank you for the cat article, it was very interesting.
Hi Patricia McClain, thanks for your comment, we are happy to hear you found our post interesting. It is hard to identify a cat just from a description and sometimes even a picture. Especially because many cats have a lot of mixes. But you can try a DNA test: https://www.catster.com/lifestyle/best-cat-dna-tests/ We hope this helps.