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10 Cat Breeds With Short Tails (With Info & Pictures)

Written by: Christian Adams

Last Updated on September 16, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

A brown, yellow and white color manx cat with no tail

10 Cat Breeds With Short Tails (With Info & Pictures)

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.

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The 10 Short-Tailed Cat Breeds

1. American Bobtail

red american bobtail cat
Image Credit: Ievgeniia Miroshnichenko, Shutterstock
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

Manx calico cat no tail standing outside
Image by: PradaBrown, Shutterstock
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

bi color cymric cat
Image Credit: Cats Coming, Pexels
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

Pixie Bobcat lying in a white background
Image Credit: Nynke van Holten, Shutterstock
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

spotted highlander cat
Image Credit: Patrick Hatt, Shutterstock
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

White Mekong Bobtail Cat walking on a black background
Image Credit: Seregraff, Shutterstock
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

Japanese Bobtail Domestic Cat against Black Background
Image Credit: slowmotiongli, Shutterstock
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

Kurilian Bobtail Cat
Image Credit: Oleksandr Volchanskyi, Shutterstock
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

American Lynx Cat in a forest
Image Credit: MICHAEL MCGARRY, Pexels

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

Caracal Wild Cat with ear tuft face close up
Image Credit: kristinguyer, Pixabay

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.

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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

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