A mysterious Asian, the Mekong Bobtail is a true aristocrat of the cat world. Legends of ancient Siam depict these cats adorned with the jewels of Thai princesses. Unlike the princesses, though, Mekong kittens wore their jewelry only on their short tails.
And those aren’t the only legends that have come down to us through the centuries.
History of the Breed
Another tale says that in the ancient temples of Southeast Asia, the Mekong Bobtail was the guardian of precious vases. The cat would wrap its tail around the vase and keep a close watch so no one could take it. That demanding mission supposedly left the cat with a kinked tail and slightly slanted eyes.
Myths are best told as bedtime stories, though, so let’s stick to the facts. For a long time, the Thai people protected the breed by banning these beautiful animals from leaving the country. A Mekong Bobtail could only be given as a gift to highly respected foreigners. In 1867, Anna Leonowens, governess to the children of the King of Siam, returned to England with a pair of kittens, and some time later the British consul-general Owen Gould received two temple cats as a gift.
The modern history of the breed starts in 2003, when the cat fancy recognized that the Mekong cats’ traits differed from the Thai breed. A year later, these cats received their official name, “Mekong Bobtail,” and their own breed standard.
Also learn about a similar breed, the Thai cat.
Mekong Bobtail Breed Description
These graceful Asian beauties practically radiate wisdom and calm. Their stunning looks deserve to be described in verse, but since we can’t rhyme the breed’s features, here’s the Mekong Bobtail’s appearance in the official language of the cat fancy.
- The breed has a moderately wedge-shaped head that’s flat on top. These beauties boast a Roman nose without a bump. The transition from the forehead to the nose lies below eye level. The nose leather is level with the lower jaw. The profile has a gentle transition, with the curve at eye level.
- The medium-sized ears are rounded at the tips and set high. The distance between the ears is less than the width of an ear. The outer edge of the ear is tilted slightly back.
- The slightly slanted eyes are always bright blue. The upper eyelid is almond-shaped and the lower one is rounded.
- These cats are usually medium-sized. The body is rectangular but traditionally slender, with the back rising slightly toward the hindquarters.
- The legs are of medium height and the paws are oval. Breeders note a trait unique to the Mekong: the claws on the hind feet don’t fully retract, so these elegant cats “click” a little as they walk.
- The Mekong Bobtail’s tail deserves special attention. Don’t believe anyone who calls this cat tailless! Those slanderers simply don’t know that a completely tailless Mekong kitten has never been recorded. Bobtails got their name because each one has a short tail with unique kinks and bends. Look at photos of these cats and you’ll notice that no two Mekong tails are alike. Each tail is a unique combination of hooks and knots, with at least 3 vertebrae, but no longer than a quarter of the body length. And a true Mekong Bobtail can even wag its, let’s say, “tail”!
- These are light cats, weighing about 5.5–9 lb on average.
- Have you noticed how often we use the words “legend” and “unique” when describing this breed? Yes, Mekongs are no ordinary cats. Another legend (surely not the last) says the breed’s ancestors often fought venomous snakes in ancient Siam. Thanks to these sparring matches, the Mekong Bobtail developed an unusual build: its skin fits loosely over the muscles. In the old days, this supposedly kept snake venom from getting in, and today it lets you cuddle your pet every which way without hurting it! By the way, the Mekong Bobtail’s coat is smooth, glossy and short. Mekongs have no undercoat at all.
- This shorthaired cat belongs to the colorpoint group. All point colors are officially accepted except white. The legs, tail and face are, of course, dark.
IMPORTANT! A thick undercoat, prominent cheekbones, a noticeable stop and round eyes are serious faults that disqualify a cat from the proud title of Mekong Bobtail.
Also read about the Siamese cat.
Personality
Looking at the Mekong Bobtail, we can’t decide what to call this lovely creature: a cat-dog or a dog-cat. Owners’ reviews confirm the breed’s dual nature. They walk on a leash without trouble and will play fetch with you. They might even bring you your slippers, if their feline pride allowed it.
They say that despite the non-retracting claws on their hind feet, Mekongs don’t scratch. They do bite, however, if they feel someone has crossed the line.
The Mekong Bobtail is naturally curious and devoted to its owner. Unlike other cats (yes, unique traits again!), Mekongs look people in the eye and are never the first to look away.
Interestingly, owners say that when several Mekong Bobtails live together, the female is always the leader, while the male gets the honorable job of looking after the kittens. And the leader sometimes gives him a good smack for not paying enough attention to them!
Health
No genetic diseases have been noted in this breed. On the contrary, everyone agrees the Mekong is a very healthy breed. To be fair, though, the breed is prone to gingivitis (an early form of periodontal disease). How can you spot it early? Watch for these symptoms:
- bad breath;
- excessive drooling;
- inflamed gums;
- bleeding gums;
- poor appetite.
Only a vet should diagnose and treat it.
You can, however, help prevent gingivitis. Add dental diets designed to reduce plaque to your cat’s menu and brush its teeth regularly (more on that below). The Mekong Bobtail is said to live 20–25 years.
Care and Living Conditions
As we mentioned, Mekongs need their teeth brushed regularly. You’ll need cotton swabs, a special toothbrush and cat (!) toothpaste. IMPORTANT! Toothpaste made for people can poison your cat! A little patience, a bit of nerve, and your pet will get used to the routine.
Don’t forget to brush your pet once a week, clean its ears regularly and trim its nails.
Feeding
This breed is so wonderful (notice we managed not to say “unique”?) that owners don’t have to agonize over what to feed a Mekong. These guys eat ordinary cat food, nothing fancy. Whether you choose commercial cat food or a homemade diet, your Mekong will thank you. If you go homemade, remember that milk and fatty meat aren’t good for cats, and fish shouldn’t be a staple.
Photos
Where to Buy a Mekong Bobtail Kitten
The Mekong Bobtail is still a rare breed worldwide. A kitten’s price depends on its quality, the richness of its color and its sex. Females usually cost more than males.
In the US, a Mekong Bobtail kitten typically costs about $800–1,500. Importing a kitten from a European breeder adds the cost of shipping or a flight nanny.
Catteries
The Mekong Bobtail is recognized by the World Cat Federation (WCF), but not by the CFA or TICA, so US breeders are very few, and many American owners import their kittens from Europe. Here’s how to find one:
- Search the World Cat Federation (WCF) member clubs and catteries for Mekong Bobtail breeders;
- If you import, ask for WCF pedigree papers, a vet health certificate, a rabies vaccination record and a video call with the kitten before you pay;
- Be cautious with US listings that have no papers: many “Mekong” kittens online are simply pointed cats with kinked tails.
The Mekong Bobtail: a princess of the cat world!
