The Mekong bobtail is a recently developed breed that traces its origins to the ancient temple cats of Thailand. Originally bred by Buddhist monks, these cats lived in temples and were fed by pilgrims and monks. Over time, they developed a natural shortened tail due to a genetic mutation. In the 1980s, breeders began crossing these temple cats with existing bobtail breeds to create the Mekong bobtail. This breed combines the exotic beauty of the Siamese with the charm of the bobtailed cat.
Introduction The Mekong Bobtail Cat Breeds
Mekong bobtails are medium-sized shorthaired cats weighing 6-10 lbs. They have a wedge-shaped head with large ears and slanted blue eyes. Their coat is short, soft and silky, coming in colors like seal, blue, lilac, and fawn. The most distinctive feature is the stubby tail about 1/3 the length of a normal cat tail. Despite the shortened tail, Mekong bobtails have excellent balance and agility.
Affectionate with Family: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Friendly Toward Strangers: ⭐⭐⭐
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Intelligence: ⭐⭐⭐
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The Mekong bobtail has an energetic and friendly personality. They form deep bonds with their human families and enjoy playing games, learning tricks and cuddling. Despite their high energy, they are usually gentle and patient with children. Thrive on human interaction and do not like being left alone for long periods. They get along well with other pets when properly introduced. With moderate vocalization, these cats will “talk” to their owners using soft chirps and meows. While intelligent, they can be stubborn during training. Overall, the Mekong bobtail makes an affectionate and entertaining family pet.
- Appearance: Medium-sized muscular build, wedge-shaped head, large upright ears, slanted blue eyes, short soft coat in seal, blue, lilac or fawn, shortened tail about 1/3 normal length
- Characteristics: Energetic, playful, intelligent, people-oriented, moderately vocal, kid and pet-friendly
- Popularity: Rare, more popular in Europe than North America
- Temperament: Affectionate, loyal, smart, moderately active, enjoys playing and cuddling
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Coat color: Seal, blue, lilac, fawn
- Mixed breed: The Mekong bobtail was created by crossing temple cats native to Thailand with existing Western bobtail breeds like the Japanese Bobtail and Kurilian Bobtail. It is considered a newly developed breed.
How to Take Care of a Mekong Bobtail Cat breeds
Proper nutrition, shelter, grooming, and health care are essential to keeping a Mekong bobtail cat happy and healthy. Here are some key care guidelines:
Food:
- High-quality canned or dry cat food with plenty of animal-based protein, like chicken, fish, or turkey. This provides essential amino acids for their active lifestyle.
- Wet food with added moisture, which is important for hydration. Cats have a low thirst drive and can be prone to urinary issues.
- Occasional treats of cooked meat, fish, or eggs which they will love. Avoid giving milk, due to lactose intolerance.
Environment:
Safe outdoor access or a stimulating indoor environment with cat towers, scratching posts, and interactive toys. This breed is energetic and needs activity.
- A clean litter box, scooped daily. Mekong bobtails are typically fastidious about proper litter box habits.
- A comfortable place to sleep and hide like a cat condo, bed, or cardboard box. Be sure to give them their own space.
Grooming:
- Weekly brushing to remove loose hair and distribute skin oils. Their short coat has minimal shedding.
- Trimming nails every 2-3 weeks to prevent overgrowth and injury. Introduce this early to get them comfortable.
- Checking ears and teeth weekly for signs of infection. Clean ears gently with a cotton ball if dirty. Brush teeth occasionally with a pet-safe toothpaste to prevent tartar buildup.
Take care method: Engage them with interactive play daily, like chasing toys or playing fetch. Puzzle feeders and treat balls provide mental stimulation. Clicker training is a great way to teach tricks and bond.
Getting a Mekong Bobtail Cat
While still quite rare, Mekong bobtails are gaining popularity as pets. Here’s some info on finding one to bring home:
- Locations of popularity: Europe, North America, Japan
- Average price: $400 – $600 USD
- Adoption/rescue: Mekong Bobtail Rescue (USA), Bobtailed Cat Rescue (UK), Bobtail Cat Adoptions (Canada)
What to check before getting a Mekong bobtail:
- General health: Alert, clear eyes, healthy skin/coat, proper weight, good teeth
- Vaccine status: FVRCP, FeLV, rabies, preventative deworming
- Medical history: Ask about any past or ongoing conditions
Preparing for a Mekong Bobtail Cat
Bringing home a Mekong bobtail kitten or cat is an exciting time! Here are a few tips to prepare:
- Give them time to adjust to their new home before introducing to other pets
- Cat-proof your home by removing harmful plants, securing chemicals, covering cords
- Stock up on supplies like food, litter, scratching posts, treats, grooming tools
- Find a trusted vet and schedule a wellness exam within the first week
- Plan to spend lots of playtime together using interactive toys
- Be patient with training and expect some stubbornness at first
- Shower them with love and be ready for years of devoted companionship!
- Some essentials for Mekong bobtail cat care include:
- Premium cat food, auto-feeder and water fountain
- Litter box and scoop, cleaned daily
- Cat scratching posts and toys
- Grooming tools like nail clippers, brush, toothbrush
- Cat carrier for safe travel
Common health issues to watch for include:
- Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM): Genetic heart disease, screen annually
- Dental disease: Brush teeth and get regular vet cleanings
- Urinary crystals: Encourage hydration, wet food diet
- Diabetes: Related to obesity, feed a healthy diet
Core vaccines for Mekong bobtails:
- Kitten series (FVRCP)
- Rabies
- Feline leukemia (FeLV)
- Annual boosters
Choosing a Name
Picking the perfect name for your Mekong bobtail can take some thought. Consider their personality and appearance when selecting a name. Some popular options include:
- Thai inspired names like Rama, Siam, Songkhla, Phuket
- Mythological names like Loki, Athena, Apollo
- Food inspired names like Mango, Papaya, Boba
- Nature names like River, Forest, Willow
- Traditional cat names like Felix, Luna, Oscar
- Human names like Charlie, Lucy, Oliver
Do Mekong Bobtail cats like going out rather than staying home?
Mekong bobtails usually prefer to stay indoors where they feel safe and comfortable. They thrive on human companionship.
Is a Mekong Bobtail cat a smart cat?
Yes, considered an intelligent breed. They can learn tricks, play games, and communicate well with their owners.
How many types of Mekong Bobtail cats are there?
There is only one recognized breed. Coat colors include seal, blue, lilac, and fawn points.
How to stop Mekong Bobtail cat biting?
Redirect biting onto appropriate toys, say “no” firmly, and ignore them if they continue to deter the behavior. Praise when they stop and play gently.
How to stop Mekong Bobtail cat scratching?
Provide appropriate scratching posts. Discourage scratching furniture by covering with double-sided tape or aluminum foil. Trim nails regularly.
How to socialize and raise a friendly Mekong Bobtail cat?
Socialize them young through positive interactions with people, pets and environments. Use reward-based training and never punish fearful behavior.
How to train your Mekong Bobtail cat?
Use rewards like treats and praise. Clicker training is highly effective. Start with basic commands and be patient when training.
How long should we check Mekong Bobtail cat’s health with the vet?
Schedule annual wellness exams with your vet. Senior cats over 7 years old should be seen twice yearly.
Are Mekong Bobtail cats good family pets?
Yes, when socialized properly make very good family pets. They are affectionate and playful with children and other pets.
Are Mekong Bobtail cats good with children?
Their friendly temperament makes them ideal for families with children. Always supervise young kids and teach them safe handling.
Are Mekong Bobtail cats good with other animals?
They generally coexist well with other pets when properly introduced. Precautions should be taken with small pets like hamsters.
Can Mekong Bobtail cats cause allergies?
While not hypoallergenic, their low-shedding coat produces less dander so may be better tolerated by allergy sufferers.
Are Mekong Bobtail cats ferocious?
No, have a sweet, friendly temperament. They may play-bite but should not show aggression when properly handled.
Do Mekong Bobtail cats have much hair loss problems?
No, their short coats typically do not cause issues with excessive shedding or hair loss. Minimal grooming is required.
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