1. American Bobtail This breed, originating in the U.S., was developed by John and Brenda Sanders. The story goes they found a short-tailed kitten named Yodie on an Indian Reservation in Arizona and bred him with their female cat. The result? A medium-sized cat with a semi-long coat, a broad chest and a friendly personality. […]

5 Bobtail Cat Breeds With Endearingly Stubby Tails


1. American Bobtail

This breed, originating in the U.S., was developed by John and Brenda Sanders. The story goes they found a short-tailed kitten named Yodie on an Indian Reservation in Arizona and bred him with their female cat.

The result? A medium-sized cat with a semi-long coat, a broad chest and a friendly personality. The American Bobtail cat is known for forming strong bonds with humans and even enjoys walking on a leash.

2. Japanese Bobtail

Japanese Bobtail
Japanese Bobtail.

Jaroslaw Kurek / Shutterstock

These elegant cats are a symbol of good fortune in Japan. Their tails resemble pom-poms and they’re known for their vocal, energetic personalities. They’re an ancient breed and not just decorative; they’re fantastic mousers.

3. Pixie Bob

cat
Pixie bob.

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Rumored (but unconfirmed) to be descended from bobcats, this breed has a wild appearance and a short tail. Like American Bobtails, they are selectively bred for temperament and looks.

4. Mekong Bobtail

Here’s a regal breed hailing from Southeast Asia, known for its blue eyes, short tail and slim build. It’s one of the lesser-known but nonetheless stunning bobtail breeds.

5. Jungle Curl

With curled ears and a bobbed tail, this hybrid breed combines traits from domestic cats and wild species like the African Jungle Cat.

Honorable Mention: Manx Cats

While not always included among bobtail breeds due to their complete lack thereof a tail, Manx cats are worth mentioning for their stubby-tailed appearance. Their genetics can sometimes lead to spinal issues like spina bifida.