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Mekong Bobtail vs Siamese
A very rare short-tailed pointed cat against the famous, easy-to-find Siamese; the Siamese is far more vocal and needs company more.
Verdict
Both are pointed, blue-eyed, short-coated cats of medium size, so the choice rests on voice, availability and documentation. The Siamese talks constantly, scores 1 for independence and has the longer record, with a watch-list your vet can explain. The Mekong Bobtail is a little quieter, but it is very rare, has a short kinked tail, and little independent information exists about its health or behaviour. Choose the Siamese for a proven, widely bred talker. Choose the Mekong Bobtail if you will search for a breeder abroad.
Choose the Mekong Bobtail if
- You want a pointed cat with a short tail, which the Siamese does not have.
- You prefer a voice at the middle of the scale, 3 against the Siamese's 5.
- You want a medium cat in a narrower weight band of 8-10 lb.
- You accept that breeder accounts are the main guide to this very rare breed.
Choose the Siamese if
- You want the breed that is common and easy to find.
- You want a documented breed with a known health watch-list.
- You are home often and enjoy a cat that talks and follows you; it scores 5 for vocal and for affection.
- You want the more intelligent of the two, scoring 5 for intelligence.
Where they are alike
Both are active, social and very short-coated, with grooming scores of 1. Each prefers a person at home to long hours alone.
Side by side
| Mekong Bobtail | Siamese | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | Thailand (stock); developed in Russia | Thailand (formerly Siam) |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 8-10 lb (3.6-4.5 kg) | 6-12 lb (2.7-5.4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | — | 12-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Short, glossy, close-lying coat with pointed colouring | Short, fine, glossy coat that lies close to the body, with no undercoat |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 1906 |
| How common | Very rare | Common |
| Affection | 4 | 5 |
| Energy | 4 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 3 | 5 |
| Grooming needed | 1 | 1 |
| Shedding | 2 | 2 |
| Good with children | 4 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 2 | 1 |
| Trainability | 4 | 5 |
| Suits a small home | 4 | 4 |
| Suits | A home with time to spend with an affectionate, active cat, and where the owner is happy to look for a breeder abroad. | A person or family at home often who enjoys a cat that talks, follows them about and wants to be involved in everything. |
| Less suited to | A household that is out all day, or anyone who needs a breed that is easy to find in North America. | Anyone out all day, anyone who wants a quiet cat, or a household that cannot give a lot of attention. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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| Health conditions to watch | — |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026