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Mekong Bobtail vs Thai
Two pointed, blue-eyed cats with Thai roots; the Mekong has a short kinked tail and is very rare, the Thai is a bit louder and more clever.
Verdict
These breeds are close in size, coat and temperament. Both are active, affectionate pointed cats that want company, and both are hard to find outside a few breeders. The Mekong Bobtail has a short kinked tail and is very rare, and its voice sits in the middle of the scale. The Thai is the traditional rounder-headed Siamese type, scores higher for voice, affection and intelligence, and is rare rather than very rare. Pick the Mekong Bobtail for the tail and a milder voice, the Thai for the fuller Siamese character.
Choose the Mekong Bobtail if
- You want a short-tailed cat, which sets it apart from nearly every other pointed breed.
- You prefer a moderate voice; it scores 3 for vocal against 4.
- You want a home companion that scores 4 for apartments.
- You will look for a breeder abroad, since the breed is very rare.
Choose the Thai if
- You want the more affectionate and cleverer cat; it scores 5 for both affection and intelligence.
- You want a sturdy, moderate body of 7-12 lb that matches the traditional Siamese type.
- You want a talkative cat with a voice score of 4.
- You want a breed that is easier to find, though still rare rather than very rare.
Where they are alike
Both are short-coated cats with grooming scores of 1 and light shedding. Each does best with a person at home or a companion pet.
Side by side
| Mekong Bobtail | Thai | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | Thailand (stock); developed in Russia | Thailand |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | 8-10 lb (3.6-4.5 kg) | 7-12 lb (3.2-5.4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | — | 12-16 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Short, glossy, close-lying coat with pointed colouring | Short, flat-lying single coat |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Not recognised by the CFA |
| How common | Very rare | Rare |
| Affection | 4 | 5 |
| Energy | 4 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 4 |
| Talkativeness | 3 | 4 |
| Grooming needed | 1 | 1 |
| Shedding | 2 | 2 |
| Good with children | 4 | 4 |
| Good with other pets | 4 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 2 | 2 |
| 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 wants the Siamese character in a sturdier, more moderate body. |
| 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 for long hours or wanting a quiet cat. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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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