A cat’s tail is one of their hallmark features, and you can determine a cat’s mood by how their tail moves. Cats with tails also use them to maintain their balance. So, seeing a cat running around with no tail may be odd. You may think it’s been severed from an accident, which may be the case sometimes.
However, some cats are born without tails (or at least stubby, bobbed tails) due to a natural genetic mutation when breeding, and typically on islands, strangely enough. Kittens get bobbed tails when they receive the bobbed tail gene at conception.
Technically, the Manx cat is the only breed without a tail. However, to provide you with more well-rounded information, we’ll also discuss cats with bobtails.
The 7 Cat Breeds with No Tail
1. American Bobtail Cat
| Lifespan | 13–15 years |
| Temperament | Sociable, affectionate |
| Weight | 7–16 pounds |
Not only does the American Bobtail have a shortened tail as an indicator of their breed, but they’re also sought after for their friendly personality. They are large cats, and their thick muscles and their fluffy coats make them look big, too.
The American Bobtail was bred in the 1960s when a couple took their bobtail cat and bred them with another bobtail street cat. All the kittens were born with the same-looking tails, and today, breeding for this trait continues.
2. Japanese Bobtail Cat
| Lifespan | 9–15 years |
| Temperament | Active, loving, smart |
| Weight | 5–10 pounds |
The Japanese Bobtail is the most common bobtail. They are smaller than the American Bobtail and have a stubbier tail, more similar to a rabbit’s tail (also called a “pom”). Their roots go back to not only Japan, but also China, Tibet, and Korea.
Japanese Bobtails are typically calico but can also come in almost any other color. They were once feral in the streets of Japan but are now recognized as an official breed worldwide.
3. Manx Cat
| Lifespan | 9–13 years |
| Temperament | Gregarious, loyal |
| Weight | 6–12 pounds |
There was once a legend that the Manx cat had their tail cut off because they were late for Noah’s Ark departure and got their tail stuck in the door. The Manx, the only recognized, totally tailless breed of cat, hails from the Isle of Man between the countries of Great Britain and Ireland. Isle of Man inhabitants are very proud of this fact, and the Manx could probably be considered the country’s mascot!
The Manx adorns the island’s currency, stamps, shops, and company logos. People love Manx cats for their looks and personalities. They are stocky, muscular cats with short backs and a large jumping range.
4. Pixie Bob Cat
| Lifespan | Average 15 years |
| Temperament | Intelligent, bold, playful |
| Weight | 11–22 pounds |
Though they may look wild, Pixie Bobs are all domestic, according to DNA testing. Pixie Bobs look strikingly similar to American Bobtails but have shorter hair. They typically have tabby fur with various tail lengths.
Instead of meowing, Pixie Bobs make chirping noises. They are relatively mellow cats who love to be around people.
5. Kurilian Bobtail
| Lifespan | 15–20 years |
| Temperament | Independent and gentle |
| Weight | 11–15 pounds |
The Kurilian Bobtail’s heritage is in the Eastern Russian Islands, including Kamchatka, Sakhalin, and the Kuril Archipelago. These cats are strong, love hunting, and get along with other animals, even dogs.
They typically come in red, gray, and bobtail-striped colors. Like the Japanese Bobtail, the Kurilian Bobtail cats have more of a “pom” shaped tail. People love these cats for their friendly personalities.
6. Cymric
| Lifespan | 9–13 years |
| Temperament | Amiable and unflappable |
| Weight | 6–12 pounds |
Some cat breed associations refer to the Cymric as a longhaired version of the Manx. Due to their long hair, Cymric cats look much bigger than they actually are.
Cymrics, like Manx, can be born with a stubby tail or no tail at all. They are more tolerant of busy homes and noise, but they need plenty of attention from their owners. They are playful and loyal to their owners.
7. Highlander Cat
| Lifespan | 10–15 years |
| Temperament | Confident and active |
| Weight | 10–20 pounds |
As a cross between the Desert Lynx and the Jungle Curl, the Highlander cat looks wilder than they are. Highlanders used to be called Highland Lynx but their names were changed in 2005. They have a unique look due to their curled ears and their stubby tails.
They make excellent pets, but they are active and have lots of energy. You will want to ensure they get enough playtime with you and your family. One unique feature of the Highlander is that they have an affinity for water and usually do not mind getting wet.
In Summary
Cats without tails are sought out not only for their unique appearance but also for their fun personalities. They are usually very intelligent, friendly, and playful. If you choose to have a tailless or bobtail cat of your own, we hope our list helps you select the right breed for you and your family.
Featured Image Credit: Natalia Fedosova, Shutterstock
2 Responses
my cat is a tabby with fur making it look like she has a bobtail but there is no tail there at all. What kind of cat would she be. Thank you
Hello Sylvia,
thank you for your question. It is hard to tell the exact breed of your cat without a photo, however from your description our best guess would be, that your cat is Manx. Other way to tell would be shorter legs than usual.
You can check our post about this breed and maybe look up some photos on the internet. Maybe you will recognize your cat there.
Hope this helps!