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7 Tailless Cat Breeds: From Bobtails to No Tails

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio
Published:  January 24th, 2025

When you think of a cat, you envision a cute little animal with big round eyes, pointy ears, and a long tail, right? But it turns out that some cats have short tails or no tails at all. Of course, this gives them a unique appearance, but when it comes to their demeanor and other traits, they’re just like other cats.


If you’re interested in learning about some of the many tailless cat breeds, keep reading—the following breeds are recognized by The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) and/or The International Cat Association (TICA).

Ievgeniia Miroshnichenko/Shutterstock

1. Manx


When it comes to cats who don’t have tails, the Manx is usually the first one that comes to mind. Manx cats are affectionate and social, as well as talkative and calm. They shouldn’t be left alone for too long, are playful and intelligent, and bond strongly with their family.  


Described as looking like a “bowling ball with fur” because they are quite round, they also have hind legs that are longer than their front legs. And though this breed is defined by a missing tail, Manx kittens can actually be born with short tails or normal length tails as well.


Note: The Manx can be longhaired or shorthaired. The longhaired Manx is also known as the Cymric, which is recognized as a separate breed by TICA.


2. American Bobtail


The American Bobtail has a little tail that is much shorter than that of a normal tail, so these kitties don’t have the tailless look of the Manx but are still distinctive. This cat can even wag their bobbed tail, and what’s really interesting is that no two tails are exactly the same.


This is another cat who prefers being around the family they love, so they don’t do well when they are left alone for extended periods of time. They are fun and playful, as well as friendly and smart, and they even get along with dogs.


3. Japanese Bobtail


Japanese Bobtails have a pom-pom tail that is very short and unique to each cat, with kinks and curves. They can have a long or short coat, both of which are easy to groom. And their long hind legs allow them to jump to great heights.


These cats are active, vocal, loyal, and loving, getting along with children and other pets. They are the types of kitties who enjoy interacting with you, and they will gladly spend time in your lap when relaxing between play sessions.


4. Kurilian Bobtail


When you first look at a Kurilian Bobtail, you’ll immediately notice their lack of tail. This is another breed that’s described as having a pom-pom tail. Also, this cat’s kinked or curved tail should have at least two vertebrae, according to TICA which recognizes this breed.  


These smart kitties are affectionate and love to be around their family. They are also gentle, playful, social, and vocal. They can sport a long or short coat, both of which are easy to maintain by brushing them on a regular basis.  


5. Pixiebob


Pixiebobs are adorable kitties who look like the Coastal Red Bobcat, giving them a sort of wild appearance. In addition to their short tail, which can be 2 inches or longer, they can also be polydactyl (have extra toes). And they can have long or short hair.


Described as doglike, these curious and active cats are loyal and affectionate, making them amazing family pets. They’re also intelligent and ready for adventure, as they’re known for enjoying walks on a leash. If you decide to take your cat outdoors, use a high-quality, secure harness and leash like the PetSafe Come With Me Kitty™ Cat Harness & Bungee Leash, which is adjustable and designed to be comfortable and durable.

6. Highlander


The Highlander is a newer cat breed, as its development began in 2004. Its breed standard says that the tail should be short, thick, and at least 2 inches long in adults, and it can also have curls and kinks. But in addition to the unique tail, this breed also stands out because of its curled ears (the tips of the ears curl backward). 


These social kitties thrive on getting plenty of attention from the people they love. They have a lot of energy and are ready to play, so they are a lot of fun and make great companions who will keep you entertained.


7. Toybob


If you want a tailless cat who will stay small, check out the Toybob, who is a little kitty sporting a bobbed tail with kinks. Their body is muscular, their fur is plush, and their large, round eyes make them look especially adorable and even more kitten-like.


Toybobs can even showcase a pointed color pattern, which makes them look like mini Siamese. They’re affectionate, intelligent, and playful. They don’t like being alone, make great lap cats, and can get along with other pets very well.  


Tailless Cats Make Awesome Pets


As you can see, there are many tailless cat breeds, and they all have fantastic qualities. Because these kitties can make lovely family pets, you might be interested in bringing one into your household. If that’s the case, carefully research breeders so you find one who’s responsible and has a solid reputation. And don’t forget that cats of all breeds—including mixed breeds with short or non-existent tails—can be found in animal shelters and rescues, so consider looking for one you can adopt instead of purchase.


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Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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When faced with the news that our best friend is blind or losing their vision, it’s natural to be concerned or even feel overwhelmed. You may worry about how they’ll navigate their world, find their food, or even enjoy their daily routines. However, we have good news. Many blind or visually impaired dogs live long, happy, confident lives.Vision loss doesn’t change your dog’s ability to be truly happy; it just shifts how they experience the world, relying more on their other incredible senses. In this article, I’ll share how you can set up your home in a way that will keep your blind or visually impaired safe while also boosting their independence and overall well-being. With these tips, you’ll be able to create a space that will help your dog thrive!Blind from Birth vs. Vision Loss Later in LifeBefore making any significant modifications to your home, it’s helpful to understand your dog’s journey. After all, the needs of a dog who has always been blind can differ significantly from those of one who is losing their vision later in life. While many adaptations will benefit all blind dogs, recognizing your dog’s unique needs and challenges will help you tailor your efforts to provide the best support. Despite the differences in these two experiences, I want to stress that all blind dogs can lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. They may look a little different as you make adjustments with their safety and comfort in mind, but it is possible!The “Always Blind” Dog Dogs born without sight or who lose it early in life (as a young puppy) often adapt naturally as they grow. Why? Navigating the world without their vision is their normal. If they have never experienced sight, they don’t miss it and don’t need to change how they approach their daily routine. They grow up relying more heavily on their sense of smell, hearing, and touch to learn about and explore their surroundings. Any training and obedience is tackled with this lack of sight in mind, meaning they don’t have to relearn their basic commands or how to communicate with their people. Instead, they learn to follow clear verbal cues confidently. Like all dogs, they benefit from a steady and predictable routine. The confidence of an “always blind” dog largely stems from never knowing anything different, learning how to adjust to their environment early, and relying on consistent routines. The “Losing Vision” DogVision loss later in life can be more challenging to navigate, both for the dog and the dog parent. The reason is that your dog will now have to transition to a new normal, making many changes to the routine they are used to. Vision loss can impact some of the most basic aspects of a dog’s daily life. Vision loss can be gradual, due to conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) or cataracts, or sudden, as in some cases of glaucoma or Sudden Acquired Retinal Degeneration Syndrome (SARDS). This transition can cause confusion, anxiety, fear, or even signs of depression as your dog’s world begins to change. They may bump into familiar objects, become hesitant to move, or seem disoriented in the home where they were once comfortable. You will need to offer your dog patience and reassurance as you slowly introduce new ways of navigating their day-to-day life. This includes adjustments to your routine, as well as to your home, to accommodate your dog’s changing needs. They will need your support as they grieve the loss of their sight and develop new coping mechanisms. Your veterinarian is also an essential part of this journey. They will work to identify the cause of the vision loss, explore any potential treatments, and help you manage any pain or discomfort that may be associated with it.Creating a Safe Home Environment One of the most important considerations in giving your blind dog a high-quality life is providing them with a safe, comfortable, and predictable home environment. You can help them learn how to move with confidence and independence by assisting them to create a mental map of the space with consistent sensory input (through touch, scent, and sounds). Consistency for Success A fundamental rule for living with a blind dog is never to move furniture. Once they have built a detailed mental map of the home, they will use it to navigate furniture, walls, and other obstacles. They memorize the layout and learn how to move through it safely. Every time you move a piece of furniture, you disrupt this map, causing confusion, anxiety, and potential bumps or injuries. Explain the importance of this consistency to all family members. Ensuring everyone is on the same page will help prevent miscommunications and unnecessary challenges. If you need to move something, create a plan to transition your dog safely and smoothly. Temporarily guide your dog around the new placement until they have remapped the space and can confidently navigate the new layout on their own. For significant changes, consider temporarily restricting your dog’s access to a smaller, familiar area and gradually expanding their access as they become familiar with the space. Navigating StairsStairs are one of the most significant safety risks for blind dogs. Falling down a flight of stairs can cause a serious injury. But unlike their sighted counterparts, they can’t see where that first step begins. Luckily, there are ways to limit your dog’s access and keep them safe. Installing a sturdy, securely mounted safety gate at the top and bottom of all staircases ensures they will only navigate that challenge when you’re by their side to help. Pay careful attention to the details of the gates you are considering. You need to choose one that’s tall enough that your dog can’t jump over and strong enough to hold up to their weight, even if they lean against them. If you have elevated areas within your home (such as a bed or couch) that your dog needs to navigate, or outdoor steps that cannot be avoided, a ramp can be a game changer. You can build large ramps for bigger outdoor staircases or purchase a reliable ramp designed for use with furniture. Introduce ramps slowly and with positive reinforcement, helping your dog learn how to carefully move up and down them without slipping off the side. If they are struggling, consider installing a rail to guide their movement.

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