7 Tailless Cat Breeds: A Guide On Rumpy Risers

Some kitties are naturally born tailless cats - it’s true, there are felines out there running around living rooms at 3 am, with the zoomies, launching themselves from couches, who are one of the few cat breeds without a tail. ‘So, what are they!’ we hear you cry! Well, let’s do some digging…

While tailless cats can come in a variety of coat colors - black, white, tabby, stripped, tortoiseshell - there are only a few recognized breeds of tailless cats found around the world. These kitties all share the same genetic mutations which means they’re born with either a medium-sized stump (AKA a rumpy riser), a stubby tail of only a few centimeters, or simply no tail at all!

Well, what are we waiting for? Here are 7 tailless cat breeds that exist today…

7 tailless cat breeds

1. Manx cat

The Manx cat hails from the Isle of Man in Great Britain. These charismatic kitties are often said to be dog-like in nature and absolutely love human company. The legend about how they lost their tail is a nice anecdote too - apparently, they were the domestic cats chosen for Noah’s Arc. Sadly, as the two Manx cat representatives were boarding, their tails were trapped in the Arc door, leaving them as cats without tails!
In reality, these cute cats have a mutation which means their tail never appears. Unfortunately, because of this, Manx cats can develop a crippling spine condition called spina bifida or Manx syndrome. This causes mishaping and warping of the spinal cord, preventing it from moving properly and causing pain. If you’re keen to have your own Manx cat kitten, make sure they’re from a trustworthy and reputable breeder.

2. American Bobtail cat

The Manx cat from across the pond, and the American Bobtail cat also sports the same snazzy stump. They’re slightly bigger in stature than their UK cousins but still share the affectionate nature and love of humans. These tailless cats make excellent pets and will quickly become part of the family.

3. Highlander cat

Not only do they lack a tail, but the Highlander cat also sports a pair of distinctive round, curled ears. These cute critters are considered to be the most wild of all the tailless cat breeds. Bred in the Scottish Highlands with native wildcats, these fluffballs are go-getters with bundles of energy who love to explore. While they do make affectionate companions, they do need to be kept entertained and active throughout the day, or else expect some uninvited furniture modification. 

4. Kurilian Bobtail

Although they’re cats with no tails, the Kurilian Bobtail appears to have replaced their stump with a pom pom! Seriously, their rumpy risers wouldn’t look out of place a cheerleader tryouts. Originating from Russia, these gorgeous fluffs look the most wild cat out of all our tailless cats, but by nature they’re anything but. Playful, cuddly, and charismatic, these beautiful babies are paw-some pets.

5. Cymric cat

Known to be the long-haired version of the Manx cat, the Cymric cat shares all the loveable characteristics of their short-furred friends, just with a bit more floof. Their luxurious locks do mean they’ll need more attention when it comes to grooming, with the fluff needing to be brushed at least a few times a week to avoid matting.

6. Japanese Bobtail cat

Possibly the oldest tailless cat breed on our list, the Japanese Bobtail is believed to have been used as far back as the 1600s by Japanese monks to deal with vermin. Despite their legacy, these petite putties are quite rare if you’re searching for a purebred cat. Their stubby tail is recognized by the way it stands up like a rabbit’s tail! They’re often found with mismatching eye colors which certainly makes this small breed stand out.

7. Pixie Bob cat

Finally, the adorable names Pixie Bob will leave you wanting more with their extra flare of floof sprouting from their stubby tails, chunky cheeks, and even the tips of their ears! Despite having a very Lynx-like appearance, the perky Pixie doesn’t have a drop of wild cat DNA in their lineage. All the better for it, as they have a very sweet and loving nature.

Did we miss any tailless cat breeds? Well, let us know via our Community Forum - you don’t have to be a member to join in the cat chat, just click on the link to connect with other feline fanatics. Speaking of memberships… If you’re keen to become part of our global pet-loving community, check out our different membership options to see which one would best suit your lifestyle.