Japanese bobtail cats are distinguished by their lively dispositions and short tails. This breed is excellent as a family companion. Get more about Japanese bobtail ownership.
Japanese bobtails are highly valued for their athletic prowess, extroverted dispositions, and short, kinked tails. Although this fascinating breed is unique to Japan, it is well-known worldwide.
These lively creatures are excellent companions and work particularly well with kids. Japanese bobtails are very important to families and like being the center of attention. They also shed very little, are quite intelligent, and are simple to groom.
These adorable and eccentric kitties are not very common. Due to their rarity, Japanese bobtail cats normally cost between $600 and $1,600 when purchased from a reputable breeder.
Appearance
The defining physical characteristic of the Japanese bobtail is, of course, the cat’s bobbed tail. It resembles that of a rabbit, rather than your typical cat. These pets’ stubby tails are usually no longer than 3 inches long, covered in tufts of fur, and curled or kinked to one side.
The Japanese bobtail is a medium-sized cat that ranges in weight from 5 to 10 pounds, with males usually weighing more than females. Its strong, muscular bodies and long, lean torsos are characteristic of this breed. Its coats can be solid, bi-color, calico, or tabby, but the van pattern, which is its most common color, is white with colored spots. Both the long and short coats of this breed are silky smooth, easy to groom, and low-shedding; however, even though they tend to shed less than other breeds, they do have shedding seasons in the spring and fall and are not thought to be hypoallergenic cats.
Temperament
Japanese bobtails are extremely intelligent, gregarious, and sociable. As stated by Cat Fanciers’ Association Japanese Bobtail Breed Council secretary Marianne Clark, this breed is known to get along nicely with children, dogs, and other cats. These are endearing, people-oriented pets that enjoy interacting with people.
“Owners of Japanese bobtails consider them the smartest, sweetest cats with their endearing clown activities, affectionate kisses and hugs, the demand to be with us in our activities, and their dog-like habit of following people around,” Clark explains. “We’re not surprised if one pops out of a kitchen cabinet or deftly opens up a door.”
Japanese bobtail kittens are active from an early age and stay that way for the most part of their life, in contrast to most other kittens. These felines possess an abundance of energy to spare, and they use it to turn any time into playtime, according to the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA). Athletic bobtails love to bring toys to their pet parents to initiate play and work out some of that pent-up energy.
“Fetching is one of their passions, and we don’t need to teach them,” Clark says. “We are kept young by their silliness.”
Your Japanese bobtail may have somewhat of an independent streak. These feisty cats are not easily intimidated and naturally assume dominion over their living spaces. Because of this, Japanese bobtails can be demanding of your time and attention, as well as nosy and always involved in your everyday tasks. They’re not lap cats, but they do love to be near you anytime, all the time. As Clark says, “these are no couch potatoes.”
Living Needs
As mentioned, the Japanese bobtail requires a great deal of care. This breed aspires to integrate into families and become an authentic part of the community. According to the CFA, they “help” their owners with anything from making the bed to drafting emails since they genuinely care about their folks.
These gregarious, outgoing cats enjoy greeting visitors at the door and riding on people’s shoulders. Your bobtails are very talkative and enjoy making noise, so you won’t have to pay close attention to hear what they’re saying. They practically always respond when you speak to them, and they have lovely, sing-song voices.
Everybody in the house will probably get along with your bobtail. Children, other pets, and visitors will all be viewed as new playmates.
These cats are particularly good with kids and make adoring, entertaining family pets. They’re an interactive breed, so expect them to initiate play frequently by bringing you toys, according to the CFA. Japanese bobtails love to jump, pounce, and wrestle with playmates. They tend to be the leaders of the pack when it comes to the rest of the family pets.
Because they’re so social, Japanese bobtails don’t do well when left alone for long periods of time. This breed craves interaction above all. The good news is the Japanese bobtail typically travels well and will happily join busy pet parents on the road.
Take Care
“Grooming is relatively easy with this breed,” Marks explains. “They have no undercoat—the recommendation is just to brush once weekly to remove dead hairs.”
Both short-haired and long-haired Japanese bobtails are not prone to matting because they lack an undercoat. Although your pet won’t need much care every day, you’ll definitely need to brush him more in the spring and fall when he sheds.
Nimble and athletic Japanese bobtails are naturally energetic and don’t require much outside encouragement to exercise. Japanese bobtails are perceptive creatures with a passion for education. You might try teaching your cat various tricks in addition to the fundamentals like litter box training and scratching after training. They particularly enjoy showcasing their tricks and competing in cat shows. Should you not truly be a
Japanese bobtails are a bold breed who take to socialization fairly easily, but early introductions to people and other pets are a good way to ensure socializing goes smoothly with your new kitten.
Your cat should be fed a diet of high-quality cat food recommended by your vet. Japanese bobtails love to snack, and their active lifestyles don’t always prevent obesity. Monitor your bobtail’s treat and food intake to prevent him from becoming overweight.
Health
Japanese bobtail cats can live up to 15 years. They are a strong, naturally occurring breed that is generally disease-resistant. Although the genetic mutation that gives rise to the tail of this breed is unknown, reputable breeders will screen your kitten for health issues, but it’s important to have them screened regularly into adulthood as some health issues can go undetected until later in your cat’s life.
History
The Japanese bobcat is a naturally occurring breed that is native to Southeast Asia and Japan. It was first documented in Japan as early as the 6th century, and it has been depicted in art throughout history.
The Japanese bobtail has a history of domestic and working practicality. These cats were often used as rodent control at silkworm farms at a time when the rat population was threatening the lucrative silk trade. They were also so loved by the imperial family of China that at one point the bobtail was considered a part of the ruling class and a luxury pet not afforded to the common people.
After being brought to the US in the 1960s, the Japanese bobtail is still a very uncommon breed outside of Japan.
“There are very few breeders, so choice is limited,” adds Clark. The Japanese good luck cat, the calico, is sought for by a lot of people. I also advise someone to think about [adopting] a former show cat. A show cat is sociable, has a well-established personality, and is accustomed to travel.
Fun Facts
• Japanese bobtails are considered good luck. The breed is famously featured in Japanese statues and ceramic figurines known as maneki-neko (which means “beckoning cat”) and is thought to attract good fortune.
• Sanrio’s iconic cartoon cat character Hello Kitty draws inspiration from the Japanese bobtail breed.