The Japanese Bobtail's most notable feature is, not surprisingly, its unique bobbed tail. Individuals may have a rigid or flexible bobtail of up to 3 inches, and it may or may not have curves, kinks, or angles. Another unique aspect of this breed is that its hind legs are longer than its front legs. These cats are small to medium in size and have wedge-shaped heads, erect ears, and oval eyes. Japanese Bobtails come in shorthair and longhair varieties, and their coats come in numerous colors and patterns, though calico is the most common.
Japanese Bobtails are one of the healthiest domestic cat breeds. They are not associated with any genetic predispositions to diseases or medical complications, and they are noted for their heightened resistance to many common cat illnesses.
This is a highly sociable, extroverted, fun-loving cat breed. It is noted for its fondness for children and it gets along well with other cats and dogs, too. The active Japanese Bobtail is most appropriate for a house where someone is often around and in the mood to play. These cats have singsong voices and are fairly chatty. They are some of the strongest and generally healthiest domestic felines.
Like human fingerprints, Japanese Bobtails' tails are unique on each individual; no two have exactly the same structure.
Japanese Bobtails are energetic, active cats. While they can certainly amuse themselves, they need a good amount of attention and interaction. Using a combination of chirps and meows, they are talkative in a well-liked, soft voice that often seems like singing.
These cats don't merely get along with children and other pets-they genuinely like them. They are true companion animals that enjoy playing, hanging out, and watching television with their human companions, and they are eager to help someone read a book or type on the computer. These outgoing cats aren't shy around unknown people, either, and will rush to the door to greet visitors.
Japanese Bobtails love to carry things around in their mouths and to pounce. They are curious creatures eager to explore every nook and cranny of their environment. They also like to be the center of attention and have a tendency to insert themselves into whatever is going on around them.
Japanese Bobtails typically live 15 to 18 years with proper care. Like any other cat, this breed requires annual veterinary well checks to monitor health and catch problems early. A nutritionally balanced diet, plenty of exercise, and maintenance of an appropriate body weight are effective ways to protect the health of these cats.
Japanese Bobtails are one of the healthiest domestic cat breeds. They are not associated with any genetic predispositions to diseases or medical complications, and they are noted for their heightened resistance to many common cat illnesses.
These cats have relatively small litters, rarely exceeding four kittens. In keeping with the general healthiness of the breed, they have an especially low kitten mortality rate, and the young also have strong, highly effective immune systems. Additionally, Japanese Bobtail kittens walk, begin exploring, and become active earlier than kittens of most other breeds.
The Japanese Bobtail is a trainable breed, able to walk on a leash, learn tricks and games, and complete obstacle courses. Their strength, agility, energy levels, and fondness for games make them well suited to in-home obstacle courses. By setting up hurdles, hoops, and tracks, the Japanese Bobtail's family can sit back and enjoy the fun and acrobatics.
Puzzle toys and games that utilize this breed's love of hunting and pouncing are good options for stimulation and exercise. Because Japanese Bobtails desire a lot of company and interaction, they are prone to depression, getting into trouble, and behavioral problems if they're left alone or isolated from other members of the family.
Japanese Bobtails are famously good travelers, making them a smart choice for people who travel with their pets. They are also appreciated for their tolerance for noisy and chaotic environments, and for their adaptability to new or changing environments. Inappropriate or dangerous materials must be carefully secured, as these cats investigate everything they can.
The coat on both Shorthair and Longhair Japanese Bobtails is soft and silky, requiring a moderate amount of grooming. Shorthairs have short to medium coats with a minimal undercoat. Longhairs have medium to long coats with a ruff on the chest. The fur is usually shorter around the shoulders, lengthening gradually towards the hind end.
Japanese Bobtails shed moderately most of the year. During the spring and fall, these cats shed more as older hairs fall out to make way for new ones. Keep loose hair off clothing and furniture by combing or brushing the coat twice per week. More frequently brushing is necessary during shedding seasons to control hair around the home.
To prevent bad breath and protect dental health, the teeth should be brushed frequently with a feline toothpaste. The nails must be trimmed two to four times per month, and the ears should be cleaned on an as-needed basis. Cotton balls and a gentle otic cleanser will remove wax buildup and foreign matter.
Japanese Bobtails are one of the oldest cat breeds in existence, with a history full of legends and myths. It's difficult to separate these from truth sometimes, and it's not exactly clear where these cats first lived. However, they've been dwelling in the Far East for over 1,000 years. It was about one millennium ago when written accounts tell of these cats arriving in Japan from China or Korea.
In the 1600s, Japanese Bobtails were used for their hunting prowess when rats brought the silk trade to the brink of collapse in Japan. This entailed setting the cats free by governmental decree, after which they were looked down on as street cats. Attitudes changed, though, and they are currently considered lucky. Many restaurants in Japan display ceramic figurines of Japanese Bobtails with one paw raised, and this is also a common sight in Japanese and Chinese restaurants in the US. In spite of their status as good-luck charms, these cats remain street cats in Japan.
The first documented Japanese Bobtails arrived in America in 1908. In 1968, breeder Elizabeth Freret imported three cats of this breed, and US showing and breeding began. Today, this is the 24th most popular breed recognized by the Cat Fanciers' Association (CFA), and these cats are more often seen in shows than in homes.
The CFA accepted the Shorthair Japanese Bobtail for Championship status in 1976 and the Longhair Japanese Bobtail in 1993.
