History of the Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese Bobtail, known for its characteristic stubby tail, has a long and fascinating history. This breed of cat has lived in Japan for over 1,000 years and is often depicted in ancient scrolls and artwork, especially in the famous ukiyo-e prints from the Edo period (1603-1868). It is believed that these cats originally came to Japan from China or Korea. Today, they are firmly rooted in Japanese culture, where they are valued not only for their exotic appearance but above all for their friendly and inquisitive nature.
Appearance of the Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese Bobtail is instantly recognisable thanks to its short, rounded tail, which often looks like a small pompom. This feature clearly sets them apart from other cat breeds. Their build is lean yet muscular, which emphasises their agility and grace. Their legs are slender, and their hind legs are slightly longer than their front legs, giving them a graceful bearing. The coat of this breed is silky and comes in many colours and patterns. The tricoloured “mi-ke” colouring – white with red and black patches – is particularly popular and considered typical of the breed. The eyes of the Japanese Bobtail are large, almond-shaped and come in different colours, giving them an expressive and intelligent look. Their ears are large and alert, which emphasises their watchful nature.
Size of the Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese Bobtail is a medium-sized cat known for having a well-balanced stature. Its shoulder height typically ranges from 30 to 35 centimetres. These well-proportioned dimensions give this breed a strong presence! The head is wedge-shaped and harmonises well with the rest of the physique. The large, expressive eyes and striking ears complete the appealing appearance. Overall, the Japanese Bobtail is a perfectly proportioned cat..
Weight of the Japanese Bobtail
The weight of the Japanese Bobtail is a perfect fit to its harmonious appearance. With its medium size and moderate weight, the Japanese Bobtail is both a graceful and robust cat. Males usually weigh between 3 and 5 kilograms, while females are somewhat lighter in build at 2 to 4 kilograms.
Coat of the Japanese Bobtail
The coat of the Japanese Bobtail is easy to care for and also provides a very pleasant petting experience! There are two coat varieties in this breed: short-haired and semi-long-haired. One great advantage of the Japanese Bobtail is the fact that it sheds only minimally. This means that the amount of kitty fluff will be limited and you won’t find as much cat hair on your clothing or furniture. This is ideal for cat lovers who don’t feel like having to brush their pets and vacuum their homes every day!
Coat colour of the Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese Bobtail is known for its stunning coat, which comes in a variety of colours. All common coat colours are possible in these kitty cats, everything except silver. Their silky soft fur is a real eye-catcher! It’s very common to see cats of this breed having a coat colour combination of white with red or black. But three-coloured variants are also not uncommon in these furry friends. Every cat is unique!
Coat length of the Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese Bobtail comes in shorthaired and medium-longhaired variants. Both types of coat feel wonderfully silky and soft – a true pleasure to touch. Shorthaired Japanese Bobtails have a dense, soft coat that’s easy to groom. The coat of their longer haired counterparts is also soft and supple. Despite the longer hair, it’s still quite easy to care for and rarely tangles.
Pattern of the Japanese Bobtail
The striking pattern of the Japanese Bobtail’s coat is the icing on the cake! Whether shorthaired or medium-longhaired, the coat of these felines is always an absolute highlight thanks to its unusual pattern! Many of these furry friends have a two-coloured coat, as cats with a three-coloured coat are extremely rare. Every cat with a calico pattern is unique, with this distinctive coat making them something very special! This kind of three-colour mix is very rare, however, which means that such cats have been considered lucky charms in many cultures for centuries.
Eyes of the Japanese Bobtail
The eyes of the Japanese Bobtail can be any colour imaginable – from bright blue to intense green to warm yellow or deep brown. Cats with two different coloured eyes are particularly fascinating and not at all uncommon in this breed. Their large, oval and slightly slanted eyes give these cats an attentive and friendly expression. No matter what colour they are, these eyes immediately attract attention and always make them look lively and inquisitive!
Special features of the Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese Bobtail is not only known for its unmistakable appearance but also for its special role in Japanese culture. In that country, the “Maneki-neko”, the waving cat, is regarded as a lucky charm. Many people believe this figure is modelled after the Japanese Bobtail. Indeed, the characteristic short-tailed cat with its lively eyes perfectly fits depictions of the “Maneki-neko”! There is an old Japanese legend that perhaps explains why the waving cat is considered a good spirit: a samurai is said to have been lured into a temple by a cat that was sitting in front of it and waving at him. Shortly afterwards, lightning struck the exact spot where the samurai had been standing.
Key attributes of the Japanese Bobtail
Their short, bushy tail is the most striking attribute of the Japanese Bobtail – it can be curved, straight or kinked. This type of tail originally had a practical purpose: it is said that the Chinese emperor sent cats with shortened tails to Japan as a gift to protect the silk mills from pests. Long tails could have damaged the delicate silkworms and their webs, which is why the short-tailed cats were preferred.
Character of the Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese Bobtail is known not only for its short tail but also for its unique character. These cats are friendly and sociable, curious and playful and also very intelligent and eager to learn. Japanese Bobtails love to have company and are quick to become part of the family. They also get on well with children and other pets. Japanese Bobtails like to explore their surroundings and they’re always playful and enjoy interactive games. They’re able to stay occupied for hours with intelligent toys but also with everyday objects. These furry friends are also quick learners, which means you can even teach them tricks!
Price of the Japanese Bobtail
If you’re interested in acquiring a Japanese Bobtail, you should expect to pay between €800 and €1,200. Before actually making a purchase, you should look for a recognised breeder and set up your home to be as welcoming as possible for your new cat so that they have a stress-free start. Is everything ready for your new arrival? You can give your new resident a sense of security by providing them with various areas they can retreat to, such as raised cat beds or cuddly caves. Make sure to put all their food and water bowls in a quiet place. Your new cat’s litter tray should also be placed in a quiet corner that’s easily accessible. With the right preparation and a little patience, your new Japanese Bobtail will quickly become a beloved member of the family!
Breeding the Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese Bobtail has been bred in Japan for many centuries and is officially recognised by international cat breeding associations such as the FIFe (Féderation Internationale Féline) and the WCF (World Cat Federation). Today, the Japanese Bobtail is bred worldwide. Among the characteristics that breeders seek to preserve are the short tail, slender stature and friendly nature. Trustworthy breeders place great importance not only on preserving the breed’s typical appearance and unique characteristics but also on maintaining the health of these unique creatures.
Things to know about keeping and caring for the Japanese Bobtail
As soon as you decide to get a Japanese Bobtail, there are a few important things you should know about keeping and caring for your new feline friend. These things will help make sure you give your cat the happiest life possible. First of all, Japanese Bobtails are very sociable cats, and this means they’re going to want to spend lots of time with you and always want to be close to you. A flat or house where someone is home on a regular basis and/or where there are other animals is particularly suitable for this breed. These furry tigers appreciate living in a loving environment where they feel included. These cats are also very active: climbing opportunities and a variety of toys should be provided!
Japanese Bobtail kitten
Japanese Bobtail kittens are little rays of sunshine! When a kitten like this moves in with you, the first thing it will do is curiously explore its new surroundings. It will also quickly learn how to communicate with its new humans. This is an exciting time where you’ll have the opportunity to establish a close bond with your new little tiger. We suggest that you use the first few weeks to show your Japanese Bobtail that they’re safe and loved by you. Play with your new kitten as much as you can, cuddle it and give it all the time it needs to get used to its new home. Patience and loving care are very important now! Of course, you’re also going to need a suitable name for your kitten.
Typical diseases of the Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese Bobtail is not known to have any typical diseases. Still, there are some health issues associated with the cat’s shortened tail shape. For example, a short tail cannot fulfil all the functions of a normal cat’s tail. As you know, cats use their tails to keep their balance when running, jumping and climbing. They also communicate a lot via their body language and the tail plays an important role in this. A Japanese Bobtail can have problems expressing their mood or intentions to other cats. This can lead to misunderstandings and – in a worst case scenario – aggression and arguments.
Life expectancy of the Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese Bobtail lives for an average of 14 to 16 years. This is quite a considerable lifespan and when you convert it into cat years, it’s the equivalent of roughly 72 to 84 years. To ensure that your Japanese Bobtail reaches a ripe old age, there are a few things to bear in mind: first, a healthy diet with high-quality food tailored to the cat’s needs; second, regular check-ups at the vet are essential; third, lots of exercise and play because Japanese Bobtails are active cats that need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation; and, finally, lots of affection, attention and a loving environment to ensure their emotional health. If possible, always avoid stress and boredom!
Frequently asked questions about the Japanese Bobtail
Depending on the breeder as well as on the pedigree, sex and age of the cat, the average price for a Japanese Bobtail can range from €800 to €1,200. *
*Source: Japanese Bobtail (Japanische Stummelschwanzkatze): Alle Infos (wamiz.de), accessed on 12 July 2024
Japanese Bobtails live to be 14 to 16 years old on average. This corresponds to roughly 72 to 84 human years. With good care, a healthy diet and regular visits to the vet, the life expectancy of your cat will increase and they’ll be able to lead a long, happy life.
The Japanese Bobtail has a short, bushy tail. Their coat can be short or semi-long. They come in many colours and patterns, often with tricolour or spotted markings. Their large, expressive eyes are particularly striking.
Japanese Bobtails usually reach a medium size, with adult cats weighing around 2 to 5 kilograms. Their height at the withers is usually around 30 to 35 centimetres. With their well-proportioned stature and characteristic short tail, these cats have a very elegant appearance!
As a rule, Japanese Bobtails are considered to be fully grown at around 1 to 2 years of age. At this point, they will have reached their full body size and final weight: their slim, well-balanced stature and typical short tail will be clearly recognisable.
Japanese Bobtails can be kept both indoors and outdoors. A safe outdoor area that protects them from danger is ideal. These are curious and active cats, so a safe garden space will definitely enrich their lives. If yours is an indoor cat, you should make sure to have plenty of toys and a climbing tree or two.
Japanese Bobtails originate in Japan and have a long history dating back to ancient times. These cats are closely linked to Japanese culture and considered a lucky charm there. Their iconic short tail shape makes the Japanese Bobtail unique and recognisable worldwide.
Yes, Japanese Bobtails are very playful and active cats! They love playing with toys and exploring their surroundings. Their curiosity and intelligence make them lively and entertaining companions for their human and animal flatmates.
Your Japanese Bobtail will enjoy a second cat that is also playful and social. Cats like the Maine Coon and the Ragdoll would be perfect because they’re also active and friendly. If you bring your cat together with one of these, they’ll provide plenty of entertainment and pleasant company!
Japanese Bobtails are very active and playful cats. They love to climb, play and try new things! They’ll need daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. And they’ll also need a fellow cat. Why? Because everything is more fun together!
You can leave your Japanese Bobtail alone for short periods of time, but don’t forget that it’s a sociable and active cat that appreciates company. Long periods alone can bore them. The ideal home is one where they have plenty of things to do and – ideally – a furry playmate at their side.
Yes, Japanese Bobtails are very sociable and love the company of people and other animals! They like to be close to others, they’re very curious and they enjoy being an active part of family life. These kitties will feel most at home when they’re getting lots of attention and affection!
Japanese Bobtails are considered to be a robust and healthy breed. Still, in rare cases, their short tail can lead to movement problems. Otherwise, they’re not susceptible to any specific diseases. And don’t forget, taking your cat to the vet on a regular basis will help maintain their health.
The key attribute of a Japanese Bobtail is a short, bushy tail that is often kinked or curled. These cats have a silky coat, large, expressive eyes and a slender yet compact build. Their friendly nature is also typical of the breed.
According to the Animal Welfare Act of 1999, the Japanese Bobtail is not generally defined as a torture breed. Compared to the Manx and the Cymric, the breeding of the Japanese Bobtail is considered less problematic. Nevertheless, there are animal welfare advocates who generally take a critical view of any deliberate short tail, as it can restrict communication skills and mobility.
Japanese Bobtails are relatively rare, especially outside of Japan. Their unique tail shape and history make them a special breed. They are less common in Europe and North America than in their native Japan.
The term “Japanese Bobtail” describes a breed of cat from Japan known for its short, bushy tail. “Bobtail” means that the cat has a short tail, and “Japanese” refers to its origin in Japan. The breed is known for its friendliness and high activity level.
Japanese Bobtails are not hypoallergenic cats. They can trigger allergies because, like all cats, they produce allergens in dander and saliva. However, there are fewer allergens compared to some other breeds. Still, there’s no guarantee that these cats are OK for allergy sufferers.
