History

This breed is an ancient one and was first recorded in Japan one thousand years ago. It has been depicted in many art works and is best known as the Maneki Neko (beckoning cat) - the popular statue of a cat seated with a paw raised found in many Japanese homes and shops. The Maneki Neko is a good luck charm and in fact the Japanese Bobtail breed is surrounded with myth and legend. The breed first came to the US in the 1960's and although hard to find, it is highly sought after.

Description

The most characteristic feature of this breed is of course the short pom-pom like tail. The tail can be quite individual and can have curves, notches and kinks or angles but it should not be more than 3 inches long for the show cat. The tail hair fluffs out which gives it the appearance of a pom-pom. This is a natural tail and is never cut or docked as in many dog breeds.

The cat is medium sized with a long and lean body and a muscular appearance. The head is quite unique also being triangular with long and high cheekbones. The ears are large and tipped forward and the eyes are large and Oriental in shape. In fact this cat is classified as a semi-foreign breed which means it also demonstrates the classical oriental type legs which are very refined with the hind legs being longer than the front legs.

Size

6-9lbs (3-5kgs) 

Coat

This breed can come in short to medium or long hair with a soft and silky coat. The semi-longhairs have a belly shag, a ruff and britches on the hind legs. They need minimal grooming because of the silky hair but will shed hair like any cat. The Japanese Bobtail comes in all of the standard colors and patterns. 

Temperament

This breed is known to be strong-willed and intelligent but very stable and not easily intimidated. This can make them difficult to train but also means they are a hardy, adaptable cat that is ideal for children and multi-pet households. They are very affectionate and if they do not receive enough attention they can become bored and destructive.

 

Health

The bones of the tail are generally fused in place which means the cats' tail should be handled gently as it is not as flexible as an ordinary cat tail. However most Japanese Bobtails can wriggle their tails from the base and some do possess one or more joints within the tail. Other than this, the breed is generally a hardy and robust cat with few health problems.  

Possible Genetic Disorders

The gene causing the bobtail in this breed is not linked to any other bone or spinal abnormalities.  

Best Suited

Ideal for families with children and for people who are home a lot. Also well suited as companions for other pets (even dogs). The breed should be kept indoors as their fearless nature will get them into trouble (and they may be stolen if recognised as a rare breed).  

Not Suited

For people who are not able to provide the companionship and stimulation that they require. For people who are out all day at work it is recommended you provide another cat for companionship. As mentioned above, this cat is not suited for the outdoors.