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Japanese Bobtail Cat Breed Introduction
Japanese Bobtail is derived from Japan and is a medium-sized domesticated cat that has an uncommon short tail. These cats are sweet and loving and relate well to other pets, especially their fellow Bobtails. Their short tails can be bent, straight, or kinked and are caused by a natural chromosomal mutation. However, their tails often look like a bunny’s bushy tail. These cats have shorthaired and longhaired coats. Japanese Bobtails are quite adaptable and can live in various environments but are best suited as indoor cats because of their well-being and safety.
Male cats of this breed are quite bigger than female cats. They can learn various tricks like fetch due to their smart nature and are quite easy to train. Japanese Bobtails are confident and possessive as they are known to consider everything in the house as theirs. They also love being in control, particularly in homes with other pets. They are commonly referred to as unwelcoming due to their ability to establish lifelong friendships with their litter mates. Japanese Bobtails are soft-spoken and often use their soft, sweet, harmonious voice to convince people to get what they want.
These cats have high energy levels and hence need enough exercise for mental stimulation and adequate calorie intake to give them energy. Japanese Bobtails are social, friendly, affectionate, and loving cats that make good companions. They also tend to talk when spoken to and easily learn their names and respond when called. Japanese bobtails can also carry things like toys using their mouths and bring them to play games like fetch. They may have a variety of colors and patterns.
Origin
Although the precise origin of this cat breed is scanty, it is generally agreeable that Japanese Bobtails were developed in Japan. First documentation of cats with kinked and short tails was in Southern China and Southeast Asia way before the modern breeds were developed. In Southern China, bobtailed cats were referred to as quilin tail and served as a symbol of wealth and fortune.
There is uncertainty on when this breed was introduced in Japan. However, according to a 2016 study, the kinked tail in this breed was a result of HES7 gene that is also responsible for mutation of tail in Japanese Bobtails. For this reason, there is a likelihood that the progenitor founder of the breed was from China or Southeast Asia. The bobtail trait also existed prior to the introduction of these cats in Japan. The cats were probably introduced in the country by Buddhist monks or by the Emperor of China who gifted the late Emperor Kōkō of Japan.
In the United States, Japanese Bobtails were introduced in 1968 by Elizabeth Freret. Shorthaired Japanese Bobtails were recognized by CFA( Cat Fanciers’ Association) in 1976 while the Long-haired variety in 1993. However, Japanese Bobtails are still rare despite having a substantial number of breeders in North America, one in Japan, and a few in Europe.
Japanese Bobtail Lifespan
These cats can live for 8 to 15 years and can even live up to 18 years.
Grooming
Japanese Bobtails will only need brushing once a week using a soft-bristle brush due to their lack of undercoat. Brush their teeth four times every week using a feline toothpaste and toothbrush. Never use a human toothpaste on your cat. Clean their ears once every week using ear cleansing wipes, a warm cloth, or a clear ear cleanser with cotton balls dipped in the solution. Routinely check their ears once every week for any injuries, ear infections, pests, and parasites, and to prevent wax buildup.
Use nail clippers once every two weeks to clip your cat’s nails to avoid overgrowth, injury to you and your cat, and damage to things like furniture, carpets, and wallpapers. Bath your Japanese Bobtails once every two months since cats are known to clean themselves. Use a feline-friendly shampoo and conditioner when necessary to bath your cat and lather it properly. Rinse it well until the water runs clean and dry it using a towel. Clean the face area with a warm wet cloth to remove all the dirt around the eyes. Take your Japanese Bobtails for a veterinarian check-up once every year.
Shedding
Japanese Bobtails are low shedders since they lack an undercoat. They shed less year-round and a little more in the fall and spring.
Coat
This cat breed has two types of coats with no undercoat. It can be shorthaired with soft fur or longhaired with silky fur.
Shorthair
There are two varieties of Japanese Bobtails; long-haired and Shorthaired. The latter was first recognized by CFA in 1976 and the former in 1993.
Hypoallergenic
Japanese Bobtails are not regarded as hypoallergenic cats since they shed. However, these cats do not have an undercoat hence tend to shed less and are considered fairly suitable for allergy sufferers. They are also considered as nearly hypoallergenic since they produce less dander.
Training
They are intelligent, attentive, and human-oriented cats that are easily trainable when compared to other breeds. Japanese Bobtails easily learn to execute tricks and enjoy activities like playing fetch and going for walks either in a leash or harness. They are sociable cats that get along well with dogs and other cats hence they are easily socialized. Exposing them to a wide variety of places, sounds, experiences, situations, sight, and smell will enable them grow into well-mannered felines.
Teach the Japanese Bobtails basic command words like come and sit through the use of treats to encourage knowledge retention. Avoid using a commanding tone or yelling since it makes the training counterproductive. Housebreak Japanese Bobtails by litter training, creating a feeding schedule, and crate training. The Japanese Bobtails dislike staying on their own hence crate training will help boost their confidence.
Japanese Bobtail Characteristics
– Affectionate.
– Smart.
– Mischievous.
– Playful.
– Devoted.
– Agreeable.
– Pet-friendly.
– Social.
– Adaptable.
– Soft-spoken.
– Sweet.
– Active.
– Loving.
– Confident.
– Attracted to water.
– Outgoing.
Aggressive
Both male and female Japanese Bobtails can spray when they reach sexual maturity and males may attempt to flee to find a mate or become territorially aggressive. These cats can begin marking territories around the house for new people as well as other pets. However, they are generally friendly, affectionate, and social cats.
Exercise
Japanese Bobtails are quite energetic cats with high energy levels, therefore, they will need more exercise every day. These are quite playful cats that exercise themselves for the most part throughout the day. They can exercise themselves through interactive toys, climbing trees, playing with other pets around the house, and challenging games like cat puzzles and fetch. Japanese Bobtails need at least 15 minutes of exercise every day for mental stimulation and to maintain their health.
It is also important to provide your cat with wall climbs, scratching posts, teaser toys, and cat trees to keep them busy and avoid destructive behavior. As a Japanese Bobtails’ parent or owner, you can make in-home contraptions and DIY jungle gyms to encourage exhilarating play and healthy exercise.
Meow
This cat breed is quite vocal and tends to communicate when they are talked to. Japanese Bobtails are soft-spoken and use their soft, sweet, harmonious voice to communicate and coax people into getting what they want. These cats mostly purr rather than meow.
Other cat breeds include:
Japanese Bobtail Size
Female Japanese Bobtails are smaller and weigh 4 – 7 lbs ( Approx. 2 – 3.2 kg ) while males weigh 7 – 10 lbs ( Approx. 3.2 – 5 kg ). Both males and females are 7 – 9 in tall ( Approx. 18 – 23 cm ).
Height
These cats are 7 – 9 in tall ( Approx. 18 – 23 cm ).
Weight
Male Japanese Bobtails weigh 7 – 10 lbs ( Approx. 3.2 – 5 kg ) while females weigh 4 – 7 lbs ( Approx. 2 – 3.2 kg ).
Health Issues
Despite being usually healthy cats, Japanese Bobtails can suffer from some common feline health conditions like:
– Cancer.
– Back issues.
– Urinary tract infections.
– Constipation.
– Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Names
Japanese Bobtails can have various cat names depending on their owners’ preferences. These names can be:
– Hime.
– Koko.
– Mike.
– Sakura.
– Maru.
– Akachan.
– Chika.
– Nakano.
– Yua.
– Makoto.
– Danuja.
– Taeko.
– Toshiro.
– Ichiro.
– Shohei.
– Nozomi.
– Haruna.
Food
This breed will thrive on either a fresh diet, dry kibble, or wet canned food since they rarely suffer from food allergies. However, if a parent notices gassiness, vomiting, or diarrhea they may book an appointment with the vet to discuss on the appropriate diet for the cat. The kittens need food rich in protein hence should feed on food designated for kittens. The diet allows them to build on their body blocks needs for a healthy adult life. When the Japanese Bobtail reaches adulthood, owners may gradually switch to a standard adult food that has at least 30 grams of protein for every 100 grams of dry food.
Japanese Bobtail Colors
This breed may have any color. However, most recurring colors include black, lilac, white, red, chocolate, blue, and orange. Japanese breeders mostly favor tricolored cats(calicoes).
White
The white-colored Japanese Bobtails may have a solid white coat or a predominantly white coat with black or cream patches on the tail, head, and around the eyes.
Black
Some cats may have a solid black coat that is glossy.
Black And White
There are bicolored Japanese Bobtails that may have a black and white coat. Either of the colors may be predominant than the other.
Orange
This breed may have any coat color arranged in any pattern including a combination of orange and white or even tabby.
Calico Japanese Bobtail
Japanese breeders prefer breeding white calicoes (these are tricolored cats where white is the predominant color).
Tail
They have an uncommon short tail caused by a naturally occurring chromosomal mutation and can either be bent, straight, or kinked. This cat breed should have an apparent tail that is made up of one or more curved or kinked articulations.
Vs American Bobtail
– American Bobtails have a dense undercoat while Japanese Bobtails do not have an undercoat.
– The Bobtail in Japanese cats is caused by a gene that is recessive while the bobtail in American cats is due to a dominant tail mutation.
– They both have bobtails although they have no genetic relation.
– Both Japanese and American Bobtails are available in two varieties; shorthaired and long-haired.
Japanese Bobtail Kitten
The Kittens nurse on their mothers milk one or two hours after they are born until the age of 8 to 10 weeks. The little ones are introduced to weaning from the early age of 3 weeks. Most Kittens are adopted from the breeder from the age of 12 to 13 weeks. Although, some may join their respective homes from the age of 8 weeks.
Manx Cat
Both Manx and Japanese cats have a bobtail. For this reason, most breeders question whether it is right to deliberately crossbreed the two cats devoid of the perceived normal tail. However, the latter may not have the same problems with Manx cats since the gene that cause tail mutation is different.
Price
The Japanese Bobtails are generally rare and may cost $800 $1500 per cat.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How Much Does A Japanese Bobtail Cat Cost
The average price of Japanese Bobtails is $800 to $1500 depending on the location of the breeder, the age of the cat, and the pedigree.
How Long Do Japanese Bobtail Cats Live
Japanese Bobtails have a life expectancy of 8 to 15 years and can even live up to 18 years.
Japanese Bobtail Facts
- They can live up to 18 years with an average life expectancy of 8 to 15 years.
- Japanese Bobtails have no undercoat hence tend to shed less and need less coat maintenance.
- Male cats of this breed are a bit bigger and weigh 7 – 10 lbs and females weigh 4 – 7 lbs.
