Japanese Bobtail

The Japanese Bobtail, originally from Japan and considered good luck, is distinguished by its short, fluffy and controversial tail. It has a muscular body with longer hind legs and coat in various colors, especially tricolors. It is sociable and forms strong bonds with its owners.

General details

The Japanese Bobtail is a medium-sized breed, weighing 3.5 to 5.5 kilograms in males and 2.5 to 4 kilograms in females. It has a height of 20 to 25 centimeters and a length of 30 to 35 centimeters. The life expectancy of this breed is generally 9 to 13 years, although they can live longer with proper care. This breed is recognized by associations such as the International Cat Association (TICA) and the Cat Fanciers Association (CFA).

Breed history in brief

Unlike other short-tailed cat breeds, the Japanese Bobtail has a long history dating back several centuries in Japan, where it is considered a symbol of good luck and appears frequently in Japanese art and literature. It was originally used to control pests in temples and palaces, as long-tailed cats were not suitable. This distinctive short tail is the result of a natural genetic mutation generated 1000 years ago. It was recognized as a breed by the Cat Fanciers` Association (CFA) in 1965 and by TICA in 1979.

Breed characteristics

The Japanese Bobtail stands out for its slender and muscular body, with longer hind legs, which allows them to be great jumpers. Their head is triangular, with pointed ears. The unique set of their eyes (blue, green, gold or multicolored), combined with high cheekbones and a long, parallel nose, gives a distinctive Japanese touch to the face, especially in profile, which is different from other Oriental breeds. Its short, pompadour tail is unique, usually curled or curled. The coat can be short or semi-long and comes in a variety of colors, with tricolors or "Mi-ke" being the most prized. They are active, sociable and talkative cats.

Common health problems

Although controversial because of its short tail, the Japanese Bobtail generally enjoys better health than other similar cats, although it can be prone to hip dysplasia and joint problems.