Japanese Bobtail Cat Breed Information

Japanese Bobtail Physical Description

The Japanese Bobtail is a cat of medium size with elegant lines and well-developed musculature. The head is finely chiselled and forms a triangle with curving lines and high cheekbones. In profile the nose is long and well defined and there is a gentle dip at or just below the eyes. The ears are large and upright and set well apart. The eyes are large and round, always wide and alert. In profile the eyes are set at a pronounced slant, the eyeball shows a shallow curve and does not protrude beyond the cheekbone or forehead. The legs are slender and long with the hind legs noticeably longer than the front legs. The paws are oval. The tail when carried normally only extends about two or three inches although it can be straightened out to about four or five inches. When the cat is relaxed the tail is carried upright. The hair on the tail is generally thicker and longer than elsewhere and grows in all directions to create the effect of a pom-pom or bunny tail.

Japanese Bobtail Character

The Japanese Bobtail is extremely friendly and intelligent. They have a sweet nature and get on with most other animals and love human company. Some can learn tricks and do need to be kept amused. They make good family pets.

Japanese Bobtail Grooming

The Japanese Bobtail requires no special grooming as its coat is easily kept in good condition by its own grooming. The longhaired version needs a little more effort. However, both will enjoy the attention they get from a groom with a soft brush.

Japanese Bobtail Feeding

The Japanese Bobtail is an active cat and will require approximately 80 Kcals of food per kg of bodyweight per day. Obesity isn’t usually a problem with this breed as they keep themselves very fit.

Japanese Bobtail Colour

Even the shorthaired version of the Japanese Bobtail's coat is slightly longer than that of some shorthair breeds, and is soft and silky. The preferred colour in Japan is the tri-colour, or Tortie and White (known as Mi-ke), a mixture of black red and white, which symbolises luck.

Japanese Bobtail Health and Life Expectancy

The Japanese Bobtail has no specific health problems and is capable of living a long and active life. It is, as with all breeds, advisable for them to have an annual health check from about the age of eight or nine to check teeth and liver and kidney function.