Japanese Bobtail Cat Breed – All Information, Facts, Care and Price
Depending on the variety, the Japanese Bobtail can be either a longhaired or shorthaired cat, and is a medium-sized animal. It is generally believed that males are larger than females. As a result of their long, slender bodies and their highly developed muscles, they are able to jump great distances.
A Bobtail has an equilateral triangle head with elongated, upright ears that are tilted slightly forward toward the front of the head and are positioned upright on the top of the head. It is noticeable that there are prominent cheekbones. If we look at the eyes from the front, they are rounded, but when we look at them from the side, they are slanted. A gentle dip can be seen on the nose. In spite of the fact that she stands in a level stance, the hind legs of the bobtail are longer than the front legs. The naturally occurring short, kinked tail is an indication of the individuality of each and every one of them, and no two are exactly alike. There are a number of vertebrae that can be found in this tail, which is what we find in the tail of the long-tailed cat. As with many other breeds of dogs, the tail does not appear to be as long as that of other breeds, but it is still visible. The kinks in the tail cause the fur on the tail to spread or stand out, creating a look similar to that of that of a bunny tail due to the fur spreading or standing out. There is a possibility that the tail of a Japanese Bobtail with long hair may plume from the additional length of the fur on it.
Japanese Bobtails are dogs with a soft, silky coat and little undercoat, making them ideal for homes with small children. In both situations, the Shorthair Bobtail has a short coat, and the Longhair Bobtail has a coat similar to the shorthair, but it is only medium in length as opposed to the shorthair. As the fur is longer on long haired dogs, it tends to form britches around the neck and on the belly and tail of the dogs, where the fur forms britches around the neck, and it tends to become more evident on the back of the legs.
There is nothing more desirable than a Japanese bobtail cat for its short, kinked tail, outgoing personality, and ability to perform athletically. Despite being native to Japan, this breed is well known throughout the world as one of the most captivating breeds.
It is obvious that these energetic animals make wonderful pets, especially when it comes to children. A lot of Japanese bobtail dogs love to be the center of attention and are a big part of a family’s life. The reason why they are so popular is because they shed very little, are easy to groom, and are very intelligent.
The cuteness and quirkiness of these kittens make them relatively rare. A responsible breeder usually charges between $600 and $1,600 for a Japanese bobtail cat, because of the rarity of this breed.
Japanese Bobtail Overview
This Japanese bobtail cat, which has a cute “bunny” tail, has long been venerated in Japan as a small cat with a nice personality. There are a lot of good reasons why bobtails make such a great pet for single owners, as well as families with children. This is a friendly animal that enjoys spending time with humans and is adaptable to a variety of situations as well. Having trouble finding one of these cats is only a problem due to the fact that they are a fairly rare breed of cat.
Other Quick Facts
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It is true that when you look at a Japanese Bobtail cat, you will see a medium-sized, muscular cat, which has a long, lean, and elegant body which is set on long, slender legs. This picture is completed by a triangular head, a high cheekbone, large ears set wide apart at an angle to the front of the head, large oval eyes, and a short bunny tail, all of which stand out against a long triangular body.
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The longhaired Japanese Bobtail dog has noticeable longer hair along its tail and back legs (known as the britches) compared to other dogs. Breeders prefer dogs with hair on their ears and toes that has large tufts of hair.
Personality
It is no secret that the Japanese Bobtail breed is a highly intelligent, active, sweet, loving and affectionate breed of dog. There is nothing better than spending time with people and playing seemingly endlessly with them. The animals learn their names and respond to them when they are called. For hours, they will play fetch with a favorite toy and bring it to people and bring it to people to play with. There is no doubt that Bobtails are social creatures, and they are at their best when they are surrounded by people. There is no intimidation involved in them taking over the house, they simply take over. In the absence of a dog, Bobtails assume that he is in charge of the house when a dog is present. It is true that they get along pretty well with other breeds of cats, but they prefer to hang out with other Bobtail cats. Due to the fact that they make long lasting friendships with their own litter mates, they have been referred to as clannish.
It appears that the Japanese Bobtails have never recovered from the fact that they were adored by the Imperial family of Japan, and anything in the house is treated as theirs automatically. In addition to their soft, sweet, melodious voice, they have a way of persuading people to give them everything they wish with the help of their sing-song voice.
Appearance
It is sometimes mistaken for the Japanese bobtail to be the Manx bobtail. It is still possible to distinguish the differences between these two breeds, however, if you have a look at the body structure of a cat. It is typical to find Manx to be more compact, with heavier bones and rounder features than other breeds. As compared to the American bobtail dog, the Japanese bobtail dog has a more svelte frame and a more muscular look to it. Besides having a triangular head, the Japanese bobtail also differs from the round-headed Manx bobtail by having a triangular head.
There is a huge variety of colors available for the Japanese bobtail, including solids, tabby, and bi-colors, in either a short or long haired coat. As with the calico coat described above, the mi-ke coat can be a typical calico combination of red, white, and brown or any combination of colors, such as chocolate, lilac, or smoke. Typical calico coats are typically a combination of red, white, and brown.
Japanese Bobtail Cat Breed
| ORIGIN | Japan |
| HEIGHT | 10 - 14 inches |
| WEIGHT | Up to 10 pounds |
| LENGTH | 12 to 16 inches |
| LIFE SPAN | 12-16 years |
| GOOD WITH | children, seniors, dogs, cats, families |
| TEMPERAMENT | Playful, charming, inteligent, outgoing Playful, charming, inteligent, outgoing |
| INTELLIGENCE | high |
| SHEDDING AMOUNT | seasonal |
| PLAYFULNESS | high |
| HYPOALLERGENIC | no |
| EYE COLOR | Any shade, though blue and gold are common as well as odd-eyes |
| ACTIVITY LEVEL | hyper |
| VOCALNESS | frequent |
| COAT LENGTH | Short or long hair |
| COLORS | Wide variety of colours and patterns, with the traditional colour being the tri-coloured ‘mi-ke’, that combines a rich red, deep black and crisp, pristine white. |
| PATTERNS | Solid, bicolor, tricolor, tabby |
| PERSONALITY | Affectionate, friendly, sociable, and playful |
| OTHER NAMES | Singing Cat, |
| OTHER TRAITS | easy to train, easy to groom, friendly toward humans, friendly toward other pets, friendly toward strangers, high potential for weight gain, good for first-time pet owners, tolerates being picked up |
| PRICE | $500-$2,000 |
Japanese Bobtail Characteristics
In addition to being sociable and agreeable, Japanese bobtail cats are also intelligent. The cats and dogs get along well with other cats and dogs, and they enjoy the company of their human companions. For the safety and well-being of these pets, they should be kept as indoor pets, even though they are adaptable to a wide variety of household environments.
The Japanese bobtail is a breed that breed enthusiasts find to be a very quick learner. In general, they are soft-spoken individuals, but they will be able to express themselves verbally when spoken to. Some dog breeds, such as bobtails, are playful, and some of them will carry toys around with them in their mouths, like retrievers do.
The need to know
- Affection Level : High
- Friendliness : High
- Kid-Friendly : High
- Pet-Friendly : High
- Exercise Needs : Medium
- Playfulness : High
- Energy Level : High
- Trainability : High
- Intelligence : High
- Tendency to Vocalize : High
- Amount of Shedding : Medium
Living With
Japanese Bobtails are easy to live with, and they make a great addition to any family. It is usually not a problem for them to adapt to a routine as long as they have some play time and some time to cuddle with their parents. Even though they do not want to be sitting on your lap, or sleeping with you at night, they are still friendly animals that want to be near you. Their ability to jump high makes them need some perches in order to exercise, as they can jump high. Toys that allow them to interact with them like feather teasers are their favorite and they will jump high to catch them.
There is usually enough exercise done by Japanese Bobtails in order for them to maintain their proper body weight. It is easy to indulge them to the point that they have gained weight and that they have become obese since they love treats, regardless of whether they are cat treats or people food.
Living Needs
I believe it is important to pay lots of attention to the Japanese bobtail as I mentioned earlier. In order to become an integral member of the group, this breed wants to be at the center of family life. Their owners love them, and as such, they also take it upon themselves to take care of them and assist them in everything from typing emails to making the bed, according to the CFA.
This friendly, social cat enjoys riding on people’s shoulders and mingling with guests when they come to the door. The sounds of your bobtail won’t need you to pay attention because they’re extremely chatty and love to vocalize, so there’s no need to pay attention to them. The sound they emit when spoken to is sweet and sing-song-like, and they almost always respond when they are spoken to.
I am confident that your bobtail will get along with every member of the household. It is important for them to know that they will have a lot of new playmates, whether they are visitors, other pets, or children-and playmates have a great deal of meaning to these active and energetic cats. The Japanese bobtails may even be purchased in pairs if you choose to get them that way.
In addition to being good with kids, these cats also make excellent family pets that will adore and entertain their owners. Considering they are an interactive breed, get used to them bringing you toys frequently as they are an interactive breed, according to the CFA. There is nothing more fun than jumping, pounces, and wrestling with your playmates if you are a Japanese bobtail cat. In terms of the rest of the family pets, they tend to take a lead role when it comes to being the leader of the pack.
In part due to the fact that Japanese bobtail cats are so social, they do not thrive when they are left alone for long periods of time. There is nothing more important to this breed than interaction. I’m happy to report that the Japanese bobtail is typically a good travel companion and will happily join busy pet owners on the road no matter where they go.
What You Need to Know About Japanese Bobtail Health
There is a possibility that all cats may inherit genetic health problems, just as there is a possibility that all people may inherit diseases as well. The claim that a breed is free of health problems or genetic problems, made by a breeder, is either untrue or based on a lack of knowledge regarding the breed. Whenever you hear that a breeder does not offer a health guarantee on kittens, or that he or she tells you that a breed is 100% healthy, or that it has no known health problems, or that the kittens are isolated from the main part of the household because of health reasons, you should run, not walk, away from such breeders.
Despite this, the Japanese Bobtail breed is generally well-maintained and does not seem to have any major health problems associated with it. In spite of this, it is always wise to buy from a breeder who is willing to provide a written health guarantee in case anything goes wrong.
The next time you have a new kitten as a part of your family, remember that you can help make sure that he is protected from one of the more prevalent health problems in your country: obesity. In order to keep a Japanese Bobtail in good health, you should strive to keep him at a healthy weight at all times.
Physical Attributes
Body
I would describe the size of the person as medium in size, with a long, lean, and elegant torso, not tubular, well developed muscles yet not coarse. I have no tendency to be flabby or clumsy in any way. It is of utmost importance to maintain an overall balance. The neck should be between the length of the body and the length of the head, not too long nor too short.
Head
The head is long and well chiseled, forming almost an equilateral triangle with gently curving lines, high cheekbones, and a noticeable whisker break (not including the ears). There is a gentle dip at, or just below, the eye level on the nose that is well defined by two parallel lines that extend from tip to brow. I would describe the muzzle as moderately broad and gently rounding into the whisker break; neither sharp nor blunt at the end. It is important to have a full chin, neither undershot nor overshot.
Ears
A large, upright and expressive face, set wide apart at the right angles to the head rather than flaring outward, as well as appearing to be tilted forward in repose, and giving off the impression of being broad, upright, and expressive.
Eyes
It is large, oval rather than round, but wide and alert when viewed from a profile perspective; it is set into the skull at a pronounced slant in the anterior direction. It is recommended that the eyeball should have a shallow curvature as well as not bulge out beyond the cheekbones or the forehead.
Legs & Paws
Long, slender, and tall, with a broad chest, but not a dainty or fragile appearance. Legs that conform to the body, long, slender, and high. It has noticeable hind legs that are longer than the forelegs, but the hind legs are also deep angulated to allow the torso to remain nearly level as opposed to rising toward the rear whenever the cat stands relaxed. As a cat stands, its forelegs and shoulders form two straight lines that are closely spaced, forming two continuous straight lines. There is an oval shape to the paws. The front toes are five and the back toes are four.
Tail
As a result, each cat is unique not only in terms of its breed, but also in terms of its tail. I would like you to use this as a guideline, rather than developing a specific type of tail within a breed out of the many types that exist within it, rather than promoting just one type. There must be a clear outline of the tail, which includes a few curves, angles, kinks, or may be a combination of all three. In general, the tail bone should extend no more than three inches from the body at its furthest point. It does not matter in which direction the tail is carried, as long as it is carried. Cat tails may be flexible or rigid, and their shape and size should complement the cat’s body.
Color
There is no preference for one color or pattern over another. As for the dominant colored tri-colors and bi-colors (Ml-KE), any color may dominate, but preference is usually given to colorful markings and vividly contrasting colors with bold and dramatic markings. There may be any color predominating in the dilute colored bi-colored and tri-colored breeds (MI-KE), but the preference is given to soft, muted markings and colors that are gently contrasting. There needs to be a uniformity of density and color in the coat of the solid color cat from tip to root of each hair and from the nose of the cat to the tail of the cat. It is generally recommended that the color of the nose leather, paw pads, and eyes harmonize with the color of the coat. Eyes that are blue or that are odd are allowed. Colors such as chocolate, lavender, point restricted (that is, one with a pointed pattern) agouti, unpatterned agouti (that is, one with an abyssinian pattern), or colors with white can be distinguished from those showing evidence of hybridization.
Coat: Long Hair
The length of longhair varies from medium-long to long, the texture of longhair is soft and silky, and mature adults have no noticeable undercoat in their hair. The presence of a frontal ruff is desirable. As the coat hangs over the shoulders, the hair may be shorter and closer to the body, but gradually becomes longer as it reaches the rump, with longer hair on the tail and rear britches. There is often the presence of tufts in the ears and on the toes
Coat: Short Hair
Shorthair: medium length, soft and silky, but without a noticeable
undercoat.
The Basics of Japanese Bobtail Grooming
Bobtails have a medium-length coat that is soft and silky, with no undercoat that can be seen, and they tend to keep a low profile. Longhaired varieties tend to have a medium-length to long coat which is soft, silky and has a slight ruff on the chest which gives the coat a nice texture. There is typically a shorter coat at the shoulder area, which gradually lengthens towards the rear end as it progresses downward.
A two-to-three-week brushing or combing is all that is required in order to keep the Japanese Bobtail coat well groomed. During the shedding seasons of spring and fall, you will have to brush him more often in order to keep him looking great.
The Japanese Bobtail only needs to be groomed on a regular basis. The nails should be trimmed regularly, and the ears should be cleaned if they appear dirty. Your veterinarian will recommend a gentle cleanser that you can use. The best way to keep the teeth of your pet healthy and fresh is to brush them frequently with a vet-approved pet toothpaste.
In order for your cat to accept brushing, nail trimming, and teeth brushing when he is a kitten, you must begin these activities when he is young.
Choosing a Japanese Bobtail Breeder
In order to have a happy and healthy Japanese Bobtail, and to enjoy your time with him, you need to do your homework before bringing him home and ensure that he is in the best condition possible. You may find more information about the Japanese Bobtail, its history, personality, and look on the websites of Cat Fanciers Association, Cats Center Stage, the Fanciers Breeder Referral List, as well as The International Cat Association, if you would like to find breeders who are raising Japanese Bobtails.
The process of choosing a new kitten should be treated with as much attention as choosing a new car or expensive appliance. In the long run, you will be able to save a lot of money by doing this.
Breeders who are considered to be reputable will adhere to a code of ethics that prohibits sales to pet stores and wholesalers, as well as outlining the breeder’s responsibilities towards their cats, as well as to their customers. You need to choose a breeder that has brought his or her kittens up in his or her own home as well as one who has performed the necessary health certifications to eliminate genetic health problems to the extent that is feasible. During the early stages of their lives, kittens who are isolated may become fearful and skittish, as well as hard to socialize later on in their lives.
How can you tell who is reputable and who isn’t when there are a lot of reputable breeders with websites to choose from? You will find that red flags include kittens always being available, multiple litters on the premises, having the choice of any kitten, and being able to pay online with a credit card if you choose to do so. There is nothing wrong with using those things when it comes to convenience, but almost never do they come with a reputable breeder.
I strongly advise you to be aware of that old adage “let the buyer beware” when considering whether to get your feline friend from a breeder, a pet store, or another source. There can be a difficulty in distinguishing between reputable and unreliable operations when it comes to breeders and catteries. There is no way to make sure you will not purchase a sick kitten, but there is a way to reduce the chances of heading into a disastrous situation by researching the breed (in order to know what you can expect), checking out the facility (to identify unhealthy conditions or sick animals), and asking the right questions. Also, you need to make sure that you ask your veterinarian for recommendations of reputable breeders, breed rescue organizations, or other reliable sources for healthy kittens, since veterinarians can often assist you in locating one.
Do not lose patience. The timing of when the right kitten becomes available depends on what you are looking for, so you may have to wait six months or more depending on what you are looking for. The majority of breeders won’t release kittens to a new home until they are able to live in a new home for between 12 and 16 weeks.
In order to make the best choice for your lifestyle, you might want to consider whether an adult Japanese Bobtail would be a better choice than a kitten. It’s no secret that kittens are a lot of fun, but they are also a lot of work and will behave destructively until they reach a somewhat more sedate stage of their lives. In terms of personality and health, you are able to get a better idea of what you’re getting when you deal with an adult. As an alternative to getting a kitten, you can ask breeders if they know of an adult cat who needs a new home if you are interested in buying a retired show cat or breeding cat instead of a kitten.
Adopting a Cat from a Japanese Bobtail Rescue or Shelter
It is an uncommon and unusual breed of dogs known as the Japanese Bobtail. While it is unlikely that you will be able to find one at a shelter or through a rescue group, it shouldn’t hurt to look. Pedigreed cats often end up in shelters because their original owner passed away, divorced, or their economic situation changed, resulting in the loss of their home.
If you are looking to adopt a cat from a rescue group or shelter, here are some tips to help you find the right one for you.
1. Use the Web
There are many websites that allow you to search for Japanese Bobtails in your area in no time at all, such as Petfinder.com and Adopt-a-Pet.com. You can use this website to search for Japanese Bobtails in the United States with a maximum of three different criteria (housetraining status, for example) or you can search more general (all of the Japanese Bobtails for sale on Petfinder across the country). It is possible to locate local animal rescue groups in your area with the help of AnimalShelter.org. Additionally, you can review the “pets looking for homes” sections in some newspapers as well.
You can also find cats on social media, which is another great way to find them. I would suggest that you post about your search for a specific breed on your Facebook page, as your entire community can serve as your eyes and ears while you search for it.
2. Reach Out to Local Experts
Make sure you start talking with local pet professionals about the possibility of getting a Japanese Bobtail in your area. A veterinarian, a pet sitter, or a groomer would all fall under this category. A person who has decided to give up a cat is often prompted to ask her own trusted network for recommendations when she is faced with the decision to do so.
3. Talk to Breed Rescue
The benefits of networking can go a long way towards helping you find the perfect cat for you and your family. Those who enjoy Japanese Bobtails are likely to enjoy Japanese Bobtails in general. This is the reason why breed clubs have rescue organizations dedicated to taking care of the homeless cats in their clubs. Begin your search for a breeder by checking out the Fanciers Breeder Referral List. There are also Japanese Bobtail rescue groups located in your area that you can search for online.
4. Key Questions to Ask
Before you adopt a cat, it is important you discuss the following questions with the shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers. These questions can be discussed before you decide whether you want to adopt a cat from a breeder. Among them are the following:
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What is his energy level?
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How is he around other animals?
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How does he respond to shelter workers, visitors and children?
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What is his personality like?
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How old is he?
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Is he litterbox trained?
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Has he ever bitten or scratched anyone that they know of?
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Are there any known health issues?
If you intend to purchase your Japanese Bobtail from a seller, shelter, or rescue group, you need to ensure that you have a written contract that spells out the responsibilities on both sides so that you are both on the same page. It is extremely important that you and the person from whom you are going to purchase the cat understand your rights and the remedies that you have in state with pet lemon laws.
Whether you have adopted a kitten or an adult Japanese Bobtail, make sure to take it to your veterinarian as soon as possible. If you visit your veterinarian on a regular basis, he or she will be able to spot potential problems and help you to set up a preventive regimen so that many health issues can be avoided.
History
As early as the 6th century, there was a Japanese Bobtail that had been recognized in Japan. Several antique Japanese woodcuts and paintings are on display at Gotokuji Temple and Niko Temple, which bear witness to the Japanese people’s love of their special bobtailed cat in the past. Considering that Japanese Bobtails are considered to be a naturally occurring breed, it cannot be claimed that they were created affirmatively.
Originally, the Japanese Bobtail was kept by people who kept silkworm barns as this breed was regarded as invaluable to them due to the fact that they were very good at controlling rodents. The Imperial family, however, was so in love with the Japanese Bobtails that they granted them all the privileges and were pampered and honored as though they were just like the royalty of the time. An emperor of the past is said to have thought the Japanese Bobtail cat was such a beautiful cat, so he decreed that he would be the only one to own these cats and breed them. The Japanese Bobtail dogs he brought with him whenever he gave an audience in the Imperial Garden would be led by red silk leashes when he gave an audience.
Bobtails are considered lucky cats, so having one in your home is an assurance of happiness and success. The Japanese Bobtail is one of the most beautiful cats that you will ever see, and it is called Mi-Ke (pronounce Mee Kay) and it is one of the luckiest colors of this beautiful cat. This is because most tricolored cats are females and, therefore, produce more beautiful Japanese Bobtails. An artistic interpretation of the Bobtail is the Japanese statue with its foot upraised and a cat with its paw raised. It is called the Maneki Neko or beckoning cat. In Japanese shops, these statues are quite common; they are believed to attract good people, so it is not uncommon to see them there.
