Japanese bobtail cats are an ancient breed with a bold spirit. With a long history and a vibrant personality, these cats have all the bases covered for what you're looking for in a kitty. If you ask anyone with Japanese heritage, they will tell you just how precious this breed is in the cat world. There's more to them than their distinctive looks.
1. Japanese Bobtail Cats Are Ancient
Japanese bobtail cats are quite an ancient breed, having been depicted in Asian art for centuries. There is no sure way to say they originated in their namesake country, and some records indicate the breed may actually be Korean or Chinese.
2. They Have a Unique Appearance
Bobtails are medium-sized cats that have a well-defined bone and muscle structure. They have slanted eyes and high cheekbones on their triangular heads. Aside from these features, their distinctive look comes from their short stub of a tail.
3. Each Tail Is Unique
The Japanese bobtail cat's tail looks similar to a rabbit's tail and should puff out like a pom-pom. Under the hair, each tail is as unique as a fingerprint, consisting of just a few joints limited to three inches in total length. These joints are often fused with a series of curves and kinks.
Since their tail joints aren't completely stable, you need to be careful when handling them to avoid causing injury.
4. They Usually Have Short Coats
Bobtails may be short-haired or semi-long haired. The longer coat variety appears a bit shaggy around the shoulders and belly, although not as full coated as a Maine Coon Cat. They come in the average solid colors, although bi-colors and tri-colors seem to be especially popular. Bold color combinations and patterns are highly desirable, as are specimens that display two different eye colors.
5. This Cat Breed Is Fearless
Japanese bobtail cats are affectionate, but they're also known to be fearless and adventurous. They require a good deal of attention from their owners, or they will find ways of entertaining themselves. Sometimes this results in destructive behavior, although it's certainly not the bobtail's intention to misbehave. They are simply capable of thinking for themselves to achieve their goals.
If you don't have enough free time to meet your bobtail's needs, adding an additional bobtail to your family may help keep yours content.
6. Japanese Bobtail Cats Like to Talk
These cats are known to be chatty, and not just randomly. They seem to be actually having a conversation with you. Their meows aren't usually loud. Instead, they have a softer, more soothing tone than the average cat. It's almost like they're singing. They're also said to have a wide range of vocalizations based on their mood or what they're looking for. It's like they have their own cute cat language.
7. They Get Sick Less Than Other Breeds
Unlike many other cat breeds, Japanese bobtail cats don’t seem to suffer from any genetic conditions or particular health problems. They are quite hardy, and the average kitten is larger than kittens of the same age in many other breeds. The breed is very disease resistant, and providing your pet with basic care should keep them healthy for many years to come.
8. They're Known as Japanese Good Luck Cats
In Japanese culture, people believe bobtail cats bring good luck and prosperity. Porcelain cats, referred to as maneki-neko, are present in many homes and businesses throughout that country. Maneki-neko cats typically have one arm raised in a welcoming gesture. Having a Japanese bobtail at home is like having your own personal good luck charm that purrs and cuddles.
If you have been to a Japanese restaurant and they had cat decor, it's highly likely the decor is based on this cat breed.
9. Japanese Bobtail Kittens Already Have Personality
These kittens are full of energy and curiosity from the get-go. You'll often find them exploring every nook and cranny or initiating a playful attack on an unsuspecting littermate. And don't be surprised if they talk to you from a young age. Not only are the adults quite chatty, so are the babies.
Fascinating Felines With Vivacious Vocalizations
If you’re looking for a quiet, retiring feline, then you should pass on Japanese bobtail cats. They’re definitely not a cat for spectators, but for those looking to spend a lot of time interacting with them. However, if you are adventurous by nature, then you will probably find quite a lot to appreciate about these amazing creatures. Be prepared to share your life with a furry companion who will be as interested in you as you are in them.
