History
It is said that the first bobtailed cats arrived in Japan as gifts from the emperor of China to the emperor of Japan. They have been known in the island nation for at least 1,000 years. Their short tails were a naturally occurring phenomenon that was then set through selective breeding.
Over the centuries, the cats were not only imperial pets but also guardians of grain supplies and protectors of the lucrative silkworms, both of which were threatened by rodents. The Japanese Bobtails have been a popular art subject for many centuries usually depicted with the front paw raised.
Description
The Japanese Bobtail is a medium-sized cat with long, clean lines, slender boning and firm muscle tone. The back legs are slightly longer than the front legs which gives them a muscular apperence. The unique shape of the eyes with high cheek bones and a long, parallel nose that is unlike any other oriental breed. They have a distinctive pom-pom, fan or bunny-tail which is unique to each cat like a fingerprint.
Grooming and Physical Needs
Size: Medium
- Grooming Needs: Easy to groom with twice-weekly brushing or combing
- Coat Type: Shorthair
- Moulting: minimal to medium amount of shedding
- Exercise Needs: Interactive toys and perches to jump high
- Average Life Span: 9-13 years
- Healthcare:
Behaviour
- Family: Bobtails are social and are at their best when in the company of people. They take over the house and are not intimidated
- Temperament: Social, sweet and highly intelligent
- Trainability: Love to play fetch and can respond to their name
- Sociability (Other Pets): They get along fairly well with other cat breeds but prefer the company of other Bobtails
- Meowing: talkative, communicating with a wide range of chirps and meows