You might notice one thing about the Japanese Bobtail—it has a rabbit tail instead of a cat tail! It is one of the most attractive things about the breed and is likely why your curiosity was piqued. Interestingly, no two tails on this breed are alike—some are rigid, and some are flexible. But, like our fingerprints, each is totally unique.
On top of having a very adorable nub, these beautiful cats have just as many wonderful quirks with personality as they do with looks. Let’s get to know them better!
Breed Overview Characteristics Origin & History Recognition Facts
The Japanese Bobtail is exactly as it sounds. It is a domestic cat from Japan that has an adorable stubby tail. If you love the look of this cat, you can get to know the traits of the breed much more throughout this article.
Japanese Bobtails have a rich history dating back to 1,000 years ago. While originally street and farm cats, these are purebreds today, and their price tag reflects that. They have developed into quite a wonderful family companion, sharing their lives with human families.
Japanese Bobtail Characteristics
Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability
Japanese Bobtail Kittens
Image Credit: NANCY AYUMI KUNIHIRO, Shutterstock
Few things are cuter than a Japanese Bobtail kitten. If you would like to add one of these adorable cuties to your household, you should always buy from a reputable breeder. Once you research online, you can pinpoint breeders around your area.
However, since the breed is relatively rare, you might have to travel or consider shipping. We don’t necessarily recommend shipping due to potential risks, but it is an option with some breeders.
Regardless of the method you choose, you should always select your kitten from a bloodline of healthy, genetically sound cats. Always ask for health testing and expect deposits and potentially kitten contracts. These contracts are put in place to protect the kitty from being rehomed in the future.
If you buy a Japanese Bobtail from a licensed breeder, you can expect to pay between $600 to $1,500.
It is quite possible to find a domestic cat that isn’t necessarily a Japanese Bobtail but has the bobbed tail feature. This happens naturally sometimes in a normal litter—so you could find one for cheaper—or even free! Check at local rescues and shelters for options.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Japanese Bobtail 🧠
The Japanese Bobtail is incredibly intelligent and notoriously easy to train. They can easily pick up very basic concepts, making litter training a breeze! These cats are extremely athletic, so you can even teach them lots of tricks or give them stimulating toys to enhance their mental focus.
These cats tend to be very energetic, so they need an outlet for their vitality. A bored Japanese Bobtail will surely get into trouble. However, if they are in your presence, they will make you laugh because of their clownish antics and playful nature.
It is important to understand that the Japanese Bobtail stays kitten-like for several years of its life. That means you will have a vibrant, energetic kitty in your household.
While this isn’t going to be excessive for most people, they do have higher energy levels than some. Always be willing to take them on before purchasing one of these kittens, ensuring you’re compatible.
The Japanese Bobtail is a pretty independent cat. These little felines can be quite feisty and are very brave at heart. Sometimes, these cats are demanding or stubborn. So, if you don’t want them to be on the counter, you can bet they’ll be on the counter.
If you try to coax them indoors, they might turn and walk the other way. They definitely have a mind of their own.
Are These Cats Good for Families? 👪
Image Credit: Algorithm images, Shutterstock
The Japanese Bobcat tail can make a wonderful addition to any family. These cats work for just about any household, whether it is relaxed or busy. These cats are exceptional with children, making wonderful playmates and cuddle buddies.
They very much enjoy time spent with their people and require stimulation and attention from owners. While they absolutely love interacting with their human companions, they also equally like doing their own thing. So this isn’t the type of cat you’ll have to entertain 24/7.
As with most house cats, your Japanese Bobtail will enjoy having their independence. It is completely up to the individual family whether you will allow your cat access to the great outdoors. Since they are knowledgeable, you can teach them to walk on a leash, much like a dog.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽
The Japanese Bobtail does amazingly well with other pets in the home. If they are socialized early, they can acclimate to just about any dog or cat.
In fact, these playful kitties will absolutely adore having another kitty companion to share their days with. So if you already have an existing house cat, this will be a perfect match. But if you’re just now getting your very first kitty, you could get two!
However, since these animals have very strong prey instincts, you should always keep them away from any smaller cage animals such as reptiles, birds, or small rodents.
Things to Know When Owning a Japanese Bobtail:
Food & Diet Requirements 🐡
Your cat is an obligate carnivore, and their diet needs to reflect that. A Japanese Bobtail needs the same nutrition as any other cat. They require a high-quality dry kibble, wet canned food, or a fresh food diet.
While Japanese Bobtails are not prone to any particular allergies or health issues, it can certainly pop up from cat to cat. So be prepared to make any dietary changes if you notice that they are having any type of irritation or allergic reaction to the chosen food.
As kittens, they will require a higher amount of protein, so getting a kitten formula is essential. It gives them all the building blocks their bodies need to have a firm foundation in life.
As your Japanese Bobtail enters the adult stage, you can switch to a standard diet containing at least 30 grams of protein per 100 grams of dry matter. These numbers can significantly increase due to life stage or pregnancy.
Exercise 🐈
Your Japanese Bobtail will need quite a bit of exercise, but they take care of most of these needs on their own. This highly energetic breed will always seek something to keep them busy.
On average, most domestic cats need roughly 15 minutes of daily exercise to stay healthy. Your Japanese Bobtail will get this in and much more. They will benefit from having lots of fun things to do around the house, so be sure to get them many enriching toys and other items.
Some ideas include cat scratching posts, cat trees, wall climbs, teaser toys, and so on! You can even get creative and make DIY jungle gyms and in-home contraptions to promote healthy exercise and exciting play.
Image Credit: Aylin2003, Shutterstock
Training 🧶
Training your Japanese Bobtail should really be no problem. These brainy cats can pick up almost any concept you want to teach them. So, if you’d like your cat to walk on a leash, you can certainly do so. You can also negotiate if you would like them to do a trick for a treat.
Litter box training should be a breeze. The first time you show your Japanese Bobtail to their litter box, it should be a natural habit that starts up. Since cats naturally want to cover their waste, most cats have next to no problem with this. That’s one of the many perks of owning these furry companions.
Image Credit: NANCY AYUMI KUNIHIRO, Shutterstock
Grooming ✂️
A Japanese Bobtail is not a low-shedding cat. They shed just as much as any other house cat but do the bulk of the grooming themselves. These animals are very clean and take hygiene very seriously. They will spend the majority of their day licking themselves to perfection.
However, sometimes they require a little extra care. If you want to keep your Japanese Bobtail on a schedule, you can bathe them once every 4 to 6 weeks. Indoor-outdoor cats tend to need more frequent bathing than strictly indoor cats.
So always use your discretion and consider your lifestyle. It would help if you always acclimated your kitty to brushing very early in life. That way, they will be used to the process, and it won’t stress them out when it’s time. You can brush your Japanese Bobtail a few times a week for optimal coat health.
Like most cats, the Japanese Bobtail will love using their claws! To keep your furniture from damage, it’s best to offer lots of cat scratching posts, and you can even trim nails or put on nail covers to cut down the damage possible with these little murder mittens.
Health and Conditions 🏥
The Japanese Bobtail is generally a very healthy cat. However, certain genetic factors play a role, and health is individual to the feline in question. Regular vetting will help you get ahead of any issues that might develop over time.
Minor Conditions
Constipation
Urinary tract infections
Serious Conditions
Back issues
Cancer
Male vs Female
Males and females can be quite different from one another, and it doesn’t just boil down to personality. Males tend to be bigger than females, with stockier bodies and blockier skulls. Females are a bit more dainty and lanky and typically weigh 3 to 5 pounds less.
Once males and females reach sexual maturity, they can spread. However, males tend to exhibit this behavior more than females. Males might also become territorially aggressive or try to run away to seek out a mate.
Females in heat tend to be highly vocal, excessively affectionate, and exhibit a lot of other peculiar behaviors. To eliminate any gender hormone-based behaviors, we recommend getting your cat spayed or neutered by 6 months of age.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Japanese Bobtail
1. The Japanese Bobtail’s tail is compared to that of a rabbit.
The Japanese Bobtail has a tail much more similar to a rabbit’s than a cat’s. Some Japanese bobtails might even hop to get around due to the tail composition.
Featured Image Credit: 86685373, Pxhere
2. Japanese Bobtails love water!
Most cats tend to steer pretty clear of water, but not this cat! The Japanese Bobtail is very curious about water, so you should get a running fountain or let the tap water run every now and then. This is definitely a breed that you might see trying to invade you during shower time.
While this might be a peculiar behavior, it sure does come in handy for baths!
3. Heterochromia is very common in the Japanese Bobtail breed.
Heterochromia is the phenomenon of having two different colored eyes. You might see this example in dog breeds such as the Australian Shepherd or Husky. While this is less common for cats, the Japanese Bobtail certainly has this phenomenon pop up from litter to litter.
Final Thoughts
The Japanese Bobtail is certainly an exciting cat that can make a terrific kitty companion to any cat lover. This cat has been around for quite some time and continues to be popular in the purebred cat world due to their wonderful demeanor and sought-after appearance.
Now that you know more about this magnificent feline, you can check with local breeders near you to see if there’s any availability. Don’t forget that if you’re just looking for the bobtail quality, there are abundant other breeds of naturally occurring tailless kitties, and you may even find tailless kitties in shelters and rescues.
Ashley Bates is a freelance dog writer and pet enthusiast who is currently studying the art of animal therapy. A mother to four human children— and 23 furry and feathery kids, too – Ashley volunteers at local shelters, advocates for animal well-being, and rescues every creature she finds. Her mission is to create awareness, education, and entertainment about pets to prevent homelessness. Her specialties are cats and dogs.
