- Playful and curious cat
- Sociable and dependent cat
- Very talkative cat
- Lean and elegant cat breed
- Requires grooming once a week
- Non hypoallergenic breed
- Needs some out-door space
- May require familiarisation before living with children
History and Origins
Country of Origin: Japan
The unique feature of the Japanese Bobtail cat is its tail. When the cat is relaxed and natural the tail looks like that of a rabbit, but it can be unfurled to a length of about 10 to 12 cm. In Japan, the breed can be traced back to the 8th century but it was not seen outside Japan until the 1960s when the shorthaired Japanese Bobtails were imported into America. The Japanese Bobtail cat has established a following in America and it is now a recognised breed and is widely shown in the USA. There are not many in the UK.
In America, the Japanese Bobtail cat is known as a robust and healthy breed that lives well into its teens. This cannot be confirmed or denied in the UK population because of low numbers of the breed in this country. It is said not to have the same problems as other tailless breeds such as the Manx because it is a different gene mutation. However, not enough information is available on this yet.
Every cat is unique and each has their own particular likes, dislikes, and needs when it comes to food. However, cats are carnivores and every cat must obtain 41 different and specific nutrients from their food. The proportion of these nutrients will vary depending on age, lifestyle and overall health, so it's not surprising that a growing, energetic kitten needs a different balance of nutrients in her diet than a less active senior cat. Other considerations to bear in mind are feeding the right quantity of food to maintain 'ideal body condition' in accordance with feeding guidelines and catering to individual preference regarding wet or dry food recipes.
Although easy to keep in condition compared with its longhaired cousins, the Exotic Shorthair cat's coat still needs some attention. Regular grooming will keep dead hair from clogging up the coat and from being deposited on the furniture. If the cat's eyes tend to run because the face is flat, the corner of the eye and side of the nose will need regular cleaning. As with all cats, regular vaccination and parasite control is recommended.
While this breed is not widely recognised as one of the best breeds for children, all cats are different and with the proper familiarisation may still be able to live with children.
