Japanese Bobtail

• ExerciseHigh

  Needs vigorous daily play — wand toys and climbing space are gold.

• GroomingWeekly brushing

  A weekly brush keeps shedding under control.

• Living spaceApartment-friendly

  Perfectly happy indoors — add vertical space to climb.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment15–18 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Kidney disease · Dental issues · Obesity

The Japanese Bobtail is the pom-pom-tailed cat of Japanese folklore, the model for the beckoning maneki-neko 'lucky cat', and it is as charming in life as in legend. Social, intelligent and endlessly playful, it sings in soft chirps and trills, carries toys around in its mouth, plays fetch, often enjoys water, and throws itself wholeheartedly into family life, getting along well with children and other pets. Its bobbed tail is unique to each cat and formed by a natural gene. Importantly, unlike the taillessness of some breeds, the Japanese Bobtail's short tail comes from a benign gene that is not linked to spinal or health problems, so this is a robust, healthy breed. The coat, short or long, has little undercoat, resists matting and needs only weekly brushing. With no dramatic breed-specific disease, the Bobtail simply needs the standard feline program: a good diet, weight management, dental hygiene, fresh water and yearly check-ups. Give this busy, sociable cat plenty of interactive play and companionship and it will be a lively, affectionate presence for many years.

• How much play does a Japanese Bobtail need?

  High. Needs vigorous daily play — wand toys and climbing space are gold.

• How much grooming does a Japanese Bobtail need?

  Weekly brushing. A weekly brush keeps shedding under control.

• Is a Japanese Bobtail suited to apartment living?

  Apartment-friendly. Perfectly happy indoors — add vertical space to climb.

• Is a Japanese Bobtail a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Japanese Bobtail live?

  15–18 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Japanese Bobtail?

  Keep an eye out for Kidney disease, Dental issues, Obesity. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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