Japanese Bobtail

Temperament

The Japanese Bobtail is an energetic, intelligent cat that solves problems quickly: it opens doors, fishes toys out from under the wardrobe and learns to fetch without much encouragement. It likes people and enjoys taking part in family life, and when it does not get enough attention, it asks for it in a soft, singsong voice; it can carry on whole conversations in a range of tones. It gets along well with children and dogs, although other cats may need more time to accept it. It greets guests with curiosity. It loves climbing and jumping, and it works off boredom with hunting games. It does not like long periods alone, so if you work full time away from home, think about a second cat. For all its energy, it can also be affectionate and happily sits beside its people.

Energy

calmvery energetic

Affection

independentvelcro pet

With children

not idealgreat

With other pets

difficultgreat

Trainability

stubborneager to learn

For first-time owners

for experienced ownersyes

With strangers

waryoutgoing

Playfulness

dignifiedeternal puppy

Shedding

minimalheavy

Grooming

easydemanding

Being left alone

strugglescopes well

Apartment living

needs a house and yardgreat in a flat

Talkativeness

quietchatterbox

Indoor-only life

needs outdoor accessgreat

Scores of 1–5 compare the breed with other breeds of the same species, based on the sources at the bottom of the page. Every animal is different. How we score traits

Who is the Japanese Bobtail for?

The Japanese Bobtail suits active people who enjoy a chatty, engaged cat and have time for daily play. It does well in a home with children and a dog. It is less suited to people looking for a quiet, lazy cat or to homes where the cat is alone most of the day. In Poland, there are very few breeders.

Size and looks

Care and exercise

The Japanese Bobtail has no undercoat, so it sheds moderately and its coat does not mat. The shorthaired variety needs combing just a few times a month, and the longhaired one every few days with a long-toothed comb. Baths are needed only occasionally. The tail deserves special attention: it is sensitive, so never pull it or try to straighten it, and teach children the same. A bobtail needs lots of exercise; tall cat trees, shelves, tunnels and daily fetch or hunting games are the basics. It learns tricks and harness walking quickly. It loves food and will beg at the table, so measure its portions and count treats toward its daily ration. Trim its nails every few weeks, and ideally brush its teeth regularly from kittenhood.

Health and breed-related conditions

The Japanese Bobtail is considered a sturdy breed with no known diseases unique to it. The CFA stresses that its short tail is not linked to any abnormalities, unlike the tailless Manx, in which the gene that shortens the spine can cause serious defects. VCA likewise does not treat the short tail as a disease and mentions only the risk of obesity from overeating. Because the breed is rare, breeders work to maintain genetic diversity and test breeding pairs. Sources disagree on lifespan: TICA gives 9–13+ years and VCA 15–18 years. Keep an eye on its weight and handle the tail carefully, since it is easily injured.

• sensitive tailAccording to the CFA and VCA, the short tail is not linked to spinal defects, but it is sensitive and must be handled with care.
• excess weightVCA notes a tendency to beg and overeat; portions need to be measured.
• small gene poolThe breed is rare; breeders work to maintain genetic diversity and test breeding pairs.

This is general breed information, not a diagnosis. If something worries you, talk to your veterinarian.

Breed history

Short-tailed cats appear in Japanese scrolls, woodblock prints and sculptures from the Middle Ages, and they probably reached Japan from Korea as early as the 6th century. For centuries, only members of the court could own them. According to tradition, an imperial edict in 1602 ordered cats to be released onto the streets to protect the silk industry from rodents, and bobtails spread throughout the country. This cat is the model for the maneki-neko, the beckoning figurine said to bring good luck. The first Japanese Bobtails arrived in the United States in 1968. The CFA granted championship status to the shorthaired variety in 1976 and to the longhaired variety in 1993. FIFe recognizes only the shorthaired variety.

Fun facts

• The Japanese Bobtail is the model for the maneki-neko, the beckoning cat figurine.
• Every bobtail's tail is different: it can be rigid or flexible.
• Under the CFA standard, the tail should not extend more than about 7.5 cm from the body.
• In Japan, the tricolor mi-ke coat is considered especially lucky.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

1. 1CFA – Japanese Bobtailcfa.org
2. 2TICA – Japanese Bobtail breedtica.org
3. 3VCA Animal Hospitals – Japanese Bobtailvcahospitals.com
4. 4FIFe – Breeds (JBS)fifeweb.org
5. 5WCF – Breed standards shorthairwcf.de
6. 6WCF – Breed standards semi-longhair (JBL)wcf.de

Last reviewed: November 12, 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.