Japanese Bobtail

The Japanese Bobtail is a breed that stands out from the rest! They get their name from their distinctive ‘bobbed’ tail that make it look more like a rabbit than a cat. This is caused by mutation in the genes, which is passed down the line as long as both parents are Bobtails. The Japanese Bobtail is, as its name would suggest, native to Japan and has been so for centuries: many ancient paintings and stories from old Japan tells of this exotic breed’s history.

Snapshot
The Bobtail is a medium-sized cat with long, clean lines. They are characterisd by a long, lean and sturdy body and rear legs that are much longer than the forelegs. Their back is level despite this unevenness between the backleg and foreleg lengths due to the deep angulations found in the back legs. These angular back legs also clearly accounts for the distinctive way of walking exhibited by Bobtails. Traditionally, bobtails are divided in long-haired and short-haired.

History
The Japanese Bobtail has been a vital part of Japanese society for a long time. Just outside of Tokyo, the Gokokuji Temple, devoted to the Maneki Neko, or beckoning cat, can be found. The Maneki Neko has long been thought of as an amulet of good luck, mainly in commerce. Often seen in shop fronts, small statues are found in many materials from paper mache to fine porcelain both as toys and art. Many silk roll paintings, woodblock prints and netsuke (carved objects used to fasten, for example a purse to the kimono) show the Bobtail’s durability. Maneki Neko-talismans were especially popular in the Edo (1603-1867), Chi Kanoliu (1874) and Toyokuni (1786-1864) periods. One of the many artists who used Bobtails in artistic work was the famed artist Hiroshige who made woodblock-printings picturing Bobtails. The Bobtail became popular in America and Australia in the late 1960s when the breed scored high points in various pet-shows in Japan.

Concerning their tail, the mutation that created it is not known, but bobbed-tailed cats do appear in Southeast Asia, so it is likely that the event took place in pre-historic time. One legend tells of a cat whose tail caught fire and then ran through town, spreading the fire far and wide. With the capital in ashes, the Emperor decreed all cats should have their tails cut short as a pre-emptive measure.

Personality
Japanese Bobtails are often described as being smart, fun, good-humored, friendly and neat. The breed’s distinctive tail and pace, appearance, amusing mischief making and showmanship are all treats of the Japanese Bobtail. They mostly show a liking of family-life and company. Furthermore, they are one of the few breeds with a distinctive voice, often makeing noises that sounds as if they were ‘singing’.

Health
Apart from some seemingly inherited eye-diseases of fairly harmless nature, Japanese Bobtails are a healthy breed. The fur might need a brush from time to time to keep it in good condition.

Breeders

If you’re looking at bringing a Japanese Bobtail into your life, make sure you do your research. Always look for a reputable breeder when you’re ready to buy, below are just some suggestions to get you started in your search.

http://www.siameseandbobtailcats.com/
http://www.bigfootcats.com.au/
http://www.kitten-stork.com/japanese-bobtail-cats-kittens-sale.php#Australia

Sources:
http://www.cfainc.org/breeds/profiles/japanese.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanese_Bobtail

Main image by eugenethephotobug