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Japanese Bobtail

Cat breed

The Japanese Bobtail is an active, sweet, loving and highly intelligent breed. They love to be with people and play seemingly endlessly. They learn their name and respond to it. They bring toys to people and play fetch with a favorite toy for hours. Bobtails are social and are at their best when in the company of people. They take over the house and are not intimidated. If a dog is in the house, Bobtails assume Bobtails are in charge.

More about the Japanese Bobtail

The Japanese Bobtail is a breed of domestic cat with an unusual bobtail more closely resembling the tail of a rabbit than that of other cats. The breed was first developed in Japan, and registered officially in the 1960s. The breed has been known in Japan for centuries, and it frequently appears in traditional folklore and art. Japanese Bobtails are believed to be derived from domestic and feral populations of kinked-tailed cats widespread throughout Southeast Asia and southern China.

Read more on Wikipedia โ†—

Living with a Japanese Bobtail

A chatty, bunny-tailed bundle of energy that treats every person and pet in the house as a personal fan club.

Personality & fit

Social, clever, and unshakeably confident, the Japanese Bobtail bonds closely with their people and doesn't back down from dogs or strangers, they tend to run the household, not just live in it. They're playful for life and genuinely love company, so they're happiest in a home where someone's around most of the day.

Exercise & energy

Very high energy and endlessly playful, expect fetch games, toy-hauling, and a cat who wants to be part of whatever you're doing. Keep a rotating supply of toys and puzzle feeders on hand, or they'll invent their own games.

Grooming & coat

The short-to-medium coat is famously low-maintenance, a quick weekly brush handles loose hair, with a bit more during seasonal shedding. This is about as easy-care as cat coats get.

Training

Sharp and eager to interact, Bobtails learn their names, respond to cues, and take well to clicker training or fetch games. Their intelligence needs an outlet, so mental engagement matters as much as physical exercise.

Health to watch

Generally a robust, long-lived breed with few known genetic issues, though the signature short or kinked tail is worth mentioning to your vet at checkups to rule out any spinal concerns. Routine care and regular vet visits are all most Bobtails need.

Good to know

They're vocal and talkative, so expect a running commentary throughout the day, and because they're so people-focused, long stretches alone aren't their favorite thing.

General guidance to help you get to know the breed, not veterinary advice. Always consult your vet for your own pet.

๐Ÿ  Adoptable near you

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Personality

ActiveAgileCleverEasy GoingIntelligentLivelyLoyalPlayfulSocial

At a glance

Life span
14 - 16 yrs
Weight
5 - 10 lbs
Origin
Japan

Traits at a glance

Affection
Energy
Good with kids
Good with dogs
Friendly to strangers
Intelligence
Social needs
Grooming needs
Shedding
Vocalness
Adaptability
Health issues

More filled dots = more of that trait (out of 5).

Breed traits from The Cat API ยท summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA). General guidance only, every individual pet is unique.