How to Identify a Japanese Bobtail

Have you seen a small figurine of a short-tailed cat with a raised paw? These lucky tokens depict a Japanese Bobtail, which play an important role in Japanese history and folklore.^{[1]XResearch source} Prolific hunters, they were relied upon to protect silk, scrolls, and even the streets of Japan from rats at different points in history. You can identify a Japanese Bobtail based on its unique tail, long legs, and tri-colored coat. Today, they are popular house cats, in part because of their friendly personality and sociable dispositions.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Recognizing the Physical Characteristics of a Japanese Bobtail

1
Check the cat’s tail. The most recognizable characteristic of Japanese Bobtails are their tails. Their tails are very short, and are kinked and curved. For this reason, their tails often look as though they have been docked, but this “bobbed” appearance is entirely natural.^{[2]XResearch source}
- Their tails can either be flexible or rigid. They rarely extend more than 3 inches (7.6 cm) from the cat’s body.
- Japanese Bobtails' tails are covered in tufts of hair. This makes their tails look more like rabbit tails or pom-poms than most other cats' tails.
- While some short-tailed cats may suffer from spinal problems and neurological difficulties, this does not appear to be an issue in the Japanese Bobtail, which is generally a healthy breed.
2
Look at the cat’s head and face. Japanese Bobtails have triangle-shaped faces, similar to that of a Siamese cat. They have high cheekbones, oval eyes, and long, prominent noses.^{[3]XResearch source}
- Their ears are large and relatively far from one another. Their ears also face more sideways than forwards.
- Their eyes are often blue or gold in color, and are often uniquely patterned. Heterochromia, or different colored eyes, is somewhat common in this breed.
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3
Note the cat’s body shape. Japanese Bobtails have especially long hind legs, which give them a recognizable body orientation. You’ll also notice that their rear hips are slightly higher than their shoulders.^{[4]XResearch source}
- In terms of size, Japanese Bobtails are small- to medium-sized cats, weighing between 5 and 10 pounds (2.3 and 4.5 kg).
4
Note if it has a calico coat. Japanese Bobtails can have long or short hair. They also have coats of various different colors and patterns, but sometimes have coats featuring three different colors. If they have a calico coat, their coats are mostly white with patches of color at their head and tail. Patches can be red, black, white, and grey.^{[5]XResearch source} However, this is not a primary deciding factor, as many calico cats are not Japanese Bobtails.
- Long-haired Japanese Bobtails have longer hair on their tail and rear legs. Their tails often look like pom-poms. Many also have tufts of hair around their ears and on their toes, much like wild bobcats.
5
Distinguish Japanese Bobtail from other short-tailed cats. While there are other cats with naturally short tails, they are not closely related genetically. The most recognizable distinction is the tail. Japanese Bobtail tails will vary from cat to cat, but will only rarely extend more than 3 inches (7.6 cm) from their bodies.^{[6]XResearch source}
- Manx, which are another type of short-tailed cat, can have tails of many different lengths.
- American Bobtails also have tails that are shorter than most cats. However, their tails resemble a half-length tail, as opposed to a bobbed tail like that of the Japanese Bobtail.
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Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Observing Japanese Bobtail Behavior

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Listen to a Japanese Bobtail sing. These cats are known for making a wide range of noises, and like to chirp and meow in a seemingly conversational manner. Some listeners describe their voices as musical, as these cats are capable of making noises in various tones.^{[7]XTrustworthy SourceCat Fancier's AssociationWorld's largest registry of pedigreed cats and organization devoted to the well-being of all catsGo to source}
- Try to speak to a Japanese Bobtail. They will very often respond with noises of their own.
2
Note their sociability. Japanese Bobtails tend to get along with children, adults, and other pets. They are almost always amicable, even during travel. Many Japanese Bobtails even like to perch on a person’s shoulder to observe what is going on around them.^{[8]XTrustworthy SourceCat Fancier's AssociationWorld's largest registry of pedigreed cats and organization devoted to the well-being of all catsGo to source}
- These cats are especially likely to jump up on your lap while you’re working on a computer or watching TV.
- When a doorbell rings, don’t be surprised if they run to see who it is.
Japanese Bobtails are notoriously curious and intelligent cats. They like to use their paws to play with water, toys, and whatever else catches their attention. They will also carry things around in their mouths, and will play games like fetch and tag with you or other pets.^{[9]XTrustworthy SourceCat Fancier's AssociationWorld's largest registry of pedigreed cats and organization devoted to the well-being of all catsGo to source}
4
Consult a cat breed expert. If you want to know more about your cat's breed, you have several options. Your vet may be able to point out relevant characteristics, and can confirm that a cat is likely descended from one breed or another, at least in part. Note that most cats’ genetic lineage includes multiple breed influences.^{[10]XResearch source}
- A well-respected Japanese bobtail cat breeder is a good source. Ask your veterinarian if they know one in your area, or check the Cat Fanciers’ Association website for a breeder near you.
- If you want to know your cat's literal genetic lineage, you can have tests done by a veterinary genetics laboratory. Costs and procedures vary.
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