Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese Bobtail is one of Japan's most ancient and iconic breeds — a naturally short-tailed cat that has been depicted in Japanese art for over 1,000 years.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Origin
Japan
Lifespan
15–18 years
Weight
2.5–4 kg (5.5–9 lbs)
Height
20–28 cm (8–11 in)
Exercise
15 to 25 min/day
Diet
Obligate carnivore — high-quality wet and dry food.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
The Story
The Japanese Bobtail is one of Japan's most ancient and iconic breeds — a naturally short-tailed cat that has been depicted in Japanese art for over 1,000 years. The short pom-pom tail is caused by a recessive gene that is different from the Manx gene — two copies are required to produce the bobtail, and the gene does not carry any of the health risks associated with the Manx mutation. The Mi-ke (three-coloured) Japanese Bobtail — red, black, and white — is the basis for the famous Maneki Neko (beckoning cat) figurine found across Asia as a symbol of good luck and prosperity.
Also Known As
Quick Facts
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Physical Profile
Source: wikimedia
The Japanese Bobtail is a medium-sized, elegant, slender cat with a distinctively triangular head, large eyes (often odd-eyed in white cats), high cheekbones, and large, upright ears. The defining feature is the short, pom-pom-like tail — unique to each individual, the tail's fused or kinked vertebrae form a natural pompom shape of 5–8 cm. Unlike the Manx, the Japanese Bobtail's shortened tail causes no health problems. Both shorthaired and longhaired varieties exist.
Grooming
Low
Shedding
Low
Coat Length
short
Coat Type
silky
Brushing
1x-Weekly
Bathing
Rarely
Coat Colors
Recognized By
Source: wikimedia
Temperament & Personality
Japanese Bobtails are active, vocal, and sociable — they are high-pitched in their vocalisation and some owners describe their calls as melodic or song-like. They are intelligent and can be trained. They are sociable with children and other pets and enjoy family life. They are curious and actively involved in household activities.
Personality Scores
Adaptability
5/5Attention Need
4/5Friendliness
5/5Playfulness
5/5Protectiveness
1/5Living Profile
Ideal Space
Apartment
Daily Exercise
15 to 25 min/day
Ideal Weather
10°C to 28°C
Indoor/Outdoor
Indoor-Outdoor
Cognitive Benchmarks
Adaptability
50%
Attention
40%
Playfulness
50%
Communication Style
Vocal Profile
chatty
Stress Signals
excessive vocalisation, clinginess, over-grooming, restlessness
Care & Wellness
Professional Care Protocol
- •Very low grooming requirements for the shorthaired variety. The pom-pom tail should be gently checked for any matting in the longhaired variety. Regular dental care.
Nutrition Notes
Very healthy natural breed. NO spinal defects (unlike Manx — different bobtail gene, recessive not dominant). Few dietary restrictions.
Vaccination Schedule
Vaccination Schedule
Senior Care
Very few health issues — one of the healthiest breeds. Obesity possible. NO spinal problems from bobtail gene (recessive, unlike Manx dominant). Maneki-neko (beckoning cat) inspiration. Mi-ke (tricolour calico) most prized. 9-15 years.
Wellbeing Activities
Nutrition & Sustenance
Daily Calories (Adult)
350 kcal
Daily Calories (Young)
250 kcal
Recommended Foods
Foods to Avoid
Health Overview
Generally a very healthy breed. The bobtail gene does not cause health problems (unlike Manx gene). HCM occurs as in all breeds. One of the healthier naturally occurring breeds with few documented hereditary conditions.
Common Conditions
Price Estimates
Pricing Guide
Average estimates as of 2025
NO spinal defects (unlike Manx). Maneki-neko lucky cat. India: climate-suitable.
Purchase Price
$800 to $2,500
Adoption Fee
$75 to $350
Data from 2025
Fun Facts
The Maneki Neko (beckoning cat) figurine — ubiquitous across Japan, China, and Southeast Asia as a good luck charm — depicts a Japanese Bobtail Mi-ke (calico) with one raised paw. It is found in shops, restaurants, and homes across Asia including India.
Japanese Bobtail cats have been depicted in Japanese paintings, woodblock prints, and manuscripts for over 1,000 years — they appear in the earliest known Japanese cat art from the 10th century.
The Japanese Bobtail bobtail gene is recessive and completely safe — unlike the Manx dominant tailless gene, two copies of the Japanese Bobtail gene produce a healthy bobtail with no associated spinal problems.
