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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+5
Cats
# The Japanese Bobtail: temperament, price, health, and breeders
Japan
Also called the Japanese Bobtail, this cheerful, affectionate and playful cat stands out for its short pompom tail.
Size MediumLife expectancy 12–16 yearsBudget ≈ €50/monthKitten €800 – €1,200
[Find a breeder 1](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-japanese-bobtail) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-cat-breeds?races=japanese-bobtail)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Which cat is right for you?](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-cat)
Families and children Very good
Daily exercise needs High
Apartment living Excellent
First-time owners Very good
Other pets Very good
Tolerance of being alone Limited
Vocalization Talkative
Strengths and weaknesses
- Very affectionate: He readily seeks interaction and forms a close bond with his family.
- Playful and intelligent: Curious and lively, he enjoys games, learning, and stimulating environments.
- Adaptable: He can thrive in an apartment as well as in a house if his activity needs are met.
- Easy grooming: His coat, almost devoid of undercoat, remains easy to maintain, especially in the shorthair.
- Need for companionship: He may cope poorly with a lack of attention and long periods of solitude.
- Need for activity: Without games or daily enrichment, this athletic cat may get bored.
- Shedding of the semi-long coat: The semi-long-haired variety requires more frequent brushing during shedding.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Families often at home: Its sociable and playful temperament suits available and interactive households.
- Enriched apartment living: It adapts to indoor living if elevated spaces and games are provided.
- Households with sociable animals: A gradual introduction promotes its usual good rapport with other animals.
- People who enjoy training their cat: Its intelligence and curiosity make playful learning particularly rewarding.
Not recommended for
- People often absent: Its strong need for attention makes long, repeated days of solitude unsuitable.
- Homes without stimulation: It needs games, exploration and physical activity on a daily basis.
- People looking for a hypoallergenic cat: The breed produces allergens and is not hypoallergenic.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
33 cmJapanese Bobtail
- Height at the withers
- 30–35 cm
- Weight
- 2–5 kg
- Coat
- Short or semi-long, fine and silky
- Origin
- Japan
- Grooming
- Easy to care for
## Photos and videos
See the Japanese Bobtail in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The presence of short-tailed cats in Japan is ancient. Felines from China are reported in the archipelago as early as the VIth century and, in the Xth century, the emperor had manuscripts protected against rodents thanks to cats. Short-tailed individuals, particularly appreciated in Japan, have gradually acquired an emblematic place. The Western world discovers the breed more in the middle of the XXth century. In 1968, the American breeder Elizabeth Freret imports to the United States three individuals, then other cats bearing the same curled tail. The breed is recognized in 1976 by a major American feline association.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The Japanese Bobtail is a semi-foreign type cat, medium-sized, slender, long and elegant, with a straight back and small, oval feet. Seen from the front, its head forms an equilateral triangle with soft curves, with high cheekbones, a slightly rounded forehead and a broad, rounded muzzle. Its large, upright ears tilt slightly forward when at rest. Its eyes, large, oval, expressive and set at an angle, may be of any color provided they match the coat. Its tail, very short and curled on itself, ends in a pompom and is the distinctive sign of the breed. There is a short-haired variety and a semi-long-haired variety. In both cases, the coat is fine and silky, with very little undercoat; in the semi-long-haired, it falls over the flanks and forms breeches. Solid, bicolor or tricolor coats are accepted, with clear colors and well-contrasted patches.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
Demonstrative, cheerful and affectionate, the Japanese Bobtail seeks the presence of its family and does not cope well with being neglected. Lively, curious and intelligent, it remains gentle and also knows how to be calm. Its playful and sometimes mischievous temperament makes it an interactive companion, readily willing to learn tricks.
Affectionate Playful Intelligent Easy to train Sociable
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
The Japanese Bobtail needs attention, play and daily activity. It adapts just as well to a sufficiently enriched apartment as to a house with a secure garden, provided it can expend energy and explore. Cat trees, toys and play sessions limit boredom. Sociable, it generally cohabits well with respectful children, other animals and visitors. Several individuals also show an unusual interest in water.
Training
## Training and socialization
Its intelligence, curiosity and love of play make learning through positive reinforcement easier. Short, regular sessions make it possible to teach it recall, the use of a scratching post or small tricks. Gradual socialization and consistent rules are recommended, without constraint or punishment.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Japanese Bobtail
The price varies depending on the lineage, compliance with the standard, the reputation of the cattery, the cat’s destination and the care already carried out. The rarity of the breed in France can also affect the cost.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/japanese-bobtail/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The Japanese Bobtail is considered a cat with overall robust health and no major specific hereditary disease is currently recognized as characteristic of the breed. It must nevertheless benefit from the same preventive monitoring as any cat, notably against coryza, typhus and leukemia, as well as against rabies when the situation requires it.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/japanese-bobtail/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
Its diet must be complete, balanced and adapted to its age, its weight, its reproductive status and its activity level. The quantity depends heavily on its lifestyle.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/japanese-bobtail/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The Japanese Bobtail is also known as the Japanese Bobtail. Its pompom tail is unique to each individual, like a signature. Japanese short-tailed cats are often associated with the lucky figure of the maneki-neko, particularly when they have a tricolor coat.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Japanese Bobtail
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Is the Japanese Bobtail hypoallergenic?
No. Even though it sheds relatively little, it produces feline allergens and cannot be considered hypoallergenic.
### Can the Japanese Bobtail live in an apartment?
Yes. It adapts well to apartment living if it has accessories, vertical space, hiding places, and daily play sessions to meet its need for activity.
### What is the difference between the short-haired and semi-long-haired varieties?
Both varieties have fine, silky fur and almost no undercoat. The semi-long-haired variety requires more frequent brushing, especially during shedding season.
## Find a Japanese Bobtail breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Japanese Bobtail breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
### Japanese Bobtail breeders by country
[1 breeder of Japanese Bobtail in Spain](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-japanese-bobtail/spain)
[All breeders of Japanese Bobtail in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-japanese-bobtail)
## Ready to welcome a Japanese Bobtail?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-japanese-bobtail)
## Discover other breeds
[American Bobtail
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/american-bobtail)
[Kurilian Bobtail
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/kurilian-bobtail)
[American Curl
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/american-curl)
[LaPerm
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/laperm)
[Ojos Azules
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/cat-breed/ojos-azules)
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