Longevity
Life expectancy
With a balanced diet, regular activity and preventive veterinary care, it generally lives between 12 and 16 years.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The breed is reputed to be robust. Its short tail results from a mutation distinct from that of the Manx and is not usually associated with the same vertebral disorders, but each cat must undergo a complete clinical examination.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Even in the absence of any known major predisposition, regular monitoring remains necessary in order to detect common cat conditions early.
Oral and dental diseases: Like any cat, it can develop tartar, gingivitis, or periodontal disease without appropriate preventive care.
Overweight: An excessive ration or a lack of activity increases the risk, particularly after neutering.
Ear conditions: The ears should be monitored and cleaned only if necessary with a suitable product.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Its coat, with little undercoat, offers it moderate protection against extreme temperatures. Access to a temperate space, shade in summer and a warm shelter in winter is recommended, especially for individuals living outdoors.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Active by nature, it more easily maintains a good body condition if it benefits from daily play. The ration must nevertheless be adapted to its weight, its age, its neutering and its activity level in order to avoid overweight.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Have a veterinary check-up at least once a year.
- Keep vaccines and antiparasitic treatments suited to the lifestyle.
- Check the ears, eyes, teeth and skin every week.
- Brush the short coat weekly and the semi-long coat daily.
- Monitor weight and body condition every month.
Vaccination
Japanese Bobtail vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Japanese Bobtail need? Like all cats, Japanese Bobtails should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: Typhus (panleukopenia) and Coryza. Kittens receive their initial Japanese Bobtail vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year, even if they live indoors. Depending on their lifestyle (outdoor access, living with other cats, shows, travel), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Feline leukemia (FeLV), Rabies and Chlamydiosis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Typhus (panleukopenia)Core Feline panleukopenia (cat parvovirus) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
CoryzaCore Feline herpesvirus and calicivirus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
Feline leukemia (FeLV)Depending on lifestyle Feline leukemia virus | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Outdoor cats, cats living in a group or in a cattery |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, cat shows and most boarding kennels |
ChlamydiosisDepending on lifestyle Chlamydia felis (contagious conjunctivitis) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Cats living in groups, catteries, show cats |
Adult Japanese Bobtail booster shots are given annually for feline herpesvirus and feline leukemia if your cat goes outdoors. For feline panleukopenia, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your cat's lifestyle.
Which boosters does your Japanese Bobtail need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Japanese Bobtail
Before adoption, it is useful to request a recent veterinary examination and identification, as well as proof of vaccination and FeLV/FIV screening depending on the context. An annual check of weight, teeth, heart, kidneys, ears and mobility is recommended.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
