JAPANESE BOBTAIL  

Description

The Japanese Bobtail is a natural breed and does indeed come from Japan. The coat of the Bobtail is soft and of medium length. There is no undercoat. This cat exhibits very little shedding. Grooming is a light daily combing or brushing. The Japanese bobtail can have any coat pattern except pointed and ticked. The Mi-ke pattern (pronounced mee-kay and meaning "three fur"), which displays red, white and black colours (tortoiseshell), remains the most cherished. When a cat was born with these colours the animal was considered lucky. In Japanese Art the Mi-ke was often painted with one paw upraised as a gesture of goodwill. The tail is unique not only to the breed, but to each individual cat. Like our fingerprints, no two tails are ever alike. The tail is clearly visible and is composed of one or more curves, angles, or kinks or any combination thereof. The furthest extension of the tail bone from

the body should be no longer than three inches. The direction in which the tail is carried is not important. The tail may be flexible or rigid and should be of a size and shape that harmonizes with the rest of the cat. The genetic factor that created the Japanese Bobtail is completely different from the Manx, a naturally tailless cat. Unlike the Manx, it is due to recessive genes and breeds true. The two breeds are not related in any way. Not only are their tails different, but the body types are completely opposite. The Japanese Bobtail also known as The Temple Cat has also been known to be called the "Kimono Cat" because it is traditionally all white with an ink spot on its back (it is said to look like a woman wearing a kimono). Any feline born with such markings is considered sacred.

The Japanese Bobtail is an elegant cat with a medium sized body set on thin long legs. The back legs are longer than the front legs and have a deep bend. When the

Bobtail is standing you will notice the bend which is a natural feature of this cat. This breed was originally only known as a shorthair but a longhaired version has since been introduced.

Characteristics and Temperament

Japanese Bobtail cats are active, intelligent, talkative cats that like to carry things in their mouths, and most enjoy a good game of fetch. They are intelligent and are well suited to indoor life so long as they have plenty of attention and play. Japanese Bobtails are affectionate by nature, are good travelers, adjust to dogs and other animals, and are especially good with children, making an ideal family pet.