About

Breed information

 

Length range  : 33-38 cm

Height range  : 20-23cm

Weight range : 2.7-5.4kg

Coat : Soft , silky coat with little or no noticeable undercoat|short hair and long hair varieties

Life expectancy years : 9-16 (depends on health situation)

Colors: mi-ke tri-color|white|black|red|brown|blue|cream|silver|tortoiseshell|tabby|bi-color|pointed|many other genetically possible colors and patterns.

Activitity Level : High

Origin: Japan

Similar Breeds : Manx|Japanese Bobtail Long Hair|Cymric

 

History

The Japanese Bobtail can be traced back to at least the sixth century in Japan and appears in scrolls , prints , carvings and paintings. Sources note links to Japanese court life , rodent control for the silk industry , and lucky cat folklore. The breed was imported to the United States in 1968 , shorthairs achieved CFA Championship status in 1976 , and longhairs followed in 1993.

 

 

characteristics

Temperament

active|intelligent|affectionate|friendly|curious|playful|gregarious|melodious

Personality

playful|intelligent|affectionate|loving|curious|bold|friendly|sociable|active

Needs

companionship|interactive play|climbing trees and platforms|puzzle toys|food-dispensing toys|secure outdoor access or indoor life|routine grooming|routine dental , nail , ear , parasite and vaccination care

Social Needs

sociable and dependent on people|good with children , dogs and other cats|may ask for attention and interaction to thrive|can be left for a few hours but not absent for long periods daily

Grooming 

quick brush weekly or several times monthly for shorthair|more frequent combing for longhair|occasional bath|regular nail trimming|ear cleaning|teeth brushing|minimal shedding due to little or no undercoat

Nutrition

complete balanced cat food with nutrients appropriate for age , lifestyle and health|maintain ideal body condition|wet or dry food according to preference and needs|fresh clean water should always be available

 

Breed Standard

Medium-sized cat with clean lines , fine bone structure and well-developed muscles. Head forms an equilateral triangle with high cheekbones , large upright ears and large oval slanted eyes. Body is long , lean and elegant with hind legs longer than forelegs. Tail is clearly visible , pom-pom like , and no longer than three inches in furthest extension from the body.

Did you know?

The Japanese Bobtail is associated with the beckoning lucky cat image in Japan. Its natural bobtail is unique to each cat like a fingerprint and the mi-ke tricolor has long been especially prized.

HEALTHCARE

Most Common / iconic illnesses 

Dental disease, Chronic kidney disease, Hyperthyroidism, Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, Possible spinal deformity association

 

Symtoms

1. bad breath , red swollen or bleeding gums and tartar buildup may occur
2. drooling , dropping food , reluctance to eat , head turning while eating and oral pain may occur

1. increased thirst and urination may appear early
2. weight loss , poor appetite , vomiting , lethargy and poor coat quality may develop

1. weight loss despite increased appetite , increased thirst and urination may occur
2. vomiting , diarrhea , hyperactivity and unkempt , greasy coat may appear

1. many cats may show no signs at first
2. labored or rapid breathing , open-mouthed breathing , lethargy and hind limb pain or paralysis from clots may occur

  1. Loss of a visible “waist” when viewed from above.
  2. Inability to easily feel the ribs under a layer of fat.
  3. A bulging, pendulous abdomen.
  4. Lethargy, reduced desire to play or jump.
  5. Difficulty grooming their hind end.

Onset of symptoms

 

Dental disease

1. mild gingivitis may begin around 1-2 years and dental disease is common in cats older than 4 years

Probability Of Onset:

1. dental disease is very common and between 50 and 90% of cats older than 4 years may have some form of dental disease

Chronic kidney disease

1. signs typically become noticeable in senior cats and often over 10 years

Probability Of Onset:

1.  this may be a high concern in senior cats of a long-lived breed

Hyperthyroidism

1. usually affects middle-aged and older cats and most commonly cats over 10 years
2. average diagnosis may be around 13 years

Probability Of Onset:

1. it is a common disease in middle-aged and older cats

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

1. can be identified at various ages and may worsen progressively over time
2. clinical signs may not appear until middle age or later

Probability Of Onset:

1.  HCM is the most common heart disease of cats though this breed is not listed among the main predisposed breeds

Possible spinal deformity association

Can begin any time after the cat reaches maturity (1-2 years old), especially if they are spayed/neutered and their diet isn’t adjusted.

Probability Of Onset:

Moderate to High for any indoor cat without sufficient enrichment and strict portion control.

Reasons

Dental disease       

1 this is not mainly a chemical deficiency but may reflect lack of plaque removal and mechanical abrasion

 

Hyperthyroidism:

1. this is a hormone excess disorder rather than a deficiency
2. possible dietary compound imbalance or thyroid-disrupting chemicals might contribute

 

Dental disease       

1. the text indicates this is not mainly a chemical deficiency but may reflect lack of plaque removal and mechanical abrasion

 

Hyperthyroidism:

1. the content indicates this is a hormone excess disorder rather than a deficiency
2. possible dietary compound imbalance or thyroid-disrupting chemicals might contribute

 

Chronic kidney disease

1. failing kidneys may struggle to retain potassium and water-soluble B-vitamins
2. hydration and phosphorus balance may be important

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

1.  genetics may play a role rather than a daily chemical lack

Obesity

  1. excess of calories
  2. The “lacking” elements are sufficient exercise and strict portion control.

Normally Treament Methods

Dental disease:

  1. 1. daily brushing with cat-safe toothpaste may be helpful
    2. professional dental cleaning , scaling , polishing and tooth extraction might be needed depending on severity
    3. treatment with antibiotics alone is not recommended for gingivitis according to the content

 

Chronic kidney disease:

  1. 1. there is no cure and management may focus on slowing progression and maintaining quality of life
    2. renal diet , hydration support and medications such as phosphate binders or appetite support may be used

 

Hyperthyroidism

  1. 1. diagnosis may involve physical examination , neck palpation , blood chemistry , urinalysis and thyroid hormone testing
    2. medication , radioactive iodine therapy , surgery or dietary therapy may be considered
    3. radioactive iodine may be the treatment of choice when available

 

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy:

  1. 1. echocardiography may be used for diagnosis and other causes of heart thickening may need to be ruled out
    2. treatment may aim to control heart rate , lung congestion and clot risk with medication and specialized care plans

 

Obesity

  1. Calorie Restriction: Work with a vet to calculate the correct daily calorie intake for safe weight loss.
  2. Dietary Change: Switch to a high-protein, low-carbohydrate canned food diet. Wet food increases satiety and hydration while providing fewer calories by volume.
  3. No Free-Feeding: Food must be given in measured meals 2-3 times per day.
  4. Increased Exercise: The intelligent and active Japanese Bobtail thrives on this. Engage them in daily, vigorous play sessions with wand toys and puzzle feeders to burn calories and provide mental stimulation.

 

Supplements

Dental disease :

  • 1. dental probiotics can,might be helpful for oral microbiome support
    2. seaweed additives such as Ascophyllum nodosum can,might be helpful for reducing plaque adhesion
recommend product

Chronic kidney disease

  • 1. potassium can,might be helpful for low blood potassium support
    2. B-vitamin complex can,might be helpful for replacement support
    3. omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for kidney inflammatory support
    4. probiotics can,might be helpful for gut-kidney support
recommend product

Hyperthyroidism

  • 1. no primary supplement is indicated and the text suggests medical or dietary therapy may be more appropriate
recommend product

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

  • 1. omega-3 fatty acids can,might be helpful for anti-inflammatory and rhythm support
    2. Coenzyme Q10 can,might be helpful for heart energy metabolism support
    3. taurine can,might be helpful for feline heart support
recommend product

Obesity

  • L-Carnitine: An amino acid that helps the body metabolize fat for energy. It is often included in veterinary weight-loss diets.
recommend product