INTRODUCTION

The Japanese bobtail (ジャパニーズボブテイル Japanīzu Bobuteiru?) is a breed of domestic cat with a short tail similar to that of a rabbit, unlike other cat breeds, which possess long tails. The short tail of this breed is due to a recessive gene.

THE ORIGIN OF THE JAPANESE BOBTAIL CAT

It is not known exactly when and where the Japanese bobtail was developed. However, it is clear that the breed has been present in the Far East for several centuries, and perhaps much longer, as ancient Japanese folklore contains numerous references to short-tailed cats. One well-known story tells of a small, short-tailed cat named Maneki-Neko, who was said to beckon to passers-by and this was associated with good fortune. A depiction of Maneki-Neko, with one paw raised in welcome, appears on the façade of Gotokiji Temple near Tokyo.

While historical records do not explain the origin of the Japanese bobtail, Japanese folklore does. One well-known legend tells of a sleeping cat whose tail caught fire from a spark from a nearby chimney. The frightened cat ran through the streets of the imperial city, setting all the houses on fire. The next morning, the city was destroyed and the emperor, angered by the destruction of the city, decreed that all cats should have their tails cut off to prevent another such disaster.

Domestic cats were introduced to Japan from China and Korea in the early sixth century, but it is not known whether or not these cats had short tails. Short tails were definitely common by the early seventeenth century, as tricoloured cats with short tails have been depicted in numerous woodcuts and painted in silk paintings of this period. Tricoloured cats, mostly white with red and black spots, are called Mi-Ke (pronounced mee-kay). Short-tailed cats with this pattern are considered good luck. The Japanese revered these cats for their grace and beauty, and the cats were prized and kept in the temples and homes of Japanese imperial families for many years.

Somewhere between the 13th and 15th centuries, when the Japanese silk industry grew in importance and it was when mice threatened to destroy the silkworms and their larvae, from which the precious silk is harvested, the government decided that the cats should be released to protect the silk industry and grain stores. The Japanese bobtail then became a stray cat, rather than the pampered household pet.

In the United States, bobtails can probably only be seen at cat shows and in the homes of breeders and fanciers, but in Japan today the breed can be seen on the streets and alleys, as well as in the homes of people who like cats. Until recently in its native land, the Japanese bobtail was considered a common domestic cat rather than a purebred, just as our American shorthair was considered domestic for many years. It was in the 1960s that the United States began to include the breed in its cat shows and Japan followed suit; however, the bobtail is still thought to represent good luck, and you can buy Maneki-Neko figurines in many Japanese shops.

The first documented Japanese bobtails were imported to the United States from Japan in 1908. American soldiers brought home bobtails from Japan, but it was not until breeder Elizabeth Freret imported three Japanese bobtails to the United States from Japan in 1968, that formal American breeding and showing programmes began.

Freret acquired the three bobtails from a breeder who had been breeding bobtails in Japan since shortly after World War II. Freret, along with others interested in the breed, worked to establish the standard and present the breed to the CFA board. In 1969 the CFA accepted Japanese bobtails for registration. In 1971 they were granted provisional status and in 1976 they obtained CFA championship status. Today, all major cat associations accept the Japanese bobtail for championship.

Recently, a longhaired version of the breed has been accepted and is recognised by the CFA, TICA, ACA, AACE, UFO, CCA and the ACFA. The number of registrations in this newly accepted division is small at present. Evidence suggests that long-haired bobtails have been around as long as the short-haired version. While long-haired cats are not common, they also appear in Japanese art. In the cold northernmost island provinces of Japan, where a long coat would be a vital feature for survival, long-haired cats have been found in the street population for years.

Because the bobtail was a common street cat for so long, it is very likely that at some point in the bloodline they acquired the recessive gene for long hair. Because it takes two copies of the recessive gene for the trait to be expressed, the long hair gene can be passed down through many generations before it manifests itself. Even when both parents possess the gene, the ratio of short-haired offspring to long-haired offspring is approximately 3 to 1.

WHAT DOES THE JAPANESE BOBTAIL CAT LOOK LIKE?

This breed is characterised by several distinctive physical traits that set it apart from other cat breeds.

They are medium-sized cats. Males usually weigh between 3 and 4 kilograms, while females are slightly smaller, generally weighing between 2.5 and 3.5 kilograms.

The body is long and slender, showing well-developed musculature. Despite their delicate appearance, they are strong and agile cats. The legs are of medium length, proportional to the body, the hind legs being slightly longer than the front legs, giving them a graceful and springy gait.

The tail is short, approximately 10 to 15 centimetres, and is pompom-shaped due to the genetic mutation affecting the length of the tail. The tail is flexible, with one or more curves, angles or knots, and each Bobtail has a unique tail.

As for the head, it is triangular, with smooth contours, proportionate to the body. The ears are large, erect and open at the base, with a forward inclination, which contributes to their alert expression. The eyes are large, oval and generally light in colour, although they may vary. The expression is open and alert.

Finally, the Japanese Bobtail can come in both short and long haired varieties. The coat is soft and silky to the touch, with a minimal undercoat, which reduces the tendency to form tangles. Colours can be very varied, including solid, tabby, bicolour and tricolour (mi-ke). The tricolour, with white, black and red, is especially prized in Japan.

THE HEALTH OF THE JAPANESE BOBTAIL CAT

The life expectancy of the Japanese bobtail is around 16 years. It is a fairly hardy feline breed, which is not prone to any particular disease, apart from the most common cat diseases.

THE PERSONALITY OF THE JAPANESE BOBTAIL CAT

Japanese bobtails make excellent companions. They are curious, bold, intelligent and alert, and adapt easily to new people, situations, and animals, making them easy to show. Bobtails are active, but not overly so. Their play is interactive and friendly. They want to be involved with their human companions and are more than willing to give you a paw when you need it (and even when you don't). Bobtails also enjoy a good conversation: they have singing voices that produce a wide variety of tones. Some breeders describe this as ‘their singing’.

CONCLUSION

The bobtail is considered a cat that brings good luck, and owning one guarantees prosperity and happiness. The Japanese tricolour bobtail, or mi-ke (pronounced ‘mi quei’), is the colour that brings the most good luck, probably because most tricolour cats are female and therefore produce more beautiful cats. The Japanese statue of a cat with raised claw is called Maneki Neko, or beckoning cat, and is an artistic interpretation of the bobtail. These statues are common in Japanese shops, as they are supposed to attract good people.