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Prof. Pet Studies (Veterinarian)
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Japanese Bobtail Longhairs
Height :
8-9 inches
Lifespan :
9-15 years
Weight :
5-10 pounds
Color :
Alicia Melbourne
The Japanese Bobtail Longhair is a beautiful cat breed with a distinct tail—or, rather, lack thereof—that sets it apart from most other cats. This short tail is a mutation caused by the expression of a dominant gene. The gene is fixed for this breed, so generally, all kittens born to even a single Japanese Bobtail parent will have a stubby tail, too.
Characteristics
Origin & History
Japanese Bobtail Longhair
Legend says that the Japanese Bobtail is an ancient cat breed that was initially given to Japan’s emperor over 1,000 years ago. However, its true origin story remains a mystery.
The breed wasn’t seen outside of Japan until the 1960s when American breeders set their eyes on these beautiful kitties and took matters into their own hands. The short-haired variety earned Championship status from the Cat Fanciers’ Association in 1976, but the longhair didn’t achieve the same status until 1993.
Are These Cats Good for Families ?
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets?
Things to Know When Owning a Japanese Bobtail Longhair
Food & Diet Requirements
Healthy Japanese Bobtail Longhair cats have the same food and diet requirements as any other cat breed.
Cats should eat a commercially prepared diet that’s labeled as “complete and balanced” for their life stage. Growing kittens have different nutritional requirements than their adult counterparts, so make sure you’re feeding your kitty food labeled for “growth.” Once they’re 12 months old, they can slowly transition to an adult diet labeled for “maintenance.”
As obligate carnivores, cats need a diet high in animal protein. A good rule of thumb is that any food you offer your kitty should have a real protein listed as the first ingredient.
Training
Because they’re so people-oriented, Japanese Bobtail Longhairs are very eager to please their owners. For this reason, they can be taught to walk on a leash and perform tricks. Just make sure you have some yummy, high-value treats on hand to reward them for a job well done.
Exercise
While cats’ exercise needs aren’t as high as their canine counterparts, they still require physical activity to be healthy and happy. Japanese Bobtail Longhair cats love to play and explore, so owners should capitalize on their kitty’s curiosity and knack for adventure.
Their ideal environment includes window perches for surveying their territory outside the home, cat trees for watching over their indoor territory, and scratching posts for satisfying their innate desire to scratch.
Health and Conditions
While the Japanese Bobtail Longhair is a relatively healthy cat breed, these kitties may be prone to developing many of the same health conditions that affect other breeds.
Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most commonly diagnosed heart disease in cats. It causes the walls in a cat’s heart to thicken, ultimately decreasing its efficiency.
Like other cats, Japanese Bobtail Longhairs are likely to develop some form of dental disease. However, proper dental hygiene can largely prevent these issues.
Ensuring your kitty is fed the right diet in proper portions and has plenty of opportunities for exercise and play can help prevent obesity, another extremely common (and preventable) condition in cats.
Grooming
The Japanese Bobtail Longhair is naturally clean and often grooms itself, but it still needs help to keep its coat healthy. Brushing several times a week with a metal comb and bladed brush prevents tangles and keeps its silky fur smooth. Thankfully, this breed’s coat doesn’t mat easily.
Since it lacks an undercoat, shedding is minimal except during seasonal changes. Regular brushing also helps you spot any skin issues early while strengthening the bond between you and your cat.
Owners should also trim nails regularly and maintain dental hygiene.
Brushing your cat’s teeth helps prevent plaque and disease, keeping your Japanese Bobtail Longhair comfortable, healthy, and looking its best.
