Japanese Bobtail

The Japanese Bobtail is an old Japanese breed, best known for its short, pompom-like tail, which is different on every cat. The breed is often associated with the lucky cat figurine of Japan. The coat is short and smooth, often in three colours, and the body is slender, with long legs. Adults typically weigh around 2.5 to 4.5 kilograms. Grooming is simple, and an occasional brushing is enough. Japanese Bobtails are usually lively, sociable and curious. The hind legs are longer than the front ones, which makes the cat a good jumper. The ears are medium-sized and set wide apart, and the eyes are large and oval. Life expectancy is typically around 12 to 16 years.

Japanese Bobtail: how old in human years?

2.5–4.5 kgWeight
12–16 yrsLife expectancy

Thai

FIFe category: Category IV — Siamese and Oriental
Recognition: Recognised
FIFe: JBS
Country of origin: Japan

Energy level

4/5
Playfulness

5/5
Family friendly

5/5
Grooming need

1/5

At a glance

Weight

Males 3–4.5 kg

Females 2.5–3.5 kg

Life expectancy

12–16 yrs

Coat

smooth (short)

Temperament & Family Life

Japanese Bobtail: average score for sociability and trainability is high.

Family friendly 5/5
Good with children 5/5
Good with dogs 4/5
Friendly with strangers 4/5
Intelligence 4/5
Trainability 4/5

Activity & Living Space

Japanese Bobtail: average score for activity and living space is high.

Energy level 4/5
Playfulness 5/5
Hunting instinct 4/5
Apartment friendly 4/5

Personality & Communication

Japanese Bobtail: average score for personality and communication is moderate.

Affection 4/5
Independence 3/5
Vocality 3/5

Grooming & Shedding

Japanese Bobtail: grooming and shedding demands are low.

Shedding 2/5
Grooming need 1/5

The 1–5 trait scores are editorial estimates, not measurements. Every cat is an individual, so treat them as a general guide.

Living with the Japanese Bobtail

For a Japanese Bobtail, the afternoon is for play, not sleep: a wand toy, a ball of paper or the pen you just dropped are all equally fascinating. It stays playful well into adulthood, and its brains and wish for company mean you can teach it to fetch a toy or come when called.

It likes height and movement, so a cat tree, shelves and a sturdy scratching post will earn their place in a flat more than a soft bed in a corner. The hunting instinct is strong, and toy mice won't get much rest. Long stretches alone aren't its favourite, but with something to do during the day it waits for you without too much protest.

It gets on famously with children, whose pace of play suits it perfectly. Dogs and other cats are welcomed in a friendly way, and visitors don't send it into hiding. It talks in moderation, answering you with short, varied sounds without butting into every conversation.

Grooming and coat

The Japanese Bobtail's coat is short, soft and close to the body; it sheds little and hardly tangles. A weekly stroke with a soft brush or a rubber grooming mitt is enough to lift loose hair and bring up the shine, and many cats come to enjoy it as a few minutes of fuss.

The short pom-pom tail is kinked in its own way on every cat, and it needs no straightening or tugging; just run a hand over it gently so no hair stays matted. Once a week, look into the ears and at the corners of the eyes, and check the nails every few weeks.

How to do it:

By age:

Health and possible conditions

We don't have reliable health information specific to this breed, so we don't list conditions here. Keep up regular vet check-ups, and if you are getting a kitten, ask the breeder about the parents' health testing.

This is general information, not veterinary advice. For your own cat's health, tests and treatment, see a vet.

Cheapest cat food per kg

This list is the same on every cat breed page. Shops do not label cat food by breed, so it simply shows the cheapest cat food we track per kilogram. Check the label for your cat's age and health needs. Prices are updated daily.

≈ 55 g of dry food a day, from €3,13 a month For a neutered, normally active 3,4 kg cat. Calculate for your cat