Japanese Bobtail Cat Behavior, Facts and Health Care Problem

Rare in availability, anyone able to actually find a Japanese Bobtail will certainly be thrilled with its unique look and outgoing personality. Even though this beautiful breed of cat has been around for centuries, it is extremely difficult to locate one.

History
The breed originated in Japan in the early seventeen hundreds. With the Cat Fancier’s Association breed standard recognizing only the longhair version, it is very difficult if not impossible to find one as the longhair gene is highly uncommon; making this breed a very popular treasure hunt. With inbreeding causing hereditary defects, flaws and diseases, these cats are even more difficult to find as breeding from the same relation is not performed unless absolutely necessary; keeping this an extraordinarily healthy breed.

Appearance
Physical characteristics of the Japanese Bobtail include a very small body size, a short luxuriant tail that resembles a fluffy pompom, and large round eyes. Their legs are unique in that the back two are longer than the front, but the unusual way this cat crouches them allows this oddity not to be well noticed. Although this cat is on the small side, typically weighing anywhere from six to nine pounds, its body is quite muscular and athletic.

Another unique trait the Japanese Bobtail possesses is the unusual occurrence of two different colored eyes. Cat Fancier’s who adore this breed find one blue eye and one gold eye highly valuable rather than two common blue eyes. The large round eyes often look misplaced on this cat’s petite triangular shaped face. However, an adornment of large ears helps to balance out these traits. The Japanese Bobtail is available in a wide array of color choices from tortoiseshell, tabby, bi-color and solid colors as well.

Behavior and Characteristics
As mentioned earlier, this breed is very muscular and highly active. It is also known for being very conversational with its owners, so anyone looking for a quiet, unassuming breed will definitely not want to add the Japanese Bobtail to their home. These cats are very content to hang out with their families and require hours and hours of playtime.

Anyone who is not home for a lengthy period of time may want to consider adding a second cat to keep the Japanese Bobtail company. These cats need to be kept busy, so a very large selection of toys is highly recommended. If toys are not available to the Japanese Bobtail, he will most certainly find his own. Key rings, pens, sunglasses and hairclips are among many of the items, owners discover have suddenly gone missing.

Grooming
With the Japanese Bobtail being a longhaired breed, it is highly recommended that a twice a week grooming schedule be implemented into his care regiment. A regular brushing will help to ensure that this cats beautiful coat does not become gnarled or matted. Another grooming element recommended for this breed is a bath. This should only be done once a month and will assist in keeping the amount of dander down to a minimum.

Anyone interested in owning a breed that is as beautiful and pleasurable as it is rare will certainly want to take a look at the Japanese Bobtail. Just remember, these treasures are one of the most difficult ones to find.

         

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