Japanese Bobtail: The Lucky Cat of Japan

A tricolor (Mi-ke) Japanese Bobtail cat with a short, pom-pom tail. — The Japanese Bobtail, elegant and graceful, with its unique pom-pom shaped tail.

The Japanese Bobtail, a Symbol of Luck

The Japanese Bobtail is an ancient and natural cat breed, originating from Japan, celebrated for its unique short, rabbit-like pom-pom tail. This characteristic is due to a natural genetic mutation, not a malformation. Its silhouette is elegant and slender, with a muscular body, and its coat can be short or long, in a wide variety of colors and patterns.

This feline is appreciated for its intelligent, playful, friendly, and vocal temperament. It is very attached to its family, capable of learning tricks, and loves to interact, making it a charming and entertaining companion.

Our Feline Specialist's Advice

By the CatName.com team, published on October 15, 2025.

My personal tip : The Japanese Bobtail's coat, whether short or long, is easy to maintain as it has little undercoat and doesn't tangle easily. Weekly brushing is sufficient. This is a very intelligent and active cat that needs a lot of mental and physical stimulation. Offer interactive toys, cat puzzles, and opportunities to climb. The Japanese Bobtail is very social and loves human companionship. It is vocal and enjoys 'talking' with its family, so be prepared for conversations!

Identifying the Japanese Bobtail: Characteristics of its Pom-Pom Tail

Close-up of a Japanese Bobtail with its distinct pom-pom tail. — The pom-pom tail of the Japanese Bobtail is unique to each individual.

The Japanese Bobtail is a medium-sized cat, with a slender, muscular, and elegant body.

Size: Medium-sized cat, with a slender and muscular body.
Coat: Short or medium-long, silky and soft, with no abundant undercoat. All colors and patterns are accepted, including bi-color and tri-color (Mi-ke), which is highly prized in Japan.
Head: Triangular (wedge-shaped), with high cheekbones and a prominent muzzle.
Eyes: Large, oval, expressive, color harmonious with the coat, but can be odd-eyed in white cats.
Ears: Large, upright, well-spaced, slightly tilted forward.
Tail: Very short, a few centimeters long, with kinks and curls, covered with longer hair that forms a pom-pom. Each tail is unique.

Dimensions and Key Information (Japanese Bobtail)

Characteristic	Male	Female	Average
Size (at shoulder)	25 – 30 cm	20 – 25 cm	20 – 30 cm
Weight	3 – 5 kg	2.5 – 4 kg	2.5 – 5 kg
Life Expectancy	15 – 18 years	15 – 18 years	15 – 18 years
Diet	Strict carnivore	Strict carnivore	High-quality kibble and wet food
Litter Size (kittens)	-	Variable	Generally 3-5

These figures indicate that the Japanese Bobtail is a medium-sized cat with a long life expectancy, and its growth is completed around 1 year of age.

Behavior: Intelligent, Playful, and Charming

The Japanese Bobtail is a cat breed of distinctive elegance, famous for its short, bobbed tail, unique to each individual, and its graceful gait. Originating from Japan, it is often considered a good luck charm. It is an extremely intelligent, lively, and affectionate cat that loves to interact with its family and is renowned for its ability to quickly learn tricks and play fetch.

Very playful and curious, Japanese Bobtails retain a youthful energy throughout their lives. They are agile, love to climb and explore, and adapt easily to various environments. Their communication is unique, using a wide range of melodious vocalizations rather than simple meows, which makes them very expressive. Their short tail is a distinctive trait they share with the American Bobtail, the Manx, and the Pixie-Bob, although the Japanese Bobtail's tail shape is particularly unique.

The Japanese Bobtail gets along wonderfully with respectful children and other pets, thanks to its sociable and tolerant nature. It appreciates human company and does not like to be left alone for too long. If you are drawn to an elegant, intelligent, and deeply affectionate cat with a charming physical peculiarity, the Japanese Bobtail is an excellent choice. For those who like active cats with an exotic look, the Oriental and the Bengal are other breeds that might appeal to you with their dynamism and beauty.

Origin and History

The history of the Japanese Bobtail is ancient and rich in symbolism in Japan, where it is considered a good luck charm and the cat of Maneki Neko (the lucky cat). It has been documented in Japan since at least the 6th century, appearing in art and literature. The short tail is the result of a natural genetic mutation that developed without human intervention.

The breed was introduced to the United States in the 1960s by Elizabeth Freret and quickly gained popularity. The Japanese Bobtail was officially recognized by the CFA in 1976. It is appreciated worldwide not only for its unique appearance but also for its charming temperament and its place in Japanese culture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Japanese Bobtail

What makes the Japanese Bobtail's tail unique?

The Japanese Bobtail's tail is very short, composed of fused or curved vertebrae, and is covered with longer hair that gives it the appearance of a pom-pom. Each tail is unique and does not cause health problems like the Manx.

What is the temperament of the Japanese Bobtail?

It is a very intelligent, playful, affectionate, curious, and vocal cat. It loves human companionship, gets along well with children and other pets, and is known for its fascination with water.

Is the Japanese Bobtail a good family cat?

Yes, its friendly and sociable temperament, combined with its intelligence and love of play, makes it an excellent family pet.

Does the Japanese Bobtail like water?

Yes, unlike many cats, the Japanese Bobtail is often very attracted to water and may enjoy playing with it, or even swimming.

Is the Mi-ke coat common in Japanese Bobtail?

The Mi-ke (tricolor: white, black, and red/cream) coat is very common and highly prized in the Japanese Bobtail, especially for its good luck symbolism.