Japanese Bobtail Kitten Breed

Known for many centuries in Japan and often seen in Japanese paintings and woodblock prints, the Bobtail was noticed by visiting American show judges in 1963and the first actual cats arrived in the USA in 1968, since when it has rapidly gained popularity. Its distinctive short tail is rather like that of a stumpy Manx but it appears that it is due to a recessive gene which does not carry the risks that go with the Manx. The actual shape is not standardized but individual to each cat, however the effect is that of a rabbit-like scut with the fur fanning out to create a porn-porn appearance that hides the underlying bone structure. It should not measure more than 7.5cm (3in) from the root. Medium sized, with a well-muscled but slender build, this cat has a distinctive look of its own, especially the head which has high cheekbones, large oval eyes and large upright ears but which is quite different from the typical oriental breeds. Japanese Bobtails are reputed to like human company, and have engaging personalities and quiet voices. Tri-colored cats, black, red and white, called mi-ke in Japanese, are the most sought after, but a wide range of colors are recognized.

A strong muscular cot with along and elegant torso, set on long slender legs with oval paws, not dainty or fragile looking. The hind legs are noticeably longer than the frontlets but are bent when the cat is relaxed so that the back is carried level. The tail can haveone or more kinks or angles but should be clearly visible.

Long and finely chisel in appearance with high cheek-bones but itself an equilateral triangle with gentle curving lines, set with large upright ears, well apart and at right angles to the head. The nose is long and the broad muzzle rounds into the whisker break.

Large oval eyes which, seen in profile, show a pronounced slant. They may be any color which harmonizes with the coot, including blue, yellow, and odd-eyed in white cats.

Medium length of soft and silky fur and without any noticeable undercoat.

Most cat colors are recognized, with the exception of Siamese type point-restricted patterns and the unpatterned agouti coat of the Abyssinian.