This charming cat has a beautiful voice, a unique pom-pom tail, and is playful, spirited, and people-oriented.
In its native Japan, this cat is said to bring good luck and is a popular subject for ceramic ornaments. The Japanese Bobtail was spotted in the 1960s by an American enthusiast, who sent a number of the cats to the US to begin a breeding program.
This shorthaired version won recognition in the late 1970s, followed a decade or so later by the longhaired version. An attractive and beautifully proportioned cat, the Japanese Bobtail is outgoing and intelligent. It has a charmingly melodious voice and fond owners like to claim that it talks, or even sings, to them.
Origin: Japan, c.17th century
Breed registries: CFA, TICA
Weight range: 6–9lb (2.5–4kg)
Grooming: Weekly
Colors and patterns: All colors and patterns, including tabby (except ticked), tortie, and bicolor.