The Japanese Bobtail is a natural breed from Japan. According to written records, the domestic cat first arrived in Japan from China or Korea at least one thousand years ago. The breed is the model for the traditional Japanese symbol of good luck: the ceramic cat with a raised paw.

The Japanese Bobtail breed has existed in Japan for centuries and it is featured in many ancient prints and paintings. A large painting from the 15th century showing two longhaired Japanese Bobtails hangs in the Freer Gallery of Art in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C.

The tail is unique not only to the breed, but to each individual cat. Like fingerprints, no two tails are ever alike. The tail resembles a bunny tale and should be three inches from the tailbone or shorter. Although the Manx is also tailless, the two breeds are not related in any way.

Japanese Bobtails are strong and healthy cats. They are also active, intelligent and talkative cats. Their soft voices are capable of nearly a whole scale of tones. They love human companionship and almost always speak when spoken to. The most popular colors are white, black, red, black and white, red and white, and tortoiseshell.

Bobtails like to carry things in their mouths, and most enjoy a good game of fetch. They are good travelers and they don’t panic in new places such as hotel rooms. They adjust to dogs and other animals, and are especially good with children.