Background of the Japanese Bobtail

Cats of Asia come in many forms and cover short to long hair strains. Another cat of significance that has popped up in the breeding world is the Japanese Bobtail cat. This is another cat that has a long-standing history with records dating back thousands of years ago. The discovery made within the Japanese temple Gotokuji, Tokyo, revealed depictions of the Bobtail cat. Gotokuji was built during the early 1600s in the Edo period. Dating back thousands of years ago, there is evidence of the high status that cats held within society throughout time. There are a number of tales that encompass the bobtail but the most known story would be of the event in which a cat was warming itself in front of a fire. Taking refuge to escape the cold and warm itself up, it unknowingly set its tail on fire, a tricky predicament which consequently had it run throughout the town in panic. The town would be set ablaze from the flames of the cats tail and much of the town was reduced to ash. In light of this, the emperor ordered a severe punishment which would see the cutting off of the cat tails. This is but a legend but there are many similar stories that surround various cats.

The Bobtail cat gains its most unique feature due to a genetic change that sees it posses a short and curled tail. As a phenomenon that was unknown to the cat breeding world, many took interest in this feat that had emerged over the years. A breeder from America would soon bring number of Bobtails to the States in an effort to create a breeding programme after second World War. Within a number of years the Bobtail was granted recognition and championship status, reaching world fame some time later. Within Japan itself there has been variations stemming from selective breeding efforts. Many older Japanese Art pieces depicted these different Bobtail cats and it is evidence that these cats have been around for a considerable amount of time.

The Bobtail cat comes in many colour and pattern variations that are all accepted, however the classic standard of this cat holds a Tortoiseshell patterning. The white body and brown/amber patching create a tri colour that is held with high regard in the breeding industry. The true Manx cat holds very similar stories and features in some regard but the Bobtail is easily distinguishable by eye.