Japanese cat breeds

For any cat enthusiast, Japanese cat breeds are an intriguing subject. These breeds, well-known for their distinctive looks and endearing dispositions, add a unique touch to homes everywhere. Every breed, from the graceful Japanese Bobtail to the eye-catching Kurilian Bobtail, has unique characteristics and a unique past.

Japan has a strong cultural bond with cats, which are frequently portrayed in folklore and artwork. These breeds, with their grace and beauty, are a reflection of that heritage. We’ll look at some of the most well-known Japanese cat breeds in this post, emphasizing their traits, maintenance requirements, and happiness they can offer.

There’s a lot to learn about these incredible breeds, whether you’re thinking about getting a new feline friend or just want to know more. Come explore the world of Japanese cats with us as we highlight their special traits and the comfort they provide to families worldwide.

Cats in Japan

Japan has a unique place in its hearts for cats. Around 700 g. BC.e., merchant ships are thought to have brought them from China to the Land of the Rising Sun. They eradicated rodents that harmed manuscripts and gained a great deal of respect and popularity in Japan as a result of Buddhism. Because mice were silent in folktales, the idea that cats are the defenders of the holy texts developed, which explains why monks regard them so highly.

Cats have enjoyed a privileged position for centuries due to their scarcity and the fact that only wealthy individuals could afford to own one. Pets were tied to a red cord to keep them from escaping and procreating wherever they pleased. Up until the seventeenth century, this was the norm.

Uttawa Kunisada painted the diptych "The Third Princess and Kashiwagi." One of his numerous creations that captures the nation’s way of life and culture during the Edo period. The image makes it very evident that the Japanese cat with short tail is fastened to a red ribbon.

On the islands, cats were adored and highly valued. Folklore abounds in tales about cats that return the favor, but there are just as many about werewolves and other demonic creatures that are capable of murder, setting fires, summoning evil spirits, and other horrific acts. One of the most well-known stories describes the evil monster Nikemato, who has a burning tail that is forked. It might be a cat that is older than 13 years old, weighs more than 3.75 kg, or has an exceptionally long tail. Tails were thus cut for an extended period of time.

Historians today are attempting to use dietetics as a lens through which to explain these legends. Because they are so prone to starvation, cats require a lot of protein in their diet. They will eat any meat when they are extremely hungry. Maybe people saw starving cats eating human corpses when there was a scarcity of protein food, and that’s when the fear of werewolf cats originated. It’s likely that using andon paper lanterns has something to do with the fire stories. To make up for the lack of calories, animals licked the fish oil off of them and most likely turned them over multiple times, setting them on fire.

An additional emblem of Japan that conveys the unique position of cats is the maneki-neko, a tailless cat with an elevated paw that is said to bring prosperity and good fortune.

The path to freedom

A proclamation releasing cats was issued in 1602. They were required on the streets to combat rodents, which had become a serious threat to rice reserves and silkworms due to their massive population growth as cities grew. Even so, people kept tying strings to their pricey pets to prevent them from fleeing. During the Edo period, a mousetrap could cost up to 5 ryo, and nobody wanted to lose one (a horse cost 1 ryo). Only after the 1685 proclamation on "Mercy to the living creations" were cats granted full freedom.

Formation of the breed

Even though cats have a special place in the nation’s culture, no one was actively seeking out cats to select for and no attempt was made to conform the Standard to the animals that were already there. Thus, American fellinologists who brought some of the original Japanese cats to the country and established a breeding program were the ones who first standardized the one and only Japanese breed. In light of this interest, a Japanese organization dedicated to protecting and propagating the aboriginal breed was established in 1970.

Japanese Bobtail

It is possible to classify the Japanese Bobtail as an indigenous breed because of its formation in isolated geographic conditions and its reputation for "bringing happiness," which influenced relative breeding and selection. Ultimately, it makes more sense to breed short-tailed tricolor cats if they bring good fortune. As a result, two-color and tortoiseshell hues gained popularity and even earned their own moniker, Mi-ke.

Elizabeth Freral was the pioneer American breeder to bring Japanese bobtails to the country in 1968. The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) honored the breed as a champion in 1976, and phenological organizations acknowledged the long-haired variant in 1993.

Features of the breed

Japanese bobtails are unique in a lot of ways.

• The body is medium-sized, well-shaped and muscular.
• The legs are slender, high, the back legs are slightly longer than the front ones.
• The hair on the tail is slightly longer and thicker than on the body, forming a "pompom"
• Japanese bobtails are never born tailless or with a tail of normal length. The length of their tail does not exceed 8 cm, while it can be curled and when straightened reaches a length of up to 15 cm.
• Most Japanese bobtails are very "talkative".

Appearance according to the Standard

The medium-sized Japanese bobtail cat is elegant and slender. The body is athletically built with smooth lines. The appearance ought to convey a sense of balance, strength, and lightness.

The equilateral triangle’s head. The nose is straight and broad. The large, right-angled ears are set back. The muzzle has a sizable width. Large oval eyes that can be any color to match the coat color are present. In this breed, heterochromia is prevalent.

The legs are high, long, and thin. This is more typical of wild cats, with the hind legs being noticeably longer than the front ones. The tail, which is made up of one or more curved vertebrae, is easily noticeable.

Phenological organizations may have slightly different standards from one another.

The coat is medium in length, has a silky, soft texture, and gets longer toward the crotch. An undercoat is absent. The colors vary; two-color vans are the most popular, while single-color, tabby, and valuable tricolor in Japan are less common.

The tail of every Japanese bobtail is distinct, much like a fingerprint.

Character and behavior

Japanese bobtails are known for their lovable, submissive personalities. Due to their strong people-oriented nature, they are equally suitable for single individuals and families with children. They will engage in all household chores, try to always be the center of attention, and not shy away from social situations. Those who prefer not to have a cat follow them around should consider this.

The so-called clannishness of the breed is another characteristic. Although they get along well with other bobtails and occasionally even with dogs, bobtails would much rather be friends with other bobtails. They often develop strong bonds with their littermates.

Japanese bobtails are intelligent, devoted, and amiable creatures that enjoy social interaction and "talk." They have a wide variety of vocalizations, ranging from the typical "meow" to chirping that sounds like the trills of birds.

Owners of Japanese bobtails frequently comment in reviews about how much their pets adore the water, playing with wind-up fish in addition to swimming. Like dogs, they also put things in their mouths.

Japanese cats have a beautiful voice that they freely use to communicate their wants.

Features of care and maintenance

Although Japanese bobtails are inconspicuous and easily adjust to apartment living, owners must keep in mind that they require frequent interaction and the chance to use their pent-up energy for gaming. If not, animals go through stress, and in this environment, a number of illnesses arise, such as obesity and overeating.

There is no undercoat, the coat is single-layered, and the shedding is minimal. Bobtails rarely need to be bathed when it comes to hygiene because they typically take care of it on their own.

Veterinary care and preventive measures should also be provided, such as cleaning the ears, trimming the claws if they don’t fall off on their own, yearly exams, timely vaccinations, and parasite treatment.

Nutrition

Japanese bobtails are generally not fussy eaters when it comes to nutrition, but they will not settle for rice alone. Frequently, they favor meat and fish over seafood. As carnivores, they may become ill if their diet is deficient in other animals, such as squirrels. They frequently overeat and beg, so it’s critical to portion out food and keep the diet’s calorie intake under control.

Health of Japanese Bobtails

Breed members are typically robust and well-groomed. Their considerable genetic diversity, which lowers the incidence of inherited diseases, is confirmed by research. Twelve years is the average life expectancy.

There are no abnormalities in the skeleton’s development linked to the recessive gene that causes the tail to shorten.

Where to buy a Japanese Bobtail

Purchasing a Japanese Bobtail from a respectable cattery is imperative; otherwise, you risk paying excessive amounts for a regular cat without a tail or a bobtail from a more popular and reasonably priced breed, like the Kuril.

It’s interesting to note that Japan has very few bobtail catteries. They are mostly found in the USA, with a smaller number in Russia and Europe. A pedigreed Japanese bobtail kitten can cost anywhere between $500 and $2,500.

Japanese cat breeds are known for their unique traits, rich history, and strong cultural significance. These cats, which range in popularity from the graceful Japanese Bobtail to lesser-known varieties, are distinguished by their physical attributes, loyalty, and intelligence. Examining these breeds demonstrates how closely Japan’s culture and its feline friends are related.

Longhaired Japanese Bobtail

The length of the topcoat is the only distinction between a Japanese Bobtail with long hair and one with short hair. Longhaired cats’ fur frequently forms a collar around their necks, feathering on their legs, and an even more expressive pompom tail.

Features of keeping cats in Japan

Data from food manufacturers indicates that cats have surpassed dogs in Japan for a number of years running.

Although only the wealthy can afford to own a dog or cat, pets are highly loved in Japan. Kittens typically cost $1,000, not to mention the high cost of veterinary care and food. However, there are several legislatively mandated limitations in addition to financial ones.

Most property owners in big Japanese cities forbid having pets, and those who do must use a separate elevator and pay hefty fines if their pet disturbs other residents. There aren’t many homeless animals in the nation because all dogs and cats are required to be registered and vaccinated.

Pet cafes are a Japanese invention for people who adore cats but are unable to maintain them. You can unwind and converse with cuddly Murziks and Murkas in them. In relation to names, Barsiks and Musyas are not found in Japan. There is a list of the most popular cat names in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Cat nicknames:

1. Chachamaru (named after the popular tea matcha maru);
2. Fuku (fortune);
3. Sora (sky);
4. Kohaku (amber);
5. Daifuku (Japanese dessert with jam).

Cat nicknames:

1. Hime (princess);
2. Rin (cold);
3. Chacha (named after the popular tea);
4. Mugi (wheat);
5. Koume (little plum).

It’s interesting to note that the Scottish Fold has long been a highly sought-after cat breed in Japan. One even rose to fame on the internet.

Breed Name	Description
Japanese Bobtail	A cat with a short, bunny-like tail, known for its friendly and playful nature.
Kurilian Bobtail	A robust breed with a short, tufted tail, famous for its hunting skills and loyalty.

Japanese cat breeds are distinctive in both appearance and history, providing insight into Japan’s rich cultural past. Their unique characteristics and endearing dispositions have made them well-liked not only in Japan but all over the world.

These cats are distinguished by their intelligence, playfulness, and close relationships with their owners, whether they are the well-known Japanese Bobtail or the uncommon Kurilian Bobtail. They are wonderful companions for anyone looking for a devoted and loving pet because they fit in well with families.

Studying these breeds makes us appreciate cats even more while bringing to light the unique bond that exists between people and animals in many cultural contexts. You’re going to make a wonderful and devoted new friend if you decide to bring a Japanese cat breed into your house.

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