How long does a Bobtail Japonés live?

The life expectancy of the Bobtail Japonés is 15-18 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.

How much does a Bobtail Japonés weigh?

An adult Bobtail Japonés weighs between 2-5 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is mediano.

How much exercise does a Bobtail Japonés need?

The Bobtail Japonés has alta energy. **Brushing:** according to coat (short = weekly · semi-long = 2-3 times · long = daily).

Who is the Bobtail Japonés NOT recommended for?

It isn't the right breed for: Homes where it would be left alone for many hours. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.

Does the short tail cause health problems?

No. Unlike the Manx, the Japanese Bobtail's mutation affects only the tail and does not cause spinal problems: it is a robust, healthy breed.

Is it the 'maneki-neko' cat?

Yes. The famous Japanese lucky cat that raises its paw is inspired by the Japanese Bobtail.

Is every tail the same?

No. Each pom-pom tail is unique in shape and curvature, like a fingerprint.

Is it good with children?

Excellent. It is cheerful, sociable and playful, and gets on very well with children and other pets.

Is it easy to care for?

Yes. Healthy, long-lived and low-maintenance coat; it only needs play, company and routine check-ups.

Breed profile

Bobtail Japonés

Distinctive short tail (a mutation). The Japanese "maneki-neko" (lucky cat) is a Bobtail. Cheerful character.

Origin: Japón Size: Mediano Lifespan: 15-18 años Energy

Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA

Ideal for

✓Families with time to cuddle
✓Flats
✓Anyone seeking a sociable cat

Reconsider if

×Homes where it would be left alone for many hours

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Is the Bobtail Japonés a good match for you?

Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Suitable for flats

Suitable for first-timers

Good with children

With other dogs

With cats

Tolerates being alone

Energy level

Shedding level

Grooming needs

Tolerates heat

Tolerates cold

💶 Estimated cost of ownership

40-70 €/month

Mid-to-high range food (22-38 €), litter (8-12 €), pro-rated preventive veterinary care (10-16 €) and accessories (5-10 €). Separately: annual check-up (40-60 €). A healthy breed that is inexpensive to keep.

History and origin

A natural Japanese short-, curly-tailed breed (the result of an autosomal gene), deeply present in Japanese culture as the 'maneki-neko' lucky cat charm.

Temperament and character

Character typical of its breed. Sociable or reserved depending on the individual. Early neutering (4-6 months) is the best preventive measure.

Living together

Children: good with respectful ones. **Other cats:** sociable if raised together from an early age. **Dogs:** possible if calm.

Life stages of the Bobtail Japonés

Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 15-18 años.

Kitten

0-6 months

Socialisation, vaccination and deworming; in white specimens, assess hearing for possible congenital deafness.

Junior

6 months-2 years

Neutering, adult diet, plenty of exercise and a dental routine.

Adult

3-10 years

Weight control, physical activity, general check-up and annual review.

Senior

11+ years

Six-monthly check-ups, kidney and heart monitoring, joint and dental health.

Care

Brushing: according to coat (short = weekly · semi-long = 2-3 times · long = daily).

Litter tray: N+1 trays (rule 70).

Feeding: quality wet + dry food.

Veterinary care: annual check-up + blood work from 7 years of age.

Care in detail

🍽️ Nutrition

Quality dry and wet food in measured portions; no special requirements. A healthy breed with a good appetite that rarely has problems if weight is kept in check.

✂️ Grooming

The coat (short or semi-long) is silky and not prone to matting: brush 1-2 times a week, a little more during moulting.

🎓 Training

Very intelligent, cheerful and 'dog-like': learns to fetch objects, walk on a harness and do tricks. Sociable and communicative.

🏃 Exercise

Active and playful: enjoys jumping, climbing and playing with the family. Needs daily interaction and stimulation.

Breed-specific health

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) common in many breeds — genetic testing recommended. PKD in Persian breeds and derivatives. Life expectancy 15-18 years.

Common diseases in cats

Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.

🐾Dermatitis atópica 🍄Tiña (dermatofitosis)🦟Alergia a la picadura de pulga (DAPP)🤢Gastroenteritis 🦟Pulgas 🕷️Garrapatas

See all 158 diseases in the health guide

Screening and prevention for the Bobtail Japonés

Recommended tests and screenings

✓Echocardiographic screening for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM)
✓BAER hearing test in white specimens with blue/odd eyes
✓General examination (a hardy breed, with no pathology linked to the short tail)
✓Regular dental check-up

Prevention

Early neutering, hearing test in white specimens (association with deafness), quality diet and daily play. The Bobtail's short tail does not carry the spinal problems of the Manx: it is a safe mutation.

Check-up schedule

Annual check-up; BAER test in white kittens and preventive blood work from 8 years of age.

Warning signs

!Does not respond to sounds (deafness, in white specimens)
!Laboured breathing or lethargy (heart disease)
!Bad breath and red gums
!Changes in appetite or weight

Frequently asked questions about the Bobtail Japonés

How long does a Bobtail Japonés live?: The life expectancy of the Bobtail Japonés is 15-18 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.
How much does a Bobtail Japonés weigh?: An adult Bobtail Japonés weighs between 2-5 kg, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is mediano.
Where does the Bobtail Japonés breed come from?: The Bobtail Japonés originates from Japón. A natural Japanese short-, curly-tailed breed (the result of an autosomal gene), deeply present in Japanese culture as the 'maneki-neko' lucky cat charm.
How much exercise does a Bobtail Japonés need?: The Bobtail Japonés has alta energy. **Brushing:** according to coat (short = weekly · semi-long = 2-3 times · long = daily).
Is the Bobtail Japonés good with children?: **Children:** good with respectful ones. **Other cats:** sociable if raised together from an early age. **Dogs:** possible if calm.
Who is the Bobtail Japonés NOT recommended for?: It isn't the right breed for: Homes where it would be left alone for many hours. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.
What health problems does the Bobtail Japonés have?: Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) common in many breeds — genetic testing recommended. PKD in Persian breeds and derivatives. Life expectancy 15-18 years.
Does the short tail cause health problems?: No. Unlike the Manx, the Japanese Bobtail's mutation affects only the tail and does not cause spinal problems: it is a robust, healthy breed.
Is it the 'maneki-neko' cat?: Yes. The famous Japanese lucky cat that raises its paw is inspired by the Japanese Bobtail.
Is every tail the same?: No. Each pom-pom tail is unique in shape and curvature, like a fingerprint.
Is it good with children?: Excellent. It is cheerful, sociable and playful, and gets on very well with children and other pets.
Is it easy to care for?: Yes. Healthy, long-lived and low-maintenance coat; it only needs play, company and routine check-ups.