Japanese Bobtail cat breed: facts, temperament and care
A lively, talkative cat from Japan with a short, pom-pom tail, a fine-boned build and a famous tricolour mi-ke pattern.
Also known as Japanese Bobtail cat, Mi-Ke, Nihon Neko, Japanese Bobtail Longhair
Quick facts
| Origin | Japan |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Typical weight | 6-9 lb (2.7-4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | 9-15 years |
| Coat length | Short |
| Coat | Soft, silky coat of medium length with no noticeable undercoat; a longhair variety also exists |
| Colours and patterns | All colours and patterns; the mi-ke tricolour is the best known |
Recognition
| Cat Fanciers' Association | Championship breed since 1976 |
|---|---|
| How common | Rare |
Temperament and care (1 low, 5 high)
| Affection | 4 |
|---|---|
| Energy | 4 |
| Playfulness | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 4 |
| Grooming needed | 2 |
| Shedding | 3 |
| Good with children | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 4 |
| Happy alone | 3 |
| Trainability | 5 |
| Suits a small home | 4 |
Allergies and health
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The silky coat sheds moderately, and people who react to cats usually react to this breed. |
|---|
Best suited to
| Suits | A lively family that wants an intelligent, talkative cat and does not mind a high-energy companion. |
|---|---|
| Less suited to | A very quiet household, or anyone who wants a laid-back cat that sleeps through the day. |
Registries that recognise it
- CFA
- TICA
- FIFe
- CCA
About the Japanese Bobtail
The Japanese Bobtail has lived in Japan for centuries and appears in scrolls, prints and carvings from the Middle Ages. It probably descends from short-tailed cats that came from mainland Asia, and its image is linked with good luck. The first cats arrived in the United States in 1968. The CFA gave the shorthaired variety championship status in 1976 and the longhaired variety in 1993. Registration in the GCCF is not available.
The short tail is the main feature. It is kinked in one or more places and grows into a fluffy tuft that is often compared to a rabbit's. The gene is not linked to the skeletal disease seen in some other bobtailed breeds. The body is slim but muscular, with long hind legs, high cheekbones and large upright ears. The tricolour mi-ke pattern, with white, black and red, is the most prized in Japan, though every colour is accepted.
Temperament and living with one
This is a busy, clever, talkative cat. The Japanese Bobtail loves company and plays with children and dogs, and it often seems to use its voice to comment on what is going on. Many learn to fetch, open doors and walk on a harness. Some like water.
It does not like to be bored. A tall cat tree, puzzle feeders and interactive games keep it happy, and it does well with another playful pet. Because it is active, a very small flat can feel crowded.
Care: coat, food and play
The shorthaired variety needs a comb through the coat a few times a month. The longhaired variety needs a little more often, but the coat does not mat easily. An occasional bath is enough. Trim nails, check the ears and clean the teeth as your vet advises.
Feed a complete diet in measured meals, because the breed can gain weight if it gets too little exercise. Give daily play and climbing.
Health
The Japanese Bobtail is generally sturdy and genetically varied, with no specific inherited disease firmly established. Obesity is the main risk. Ask a breeder about the parents' health, and ask your vet about routine checks, dental care and weight, as for any cat. Litters are often small.
Is it right for you?
Choose a Japanese Bobtail if you like a smart, vocal and playful cat and have time for games. The breed is rare in the United States, so expect a wait. For a similar short-tailed cat with a heavier build, look at the American Bobtail, and for a tailless alternative consider the Manx.
Profile last reviewed November 7, 2026