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American Bobtail vs Japanese Bobtail
The American Bobtail is a mellow, sturdy cat; the Japanese Bobtail is a lively, talkative, fine-boned one with a pom-pom tail.
Verdict
These two bobtails share a short tail and little else in temperament. The American Bobtail is sturdy, mellow and quiet, and it suits a household that wants an easygoing cat. The Japanese Bobtail is a fine-boned cat of about 6 to 9 lb that scores at the top for play and intelligence, talks often and keeps busy. Both score top marks with children. Choose the American Bobtail for calm and the Japanese Bobtail for a chatty, quick-witted family companion.
Choose the American Bobtail if
- You want a quiet, sturdy, easygoing cat.
- You have other pets, as it scores top marks for getting along.
- You want a shaggy coat and a wild tabby look.
- You want a cat that does not demand constant play.
Choose the Japanese Bobtail if
- You want an intelligent, talkative, playful cat.
- You enjoy a lively cat that learns quickly.
- You like the mi-ke tricolour pattern and a pom-pom tail.
- You prefer a lighter, fine-boned build.
Where they are alike
Both are rare, medium-sized cats with short tails, soft coats and light to moderate shedding. Both are good with children and make friendly family pets.
Side by side
| American Bobtail | Japanese Bobtail | |
|---|---|---|
| Group | Shorthair | Shorthair |
| Origin | United States | Japan |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Typical weight | — | 6-9 lb (2.7-4 kg); males are larger |
| Lifespan | — | 9-15 years |
| Coat length | Short | Short |
| Coat | Shaggy, medium-dense coat in both short-haired and long-haired forms | Soft, silky coat of medium length with no noticeable undercoat; a longhair variety also exists |
| Cat Fanciers' Association | — | Championship breed since 1976 |
| How common | Rare | Rare |
| Affection | 4 | 4 |
| Energy | 3 | 4 |
| Playfulness | 4 | 5 |
| Talkativeness | 2 | 4 |
| Grooming needed | 2 | 2 |
| Shedding | 3 | 3 |
| Good with children | 5 | 5 |
| Good with other pets | 5 | 4 |
| Happy alone | 3 | 3 |
| Trainability | 4 | 5 |
| Suits a small home | 3 | 4 |
| Allergies | No breed is hypoallergenic. The shaggy coat sheds in moderation, and people who react to cats may react to this breed. | No breed is hypoallergenic. The silky coat sheds moderately, and people who react to cats usually react to this breed. |
| Suits | A family or multi-pet home that wants a sturdy, adaptable cat with a mellow temper and a short tail. | A lively family that wants an intelligent, talkative cat and does not mind a high-energy companion. |
| Less suited to | Anyone who wants a very small cat, a fully tailless cat, or a cat that is easy to find. | A very quiet household, or anyone who wants a laid-back cat that sleeps through the day. |
| Registries that recognise it |
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Facts come from each breed's profile. Scores run from 1 (low) to 5 (high) and describe a breed in general. Every cat is an individual, so meet the cat before you decide.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026