Japanese Bobtail

Jumping and fetching

High climbing places and open routes suit its jumping ability. Some enjoy splashing a paw in water or retrieving a light ball. Try different games to learn what your cat enjoys. A wand toy has a toy attached to a rod by a string. Move it along the floor for short hunting games, then store it so strings are not left unattended. Secure windows and balconies carefully, as an inquisitive jumper will test unexpected routes.

For practical play, food searches and quiet retreats, read Indoor Cat Enrichment: Play, Food Puzzles and Safe Retreats ↗

Silky coat, delicate tail

The silky coat has little undercoat and usually resists tangles. Lightly comb both shorthaired and longhaired cats about twice a week, more often during seasonal shedding. On longhaired cats, check the belly and back legs for tangles. The distinctive tail may contain both flexible and fused sections. Never pull it or try to straighten its shape. Avoidance of touch or signs of pain there call for a veterinary examination.

Every tail is different

The short tail identifies this old Japanese breed. Its individual bends and curves are often covered in hair that forms a small pompom. The rest of the body is long, lean and strong, with longer back legs for high jumps. The breed occurs in many colours; tricolour cats especially recall Japan’s beckoning lucky-cat figure. Short- and longhaired forms exist.