Japanese Bobtail
Lively, playful, and affectionate, this breed charms with its expressive eyes and signature pom-pom tail. Adaptable and social, it thrives as an interactive and loving companion.
Breed Characteristics

Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
20–25 cm (male)
18–23 cm (female)
WEIGHT
2.5–4 kg (male)
2–3.5 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
9–15 years
Japanese Bobtail: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance

Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Felidae
Genus
Felis
Species
Felis catus
Diet
Carnivore
"A Japanese Bobtail isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Japanese Bobtail's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Japanese Bobtail is known for its friendly, social nature and generally enjoys interacting with people and other animals. This breed is typically active, outgoing, and adaptable.
Key Personality Traits
Outgoing and affectionate with people and pets
Learns quickly and solves simple problems
Enjoys active play and exploring spaces
Engages in games and interactive activities
Adjusts well to new environments and changes

Strengths
- Playful and energetic nature
- Strong social bonds with family
- Adaptable to new environments
- Generally robust health and longevity
- Low grooming needs due to short coat
Challenges
- Can be vocal and attention-seeking
- May dislike being left alone
- Needs regular interactive playtime
- Prone to stress in noisy settings
- Can be persistent in seeking attention

Protect your Japanese Bobtail
Japanese Bobtail are active and energetic, but they can develop tail kink and obesity. Get peace of mind with PetSecur's comprehensive coverage.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Japanese Bobtails are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Quick learner
Overall rating
Japanese Bobtails are intelligent and curious, often quick to learn new tricks and behaviors. They respond well to positive reinforcement and interactive training methods, making them relatively easy to train.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
30–40 minutes interactive play
recommended per day
This breed has a high energy level and thrives on regular play sessions and mental stimulation. Japanese Bobtails benefit from a variety of toys and activities to keep them physically and mentally engaged.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Japanese Bobtails are versatile cats that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Japanese Bobtail would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Japanese Bobtails are friendly, adaptable, and easy to care for as first pets.
Apartment Living
Their playful nature works well in smaller apartment spaces.
Active Lifestyle
They thrive in homes with lots of activity and playtime.
Kids
They are gentle and sociable, making them safe around young children.
Multiple Pets
Japanese Bobtails usually get along with other pets.
Being Left Alone
They dislike being left alone and may become bored or anxious.
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Japanese Bobtails compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Japanese Bobtail
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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