Japanese Bobtail vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison

It is believed that these naurally-occuring short-tailed domestic cats in Japan arrived from the Asian continent about 1 000 years ago.

It was way back in 1602 that the Japanese authorities made it that all cats be released to tackle the rodent problem that were threatening the nation's silkworm population.

Bobtail cats were the street cats of Japan. In 1968, the cat was imported to the Western Hemisphere from Japan and in 1976 the shorthaired Japanese Bobtail was accepted for Championship status in the Cat Fanciers’ Association.

There are a number of cat’s breeders in North America and Europe, but it is still a rare cat. Today, the Japanese Bobtail is a recognized breed by all major registering bodies.

It is believed that this unusual cat came to the United States on ships – kept by sailors who thought of them as a good luck charm and to keep the mice population under control.

These unusual cats became popular in the 1800s as ship cats but the cats soon began to be seen in port cities on the Eastern coast of the United States as well as Canada, and their numbers began to increase.

It is also believed these interesting cats were brought specifically to the Boston area.

The medium-sized, long, lean and muscled Japanese Bobtail, with long slender legs, is known for its unusual bobtail. People liken the tail to that of a rabbit. The tail must always be visible though.

The head has a triangular shape and the neck is neither too long or too short. The ears are upright and set wide apart. The oval-shaped eyes are large.

The hind legs are longer than the front legs. The cat weighs between 3 and 6kg and comes in almost any color and pattern but it is thought that the triple-colored ones are the most favored in Japan.

The coat is of medium length and is soft and silky. The head of the cat is triangular with the ears being large and wide apart. The eyes are large and oval-shaped.

Temperament:

The Japanese Bobtail makes a good feline pet for families. They get on well with children and are affectionate and loving with all their human family members.

They’re talkative cats too, enjoying communication with people and using soft noises. It’s an intelligent cat and one that happens to love water too, and is a playful cat, making a great loyal companion.

The Polydactyl cat is unusual in that the cat has been born with something odd about it. It has more than the regular number of toes on just one or more of its paws.

Normal cats have a sum of 18 toes, with 5 on the front and 4 on the back but with Polydactyl cats you may find as many as 9 digits on their front and back paws.

American Polydactyl cats are medium to large in size with strong, muscular bodies. The cat can weigh up to 6kg. The head is broad, the ears wide-set and pointed and the coat can be any color, pattern and length.

Temperament:

These cats are easy-going, relaxed, and social. They’re hardy too and they’re able to enjoy being outdoors and indoors.

They’re affectionate with their human family and are also playful and energetic. It is prepared to be friendly with dogs and children too, but it is also able to act independently and get on with things. The Polydactyl cat is distinctive but also a very popular cat breed.

The Japanese Bobtail is such a sweet, playful, loving cat. The cat loves to be with his human family and is highly intelligent.

They are quite capable of learning tricks and playing games much like a dog. They are social cats and while they aren’t lap cats, they seek out the company of their human family, making use of a soft voice to communicate.

They’re such sweet cats and are adored by those who have brought them into their home as a pet and friend.

The American Polydactyl cat is such a down-to-earth kind of cat that you can welcome him into your home with ease.

Easy to look after, this lively and interesting cat will fill your home with love and companionship, and just a few extra toe nails to clip!

Just like any other cats, the Japanese Bobtail suffers from any one of the different health problems there are. The Japanese Bobtail is a healthy cat generally and he can easily reach 15 years of age with good care.

Look out for obesity. Obesity comes with a host of health issues, putting a strain on the cat’s joints as well.

You want to manage your furry friend’s food portions to ensure he remains lean and muscular. Feed your adult cat twice daily. Discover what your cat likes in terms of dry cat food, semi-wet or wet cat food.

Your cat is a carnivore and requires quality meaty foods. The best, high-quality cat foods always have meat at the top of the ingredients list as they need meat to get all the right nutrients in.

With good care, these cats can live to be between 14 and 16 years of age. You need to be diligent with keeping this cat’s nails trimmed because depending on the placement of the toes, the nails could become a nuisance, growing in the wrong direction and cutting into he cat’s flesh.

Keep the nails trimmed as necessary. To avoid possible injury to your pet, your veterinarian can safely trim your cat’s claws.

Always pay attention to your cat's behavior as well as taking note of your cat when you groom him as both are good ways to discover whether anything is amiss with your polydactyl cat.

The cat’s medium coat sheds moderately, and a brush once a week to remove the loose hairs will be sufficient. You’ll want to brush him more often during his shedding seasons.

Trim the nails when they become long.

Help with keeping your Japanese Bobtail clean by scooping his droppings out of the litterbox at least every day and also changing the litter at least every week.

When you bring your Japanese Bobtail kitten home, you’ll have to take him to the vet. This is because from 8 weeks of age your kitten will need to get his first vaccines. Booster vaccines for your cat will also be required later on.

Show interest in your Japanese Bobtails. Become involved with some of his games.

Provide your cat with a scratching post to prevent him from scratching your furniture.

Never leave your Japanese Bobtail without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Wash your cat’s water- and food bowls every second day to prevent bacteria from building up.

Keep an eye on your cat’s paws as their extra toes can make it that they are at a higher risk of hooking on a carpet or some other material, but this can be managed with regular nail trimming.

Daily needs:

Provide your cat with all the things he needs to make his life pleasant while in your care. He’ll need feeding and drinking bowls, a nice warm, dry bed, a litter box, stimulating toys, and things such as a scratching post and cat climbing tree.

Diet:

Cats are meat-eaters, and they need protein from meat for health. Some cooked chicken and beef can be a real treat for your pet. Grains and carbohydrates should only play a very small role in your pet’s diet. Too many grains can lead to malnutrition and obesity as well as problems with your cat's organs.

Always take into account your cat’s age because different life stages mean different energy levels and therefore different nutritional needs.

Take your sick cat to the vet when you see he is not his usual self. Make sure you keep up to date with all his vaccines and anti-parasite treatments.

Spaying and Neutering:

One of the most important health decisions you’ll make for your Polydactyl cat is to have your pet spayed or neutered. The procedure is common and performed in your vet’s office every day.

It offers lifelong health benefits. It improves your pet’s behavior and keeps them close to home too. Spaying a female cat will prevent uterine infections and breast cancer, and for males, it can prevent testicular cancer.

Best of all, it helps to prevent yet more kittens into a world overrun with stray cats and rescue centers jam-packed with unwanted kittens and cats.