Japanese Bobtail vs Dilute Calico - 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.

The Calico isn’t a breed of cat but is describing a color and pattern of the cat. Many breeds of cats can be calico, and ‘Dilute Calico’ simply means that the color of the cat is less intense.

An example of this would be cream being the dilute shade of red, almost like strawberry blonde. People interested in the origins of the cat trace its history back to the trade routes in Northern Africa and Europe, and more specifically to the port cities along the Mediterranean Sea.

A Calico cat is described as having 3 colors - white, black, and red and Dilute Calico cats have ‘toned down’ shades of these 3 colors.

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.

These are beautiful cats that can essentially have any size and shape and can weigh between 3 and 6kg. Their coat too can be in different colors and patterns and these don’t have any effect on the cat’s persoality.

Your Dilute Calico can have a short- or long-haired coat. Also, because the dilute calico coloring isn’t linked to any particular cat breed, these cats can be any size or shape really.

They are also nearly always female. Remember that while genes do have an effect on how your Dilute Calico looks and behaves, socialization plays a big part, and where possible, to get your cat from a reputable breeder.

Temperament:

Because calico cats are a coat-color and not a breed, you can find long hair dilute calico cats. The personality of the Dilute Calico is described as colorful as well as they’re fun-loving, independent, spunky cats that are sweet and loving too.

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.

Because Dilute Calico cats can be found in many cat breeds, you can’t be certain how your feline friend will turn out.

Bring your pet up well though and treat him with love and care and you’ll have a devoted friend for between 13 and 20 years.

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.

As already mentioned, the Dilute Calico isn't a specific breed but rather a color. The calico can be any breed. The average lifespan of any cat is 12-16 years. The males are far rarer than the females and they live shorter lives.

Cancer is a terrible disease in cats and dogs and it is where cells grow uncontrollably, spreading to all areas of the body. For any sign of illness in your Dilute Calico, get him to the vet.

Make sure your cat is vaccinated against the deadly cat diseases there are such as Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV).

Both males and females can develop lower urinary inflammation, which is also called Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). You’ll notice your pet straining to urinate. It’s time to get your pets to the vet with this terrible illness.

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.

Prepare for your cat – have food dish, water bowl, litter box, cat food, brush, climbing tree, scratching post, cat toys, and cat bed to welcome your pet.

When it comes to commercially manufactured cat food, there are many excellent ones on the market and you can choose from dry and wet cat food. If in any doubt about what is best for your cat, speak to your vet. Your cat is a carnivore and will need food that pays special attention to meat. A kitten will require 4 small bowls of food a day and by one year of age your cat can be receiving 2 smaller meals a day. Provide cool, fresh water around the clock..

Brush your Dilute Calico gently once a week. Some of the longer-haired Dilute Calicos will require brushing twice a week. At this grooming time, check that the eyes are nice and clear, free of discharge, check that the inside of the ears are free of wax and dirt build-up and check inside the mouth that there aren’t any troublesome teeth.

Whether your cat is an indoor cat or he goes outside occasionally, check for ticks and fleas and get him to the vet to check for internal parasites. Your cat will need to be dewormed and to receive all his cat vaccines to avoid some of the deadly cat diseases there are.

If your cat does go outside, make sure he has a cat collar and an ID tag.

Keep the litter box hygienically clean as cats won’t use a messy litter box. You can buy small scoops and rakes from the pet shop and rake up his droppings throughout the day.

Always have your cat neutered or spayed as there are way too many unwanted kittens in the world. Having them ‘fixed’ reduces lots of illnesses such as urinary inflammation.