Origin And Characteristics Of The Japanese Bobtail, The Lucky Cat
The Japanese bobtail, also called the fortune cat, is surrounded by many legends and traditions. He is a fun-loving animal and is said to bring good luck to anyone who comes in contact with him.
These cats are revered by the Japanese, who attribute to them the power to attract good luck. It is not known for sure when and where this breed developed, but what is certain is that it has been part of Eastern culture for centuries.
Legends about the origin of the Japanese bobtail or cat of luck
Legend has it that a small short-tailed cat named Maneki-Neko greeted passersby on his way. These folks ensure that when that happened they would definitely have a great day.
Thanks to this legend, a representation of the Maneki-Neko saluting in welcome can be found on the facade of the Gotokuji temple in Tokyo. The intention is to wish good luck to all who see it.
Another version tells of a cat who fell asleep near a bonfire and whose tail caught fire due to a spark. The cat with the burning tail ran all over the imperial city, setting everything on fire. The enraged emperor decreed that all cats had to be cut off to avoid a new disaster.
Characteristics of the fortune cat
Domestic cats were introduced from China and Korea to Japan in the 6th century. The distinctive features of the Japanese bobtail, the pom-pom-tailed tricolor cats, adorn the serigraphs and engravings of the imperial palaces in the 17th century.
The stump of the tail is very similar to a pompom and is the result of a natural genetic mutation. They have a triangular head, with high cheekbones, long snouts and oval eyes.
The hind legs of this beautiful specimen are slightly longer than the front legs, which gives them a unique and elegant way of walking.
The Japanese bobtail, the lucky cat, is small and can weigh between 2.5 and 4.5 pounds. The coat is very soft and can be long or short, with a great variety of colors and patterns.
Reasons to choose a Japanese bobtail
If you are considering adopting a Japanese bobtail as a pet, these reasons will convince you:
- He is active and intelligent.
- Love to play.
- He is very curious, bold and always attentive.
- Communicate through a wide variety of sounds, verses and meows.
- Gets along well with children and other pets, especially dogs.
- Easily adapts to new people and situations.
- It makes a great companion animal, as it loves to bond with its human companions.
Some tips for caring for a Japanese bobtail
The Japanese bobtail or fortune cat has a life expectancy of 9-15 years. In some cases it can even reach the age of 18, especially if it is well cared for and if it has an adequate diet.
It is recommended to brush the fur at least twice a week. In spring and autumn it will need to be done more often. It is important to cut his nails regularly.
Although it does not require special care, there are some things you need to take into account: it is best to keep it indoors, protect it from cars, diseases of other cats, and attacks from nearby animals.
Other suggestions
Here are other tips for caring for the Japanese bobtail:
- It is very important to keep the litter box clean. This will help prevent common cat diseases such as allergies. It is recommended that you clean the litter box every day and completely change the sand once a week.
- Placing the cat litter box is a difficult choice; the most suitable place must be quiet, away from the daily hustle and bustle of the house.
- The Japanese bobtail should be fed excellent quality food. Dry cat food must contain at least 70% protein. Another option is canned wet food.
- If you choose natural food, know that the Japanese bobtail loves boneless cooked fish.
As an anecdotal information, we recall that the Japanese bobtail, the lucky cat, inspired the creation of the popular Hello Kitty: a character whose fame transcends geographical boundaries and time.
