Russian Blue vs Japanese Bobtail - 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 beautiful cat originates from Russia, and more specifically the Archangel Isles.

It is also thought that these cats descended from cats that were kept by the Russian Czars and that they arrived in England and Northern Europe during the 1860s. It appeared in cat shows and by 1912 it was given its own classification.

The cat was also introduced to the United States in the early 1900s and today it is a popular domesticated pet.

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 medium-sized Russian blue cat is slender, strong, and muscular with long legs. He can weigh between 3 and 6kg.

He has a beautiful blue, soft double coat that is short and thick. The coat is an even color with silver tips. What is an attractive feature of this cat too is that his double coat doesn’t shed much. The cat has a triangular-shaped head with yellow to green eyes.

Temperament:

The Russian Blue is such an amicable, sweet-tempered cat that likes nothing more than to be in the company of his human owners, He is calm and independent. They do well living with their human families but they do tend to form a deep bond with that one special person.

He will even follow his owner everywhere and is a loving, loyal companion. The Russian Blue is a social cat but also enjoys some quiet time out just to chill. He also isn’t too fond of visitors and may run away and hide if the occasion becomes too large and noisy.

This is a cat that will miss you when you’re at work all day but he is able to quietly wait for your arrival back home. Then he will appreciate some playtime.

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.

Your Russian Blue is such an intelligent cat and for this reason, when you bring one into your home, you’ll need to provide him with lots of stimulating toys and fun play times.

This is also a low maintenance cat and a brush once a week will be all that is required.

These are cats that love their mealtimes and you’ll want to work out a special eating program to ensure he gets all the nutrition he needs without over-eating.

Respond with lots of love and attention to your vocal Russian Blue, and you’ll soon see what a precious jewel this cat is as a companion and friend.

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.

Because the Russian Blue is a naturally occurring breed, they are fairly healthy cats. Watch out for obesity and urinary tract infections with your cat.

Obesity:

Obesity shortens a cat’s life. It puts extra pressure on the cat’s joints and it makes them more likely to develop disease. Then again, it is dangerous to suddenly put your obese cat on a strict diet so that he loses weight too quickly.

Your cat requires a gradual decrease in body weight. If you’re worried about your cat’s weight, rather speak to a veterinary surgeon who can explain to you and also draw up a weight loss program for your cat.

Remember too, that cats are carnivores and they simply have to have meat in their diet. Commercially manufactured cat foods of the highest quality are high in protein and low in carbohydrates.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease:

Feline lower urinary tract disease is no joke for a cat. This disease affects your pet’s lower urinary tract – the bladder. Causes include bladder stones or bladder infections and inflammation in the urinary bladder.

You may notice your cat battling to urinate. Your cat will also no doubt cry out while trying to urinate and this is because the process is so painful. There may also be blood in the urine.

You may notice that your cat isn’t using his litter box but urinating elsewhere. Your cat will need to get to the vet as soon as possible. It may not be a life-threatening disease but it can be highly uncomfortable for your 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.

The Russian Blue’s beautiful blue coat is short and thick and will do well with a brush once a week. The cat just thrives on the attention during brush time too.

Trim your Russian blue’s nails regularly.

Provide your cat with everything he needs to make his life pleasant. Food and water bowls, a litter box, a collar and tag, a nice soft bed, grooming accessories, climbing tree, and a scratching post.

Make sure he has his cat vaccines and is treated for parasites.