Selkirk Rex vs Japanese Bobtail - Breed Comparison

Japanese Bobtail is originated from Japan but Selkirk Rex is originated from United States. Both Japanese Bobtail and Selkirk Rex are of same weight. Both Japanese Bobtail and Selkirk Rex has almost same life span. Both Japanese Bobtail and Selkirk Rex has same litter size. Japanese Bobtail requires Low Maintenance. But Selkirk Rex requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

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Japan
United States
Weight Male:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
3 - 6 kg
6 - 14 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 15 Years
12 - 17 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
2 - 6
Other Names:
None
Sheep Cat
Colors Available:
Any color and pattern
All colors
Coat:
Medium length and silky
Long- and short coat - wavy or curled
Shedding:
Minimal, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

japanese bobtailIt 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 Selkirk Rex originated in the USA in 1987. A host of cats have been used to develop this cat breed – Persians, British Shorthairs, Himalayans, American Shorthairs, Exotic Shorthairs, and others.

There was a litter of kittens and the odd one out, one with an unusual coat – was placed with the breeder, Jeri Newman, who bred the cat with a black Persian.

Three Selkirk Rex kittens were born as well as three straight-haired kittens. The cat has been developed with either long- or short coats. The Selkirk Rex cat breed is recognized by various cat associations such as the International Cat Association, the American Cat Fanciers Association in the 1990s as well as the Cat Fanciers Association in 2000.

Description

japanese bobtail kitten - descriptionThe 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 Selkirk Rex is a medium- to large-sized cat that will weigh between 3 to 6kg. He is a well-built cat of which you get a short- and long coat variety. The coat is available in all colors. The coat has a soft, woolly look to it with some curls.

With the long-haired variety, the cat has a well-plumed tail. One drawback perhaps is that the cat is a fairly heavy shedder, and perhaps wouldn’t be a good choice for those with allergies.

Temperament:

This is a lively, playful, energetic cat with a friendly temperament. Cat experts will tell you that it is the Persian and British Shorthair ancestors that have given him his placid, lovable nature. He is, however, more active than those cat breeds and loves to play.

Tolerant and affectionate, the Selkirk isn't a lap cat. Because he has a sociable nature, he dislikes being left alone for long periods of time.

The Selkirk Rex fits in well with households where there are well-behaved children and other pets. He is such a loving cat and loves to be in the company of his human companions. He isn’t demanding and likes to talk to you in a quiet voice.

Characteristics

japanese bobtail cat - characteristicsThe 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.

When you welcome a Selkirk Rex cat into your home, you’ll have a loving friend and companion.

They love to bask in the attention they get as they’re quite unusual with their wavy to curly coats. People are always wanting to touch it.

The Selkirk Rex cat is an active, playful cat and has a whole lot of love to offer you.

Health Problems

japanese bobtail kittens - health problemsJust 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.

The Selkirk Rex cat, if looked after well and given excellent food can live to be 15, 16, or 17 years of age. Some of these cats can suffer from hair loss. Remember, that every cat will require vaccinations and de-worming.

Kidney Disease:

Chronic kidney failure usually develops over a number of months. Chronic kidney failure in cats is a progressive illness but if you get your cat to the vet it can be managed. The vet will want a sample of your cat's urine and possibly a blood test.

Caring The Pet

japanese bobtail cats - caringThe 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.

Your Selkirk Rex will need to have his fur brushed. You don’t want to brush him too hard every week as this can cause the curls to frizz. Rather use a spray bottle with some cat conditioner and lightly spray the curls and use your fingers to ‘comb’ his hair.

Provide your cat with well-balanced meals. Your Selkirk Rex is a carnivore and you have to ensure that his food is made up of meat. The best commercially manufactured cat foods know how to correctly balance your cat’s food so that it gets the perfect blend of vitamins and minerals. Always choose a good brand of cat food that will meet your cat's nutritional needs. If you’re unsure, you can always ask your vet for suggestions about good quality food that will help towards ensuring good health for your cat.

The cheaper, unknown brands may not have the best ingredients to keep your cat happy and healthy. Remember to read the labels as a growing kitten will require different food to a senior cat.

Provide your Selkirk Rex with a litter box, scratching post, and a climbing tree.

Your kitten will need to be vaccinated to protect him from some of the life-threatening diseases cats can get. Most of the vets these days recommend a combined vaccine, starting at about 8 weeks of age. These vaccines will protect your kitten from Feline Leukaemia Virus, Feline Parovirus, and cat flu.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Japanese Bobtail vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  2. Japanese Bobtail vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  3. Japanese Bobtail vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  4. Japanese Bobtail vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  5. Japanese Bobtail vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  6. Japanese Bobtail vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  7. Japanese Bobtail vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  8. Japanese Bobtail vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  9. Japanese Bobtail vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  10. Japanese Bobtail vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  11. Japanese Bobtail vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  12. Japanese Bobtail vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  13. Japanese Bobtail vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  14. Japanese Bobtail vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  15. Japanese Bobtail vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  16. Japanese Bobtail vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  17. Japanese Bobtail vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  18. Japanese Bobtail vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  19. Japanese Bobtail vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  20. Japanese Bobtail vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  21. Japanese Bobtail vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  22. Japanese Bobtail vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  23. Japanese Bobtail vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  24. Japanese Bobtail vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  25. Japanese Bobtail vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison
  26. Selkirk Rex vs Abyssinian - Breed Comparison
  27. Selkirk Rex vs Aegean - Breed Comparison
  28. Selkirk Rex vs African Serval - Breed Comparison
  29. Selkirk Rex vs Chausie - Breed Comparison
  30. Selkirk Rex vs American Bobtail - Breed Comparison
  31. Selkirk Rex vs American Curl - Breed Comparison
  32. Selkirk Rex vs American Keuda - Breed Comparison
  33. Selkirk Rex vs American Longhair - Breed Comparison
  34. Selkirk Rex vs American Polydactyl - Breed Comparison
  35. Selkirk Rex vs American Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  36. Selkirk Rex vs American Wirehair - Breed Comparison
  37. Selkirk Rex vs Applehead Siamese - Breed Comparison
  38. Selkirk Rex vs Ashera - Breed Comparison
  39. Selkirk Rex vs Asian - Breed Comparison
  40. Selkirk Rex vs Asian Semi-Longhair - Breed Comparison
  41. Selkirk Rex vs Australian Mist - Breed Comparison
  42. Selkirk Rex vs Balinese - Breed Comparison
  43. Selkirk Rex vs Bengal - Breed Comparison
  44. Selkirk Rex vs Bicolor - Breed Comparison
  45. Selkirk Rex vs Birman - Breed Comparison
  46. Selkirk Rex vs Blue Russian - Breed Comparison
  47. Selkirk Rex vs Bombay - Breed Comparison
  48. Selkirk Rex vs Brazilian Shorthair - Breed Comparison
  49. Selkirk Rex vs Bristol - Breed Comparison
  50. Selkirk Rex vs British Longhair - Breed Comparison