10 Of The Most Popular Cat Breeds In Japan
On May 10, 2024
Japanese society places significant importance on cats as spirit animals and domestic pets. The Maneki-Neko, a beckoning cat figurine, is probably one of their most prominent cultural symbols.
Additionally, cats are associated with the concept of nekomata, a mythical creature with supernatural powers. Nekomata are depicted as two-tailed cats with the ability to shape-shift and control the dead.
While the Japanese Bobtail is the only breed native to the country, Japanese people have imported hundreds of cat breeds over the years. Today, we explore 10 such breeds that are incredibly popular in Japan.
1. Scottish Fold
Height: 8-10 inches (20-25 cm)
Weight: 6-13 pounds (2.7-5.9 kg)
Origin: Scotland
The Scottish Fold was first imported to Japan in 1971 by Susie Koizumi. She fell in love with a Scottish Fold cat named 'Susie' while on a trip to Scotland and brought her back to Japan. The breed gained popularity quickly in Japan due to its adorable appearance.
These easy-to-groom cats have distinct folded ears, which are caused by a natural genetic mutation. This mutation affects the cartilage in the cat's ears, making them fold forward and downward. This characteristic gives the Scottish Fold an endearing and charming look, making it highly desirable among cat lovers in Japan.
2. Maine Coon
Height: 10-16 inches (25-40 cm)
Weight: 10-25 pounds (4.5-11.3 kg)
Origin: United States (Maine)
The Maine Coon's large size and striking appearance make them visually appealing to Japanese cat enthusiasts. With their tufted ears, bushy tails, and luxurious coats, these cats often resemble traditional Japanese folklore creatures.
Additionally, their friendly and sociable nature endears them to Japanese families. Maine Coons are known for their affectionate behavior, often seeking attention and forming strong bonds with their owners. This characteristic aligns with the Japanese culture, which values close relationships and companionship.
3. Ragdoll
Height: 9-11 inches (23-28 cm)
Weight: 10-20 pounds (4.5-9 kg)
Origin: United States (California)
The Ragdoll is a typically calm and relaxed cat, that makes it an excellent companion for families, including children and other pets. Further, their laid-back temperament makes them adaptable to different living environments.
These cats are known for their affectionate and sociable nature. They tend to form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy being around people. Ragdolls are often described as "lap cats" as they enjoy cuddling and being petted. Their loving nature makes them great therapy animals and provides emotional support to their owners.
4. American Shorthair
Height: 9-10 inches (23-25 cm)
Weight: 9-15 pounds (4-6.8 kg)
Origin: United States
The American Shorthair is a popular cat breed in the US and Japan. Renowned for its friendly and easygoing nature, the breed has gained a substantial following among Japanese cat lovers. The feline's popularity can be attributed to their exotic appearance and friendly temperament.
In Japan, American Shorthairs can cost anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 Yen, depending on factors like lineage, age, and coat color. Purebred cats with exceptional lineage and show-quality attributes may command higher prices. However, it's worth noting that prices can vary significantly from breeder to breeder.
5. British Shorthair
Height: 12-14 inches (30-36 cm)
Weight: 9-18 pounds (4-8 kg)
Origin: United Kingdom
The British Shorthair's history dates back several centuries in Britain. Its ancestors were domestic cats brought to the British Isles by the Romans around 2,000 years ago. Over time, these cats interbred with local European wildcats, resulting in a stocky breed known as the British Shorthair.
In the 19th century, the British breed became popular in its native country due to its appealing appearance. Likewise, they were first imported to Japan in the early 20th century. However, it wasn't until the 1960s that the breed gained significant popularity in Japan.
6. Siamese
Height: 8-10 inches (20-25 cm)
Weight: 6-12 pounds (2.7-5.4 kg)
Origin: Thailand (formerly Siam)
The Siamese cat is renowned for its distinctive coat and elegant appearance. Its short coat is characterized by a color-point pattern, where the body is pale-creamy and the extremities (face, ears, paws, and tail) are darker in shades.
The breed's coloration is due to a genetic mutation that causes the pigment to develop only in cooler areas of the body. Likewise, the cat's almond-shaped eyes are a vivid blue, which beautifully contrasts with its light-colored coat. Its head is wedge-shaped with a long, slender body and a graceful, muscular build.
7. Bengal
Height: 8-10 inches (20-25 cm)
Weight: 8-15 pounds (3.6-6.8 kg)
Origin: United States
The Bengal cat originated from the crossbreeding of an Asian leopard cat with a domestic cat in the 1960s. The goal was to create a breed that resembles the Asian leopard cat but has a friendly personality. The first successful hybrid was achieved by a breeder named Jean Mill, who crossed a black domestic cat with an Asian leopard cat.
Initially called the "Leopardette," these hybrids were further bred with domestic cats to develop a breed that retained the leopard-like appearance but had a more predictable temperament. In 1983, the breed was officially named the Bengal cat, derived from the scientific name of the Asian leopard cat, Prionailurus bengalensis.
8. Abyssinian
Height: 8-10 inches (20-25 cm)
Weight: 6-10 pounds (2.7-4.5 kg)
Origin: Egypt
The Abyssinian cat was first brought to Japan in the early 20th century, specifically around the 1920s. At that time, Japan was embracing Western culture and importing various exotic animals, including cats. The Abyssinian, known for its striking ticked coat and elegant appearance, quickly caught the attention of Japanese cat enthusiasts.
The breed's popularity in Japan can be attributed to several factors. Its unique appearance sets it apart from other domestic cat breeds. The Abyssinian's fur has a warm, reddish-brown color with contrasting dark ticking, giving it a wild and exotic look. This distinctive coat pattern greatly appeals to cat lovers.
9. Russian Blue
Height: 8-10 inches (20-25 cm)
Weight: 7-12 pounds (3.2-5.4 kg)
Origin: Russia
The Russian Blue is a medium-sized cat with a muscular body and graceful build. The head is wedge-shaped, forming a straight line from the tip of the nose to the ears. The ears are large, wide at the base, and set far apart, giving the cat an alert and attentive expression.
The most notable feature of the Russian cat breed is its dense, short double coat. The fur is known for its shimmering silver-blue color, which gives the cat a luxurious appearance. The coat is plush and silky to the touch, standing away from the body, and is often described as being "platinum-tipped."
10. Persian
Height: 9-10 inches (23-25 cm)
Weight: 7-12 pounds (3.2-5.4 kg)
Origin: Iran (formerly Persia)
The Persian cat has a long coat that is extremely soft and silky to the touch. These cats display a wide range of coat colors, including white, black, blue, cream, red, and chocolate. In addition to solids, there are also various color patterns including tabby, tortoiseshell, calico, and colorpoint.
Coat patterns in Persian cats can be categorized into two main types: self-colored and pointed. Self-colored refers to cats with solid coat colors, while pointed refers to those with lighter body color and darker extremities. This pattern is similar to that seen in Siamese cats.
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