Japanese Bobtails/Manx/Pixie Bobcat

The Japanese Bobtail

It seems certain that the domestic cat first arrived in Japan from China or Korea, but historians differ as to the actual date. It must have been at least 1,000 years ago, for the first written record of cats in Japan is that old, appearing in a manuscript written by a tutor- governess to the Empress. However, it would seem that, even if the unusual tail structure of the cat now called the Japanese Bobtail was then known, it was not considered remarkable enough for mention; all the description is concerned with the beautiful markings and colours.

Nevertheless, the bob-tailed breed has certainly existed in Japan for many centuries; it features in ancient prints and paintings, and is shown on the facade of the Gotokuji Temple in Tokyo with paw upraised to symbolize good fortune. It also established itself as the family cat. The favourite good luck colour is known as the mi-ke (pronounced mee-kay), and corresponds to the calico, or tortoiseshell and white, of other breeds. It is said that the first cats to step on Japanese soil were black, and that they were followed by whites and then orange cats — and thus the mi-ke (which means three-fur, referring to the red, black and white pattern) was born.

Manx

Gr. Ch. Les Beaux Chats Tramman Rhapsody - Manx

THE MANX

THE LONG AND SHORT OF IT

Though their tails are abbreviated, Manx cats have been around for a lengthy period of time. Unfortunately, any records that may have existed about the origins of the Manx, one of the oldest domestic breeds, are gone. We know the Manx has existed for many centuries on the Isle of Man, located in the Irish Sea between England and Ireland. Since the island did not have an indigenous feline species from which the Manx could develop, it is surmised that domestic cats were introduced by human settlers and explorers. Exactly who and when is uncertain.

There is plenty of speculation and legend about the Manx. One story has it that cats were aboard a ship of the Spanish Armada that wrecked off the Isle of Man in 1588. The resourceful cats, it is said, swam ashore at Spanish Point and set up mousekeeping on the isle. Another tale claims that the Manx was introduced by Phoenician traders who transported the cats from Japan. Still another says the cats arrived with the Viking settlers who colonized the Isle of Man.

Regardless of how cats got to the island, they presumably arrived with their tails intact. Geneticists believe that the Manx's taillessness is the result of a spontaneous mutation within the isle's domestic cat population. Genetically,

the Manx varies significantly from other short-tailed felines. The Manx's tail, or lack thereof, is governed by a dominant gene along with modifying polygenes, while most other short-tailed breeds, such as the Japanese Bobtail, are governed by recessive genes. Given the isle's closed environment and small gene pool, the dominant gene easily passed from one generation to the next.

Inhabitants of the isle, unaware of or unimpressed by boring scientific theory, invented more interesting explanations to account for the Manx's lack of tail. One contends that the Manx is an unlikely cross between a cat and a rabbit. Irish invaders stole the cats' tails to use for their helmet plumes, another conjectures. A third theorizes that two Manx cats were passengers on Noah's ark, but were the last to board and got their tails caught in the door.

CURRENT EVENTS

The modern history of the Manx is better documented, though less colorful. The Manx breed was well established and popular long before the earliest days of the cat fancy. King Edward VIII was reportedly a Manx fancier and often attended cat shows featuring the breed. In 1901 British fanciers formed the first Manx club. And more than 100 years ago, Manx cats journeyed to America; they are noted in early American cat-registry records.

Manx cats were at first exported from the Isle of Man, but as the demand grew, the supply waned. Fanciers had to rely on British and American sources, and since Manxes were difficult to breed, demand exceeded supply. Today, show-quality Manx cats are in great demand

The Cymric is a long haired Manx.

                                                                         Pixie Bobcat

                                                          Supreme Grand Champion Blackfoot Agent Six

The Pixie Bob is a domestic breed which emulates the look of the bobcat.  They have a wild looking face with flat, predatory eyes, links tipped ears, and predatory markings.  They also have 2"-6" tails and stocky bodies.  They are brown spotted tabbies, as that is the coloring of the bobcat.  They are the only breed in the cat fancy which allows polydactyl feet (extra toes) as part of the breed standard.  They have an outgoing personality with a true zest for life.  They are loyal companions and have been described as having a dog-like personality.  Many like water and play fetch.