THE LUCKY CATS OF JAPAN

CFA GRAND CHAMPION ELFGIFU TOKYO TWO SPOT is pictured at right and recent kitten on left

 

As an artist, I found very intriguing a woodcut picture, circa 1600, of a Japanese Bobtail sitting with his back turned showing his black pom-pom tail, while he views from a window a country fair. Then I discovered other ancient Japanese art picturing many other scenes where this beautiful creature appears. Also I spent time in Japan and saw these cats as street cats or as treasured pets. My fascination grew.

Therefore, finally I acquired two Japanese Bobtail kittens as companions in my home and studio. Well, these cats eventually had kittens and I began exhibiting these extraordinary creatures at CFA and later also at TICA Cat Shows, in many locations. Some of my cats grew to enjoy the adventure of travel, part of which was, for them, discovering and exploring new and different hotel rooms and getting much attention as they were groomed, photographed and exhibited to their admiring fans.

 

 Japanese Bobtails are basically white cats, with color markings usually on their tails and head, but markings elsewhere are also most attractive.  There are Long Hair as well as Short Hair JBTs. Most of my cats, due to the bloodlines I have used in breeding, have blue or odd eyes, but the CFA breed standard allows eyes of many colors. To know more about the detailed breed standards I would refer you to the Cat Fanciers Association, www.cfainc.org.

The Mi-Ke ("three furs" in Japanese) are female cats of three colors, which makes them most striking. In fact, the visual impact of a JBT is like looking at a geisha girl with white chalked face, then very bright colored costume, and ornamentation, for example, bright red and contrasting black. The best words appropriate for JBTs is VISUALLY STRIKING: eye catching and pleasing to the eye.

All JBTs are considered the "Lucky Cats of Japan", and you will see statues of them with a paw raised in greeting in most Japanese stores and restaurants in Japan and throughout the world.

 

Following, and on the next page, are photos of Japanese Bobtails (JBTs), some of which are of cats owned by my friend Yukiko Terashima, a top breeder and respected expert in Japan, and many are of my own cats.

 

 

 

 

    

413-667-3290 CONTACT PHONE NUMBER

 

 

 

 

Linda

Standridge-Santopietro

 

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