Exactly when and where the JBT developed is not quite known. We only know that they have been around for several centuries and possibly much longer, since very early folklore in Japan makes reference to and depicts short-tailed cats. One known story involves a female cat named Maneki-Neko that was said to have waved to passersby and that was a sign of "good fortune". A likeliness of Maneki-Neko, with one paw waving welcome, is on the facade of the Gotokuji Temple near Tokyo.
Historical records do not document the origins of the JBT, however, Japanese folklore does. It is believed that a cat was sleeping near the hearth and a spark landed on the cats tail. The scared cat, with his tail on fire, ran through the streets of the Imperial City setting all the houses on fire. When the morning light appeared the city was destroyed. The Emperor was furious and issued a decree that all cats must have their tails cut short so this kind of disaster could never happen again.
The first documented JBT's imported into the US was in 1908. American servicemen stationed in Japan also brought the cats over from Japan. In 1968 a formal breeding and exhibiting program began here in the States.
Although most colors and patterns are accepted (pointed and agouti not allowed) preference is give to the Mi-Ke (pronounced mee-kay)colored cats. Mi-Ke are mostly white with patches of red and black. JBT's of this color are considered good luck.
The Japanese revered these cats for their beauty and elegance. They were prized and lived in Japanese temples and in the homes of the Japanese Imperial families for years. |
