What unusual tail feature is characteristic of the Japanese Bobtail cat breed?

The Japanese Bobtail is characterized by a short tail that resembles a pom-pom.

Its tail is produced by a naturally occurring genetic trait, and individual tails vary in shape and length. Some are kinked, curved, or twisted, but they are typically much shorter than the tails of most domestic cats. The tail’s appearance is unique to each cat, much like a fingerprint.

The breed has a long cultural association with Japan. Images of short-tailed cats appear in Japanese art, and the maneki-neko, or beckoning cat, is often represented with a short tail. However, not every short-tailed cat in Japan is a pedigreed Japanese Bobtail.

The Japanese Bobtail is different from the Manx, another short-tailed breed. The Manx trait is associated with a naturally shortened or absent tail, while the Japanese Bobtail usually retains a visible pom-pom-like tail.