Grooming Tips

Grooming Tips: Japanese Bobtail

The basics of trimming claws, cleaning eyes and ears (Minimal trimming/thinning of the hair inside the ear -- if any at all -- is recommended.). It is important to know that various approaches and products may be needed for different cats due to different coat textures. Some grooming techniques are common to both coat lengths, others are not. Great care and feeding, in fact overall perfect health, is essential to showing a Japanese Bobtail "in full bloom."

SHORTHAIR JAPANESE BOBTAIL:

1. First comb thoroughly which separates the coat, loosens dirt and allows full inspection of the entire cat.
2. Wet the animal completely, then shampoo with a degreasing shampoo followed by lots of rinsing.
3. Next use a whitening shampoo on vans (mostly white cats) or perhaps a color co-ordinated one on bi-colors or solids. Try different shampoos until you find the right one for the particular cat. Again, rinse many times.
4. Wash the cat again using a mild shampoo. Rinse many more times.
5. Use a cream rinse (e.g. Agree) followed by yet more rinsing. The cream rinse enhances the "soft and silky" texture required by the CFA Standard.
6. Comb the cat completely and allow it to air dry. do not blow dry the Shorthair japanese Bobtail. Comb several times as drying takes place.
7. At the show lightly mist the coat with a good coat dressing which ads sheen and polish. Seaplasma or Paul Mitchell's Seal and Shine are recommended.. Comb and clean yes prior to each ring at the show!

LONGHAIR JAPANESE BOBTAIL GROOMING

1. Follow the Shorthair Japanese Bobtail directions with the exception that "Goop" (That's right...the same product that automobile mechanics use to clean their hands!) or a similar degreaser should precede the degreasing shampoo. Most Longhair breeders recommend that Dawn be used to get the Goop out of the coat. Lots and lots of rinsing is especially important with these products.
2. Again use a whitening shampoo on vans or a color co-ordinated one on bi-colors or solids. Rinse again!
3. Slowly and carefully blow dry the cat with a Metro hair dryer which will dry the coat straight with little combing. A curly coat will result if the temperature is too high and the coat dries too quickly.
4. Follow the Shorthair coat dressing and presentation advice. Remember.....if you think you're finished rinsing, rinse for another five minutes! It makes all the difference.

Text: Allen Scruggs 7/99

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