If you ever find yourself in Nagasaki, Japan, keep an eye out for the city’s unique and lucky residents — the bobtail cats. Known locally as “omagari neko” (bent-tail cats) or “kagi neko” (hook cats), these charming felines have their own dedicated fan base and even a special Shinto shrine. Yes, cats with bent tails have their own shrine!

What’s so special about these cats?

The bobtail cats are easily recognised by their distinct tails, which come in different shapes — some hooked at the tip, others curved, or even curled into a bun. Kazuya Hideshima, who works at the Omagari Neko Shrine and is part of the Nagasaki Cat Society, explains that these tail varieties make the cats truly unique.

Interestingly, these cats make up almost 80 percent of the cats in Nagasaki — that’s double the number you’d find anywhere else in Japan. So if you’re a cat lover, Nagasaki might just feel like paradise.

A history rooted in protection

The bobtails’ story goes way back. Japanese cats are thought to have arrived from China in the 6th century, brought by Buddhist monks to protect sacred scriptures from rats during sea voyages.

Fast forward to the 17th-19th centuries, Nagasaki was Japan’s only open port, and the bobtails there helped guard shipments coming from Southeast Asia against pesky rats.

Vet and cat expert Soshin Yamamoto believes the high number of bobtails in Nagasaki is due to a genetic mutation that thrived in Japan’s isolated environment during the country’s period of seclusion.

The best part? Yamamoto says these bobtails live perfectly happy lives with their shorter tails — as long as they’re living near humans and not running wild in the forest.

 

Cats that bring more than just cuteness

Nagasaki locals are hoping these adorable bent-tail cats will attract tourists and boost business in the area. 

Natsuno Kani, a visitor from Tokyo, already knew about Nagasaki’s reputation for its bobtail cats and made sure to visit their shrine. Meanwhile, international visitors like Abigail Tarraso, an artist from Spain, and Cindy Bi, an American artist based nearby, were excited to discover this charming local quirk for the first time.