Are Japanese Bobtail cats born without tails?

No, Japanese Bobtail cats are not born completely without tails, but they are born with distinctive short tails that are the result of a genetic mutation. These tails are usually about 2 to 3 inches long and can be straight, kinked, or curled, often resembling a pom-pom or a bunny’s tail. The short tail is a unique and defining characteristic of the breed, and each cat’s tail is unique in terms of shape and length, giving them a distinctive appearance. 

Unlike the Manx breed, which can be born with varying tail lengths, including completely tailless (known as a “rumpy” Manx), Japanese Bobtails always have some form of a tail, albeit much shorter than that of typical domestic cats.