The Japanese Bobtail or mi-ke [三毛] is a breed of cat that originated in Japan. Like all animals and their respective breeds, the mi-kê has its unique characteristics and behaviors.
It is believed that the Japanese Bobtail mi-kê brings luck, happiness, and prosperity, having its greatest representation in Japanese temples and establishments, being used to welcome visitors.
Table of Content
Japanese bobtail history
The Bobtail appeared in Japan in the 7th century. This breed variety probably came from China, because China has been sending its cats to Japan for over 1000 years.
Although the breed has existed for years, Japan only had an interest in popularizing the Mi-ke from the late 1960s, when the United States had a great influence on the culture and popularization of the breed.
The name mi-ke [三毛] highlights exactly one of its characteristics. The number 3 [三] represents the number of colors that the cat has. While [毛] represents its fur. Thus, mi-ke literally means fur of 3 colors.
Characteristics of the miike breed
The Mi-ke's most notable feature is its small tail, which measures between eight and 10 centimeters when stretched out. The cat keeps it curved, which makes it similar to a rabbit's tail.
The coat is medium and silky, with varied and distinct colors, the most appreciated are black, white and red, either in bicolor or tricolor varieties, or as a single color.
- Head: The head should form an equilateral triangle (not including the ears);
- Ears: large, erect, well spaced, but at right angles to the head and looking alert;
- Muzzle: Quite broad, not abrupt;
- Eyes: large, round, in an oval tone;
- Body: medium-sized, males larger than females. Long, slim, and elegant torso, showing good development in muscle strength. Balance is also very important.
- Neck: Not too long and not too short in proportion to body length;
- Legs: long, slim, and tall. The hind legs are longer than the front ones;
- Paws: oval;
- Fingers: five in front and four behind;
- Tail: The tail must be clearly visible and is composed of one or more curved joints;
A Japanese bobtail may have heterochromia, one eye that is a different color than the other. Often one eye is blue (meaning silver) and the other yellow (gold).
Temperament of a Japanese Bobtail
Quiet, faithful, friendly, curious, affectionate and sociable, adapts easily to different circumstances. They have a sung meow and like to “talk” with the owner, so much so that oriental legends say that the cat of this breed would be a man transformed into an animal that talks to people.
Most of the time cats of this breed are active, quite intelligent, with a nature oriented towards understanding humans. They are much easier felines to train to perform tricks than most breeds.
Japanese bobtails are more willing to enjoy learning to perform human activities. His smooth voices are capable of practically offering an entire range of tones, which is likely to lead to a popular belief that he can sing.
Japanese Bobtail cats are ideal for both homes and apartments. It is a cat for the whole family, they get along very well with children and even with other animals. Finally, let's leave some details below:
Responsive Table: Scroll the table to the side with your finger >>
| Original name | Japanese bobtail or mi-ke [三毛] |
| size | Medium |
| Physical characteristics | Body: Slender and slender. Head: equilateral triangle shape. Ears: large. Eyes: oval shape. |
| Average weight | Male - 6 kg • Female - 6 kg |
| Life expectancy | 9 to 18 years |
| coat color | Bicolor and tricolor. (Black, white and red) |
| Coat Type | semi-long |
| Temperament | Faithful, friendly, curious, sociable and affectionate. |