Kurilian Bobtail Breed Information

Group

Long Haired, Short Haired

Weight

3-6 kg

Length

25-35 cm

Lifespan

15-20 years

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About the Kurilian Bobtail

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

With their luxurious coat, adorable pom-pom tail, and affectionate nature, Kurilian Bobtail cats are a truly one-of-a-kind breed.

If you’re thinking of giving a home to one of these fluffballs, this breed guide is for you. From the breed’s temperament and grooming advice to its living needs and vocalness, you’ll be a Kurilian Bobtail cat expert by the time you’ve finished reading!

But first, let’s take a look at the fascinating history and origin of this beautiful breed.

What Is the History & Origin of the Kurilian Bobtail Cat?

The Kurilian Bobtail cat has developed over the years without any human intervention, which means it’s a natural breed. It originates from the Kamchatka peninsula in Russia and the islands of Kuril and Sakhalin.

Although it’s not known exactly how old the Kurilian Bobtail is, it naturally developed on the Russian islands around 200 years ago. This unique breed with its distinctive tail attracted the attention of visitors who were exploring – possibly military personnel or scientists.

They then brought the cats with them back to central Russia during the mid-1900s. The breed rapidly gained popularity during the mid-20th century. However, because their litter sizes tend to be quite small, the breed hasn’t spread to other countries as much as other cat breeds have.

The International Cat Association officially recognises The Kurilian Bobtail as a natural cat breed, and full championship status was granted in 2012.

What Is a Kurilian Bobtail Cat Breed?

The Kurilian Bobtail is a medium to large-sized cat that has substantial boning with a strong build. This breed is extremely athletic and loves to show off its athleticism by zooming around the house at high speeds and climbing whenever it can!

Who Is a Kurilian Bobtail Cat Best For?

The Kurilian Bobtail cat has a reputation for being the perfect family cat. They get along very well with adults, children, and even other pets. Thanks to its outgoing and playful nature, the Kurilian Bobtail is also great with younger children.

However, make sure to socialise your Bobtail with children and other animals early, preferably while it’s a kitten. Boundaries should be set on both sides, and early interactions between the cat and the children should be supervised.

What Does a Kurilian Bobtail Cat Look Like?

The most recognisable feature of this cat is the cute pom-pom tail! Kurilian Bobtail tails may have a few kinks, and they can be either flexible or stiff. The fur on the tail tends to disguise the shape and is responsible for the pom-pom appearance.

Its body is large, correctly formed, and muscular with a balanced and athletic appearance. The ears are also large and alert with an elegant shape. There may also be tufts on the tips.

They have large heads that are wedge-shaped and have rounded contours, being the widest at the cheekbones. Their legs are medium-length, and the hind legs should be slightly longer than the front legs.

The paws should also be round, and long-haired varieties usually have tufts of hair between the toes.

Coat

The Kurilian Bobtail coat is usually a short or semi-long length. Long-haired varieties should have a ruff on the neckline.

Colours

Kurilian Bobtails can be found in many different colours, both solid and tabby. They can also have white markings.

Patterns

The Kurilian Bobtail can be seen in many patterns, the main ones being tortoiseshell and tabby. Some also have beautiful silver highlights.

Kurilian Bobtail Cat Grooming & Shedding

If your Kurilian Bobtail has a short coat, a weekly brush is usually sufficient to remove loose cat hair and reduce shedding. However, long-haired Bobtails may need daily brushing to avoid mats and tangles.

An occasional bath will help to keep the coat soft and clean. You can expect a low to medium amount of shedding, but the more you brush, the less shedding you’ll have to deal with. Always trim your cat’s nails every fortnight and give the ears a check once a week to prevent infections.

How Do Kurilian Bobtail Cats Behave? A Look at Their Temperament and Personality

The Kurilian Bobtail has a naturally strong play drive and a love for hunting; large, intelligent, and very active.

This cat breed is well known for being good at fishing too, so if you have an aquarium or vulnerable pets such as guinea pigs or hamsters, you’ll want to make sure that they’re kept out of reach of your Kurilian Bobtail. This is because the cat may view these tiny animals as prey to be caught!

The Kurilian Bobtail breed usually gets along well with dogs, other cats, and children. They love playing, and if you’re willing to invest time in playing games, you’ll automatically gain this breed’s undivided attention!

Living Needs

The Kurilian Bobtail is a naturally active cat. You can help your kitty get enough indoor stimulation and exercise by providing climbing areas and perches such as play towers and cat condos. Encouraging fun play can be done with toy mice, feather wands, and other interactive toys.

Scratching should be encouraged using suitable scratching surfaces to protect your furniture from becoming the victim of kitty claws. Some cats love to scratch vertically, so think of scratching posts or a cat tree. But, others prefer scratching horizontally, such as on a sisal or cardboard scratching boards on the floor.

What Are Common Habits and Activity Levels of Kurilian Bobtail Cats?

Habits

Kurilian Bobtails love to cuddle up with their favourite human. This cat breed has a habit of choosing a preferred person, being known to ignore other household members when it comes to choosing a lap for chillout or bedtime.

Activity level

These cats are extremely active, so be prepared to engage in lots of playtimes! Because of their high energy, a range of toys and accessories should be provided to prevent boredom – and destructive behaviour!

Vocalness

If you enjoy the quiet life, the Kurilian Bobtail will fit into your life perfectly. They’re not overly vocal, but they’ll let you know when they’re happy and content – you won’t find a Bobtail being talkative for no reason at unsociable hours!

Although they’re not a very vocal breed, you can expect some adorable chirping and happy sounds.

What Is the Weight, Height, and Size of a Kurilian Bobtail Cat?

Height

The Kurilian Bobtail usually reaches 25-35cm in height when fully grown.

Weight

Kurilian Bobtail cats usually weigh around 3-6kg, with females typically smaller than males.

Size

The Kurilian Bobtail cat is a medium to large-sized breed.

Are Kurilian Bobtail Cats Easy to Train?

The breed is intelligent and they love being taught new things. Their intelligence and playfulness also mean they can easily be taught various tricks! Because of this highly trainable attitude, you may be able to leash-train your Kurilian Bobtail to go for walks safely!

Does the Kurilian Bobtail Cat Have Any Common Health Issues?

Although many pedigree cat breeds are predisposed to suffering from certain genetic conditions, Kurilian Bobtails are very healthy cats, and there are no known health problems currently.

You should always watch out for any signs of your cat being in pain or distress. Responsible breeders only breed from the best stock that doesn’t have health problems. Many reputable and responsible breeders also provide health guarantees.

What Is the Lifespan of a Kurilian Bobtail Cat?

Because the Kurilian Bobtail’s health is so good, they can have a very long lifespan, usually up to around 20 years!

How Much Does a Kurilian Bobtail Cat Need to Be Fed?

Obesity is a common concern for cats in general. They should never be overfed or allowed to gain too much weight. Helping your Kurilian Bobtail maintain a healthy weight can reduce the risk of arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.

Feed your kitty at regular meal times in measured amounts, usually twice per day for adult cats. Leaving food out throughout the day can lead to unnecessary snacking, resulting in an overweight cat. Always ask your vet for healthy diet recommendations for your cat.

How Much Can You Expect to Pay for a Kurilian Bobtail Cat in Australia?

As with all cat breeds, buying from a reputable breeder or adopting your new kitty from a shelter is always better.

This cat breed is very rare, and so they usually come with an eye-wateringly high price tag. Kurilian Bobtail kittens can cost anything from $700 up to $3,000!

Kurilian Bobtail Cat FAQs

Are Kurilian Bobtails rare?

The Kurilian Bobtail is rare outside Europe, so you may have difficulty finding a good breeder. You may have to wait for the right cat, especially if you want a particular pattern or colour.

Do Kurilian Bobtails get along with dogs?

Yes, the Kurilian Bobtail is well known for getting on well with dogs and other pets. They are intelligent, independent, curious, and very sociable cats and love nothing more than playing with others.

Despite its large size, this is a very gentle cat and would make the perfect addition to a large family with other animals, including dogs!

Are Kurilian Bobtails prone to separation anxiety?

Because these cats are incredibly sociable, they don’t take kindly to being left alone. Ideally, there should be at least one person at home at a time.

However, if it’s not possible for anyone to be at home during the day but you have a dog or other cats, this is usually good enough for the Kurilian Bobtail!