Pet Wiki

Karelian Bobtail

Also called Karelian Bobtail Shorthair, Karelian Bobtail Longhair

Easygoing, kind and sociable without being pushy.

SizeMedium
Height20 to 30 cm (8 to 12 in)1
Lifespan15 to 18 years1
CoatShort or long coat with soft undercoat; short kinked tail
OriginRussia, Ladoga Karelia, from cats on the islands of Lake Ladoga; a natural short-tailed breed first documented by felinologists in Saint Petersburg.23
Last checked2026-09-30
Rare breedShort profile
friendly and gentle
adapts quickly to new people and places
unique pom-pom tail
31

Personality what they are like

Easygoing, kind and sociable without being pushy. It warms up quickly to new people and usually gets along with children and other pets.31

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Karelian Bobtail. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Nail trimevery 3 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • Litter scoopevery day
  • Litter changeevery week
  • PlayDaily playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 11every year

Coat and looks how to spot one

short or long coat with soft undercoat; short kinked tail

A medium, well-balanced cat, neither chunky nor stretched, with hind legs a little longer than the front ones and a triangular head. Its signature is a short tail of about 4 to 13 cm with bends and kinks, covered in longer hair so it looks like a pom-pom. The shorthair has a dense soft undercoat under a firm, glossy top coat; a longhaired version also exists.421

Coloursall colours and patterns except chocolate, cinnamon, lilac, fawn and the pointed patternany amount of white allowed41

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Moderate. A playful cat that enjoys games and time with its companions.1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Low maintenance. Shorthairs need only an occasional brush or a rub with a grooming glove; longhairs benefit from more frequent brushing when shedding.31

Company who they like around

Enjoys the company of people and other pets.1

The story where it all began

This natural bobtail developed on its own among cats around Lake Ladoga in Russian Karelia. Felinologists from Saint Petersburg documented it, a Russian standard followed in 1992, and the WCF recognised the breed in 1994.32

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Each cat's kinked tail is said to be as individual as a fingerprint.1

  2. 2

    The tail hair is longer than the body coat, giving a pom-pom look.4

  3. 3

    Breed writers note it can spring with all four legs at once.3

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The breed is named after the Karelian region in western Russia and Finland, where it was first discovered near Lake Ladoga.5

Name ideas for your new friend

SnowballMishaTaigaKiraBorisLadaPumpkinZimaRuslanKiskaYuriMila

A day in the life told by a Karelian Bobtail

I wake up and find my favorite sunny spot on the rug. My short tail wiggles as I stretch. I greet my human with a gentle headbutt. After breakfast, I play with my jingly ball, batting it across the floor. I'm easygoing, so I let the dog sniff me. We nap together in a sunbeam. Later, I explore the garden, sniffing flowers and chasing a butterfly. When my human calls, I come running for a cuddle. I purr loudly on their lap. Evening is for watching the stars from the window. It's a peaceful day.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

Russian felinology
First registered with an official standard in Russia in 19923
WCF
Recognised in 1994; shorthair standard (KAS) updated 1 January 20103

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Salmon Cat Biscuits

A simple, vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses salmon to create a high-protein treat your cat will find irresistible.

You need

  • 170g skinless and boneless salmon (one tin)
  • 1 egg
  • 120g plain flour

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the salmon and mix it with the egg and flour in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Tasty Tuna Crackers

Cats love tuna, and these simple crackers are a crunchy, protein-packed reward.

You need

  • 6 oz. undrained tuna
  • 1 c. cornmeal
  • 1 c. flour
  • 1/3 c. water

How

  1. Mix all ingredients together.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
  3. Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
  4. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat's daily caloric intake. Offer one or two small crackers per day.

Recipe from ASPCA Pet Insurance

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Karelian Bobtail, and at what times?

Feeding schedules vary by age, activity, and food type, so it's best to ask your vet for a plan tailored to your cat. Most adult cats do well with two meals a day, but your vet can advise on exact portions and timing.

What should a Karelian Bobtail eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality cat food that meets nutritional standards. Dangerous foods include alcohol, chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA. Always avoid raw meat, eggs, and bones, and check with your vet for a complete safe list.6

Does a Karelian Bobtail need baths?

Baths are rarely needed for this breed; they keep themselves clean. Only bathe if the coat is very dirty or sticky, as recommended by the ASPCA. Regular brushing and grooming are usually enough.731

How often does a Karelian Bobtail need brushing?

Shorthairs need only an occasional brush or a grooming glove, while longhairs benefit from more frequent brushing during shedding. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing once a week, which works well for most.31 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Karelian Bobtail's claws, and how often?

Trim claws every three weeks as per Pet Wiki's plan, or every ten days to two weeks as the ASPCA suggests. Use proper cat nail clippers and only trim the tip, avoiding the quick. Go slowly, doing a couple of claws per session if your cat is nervous.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does a Karelian Bobtail need?

This breed has moderate activity needs and enjoys daily play with its companions. Pet Wiki recommends daily play sessions to keep your cat happy and healthy. Interactive toys and games are great for bonding.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Karelian Bobtail's teeth and ears?

Brush your cat's teeth daily if possible, or at least every two days as Pet Wiki suggests, using a pet-safe toothpaste. For ears, check them weekly for dirt or redness and gently clean with a vet-recommended solution if needed. Ask your vet for specific ear care advice. Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Karelian Bobtail live?

Karelian Bobtails typically live between 15 and 18 years, which is a long and healthy lifespan. With good care and regular vet checkups, they can enjoy many happy years.1

Is a Karelian Bobtail good with children and other pets?

Yes, this breed is easygoing, kind, and sociable without being pushy. They warm up quickly to new people and usually get along well with children and other pets, making them a wonderful family cat.31

Can a Karelian Bobtail be left alone?

Karelian Bobtails enjoy the company of people and other pets, so they may not like being left alone for long periods. If you must be away, consider providing a companion or plenty of enrichment. They are sociable and thrive with interaction.1

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. PetGuide: Karelian Bobtail petguide.comused for weight, height, lifespan, temperament, grooming
  2. List of cat breeds (Wikipedia) en.wikipedia.orgused for origin, type, coat
  3. TopCat: Karelian Bobtail Shorthair en.top-cat.orgused for history, recognition, temperament, grooming
  4. WCF breed standard Karelian Bobtail Shorthair (KAS), 2010 wcf.deused for WCF standard: body, tail, coat, colours
  5. cantabrico.ru cantabrico.ru
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.