Pet Wiki

Toybob

Also called Skif-Toy-Bob, Scythian Toy Bob, Skif-Thai-Don, Toy Bob

Recognised breedShort profile

From Russia (Rostov and Ural regions), from a spontaneous short-tail mutation in local cats.12

At a glance the quick version

Lifespanfrom 15 years3
Sizetiny
pocket-sized
affectionate and good-natured
gets along with other pets
12

Coat and looks how to spot one

shorthair (plush, more common) and longhair (semi-long)

A tiny but solid, muscular cat with a naturally short, kinked bobtail made of a few curved vertebrae, typically showing 3-7 cm of tail. It comes in a plush shorthair and a semi-long longhair that does not tangle easily.123

Coloursseal point (the founding colour)pointed colours most commonother colours and patterns accepted234

Personality what they are like

Small but spirited: agile, playful and bright, yet gentle, cooperative and very affectionate with its family. It tends to mix easily with other friendly animals.12

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Active and agile; enjoys daily play sessions and interactive toys.13

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush or comb once or twice a week for either coat length; shedding is light but changes with the seasons.3

Home where they are happiest

Fits well in smaller homes; provide toys and low-to-medium climbing spots scaled to its size.13

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Needs a complete, balanced cat food built around animal protein, with fresh water always available; portion treats so the cat stays trim.3

Company who they like around

Thrives on being with its people and is not suited to a life of long hours alone.3

The story where it all began

In 1983 Elena Krasnichenko of the Rostov region took in a stray seal-point cat, and her 1988 kitten Kutciy, small with a short kinked tail, became the breed's founder. First called Skif-Thai-Don, the breed later took the name Toybob, reached the USA in 2004 and moved up through TICA's classes from 2008 to 2017.24

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The name joins 'Toy' for its small, playful build and 'Bob' for its short tail.1

  2. 2

    It is often called the smallest cat breed.4

  3. 3

    The founding kitten, Kutciy, was born in 1988.2

  4. 4

    Its visible tail is typically only about 3-7 cm long.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name Toybob is derived from two words: 'Toy' describes a playful small-sized cat breed, and 'bob' refers to the breed's bobbed tail.1

Famous ones stars of the breed

Name ideas for your new friend

MishkaSashaYuriBorisNinaKisaTinyPipButtonOlgaZaraKot

A day in the life told by a Toybob

I wake up in my little bed and stretch my tiny legs, then trot over to greet my human with a gentle purr. After a quick breakfast, I chase a jingly ball across the floor, my short tail bobbing with excitement. I climb onto a low shelf and watch the world outside, twitching my whiskers at passing birds. My human picks me up for a cuddle, and I nuzzle their chin, then curl up in their lap for a nap. In the afternoon, I play hide-and-seek with a toy mouse, pouncing and batting it around. When the dog comes over, I rub against its leg, and we share a sunny spot on the rug. Evening is for snuggling on the sofa, my tiny paws kneading a soft blanket. At bedtime, I hop onto the bed and settle beside my human, purring us both to sleep.

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

Recognised by the official bits

TICA
Experimental 2008-2009, Registration status January 2017; now has a breed standard4
TICA
Experimental from 2008 per Messybeast2
CFA
Recognised 2019 (as reported by Wikipedia)4
ACFA / CAA
Standard status4
WCF
Championship status2

The care rhythm a typical week and year

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

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Cat-Friendly Pancakes

A simple, no-bake treat that is high in protein and low in fat, making it a suitable occasional reward for cats who gain weight easily.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water, no salt added
  • 1/2 cup finely diced cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup pure sweet potato puree (no added sweeteners)

How

  1. Drain the tuna and place it in a mixing bowl.
  2. Break the tuna into small bits with a fork.
  3. Add the diced chicken to the bowl.
  4. Slowly stir in the sweet potato puree until the mixture binds together, being careful not to make it too watery.
  5. Shape the mixture into mini pancakes.
  6. Serve to your cat as an occasional treat.

How much: Give small amounts occasionally, as treats should not exceed 10-15% of daily calorie allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Tuna Biscuits for Cats

These crunchy biscuits are made with simple ingredients and are a healthier alternative to many shop-bought treats, helping to manage weight when given in moderation.

You need

  • 1 tin of tuna in water (undrained)
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 250g plain flour (can be gluten-free)
  • Extra water as needed

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blend the tuna until smooth using a food processor or hand blender.
  3. In a large bowl, combine the blended tuna and beaten egg.
  4. Add the flour and mix thoroughly to form a dough. If too dry, add a little water.
  5. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  6. Cut out small biscuits using small biscuit cutters and place on the lined tray.
  7. Bake for 20 minutes or until crunchy.
  8. Allow to cool completely before storing.

How much: Treats should be given in moderation, not exceeding 10% of daily food allowance. Reduce main meals accordingly.

Recipe from PDSA

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

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 Toybob, and at what times?

Feed your Toybob a complete balanced cat food as recommended on the label and by your vet. Most adult cats do well with two meals a day, but follow your vet's guidance for portion sizes and schedule. Always keep fresh water available.3

What should a Toybob eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Your Toybob needs a complete balanced cat food with animal protein as the main ingredient. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, chives, and xylitol. For a full list, check with your vet.36

Does a Toybob need baths?

Toybobs rarely need baths; only bathe if they get very dirty or sticky. Their coat stays clean with regular brushing.7

How often does a Toybob need brushing?

Brush your Toybob once or twice a week. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests weekly brushing. This keeps shedding light and the coat healthy.37 Pet Wiki plan

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

Trim your Toybob's claws every ten days to two weeks, or as needed. Start slowly, trimming just the tip. Furry Diary's plan suggests every three weeks. Use a cat nail trimmer and avoid the quick.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much play does a Toybob need?

Your Toybob needs daily play sessions with interactive toys. They are agile and bright, so keep play varied and fun. Furry Diary suggests daily play to keep them happy and healthy.13 Pet Wiki plan

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

Brush your Toybob's teeth daily if possible, or at least every other day, using a cat toothpaste. For ear care, it varies; ask your vet for the best routine. Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Toybob live?

Toybobs typically live 15 years or more with good care. They are a healthy breed.3

Is a Toybob good with children and other pets?

Yes, Toybobs are gentle and affectionate with children and get along well with other friendly pets. They enjoy being part of the family.123

Can a Toybob be left alone?

Toybobs are not suited to being left alone for long hours. They thrive on companionship and need their people around. If you must leave, provide toys and enrichment.3

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. Toybob - TICA tica.orgused for origin, build, temperament
  2. Russian and Ukrainian cat breeds - Messybeast messybeast.comused for history, founder, tail, colours, size
  3. Toybob - Cats.com cats.comused for lifespan, grooming, coat varieties
  4. Toybob - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, recognition
  5. cfa.org cfa.org
  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.