Shorthair or semi-longhair; naturally short, kinked 'pom-pom' tail
Origin
A natural breed from the Kuril Islands and Sakhalin Island in the Russian Far East (with Kamchatka also named), later developed as a pedigree breed in Russia.21
Ranges cover males and females and every standard linked on the line, so one standard alone may give a narrower range.
Calm and kind despite its rugged, wild look. It is bright, curious and sociable, forms a strong bond with its people and tends to follow them around. It usually fits in well with children and other pets and can be trained to do simple tricks.12
how to spot oneKurilian Bobtail coat and colours
shorthair or semi-longhair; naturally short, kinked 'pom-pom' tail
A sturdy, well-muscled cat of medium to large size with solid bone, a gently arched back and hind legs a little longer than the front. The coat comes in short and semi-long lengths and feels soft and silky, with little tendency to tangle. Its signature is a short, fluffy tail of kinked vertebrae that looks like a pom-pom, and no two tails are shaped exactly alike.123
Comes intraditional colours in solid or tabbyany of these with any amount of whitesilver variantscolourpoint patterns not accepted12
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Kurilian Bobtail. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
Brushingevery week
Deshedding springBrush more while sheddingevery day
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
how busy a day looksKurilian Bobtail exercise needs
Moderate. Enjoys play sessions, jumping and watching the world from high perches; hunting-style toys suit its natural interest in chasing. Many are said to enjoy playing with water.12
where they are happiestKurilian Bobtail at home
Appreciates climbing space and tall perches from which to survey the room.1
who they like aroundKurilian Bobtail with people and other pets
Sociable and people-focused, and generally adapts well to households with children and other animals.1
the hands-on bitsKurilian Bobtail grooming and care
Low effort. Brushing about once a week is usually enough for both coat lengths, plus routine nail trims and tooth brushing.1
what goes in the bowlKurilian Bobtail food and feeding
Like every cat, an obligate carnivore that does best on a complete, balanced cat food suited to its age and activity level, with fresh water always available.
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Kurilian Bobtail, and at what times?
Feeding frequency and times depend on your cat's age and lifestyle. It's best to ask your vet for a schedule that suits your individual Kurilian Bobtail.
What should a Kurilian Bobtail eat, and which foods are dangerous?
Feed a complete, balanced cat food appropriate for its age and activity level, with fresh water always available. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, and xylitol, as listed by the ASPCA.4
Does a Kurilian Bobtail need baths?
Baths are rarely needed for this cat. Only bathe if it becomes very dirty or sticky, as per general cat care guidance.5
How often does a Kurilian Bobtail need brushing?
Brushing about once a week is usually enough for both coat lengths. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every two days and more often during shedding.1
How do I trim a Kurilian Bobtail's claws, and how often?
Trim nails every ten days to two weeks, taking only a couple of claws per session at first. Pet Wiki's plan suggests every 21 days; follow your cat's comfort and your vet's advice.5
How much play does a Kurilian Bobtail need?
This cat has moderate activity needs and enjoys daily play sessions with hunting-style toys. Pet Wiki recommends daily play to keep it happy and engaged.12
How do I look after a Kurilian Bobtail's teeth and ears?
Brush its teeth regularly, ideally daily as Pet Wiki suggests. For ears, check them weekly and clean only if needed; ask your vet for proper ear care.1
How long does a Kurilian Bobtail live?
The Kurilian Bobtail typically lives 15 to 20 years, so you can enjoy many years together.12
Is a Kurilian Bobtail good with children and other pets?
Yes, this calm and sociable cat usually fits in well with children and other animals, forming strong bonds with its family.12
Can a Kurilian Bobtail be left alone?
This people-focused cat forms a strong bond and may miss you when left alone. Provide climbing perches and toys to keep it entertained, but it's best not to leave it alone for long periods.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.
per year, in your countryWhat a Kurilian Bobtail costs
Running costs for a Kurilian Bobtail, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
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
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Every Kurilian Bobtail's tail is unique, with shapes likened to pom-poms, whisks, spirals or snags.1
2
The tail holds between 2 and 10 kinked vertebrae and measures only about 5-13 cm.2
3
The breed is known as a keen hunter and fisher, and many individuals enjoy water.2
4
TICA describes the breed as rare in the United States, with fewer than 100 cats there.1
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed name comes from the Kuril Islands, a volcanic archipelago between Russia and Japan, where these cats originated, and their distinctive short, bobbed tail.2
I am a big, sturdy cat with a pom-pom tail that wiggles when I'm happy. My day begins with a patrol of my domain, leaping from the couch to the bookshelf, my claws clicking on the wood. My human laughs and calls me a little acrobat. After a hearty breakfast, I find my favorite high perch and watch the birds outside, my tail twitching. When my human works, I sit on their papers, demanding attention. In the afternoon, I play fetch with a crinkly ball, my favorite game. I even dip my paw in the water bowl, just to watch the ripples. As dusk falls, I curl up beside my human, my rumbling purr a sign of my contentment.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganKurilian Bobtail history
Short-tailed cats have lived on the volcanic Kuril Islands and Sakhalin for at least two centuries. In the mid-1900s soldiers and scientists carried some of them to mainland Russia, where they became valued pets and mousers and were bred as a pedigree breed. WCF recognised the breed in 1994, and TICA later granted it championship status in 2012.21
Japanese Bobtail
American Bobtail
Pixie-bob
Mekong Bobtail
Siberian