Let's talk Kurilian Bobtail

Intelligent and sociable, the Kurilian Bobtail is a rather rare breed outside of their native Japan. They are a cat with an incredibly well-balanced nature who bonds very strongly with their family and loves to cuddle. The Kurilian Bobtail is almost dog-like in their behaviour and entertains themselves very easily. One way they do so: In and around water. With that water-resistant coat, the Kurilian Bobtail will readily take to the pool or pond to swim and catch fish. And their tail! It’s a bob of fluff which just says adorable, all around.

Official name: Kurilian Bobtail

Other names: Kuril Islands Bobtail, Kurilean Bobtail, Kuril Bobtail, Curlisk Bobtail

Origins: Japan

Black and white portrait of a Kurilian Bobtail

Shedding level:		Warm weather?
Energy level (high, low, medium) *:	Medium	Family pet? *
Compatibility with other pets:

* We advise against leaving pets alone for long stretches. Companionship can prevent emotional distress and destructive behaviour. Speak to your veterinarian for recommendations.

Every pet is different, even within a breed; this snapshot of this breed’s specifics should be taken as an indication.

For a happy, healthy and well-behaved pet, we recommend educating and socialising your pet as well as covering their basic welfare, social and behavioural needs.

Pets should never be left unsupervised with a child.

All domestic pets are sociable and prefer company. However, they can be taught to cope with solitude from an early age. Seek the advice of your veterinarian or trainer to help you do this.

25 - 36 cm Taille

5 - 7 kg Poids

25 - 36 cm Taille

3.5 - 5 kg Poids

Baby cat:	Birth to 1 month
Growing kitten:	2 to 12 months
Adult:	13 months to 7 years
Mature:	7 to 12 years
Senior:	From 12 years

Ginger Kurilian Bobtail kitten turning their head over their shoulder

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Get to know the Kurilian Bobtail

All you need to know about the breed

A gentle breed with a complex appearance—that’s the Kurilian Bobtail cat. Their compact, somewhat stout body is housed in a flurry of colours and markings, and their pleasant personality is equally as alluring.

Let’s start with their most compelling physical attribute—their tail. No two are the same, which makes it even more fascinating. The shortened appendage is merely the result of a genetic mutation, and with anywhere from two to ten vertebrae, it can be a half inch to five inches (1.25-13cm).

And it’s not just the tail that makes this cat unique: They also have a head that’s a little offbeat, in the shape of a trapezium, higher on one side than the other. Topped by tufted ears and fronted with very round eyes, the Kurilian Bobtail offers an interesting mix.

The intelligence level of the Kurilian Bobtail is very high, a benefit when it comes to training them. That said, make sure your Kurilian Bobtail knows who rules the roost with direct and consistent commands.

All in all, the Kurilian Bobtail is a stunning breed, and one with a nature as rare as the breed themselves.

Ginger Kurilian Bobtail walking between rubble and grass

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2 facts about Kurilian Bobtail

1. A kitten at heart

When it comes to growth, the Kurilian Bobtail is fairly slow and steady. They reach adulthood at 13 months but not full maturity until the age of five years—all the more time to develop their steady and strong bone structure and sensibility. They are indeed bestowed with a robust body and a characteristically long lifespan.

2. I choose you

Animals more often than not bond to one person in the household and the Kurilian Bobtail is no different. They tend to choose one human over another and have no trouble making it known that you’re not the chosen one. Make room on the couch, please, the Kurilian Bobtail is coming in.

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History of the breed

The history of the Kurilian Bobtail is as fascinating as the breed themselves. They hail from the Kuril Islands (thus the name), a volcanic archipelago which stretches from Hokkaido, Japan to the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia. The breed, then, has paws in both places but their origin is attributed to Japan.

They are a relatively new breed in terms of international prominence but have been known on the Kuril Islands for over 200 years. Kurilian Bobtails are not much seen on the North American continent although quite common in Russia, Japan, and Europe.

Recognised and given official status by the World Cat Federation in 1994, the Kurilian Bobtail breed has not been granted any official status by the Cat Fancier’s Association, the main governing body in North America.

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From head to tail

Physical characteristics of Kurilian Bobtail

1. Ears

Large, alert ears, slightly rounded, tufts at tips.

2. Body

Compact, short-limbed body, very muscular, hallmark bobbed tail.

3. Coat

Profuse, water-resistant coat, wide variety of markings.

Kurilian Bobtail walking low across a tree branch

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Things to look out for

From specific breed traits to a general health overview, here are some interesting facts about your Kurilian Bobtail

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Caring for your Kurilian Bobtail

Grooming, training and exercise tips

Grooming the Kurilian Bobtail is an exercise in enjoyment. Their copious fur comes in an array of colours and markings and they certainly will take in every moment of brushing time with sheer delight. Veterinary visits on a regular basis are best to keep your Kurilian Bobtail healthy. Trim their nails to keep them infection-free, but buy your cat a scratching post to promote the kind of scratching you want i.e., that doesn’t involve furniture. Periodontal disease in cats is a concern and brushing their teeth is a necessary part of keeping them fit, too.
The breed is an active one so will benefit from having lots of toys and a climbing tree or similar set-up in order for the Kurilian Bobtail to get the exercise they need. Although this is a cat who likes to stretch their limbs, be careful with their outside time to keep any potential wild predators at bay. When it comes to training your Kurilian Bobtail to be their best, they definitely like to oblige. This is a very friendly cat breed who is always willing to please, especially if it seems like the training is a game. Make sure to give instruction in a firm and concise manner to this very smart breed.

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