Kurilian Bobtail Cat Breed: Size, Appearance & Personality

Overview

Characteristics

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Origin

Russia

Height

25 - 36 cm

Adult weight

4 - 5 kg

Life Span

14-20 years

Temperament

Playful, energetic, affectionate, friendly

Other Names

Kuril Islands Bobtail, Kurilean Bobtail, Curilsk Bobtail, Kuril Bobtail

Group

Medium to large short-haired and long-haired

Price

$700-$3,000

Affection Level

? Breeds with a high affection level want to give and receive a lot of attention, while less-affectionate breeds are not as interested in petting and snuggles.

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100%

Activity Level

? Breeds with high activity levels will engage more in active play and demand more space and attention.

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100%

Pet-Friendly

? How well the breed tends to get along with cats, dogs, and other pets.

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100%

Kid-Friendly

? Breeds with a higher rating in this area tend to be gentle and patient, while lower-rated breeds may feel uncomfortable with children.

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100%

Sociability

? Breeds with a higher sociability rating will want to spend time with you all day, while less-sociable breeds seldom seek out human interaction.

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100%

Intelligence

? Breeds with higher intelligence ratings are more curious, investigative, and easy to train. Less-intelligent breeds are less trainable but often laid-back and easygoing.

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100%

Playfulness

? Breeds that score higher in this area have strong hunting instincts that make them great playtime companions.

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90%

Independence

? Breeds that score higher in this area are able to spend hours alone, while less-independent breeds require plenty of attention.

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50%

Vocality

? A higher rating in this area indicates a breed prone to plenty of meowing and other vocalizations, while less-vocal breeds are happy to stay quiet.

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60%

Grooming

? Breeds with higher grooming scores require more maintenance like brushing and bathing, while lower-scored breeds are virtually maintenance-free.

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30%

Personality and Temperament

With a thick, luxurious coat that's often beautifully marked to resemble a wildcat's fur, the Kurilian Bobtail cat is renowned for having a sweet, gentle nature. Like the breed's name suggests, Kurilian Bobtail cats have short to ultra-short bobtails. Kurilians have one of a kind tails. Sometimes compared with a snowflake or a fingerprint, no tail is identical to another.

Big, active, and intelligent, the Kurilian Bobtail cat has an intense play drive and a natural love for hunting. This breed is renowned for its fishing skill as well, so families with aquariums and tiny pets such as hamsters and guinea pigs will want to ensure that these vulnerable animals are kept far from the Kurilian Bobtail, which views all small creatures as prey to be captured.

Kurilian Bobtail cats typically get along very well with other cats, dogs, and children. They love to play, and anyone who is willing to spend time engaged in rousing games will automatically get this cat's undivided attention.

Despite its hunting prowess and high activity level, the Kurilian Bobtail cat loves to snuggle with its favorite person. These cats do have a tendency to choose a preferred companion, and they are also known to give other family members the cold shoulder when it's time to choose a lap for TV time or settle in at bedtime.

Meet other bobtail cat breeds: Japanese Bobtail Cat and American Bobtail Cat

Image Credit: https://cattime.com/cat-breeds/kurilian-bobtail

Care

Nutrition

Grooming

Exercise

Health

Kurilian Bobtail cats have no special nutritional needs, however it is best to offer a diet that is high in protein with limited carbohydrates. We recommend choosing fresh food or offering a commercial brand that lists real meat or fish as the number one ingredient.

The shorthaired Kurilian Bobtail will appreciate a weekly brushing to remove dead hair and cut back on shedding, while longer haired Kurilian Bobtail cats require daily brushing to prevent mats.

As this is a large, active breed, you may wish to teach your cat to accept toenail clipping from a young age. This will help cut back on damage to your clothing, your furnishings, and your skin. You may also wish to teach your kitten to accept toothbrushing.

This breed is exceptionally athletic and will show off its ability to reach high speeds, make sharp turns, and climb as high as possible anytime it is given the opportunity. Kurilian Bobtail cats are highly trainable, and may appreciate learning how to walk on a leash so that they may safely enjoy the outdoors.

Inside, Kurilian Bobtail cat requires multiple scratching posts, at least one sturdy cat tree, and plenty of exciting toys. These cats appreciate window seats that provide them with a view of the outdoors, particularly if a bird feeder is involved.

The Kurilian Bobtail cat has a reputation for excellent health and can have an exceptionally long lifespan that extends up to 20 years. No known genetic issues are present.

History

The Kurilian Bobtail is native to the Kuril Islands, which give it its name. The breed is also native to Russia's Kamchatka Peninsula and Sakhalin Island, which are located in the same geographic region.

The Kurilian Bobtail is a natural cat breed, meaning that it was developed by natural selection over time rather than via any kind of human manipulation. It has been gaining popularity throughout Russia since the middle of the 20th century. Still, the breed is not well-known outside of Russia, Europe, and Japan. So far, it has not been granted official recognition by the Cat Fanciers Association.

International cat breed registries are taking notice, though: Fédération Internationale Féline (FIFe), The International Cat Association (TICA), and the World Cat Foundation (WCF) allow registration. Some clubs separate long and short haired Kurilian Bobtail cats into separate divisions while others allow them to be shown together.

Image Credit: https://prettylitter.com/blogs/prettylitter-blog/kurilian-bobtail-cats

Did You Know?

Even though Kurilian Bobtails make outstanding pets, this is one of the rarest cat breeds anywhere. The breed is more popular in Europe than it is in the United States, where only a few catteries specialize in Kurilian Bobtail kittens.

Did You Know?

Thanks to its island origins, this breed loves to fish and is excellent at capturing its desired prey. These kitties have water resistant coats. They are not afraid to get wet and will sometimes join their favorite people when it's time for a bath or shower, poking curious paws into the water.

Did You Know?

Kurilian Bobtail cats are very slow to mature, not reaching full stature until about five years of age.

Image Credit: https://www.pawculture.com/breed-basics/cat-breeds/kurilian-bobtail-cat-breed/

The Breed Standard

Eyes

A Kurilian Bobtail cat's eyes are walnut shaped, rounder at the bottom, and more oval on top. They are set at a slight angle, between the base of the year and the tip of the nose. The eyes should be about one eye width apart. All eye colors are acceptable.

Legs & Paws

The legs should be of medium length, with the hind legs being longer than the front. The feet should be rounded. Long-haired Kurilian Bobtail cats should display tufts of hair between their toes.

Tail

The Kurilian Bobtail cat's tail is its most distinguishing feature. It may have one or more kinks and or turns, and may be stiff or flexible. The hair of the tail often disguises its shape and gives it the appearance of a pom-pom.

The Breed Standard

Body

The body is large, muscular, and well formed, with a generally athletic, well-balanced appearance. The chest should be broad, and the back may be slightly arched.

Head

The head is large, with a modified wedge shape that features rounded contours. It is widest at the cheekbone level.

Ears

The Kurilian Bobtail has large, alert ears with elegant furnishings. Tufts may be present at the tips.

Coat

The coat may be short or of semi-long length. Long-haired Kurilian Bobtail cats should display a ruff at the neckline. The hair should have a soft, silky feel. Long-haired varieties should have a moderate undercoat.

Color

All colors and patterns are acceptable. White is permitted and may include blazes, medallions, snowshoes, and any other white markings in any amount.

FAQ

How much does a Kurilian Bobtail cat cost?

Kurilian Bobtail cats cost between $700-$3,000.

How big does this breed cat's cat get?

Kurilian Bobtail cats tend to be medium in size. A fully grown Kurilian Bobtail cat might weigh between 4 - 5 kg or more and range in height anywhere from about 25 - 36 cm inches tall.

How long do Kurilian Bobtail cats live?

The Average lifespan for Kurilian Bobtail is 14-20 years .

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Kurilian Bobtail: Characteristics, Personality, and Breed Information

Personality and Temperament

Care

Nutrition

Grooming

Exercise

Health

History

The Breed Standard

Eyes

Legs & Paws

Tail

The Breed Standard

Body

Head

Ears

Coat

Color

FAQ

How much does a Kurilian Bobtail cat cost?

How big does this breed cat's cat get?

How long do Kurilian Bobtail cats live?

FIND MORE CAT BREEDS

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