Kurilian Bobtail
Also called Kuril Islands Bobtail, Kuril Bobtail, Kurilean Bobtail, Curilsk Bobtail
From 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.12
A friendly guide, not veterinary advice. For anything about your pet's health, ask your vet.
At a glance the quick version
TICA gives males up to about 15 lb (6.8 kg) and females about 8-11 lb (3.6-5.0 kg). No lower figure for males is given.
Coat and looks how to spot one
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.213
Personality what they are like
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.21
Daily activity how busy a day looks
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.21
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Low effort. Brushing about once a week is usually enough for both coat lengths, plus routine nail trims and tooth brushing.2
Home where they are happiest
Appreciates climbing space and tall perches from which to survey the room.2
Food basics what goes in the bowl
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.
Company who they like around
Sociable and people-focused, and generally adapts well to households with children and other animals.2
The story where it all began
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 2012.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Every Kurilian Bobtail's tail is unique, with shapes likened to pom-poms, whisks, spirals or snags.2
- 2
The tail holds between 2 and 10 kinked vertebrae and measures only about 5-13 cm.1
- 3
The breed is known as a keen hunter and fisher, and many individuals enjoy water.1
- 4
TICA describes the breed as rare in the United States, with fewer than 100 cats there.2
Recognised by the official bits
- TICA
- Championship status since 20122
- FIFe
- Fully recognised in Category 3, as Kurilian Bobtail Longhair (KBL) and Shorthair (KBS) under one shared standard4
- WCF
- Recognised in 1994 as a single breed1
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Kurilian Bobtail. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery 2 days
- 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
Owner questions the things everyone asks
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.5
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.6
How often does a Kurilian Bobtail need brushing?
Brushing about once a week is usually enough for both coat lengths. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests brushing every two days and more often during shedding.2 Furry Diary plan
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. Furry Diary's plan suggests every 21 days; follow your cat's comfort and your vet's advice.6 Furry Diary plan
How much play does a Kurilian Bobtail need?
This cat has moderate activity needs and enjoys daily play sessions with hunting-style toys. Furry Diary recommends daily play to keep it happy and engaged.21 Furry Diary plan
How do I look after a Kurilian Bobtail's teeth and ears?
Brush its teeth regularly, ideally daily as Furry Diary suggests. For ears, check them weekly and clean only if needed; ask your vet for proper ear care.2 Furry Diary plan
How long does a Kurilian Bobtail live?
The Kurilian Bobtail typically lives 15 to 20 years, so you can enjoy many years together.21
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.21
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.2
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Furry Diary's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- Wikipedia: Kurilian Bobtail en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, origin, history, WCF recognition, tail size, colours
- TICA: Kurilian Bobtail tica.orgused for recognition, weight, lifespan, coat, temperament, grooming, fun facts
- FIFe standard KBL/KBS fifeweb.orgused for body and coat
- FIFe: Breeds fifeweb.orgused for recognition
- ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
- ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions
- RSPCA: What to feed your rabbit rspca.org.ukused for owner questions
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.