Hailing from Russia’s Sakhalin Island and Kuril archipelago, the Kurilian Bobtail cat is a natural feline breed with a balanced, pleasant, and peaceful character. It is renowned for its short and unique pom pom tail. No identical tails occur in this breed! Boasting a mild and trusting demeanor, this furball rarely gets angry or aggressive with its families. It builds strong relationships with its people and gets along well with toddlers and pets. But it also has its playful side, making it an adorable, gentle clown that is fun to add to any loving home.
Origin of the Kurilian Bobtail
The Kurilian Bobtail cat traces its roots from Sakhalin island and the Kuril archipelago located between Japan and Russia. The breed has been living in the region for over 200 years. The Kuril islands proximity to Japan’s Hokkaido island may indicate close relations of the Kurilian Bobtails to the Japanese Bobtails. However, the two feline breeds now have appearances and features separating them from each other.
The residents have loved these cats due to their incredible mousing skills. But while endeared in its home region, it remains rare as this feline only produces a small number of kittens. These cats are more known in Europe than in the United States.
In 2012, the International Cat Association recognized the Kurilian Bobtail is a natural breed and granted it its full championship status in the same year. Other cat registries that recognize the breeds include the Canadian Cat Association, Cat Fanciers’ Associations, and the Cat Fanciers’ Federation.
Physical Characteristics of the Kurilian Bobtail
Length: Medium to large
Weight: 8 to 15 pounds
Life Expectancy: 15 to 20 years
Coat Color: Traditional colors in a solid or tabby pattern
Type of Coat: Short, Mid-long
Eye Color: Yellow and Green are common but may vary depending on the coat
The Kurilian Bobtails cats are a medium to large feline breed, with a broad chest and wedge-shaped. While they may not seem like it, these cats can be pretty hefty and will only reveal their mass once a person lifts them. But, what’s fascinating about this breed is their pom pom tail. It can be shaped like a kink, snag, whisk, spiral, but each tail is unique to a single cat. The diversity is endless. Some tails are spiraled 2 to 10 times and occur in distinct directions and degrees.
Kurilian Bobtail Personality
Kurilian Bobtails are known for their trusting, affectionate, and gentle demeanor, lacking any aggression. They stay loyal to their human families and flourish in their companionship. Highly gregarious, they get along well with toddlers and animals, which they will be happy to interact with.
While they have a mild temperament, the Kurilian Bobtails have their fun-loving side and are often regarded as a gentle clown. They will be happy to climb high points in the house and survey what’s happening in their surroundings. Blessed with smarts and inquisitive, they will also love puzzles and interactive toys that will keep them mentally stimulated.
These are not vocal, but they produce trilling sounds that seem like bird calls. What’s sure, though, is that these cats are highly adaptable. Change won’t bother them that much and will be happy to tolerate and adjust to whatever the situation lays for them.
As island cats, the Kurilian Bobtails are also known to have a big heart for water. They are excellent swimmers and are skilled fishing cats in their native habitats. With that, having a goldfish bowl might not be a great idea when these cats are around. Moreover, these cats will seek out any opportunity to play with water. Expect them to be enticed by dripping faucets or jump into the shower or bathtub with their owners.
Caring for the Kurilian Bobtail
The Kurilian Bobtails cats are a relatively low maintenance breed, regardless of whether they sport a short or mid-long coat. Weekly brushing is often enough to lessen the likelihood of mats and tangles forming and keep their coat in its shiny and healthy condition. It’s a bonus that their coat is water-resistant and shed pretty little.
Other grooming activities these felines require are ear and eye cleaning, nail trimming, and teeth brushing. Cleaning the ears and eyes weekly helps avoid dirt build-ups and infections. Meanwhile, nail trimming every 10-14 days, and providing a scratching post keeps their paws and healthy. Lastly, weekly brushing boosts their oral health and prevents them from developing periodontal disease. It is best to acquaint cats with these grooming upkeeps at an early age for them to be more accepting of the routine.
While they are milder cats, high perches, cat trees, and interactive toys will help keep them in shape and physically satisfied. If it would be possible to schedule some aquatic playtime activities, these cats will surely appreciate them as they get to relive their island ancestry.
These felines are considered to be sturdy. However, as a rare breed, there is not enough information on genetic issues present in their lineage. With that, it is important to get regular consultations with a vet to rule out any potential health issues and develop a routine that would ensure that these cats live a long, healthy life.
Kurilian Bobtail cats are perfect for families looking for a rare furball to add to their homes. These felines are gentle clowns ready to entertain their humans while having their devoted, trusting, and peaceful demeanor.