Pet Wiki

Kurilian Bobtail

Also called Kuril Islands Bobtail, Kuril Bobtail, Kurilean Bobtail, Curilsk Bobtail

Calm and kind despite its rugged, wild look.

SizeLarge
Weight3.6 to 6.8 kg (8 to 15 lb)males up to 6.8 kg, females 3.6 to 5 kg1
Lifespan15 to 20 years12
CoatShorthair or semi-longhair; naturally short, kinked 'pom-pom' tail
OriginA 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
Recognised breedShort profile
clever and quick to learn
gentle, devoted family cat
easy-care, low-matting coat
12

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.12

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.123

Colourstraditional colours in solid or tabbyany of these with any amount of whitesilver variantscolourpoint patterns not accepted12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Kurilian Bobtail. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • 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

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.12

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.1

Home where they are happiest

Appreciates climbing space and tall perches from which to survey the room.1

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.1

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 2012.21

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Every Kurilian Bobtail's tail is unique, with shapes likened to pom-poms, whisks, spirals or snags.1

  2. 2

    The tail holds between 2 and 10 kinked vertebrae and measures only about 5-13 cm.2

  3. 3

    The breed is known as a keen hunter and fisher, and many individuals enjoy water.2

  4. 4

    TICA describes the breed as rare in the United States, with fewer than 100 cats there.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

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

Name ideas for your new friend

KurSakhaTaigaBorisMishaAnyaYuriKatyaRuslanZoyaIvanNadia

A day in the life told by a Kurilian Bobtail

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.

Recognised by the official bits

TICA
Championship status since 20121
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 breed2

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Tuna Catnip Biscuits

A vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses simple ingredients to create a tasty, crunchy treat your cat will love.

You need

  • 145g tuna chunks in spring water
  • 120g plain flour
  • 1 tablespoon dried catnip
  • 1 egg

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the tuna and mix it with the flour, catnip and egg in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Salmon Cat Biscuits

A simple, vet-approved recipe from PDSA that uses salmon to create a high-protein treat your cat will find irresistible.

You need

  • 170g skinless and boneless salmon (one tin)
  • 1 egg
  • 120g plain flour

How

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan).
  2. Drain the salmon and mix it with the egg and flour in a bowl until a dough forms.
  3. Roll the dough out on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick.
  4. Use a small cookie cutter to cut out biscuit shapes.
  5. Place the biscuits on a greased baking tray and bake for 20 minutes until golden brown.
  6. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: One biscuit equals 10% of your cat's recommended daily calories. Reduce their main meal by 10% on treat days.

Recipe from PDSA

Tasty Tuna Crackers

Cats love tuna, and these simple crackers are a crunchy, protein-packed reward.

You need

  • 6 oz. undrained tuna
  • 1 c. cornmeal
  • 1 c. flour
  • 1/3 c. water

How

  1. Mix all ingredients together.
  2. Roll the mixture into 1/4-inch thick pieces.
  3. Place on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350°F for 20 minutes.
  4. Allow to cool completely before serving.

How much: Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat's daily caloric intake. Offer one or two small crackers per day.

Recipe from ASPCA Pet Insurance

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

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. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests brushing every two days and more often during shedding.1 Pet Wiki 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. Pet Wiki's plan suggests every 21 days; follow your cat's comfort and your vet's advice.6 Pet Wiki plan

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 Pet Wiki plan

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 Pet Wiki plan

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.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? support@petwiki.app.

  1. TICA: Kurilian Bobtail tica.orgused for recognition, weight, lifespan, coat, temperament, grooming, fun facts
  2. Wikipedia: Kurilian Bobtail en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, origin, history, WCF recognition, tail size, colours
  3. FIFe standard KBL/KBS fifeweb.orgused for body and coat
  4. FIFe: Breeds fifeweb.orgused for recognition
  5. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: Cat grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.