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The International Cat Association

Kurilian Bobtail

At a Glance

Strong, with a wild appearance, the Kurilian Bobtail originated on the Russian islands of Sakhalin and Kuril. Short- or longhaired, they have a semi-cobby body type and a distinct short, fluffy tail. Known for their high level of intelligence, they are easily trained and very gentle. Find out more about this breed and if a Kurilian Bobtail is right for you and your family.

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All About Cats

Temperament

Affectionate

Height/Weight Range

Medium to large in size. Mature males can weigh as much as 15 pounds. Females are generally smaller weighing between 8 and 11 pounds.

Adult females

Adult males

Life Expectancy

The lifespan of a Kurilian Bobtail ranges from 15 to 20 years, owing to their breed being developed in the wild.

Colors

The Kurilian Bobtail comes in a variety of traditional colors in solid or tabby, and these colors with any amount of white on their body.

Similar Breeds

Opposite Breeds

About The Breed

Kurilian Bobtails are best known for their pom-pom-like tails. Independent, intelligent and affectionate, they love to sit on the lap of or sleep in bed with their owners. Their gentle demeanor makes them a good fit for families with cats, children, dogs and other household pets. Longhair or shorthair, their coat doesn’t tangle easily and only requires regular brushing to maintain.

The Breed Standard

The Lykoi is an ancient Greek word that means wolf. Lykoi come in many colors, but only solid black roan is allowed to show. When one looks straight into the face, the cat has the appearance of the mythical werewolf. The Lykoi is a partially hairless cat that can be almost entirely hairless to almost completely coated, depending on the cycle of hair. The hair coat is unique in appearance in that it resembles the coat of an opossum when mostly coated. The Lykoi is a natural mutation that has been reported intermittently over the past few years. The Breed has been started from two separate sibling litters in 2011. The Lykoi is a very friendly cat and demands attention from people. Most people consider them unattractive when they first see them, but then want to do nothing but hold them when they recover from the first impressions. Some people, after seeing them, want a little wolf.

Activity Level

Kurilians have a moderate activity level. Considered the clowns of the cat world, they are inquisitive, sociable, talkative and playful. They are excellent jumpers and are inclined to survey their domain from the highest point available to them. Highly intelligent, they need to be shown or told only once what they are allowed or what is forbidden. They adapt well to other cats, children, dogs and other household pets.

TICA Regions, Clubs & Rescues

Want to connect with fellow cat lovers and those who love the same breed as you?
TICA is a large resource made up of smaller regions and clubs around the world.
Click here to find a club near you and contact information for your regional director and website.

Wherever you are, you’re in TICA’s world!®

Find a Kitten: TICA Breeders

The TICA website is the only place where you can find TICA member breeders who have signed the TICA Code of Ethics.

Did You Know?

No two tails are alike. Every Kurilian Bobtail has a unique tail structure giving each its own signature. Their short, bushy tails can be shaped like a whisk, a spiral, or a snag that consist of anywhere between 2-10 vertebrae kinked many times in various directions and with different degrees of articulation.

The Kurilian Bobtail originated from the Kuril Islands, as well as Sakhalin Island and the Kamchatka peninsula of Russia.

Breed Information & Characteristics

The Kurilian Bobtail is a strong cat with a wild appearance, medium to large in size, brawny with strong substantial boning, but despite the Kurilian Bobtails looks they are very gentle. It is one of the thirteen natural breeds of cat recognized by TICA. They have excellent health and a very well balanced character with a trusting and outgoing personality. They adore their people and love to be caressed. They are very active and seek the highest point in the house to survey all that may be going on around them. The Kurilian Bobtail can be short haired or semi-long haired.

The Kurilian Bobtail is a natural breed of cat tracing its origins to the Russian Island of Sakhalin and to the Kuril Islands, an archipelago of approximately 56 volcanic islands, stretching 700 miles between the Russian peninsula of Kamchatka and the Japanese island Hokkaido, separating the Sea of Okhotsk from the Pacific Ocean. It is documented in Russia that cats with short tails have been on the islands for at least 200 years and were brought back to central Russia in the middle of the 20th century by members of the military or scientists. Because of their natural instinct for hunting they are popular as a domesticated feline in Russia for their mousing abilities. While popular in Europe because of their laid back temperament, they are still unknown in the North America, with less than 100 of the breed in the United States. The Kurilian Bobtail was accepted to Championship status by TICA in 2012.

The character of the Kurilian Bobtail is independent, highly intelligent, clever, inquisitive, sociable, playful, trainable, absent of aggression and very gentle. They are devoted to their humans and when allowed are either on the lap of or sleeping in bed with their owners. They adapt well to other cats, children, dogs and other household pets. They are excellent jumpers and are inclined to survey their domain from the highest point available to them. Highly intelligent they need to be shown or told only once what they are allowed or what is forbidden, but it is up to the individual cat to carry out their own will according to their mood.

The true phenomenon of the Kurilian Bobtail is the pom-pom appearance of their tail. Every Kurilian Bobtail has a unique tail structure giving each its own unique signature. It is impossible to find two identical tails on the Kurilian Bobtail and such a diversity of tails gives even more charm to the breed. The short, busy tails can be shaped like a whisk, a spiral, or a snag that consist of anywhere between 2-10 vertebrae kinked many times in various directions and with different degrees of articulation.

The body is medium to large, compact and semi-cobby, with a broad chest. The head is large, a moderate modified wedge with rounded contours and wide at the cheekbone. Eyes are walnut shaped, oval on the top and rounded on the bottom. The ears are medium sized, triangular in shape, wide at the base and slope slightly forward. On first seeing, Kurilian Bobtail you may think that the cat is not particularly heavy, but upon lifting the cat it becomes apparent that these marvelous creatures are very solid and brawny. Mature males can weigh as much as 15 pounds, however females are generally smaller weighing between 8 and 11 pounds.

The coat is soft and silky, generally non-matting and pleasant to the touch. The Kurilian Bobtail comes in a variety of traditional colors in solid or tabby, and these colors with any amount of white on their body. Some of the most stunning Kurilian Bobtails also exhibit silver highlights.

Kurilians are generally a hearty, natural breed. They do not have many known health issues. As with all cats, annual visits to the veterinarian for vaccinations and regular checkups are recommended.

The Kurilian Bobtail can be shorthaired or semi-long haired with a low-maintenance coat. The coat is soft and silky and generally non-matting. A once-a-week brushing should be sufficient.

As with any cat, regularly brushing teeth and trimming nails is recommended. Talk to your vet for instructions and suggestions.

Due to being an active cat, Kurilians tend to maintain a nice weight and are not prone to being overweight. As with all cats, the Kurilian Bobtail needs proper protein and nutrients. A high-quality diet is recommended.

Fresh water should be available at all times. Water bowls should be washed and refilled with fresh water daily. As with all cats, it is important to give your cat fresh, clean water daily so they don’t hesitate to drink. If you worry about your cat drinking enough water each day, here’s a tip from some cat behaviorists: place the water bowl at least three feet away from any food. Cats’ noses are sensitive and an overwhelming smell of food may cause them to drink less.